FAITH IN ACTION  08 APRIL 2017 | Issue 6664 | $1.50
JOHN MAEVA
I WAS READY FOR CHANGE From Drug Dealing to Helping the Homeless
Easter Messages from the General and the Territorial Commander On the Spot with Disability Advocate Selwyn Cook
HUNTING FOR EASTER MEANING Salvation Army Values: What Does it Mean to Put Jesus First? 95-year-old Signs Up For Soldiership
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL André Cox | FOUNDERS William
Jesus came to give us life For this Easter edition, I wanted my editorial to ponder the question: Why did Jesus come into our world? However, this question is answered most eloquently in the words of a song penned by a past Salvation Army General, John Gowans …
& Catherine Booth
We wonder why Christ came into the world And let men hurt him so; We wonder why the Christ should have to die, Does anybody know? We wonder why! We wonder why! The Son of God as many came down, What does this signify?
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 Sam Coates, Tanesha Dahya | STAFF WRITERS Ingrid Barratt, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford | COVER John Maeva, Photography:
thePhotographer.co.nz
He came to give us life in all its fullness, He came to make the blind to see, He came to banish death and doubt and darkness, He came to set his people free. He liberating love imparted, He taught men once again to smile; He came to bind the broken hearted, And God and man to reconcile. He came to give us life in all its fullness, He came to make the blind to see, He came to banish death and doubt and darkness. He came to set his people free!
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 www.makeready.nz PAPER Sumo Offset is an environmentally responsible
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Christina Tyson Editor
Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 133 years | Issue 6664 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
www.salvationarmy.org.nz salvationarmynzftwarcry @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft
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Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection. Watchman Nee
Romans 4:25, The Message The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God. Rōma 4:25 I tukua nei mō ō tatou hē, i whakaarahia mō tātou kia whakatikaia.
Photography: AJ Johnston
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few weeks ago, I was reminded of what it means for Jesus to live in our lives today. I was walking along Lambton Quay, praying, ‘God, there are so many people, a sea of faces. What do you see here? Who do you want me to notice?’ I’d already seen about six different guys sitting on the side of the path. Some were asking for money, some were just sitting there watching people go by. But one in particular caught my attention, so I went over, said hello and asked if I could sit next to him for a few minutes. He welcomed me and we exchanged names. I asked him in Māori, then in English where his name came from. He then turned to me and began to kōrero Māori, shyly at first. We had the most incredible conversation, all in Te Reo, for the next 15 minutes. Near the end, his eyes filled with tears as he thanked me for stopping and allowing him to speak his beloved language for the first time in a long time. He prayed a blessing on me as we went our separate ways: Mā te Atua koe, e manaaki, e tiaki I ngā wā katoa—May God bless you and take care of you always. As I headed up Cuba Mall, past those famous buckets, I saw a Māori guy, hoody up in the cold, slightly rainy weather. I felt drawn to talk to him, but thought, ‘No, don’t be silly. Just keep walking!’
That feeling kept bothering me, so in a split second I crossed the mall to sit beside him on a bench. Straight away he said, ‘I know you! I met you last year up in Auckland.’ I was blown away when I realised who he was under that hoody, and we ended up talking for a good half hour. He was visiting Wellington for a couple days and I was down from Auckland for a couple days … and here we were, randomly meeting on a park bench in Cuba Mall. He talked about the significant struggles he was facing around decisions that would have a real influence on hundreds of people all around the country. I knew straight away that my part was simply to encourage him and remind him of what was at stake. The stories, the words, the examples all came flooding into my mind—and I knew the Spirit of Jesus, Wairua Tapu, was there with us. Right place, right time, right people. Every single day I’m asking God to breathe the life of Jesus into my life. I’m not clever enough to work out the logistics of putting myself in the right place every day, but I’m so keen to trust the One who knows the needs of every one of his children. BY HANA SEDDON
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Kiwis Rocking Out Life has got a lot more colourful for those in the know, thanks to a rock-painting initiative that has turned into a bona fide craze. The latest craze to hit New Zealand is refreshingly low-tech, family friendly, gets us outdoors and is all about that little random act of kindness. It started in Palmerston North, when local Heather Knox began the Facebook group ‘Palmy Rocks’. The idea was to paint rocks and hide them in local outdoor areas for others to find. The Facebook page quickly grew from a few hundred, to over 6000 members.
GOODSTUFF
Neighbours—everybody needs good neighbours. Yes, we had to go there, because if you got involved in Neighbours’ Day Aotearoa on 25–26 March, chances are your wellbeing has had a boost. Activities ranged from official street parties to having a neighbour over for a cuppa, and one study found 64 per cent of people felt safer in their community as a result. The study also found that 79 per cent of people who participated in Neighbour’s Day met their neighbours for the first time, with 78 per cent sharing contact details. As they would say on Ramsey Street, ‘I’ll have a coffee Marge, hold the arsenic.’ For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn? Jane Austin
There are no official hiding places or formal activities. The idea is simply to paint rocks and hide them. Or to go treasure hunting yourself. Kids love finding the rocks—and parents love painting them. The Palmy Rocks page is full of posts from people who have found rocks, and comments from the delighted people who painted them. This rock-painting craze has even had an unexpected spin-off for Salvation Army social services. During last month’s Hunger for Colour campaign, in which people could swap a can of food for a Resene testpot, the Palmerston North Resene store collected a whopping 5716 cans, taking out the top spot for most cans collected nationwide (read the story on page 18). Although Palmy remains the largest, other rockpainting groups are popping up around the country, including Christchurch, Hamilton, Whanganui, Whangamata, Taupō and Wellington.
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Drama One Thousand Ropes (M, Violence & Disturbing Language) (Samoan & English with English subtitles) Tusi Tamasese
One Thousand Ropes is the story of a man battling against his own violent past that caused him to be estranged from his family. As a traditional Samoan birth attendant, Maea treats women when he’s not working in a local bakery. His youngest daughter turns up pregnant and beaten by her partner. Maea struggles to ignore his friends’ advice to seek revenge for his daughter’s beating. His daughter wrestles with returning to her violent partner and the father of her unborn child. Together they embark on a journey of finding freedom from the past and burying the things that haunt them, including the spirit of a dead woman. The traditional and modern worlds collide throughout this story about life and death, family and reconciliation. Raw, honest and profoundly moving. (Reviewed by Shar Davis)
Easter Hot Cross Scones Enjoy this easy but delicious take on Easter buns.
Moviegoers eat 28% more popcorn when watching a sad movie.
QUIKQUIZ
1 What is the acronym for rainbow colours?
2 Avocado—fruit or vegetable?
3 Beauty and the
Beast was the first animated film nominated for which Academy Award?
4 What is the capital of India?
5 What Old Testament
king dug desert wells?
Answers on page 22
ONTHESPOT Selwyn Cook Selwyn would describe himself as a guy that ‘just pumps gas’. But he was recognised with a New Zealand Local Hero Award for his work in employing many people with disabilities. Since then, he has become an advocate for Workbridge, where he helps people with disabilities find employment.
2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
Preheat oven to 220°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.
¾ cup milk choc chip bits 1 pinch salt
In a large bowl, combine flour, choc bits, sugar and salt. Make a well in the centre and stir through cream and lemonade with a butter knife until just combined.
½ cup cream, plus 2 Tbsp extra for brushing
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured board. Knead lightly to combine. Gently flatten dough until 3cm thick.
½ cup lemonade
Use a 5cm round cutter to cut out scones. Arrange close together on tray. Brush with extra cream.
¼ cup caster sugar
60g milk chocolate, melted
Secret indulgence: Cooking. I love being a Saturday cook seven days per week. Celebrity crush: Mirusia Louwerse. This young Australian opera singer has converted me to an appreciation and love of opera. What I’m reading: When Fish Fly —I’m reading it again. The story of the Pike Place Fish market and the FISH! Philosophy. Love it! One thing I love: People with talent who use their talent to do good. One thing I hate: Crime. What I love most about my job: Helping change the thoughts of employers so they consider the 24 per cent of our New Zealand population who have a disability, injury or long-term illness. And to see this lead to meaningful employment for the hidden talent pool of disabled people.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until scones are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped. Allow to cool. Fill a piping bag fitted with a writing tube with melted chocolate. Pipe chocolate crosses over cooled scones.
Recipes at shop.countdown.co.nz/shop/recipes
History, New Zealand A History of New Zealand Women Barbara Brookes
The self-professed aim of this expansive and hugely ambitious project is to shift our lens away from men, and on to women as the ‘main characters’ of our history. It begins with the Māori creation story, in which woman is created first (and gives short shrift to the Christian creation account). It’s fascinating being introduced to significant colonial women, only to realise we are already familiar with the names of their more famous husbands. Barbara Brookes is an academic, but the heart of this book is really storytelling. Through women’s stories, Brookes cuts a clear path from hidden lives to public roles —before finally asking, is New Zealand now ‘a women’s land?’ (Bridget Williams Books)
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I WAS READY FOR CHANGE Photography: www.thePhotographer.co.nz
A fortune teller once told John Maeva he would die at 51—and John says that’s what happened. BY ROBIN RAYMOND
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y parents are from the Cook Islands, but I was born in Murupara and moved to Auckland when I was three. I had a Christian upbringing, but I didn’t like church. For me, it was about people speaking a different language, a Cook Islands language, and if we played up my dad would give us a clip round the ear. At 14, I gave up going, started smoking and got into drugs and alcohol. At 15, I started working for my dad, and at 16, I started dealing drugs and raising a family. I had four kids, was working, dealing drugs and involved in gangs. At 28, I separated from my partner and met my now wife Pearl, and we went on to have six kids. I was still working, drug dealing, partying. Nothing changed. I worked as a telecommunications technician, before taking a severance from that. Then I worked as a bouncer in West Auckland—where I even got set on fire once. In 1999, I was sent to jail for one year for drug dealing. I thought, ‘That’s funny! After all these years doing this, I only got one year,’ so I thought I’d continue. I met up with some associates who had learnt how to manufacture P and I learnt how to manufacture P. Eventually the police got involved, as well as Child, Youth and Family, and I was separated from my family. In 2007, I was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison.
Enough! While I was on remand in prison awaiting my sentence, I got a call from Pearl. She told me she’d had enough of our life as it was—she’d met with a pastor and she was taking our kids back to church. I could see all these young people around me in prison behaving disrespectfully and older guys still in there. At that moment I just thought, ‘This isn’t me.’ I’d been in that life so long I was ready for change too. I said, ‘You do what you have to, and I will do what I can from here to meet you halfway.’ I started going to the chapel on Sunday and saw these Christian groups coming into prison. The first two Sundays they asked if anyone would like to hand their lives over to Jesus and we were all looking up and down the rows to see who would be the first to get up, but no one got up. But the third time they asked, I responded and said yes. I started going to chapel and all the meetings, I met the pastor Pearl had met and he gave me a Bible. I’d never read the Bible before, but I read that one—twice.
Peace! In 2008, I got a call to say that my mum was sick and wasn’t going to make it. That was on the Monday. I kept ringing her every day, saying, ‘I’m coming’, and 08 APRIL 2017 WarCry 7
on Saturday I was allowed out of prison to see her. Before I left, we repeated John 3:16 together—For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Then I told Mum I loved her. The next day, I got a call saying she’d passed away. I never thought I’d be in prison when my mum passed. She was a very strong Christian lady who stood in the gap and prayed for me. Three weeks later, I got a call to say my eldest son John had been murdered, aged 26. He’d been shot execution style. To this day no one has given me a satisfactory explanation of why my son was killed. I thought, ‘I’m in prison, what can I do? If I was outside I could do something.’ But I knew what I had to do. I got on my knees and prayed and said, ‘I forgive the man who did this to my son’ and almost immediately I felt a weight come off me and a sense of peace instead. I still have that feeling today. I carried on believing that Jesus was the centre of my life.
Life! In 2011, my father died. And then, in 2012, I was due to be released on 27 February. The prison gave me a 72-hour early release to sort out my living arrangements. I phone Pearl and she said, ‘Great, because I’ve organised your baptism!’ Six years before I was told by a man who read palms that I would die at 51. I had turned 51 in December. At the time, I was going out on work release, and when I left the prison I’d bike down the road early every morning and these trucks would come past in the fog. I’d see these truck lights coming and think, ‘I’m 51, which one is going to bowl me over and end my life?’ But it was on home leave that I was baptised, which symbolised that the old John had died and the guy I am today, a new creation, came up out of the water. Two weeks later I married Pearl, and we’ve been so blessed ever since by God! We talk different, we work different, we even look different—we used to look like wrecks. People appreciate us now. In our past life they appreciated us, but for all the wrong reasons.
Pray! We were going to the Community Christian Fellowship, and it was cool watching all my family there praising God. But one day Pearl and I asked God which church he would like us to be planted in and to give us a sign. That night we went to a 21st birthday and we met Andrew and Maree, who were with The Salvation Army in Waitakere. Andrew asked if I would like to come and share my testimony at their youth group that Sunday evening. 8 WarCry 08 APRIL 2017
We thought, ‘Wow that was quick!’, but a few days later we weren’t sure and prayed, ‘Lord, we want you to send a pastor to come and stand in our house and show us that The Salvation Army is the church you want to plant us in.’ That night my daughter came home from a camping trip in Wellington and she left the door open behind her. I thought her friends might be coming in, so I went upstairs to put on a shirt, and by the time I got back down, Captain Stu Tong— the corps officer (pastor) at Waitakere Salvation Army—was standing in our house! Today, my wife works as a social worker in the area, we’re on the leadership team at Waitakere Salvation Army and also run a life group.
I KNEW WHAT I HAD TO DO. I GOT ON MY KNEES AND PRAYED ... Serve! When I got out of prison, it was hard for me to find work because of my conviction. Work was always temporary and never enough, but at the time I was also volunteering at The Salvation Army’s Waitakere Community Ministries. One day, Rhondda Middleton, the Community Ministries Manager, asked if I’d like to become their outreach worker, working with the homeless. It was perfect for me! Each morning, I let homeless people in for breakfast at 8.30am. They can have anything from the fridge and I just make sure everything is topped up. We have showers for them to use and I make sure they have towels and things. There’s a washing machine and dryer, lockers to store their stuff, and a space for them to relax. I go out around the streets in the evenings between five and seven and engage with them then, too. We have clothes and blankets and I organise food parcels if they need it. I’ve hooked up with a housing organisation, Affinity. I refer people to them and they’re helping get some of these homeless into houses. You would have thought it would be impossible for me to change, but I did. So when these people are ready to change, I’m there for them. And in the meantime, I think, ‘What would Jesus do? He’d keep loving helping them and supporting them and giving until it hurts.’ At one time in my life you’d never hear of me helping people and talking like this. But praise the Lord, I’m a new creation!
Lord, that day on the beach, I saw your footprints on damp sand between foam and drifts of pipi shells, And like a child, I placed my feet in them, my heart leaping with recognition. ‘You are here, God! You walk with us!’ ‘Dear One, I’ve always been here. Simply look with the eyes of your heart.’ After that, I saw you in the bush after rain. You were a light in every tree and fern, a bright burning that gathered all creation into a shining Oneness, and I felt like Moses standing awe-struck, on holy ground. ‘You are here, God! You walk with us!’ You touched the eyes of my heart, when you danced on Auckland harbour, when you sang with the voice of a tui in a tree in parliament grounds. But it was today that you showed me your deepest and dearest secret. You wore a suit, a sari, pink jandals, a jacket with a gang patch, rosary beads. You were on a bike. You drove a Honda. You did a fancy leap off the footpath on your brand new skateboard. You had a latte in one hand and a cellphone in the other. Dear Lord, you were everywhere! Then I saw my reflection in the window of a shop and my heart stopped in wonder. You are here, God! You walk in me!
© Joy Cowley from ‘Come and See: Reflections on the Life of Jesus Among Us’ (Pleroma Christian Supplies) 08 APRIL 2017 WarCry 9
Sharing Faith with my Spouse Easter is a sacred time for Christians, but how can we share our faith with a spouse who doesn’t believe? First up, let’s be clear: if you are a Christian and married to someone who doesn’t share your faith, God still wants to bless your marriage. God loves you and your spouse—and God is vitally interested in your lives together. So, release your spouse to God. We all know we can’t marry someone hoping they will change. Salvation belongs to God—he does the work of bringing people to him. And release yourself as well, of the burden of trying to change your spouse—feeling responsible for someone else’s salvation is very stressful. Keep your spouse in your prayers, but release the outcome to God. In a fulfilling marriage relationship, both people need to be their authentic selves. For you, that will include sharing your spirituality—not from wanting to ‘convert’ your partner, but from wanting to connect with them. You could even say something like: ‘I’m not trying to convert you; I just want to share my heart. I don’t need you to understand, but I would love you to listen. Can you do that for me?’ If you want your family to celebrate Easter in a way that is meaningful to you, as half of the marriage partnership, you have a right to negotiate that with your spouse. Ask if you can meet each other half way and be prepared to compromise too—this doesn’t mean you are compromising your faith. It may encourage you to realise that even if you were both Christians, that wouldn’t be a magic bullet for a happy marriage. Many Christian marriages struggle to share communication, friendship, respect, love and even values. In any marriage, you need to actively work on all those things. Choose the way of peace, hold love for Jesus in your heart, and love the spouse God has blessed you with.
WE ALL KNOW WE CAN’T MARRY SOMEONE HOPING THEY WILL CHANGE.
When One Spouse Believes When writer Kathy Cordell became a Christian, she wanted her husband to find faith too—but discovered she was the one who needed to change. Thirteen years into our marriage, I accepted Christ and my life changed. Suddenly I wasn’t the woman Scott had signed up to marry! Looking back, I see times when Scott felt abandoned and when his justifiable feelings of jealousy and rejection were projected as resentment and silence. My desire for him to follow me into this new life actually pushed us farther apart. And in my own lonely, empty places, I began to lose respect for my husband. Yet if I was lonely, how much more lonely was Scott? After years of trying to change him, I realised it wasn’t Scott who needed to change—it was me! I’ve made many mistakes along the way, but I’ve also learned some valuable lessons. My soul still aches for spiritual oneness in my most intimate relationship, but no spouse can fulfil the divine ache that drives me to the feet of Jesus. If we don’t find our fulfilment in the Lord, we can easily place unrealistic expectations on our husband, whether he is a Christian or not. My spirit cries out for my husband to know the one I know, yet my job is simply to pray, live the gospel, and trust. I know God is working in ways I could never fathom. Source: christianitytoday.com
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TESTIFY! At 95 years old, Molly Tootell from Palmerston North became a soldier in The Salvation Army. You are never too old to find a sense of belonging in Jesus Christ, she says. People ask me the secret of a long life, and I really believe it is the Lord. I have a reconstruted shoulder and am often in pain. But I pray to the Lord and can feel a hand on my shoulder— physically—which reminds me the pain won’t last forever. I have had the most fortunate life, and Jesus has smoothed all the sharp corners. I have wanted to become a Salvation Army soldier for 25 years. I just never had the courage and am a terror for doubting myself. One day, I was talking to my friend Doreen Hamilton, a retired Salvation Army officer. I said, ‘I only have one regret, that I never became a soldier (Salvation Army member). I feel like The Salvation Army is my home, but I’ve never taken that step.’ And she said, ‘It’s not too late!’ I love the Home League women’s group, so at a meeting a month ago, we had a ceremony and I signed my soldier’s covenant. Becoming a soldier has given me a feeling of comfort and a sense of belonging—something I have always longed for. I was born to a single mother, which 95 years ago was very different to today. Her mother died young and her father was a hotelier. He couldn’t take me in, so at two weeks old, I was fostered to an older couple called Mr and Mrs Kareagher. They were wonderful people. At the insistence of my grandfather, they took me to a Catholic church and school. That was the start of my faith journey. They still had two boys living at home that I thought of as my brothers. Mr Kareagh died, and when I was nine years old, Mrs Kareagh died as well. I thought, ‘What’s going to happen to
I HAVE HAD THE MOST FORTUNATE LIFE, AND JESUS HAS SMOOTHED ALL THE SHARP CORNERS.
but we managed. We had seven girls and one boy. We didn’t have a washing machine, so I boiled the laundry— washing day was a terror. I remember when we got a beautiful new coal range. I knitted, and sewed all the children’s clothes on a treadle sewing machine.
me now?’ But their married daughter Rita took me in. How can you not feel a sense of belonging, when people take you in and love you?
My son and daughter-in-law looked for my birth mother, but were too late. However, it was a real blessing to find two brothers. We have a very warm relationship. They were able to show me photos and tell me I look like my mother.
When I was seven, neighbours took me to the Salvation Army Sunday school in Feilding. I’ve never forgotten the happiness that gave me. I met my husband, Jack, at a Methodist Sunday school. When I was older, I met him again at a relative’s birthday. Then, I was walking home from work one day in the pouring rain, and who should come along in his car but Jack, and he gave me a ride home. I believe we were meant to be together. We bought a house in Feilding on four pounds a week. Things were pretty thin,
When our children moved out of home, Jack and I moved to Levin and started going to The Salvation Army.
Jack got sick and died at the age of 73. That’s when I lost my rock and felt the cornerstone of my life was floating away. Becoming a soldier gives me a sense of belonging again. It makes me feel grounded. I have always believed in a creator who looks after us all, and I have found Jesus as my saviour and trust in him. Salvation Army women online | salvationarmy.org.nz WomensMinistries 08 APRIL 2017 WarCry 11
Hunting for Easter Meaning What’s in our Easter eggs? Some important answers to some of people’s top questions about Jesus. BY SHAR DAVIS
Did Jesus actually exist in history?
Jesus is ‘The most famous Jew in history’—even though the majority of Jews in Israel don’t believe Jesus is God. Despite their view of his deity (Godness), they don’t deny Jesus existed in history, with many saying he is the greatest Hebrew since the close of the Old Testament. Ancient manuscripts are pretty rare, partly because they were written on papyrus that isn’t as hard-wearing as modern paper. More pieces of papyri validating the Bible have been found than any other ancient document from the same time. In 1980, there were 24,633 documented manuscripts of the New Testament alone. (Coming in second for manuscript authority is The Iliad by Homer with just 643 surviving manuscripts.)
SATAN WAS SO FOCUSED ON 'WINNING' HE THOUGHT IT WAS OVER WHEN JESUS DIED.
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God or man?
Are you doing mental gymnastics trying to decide if Jesus was God or a man (albeit a really good one)? Prepare to have your mind blown: Jesus was both God AND man. Jesus even said he was God (Mark 14:6162; John 5:16-18; John 10:30). If you only see Jesus as God, you might feel you cannot possibly ever ‘live like Jesus’. That would be like Jesus being superman and expecting us mere mortals to leap over tall buildings in a single bound. What a stink God that would be! But Jesus came to earth as a human while remaining God. John 1:14 says, ‘The Word (Jesus) became human and made his home among us.’ Without diluting his God-ness, Jesus became fully human. So Jesus was both fully God and fully human at the same time. Lots of theologians have tried to give simple explanations for how that can be, but it remains one of those things that is a bit of a mystery, because any explanation risks weakening our understanding of Jesus’ humanity or his divinity.
Was Jesus okay about dying?
Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. The Bible says he was ‘filled with sorrow to the point of death’. Ever felt like that? Ever felt so overwhelmed by the stuff in your life that living feels too hard? Jesus did. The book of Luke says that he was under such stress he sweat drops of blood. Hematidrosis is a real medical condition caused by extreme stress or pressure. Jesus asked Father God if there was a Plan B not once but three times. But each time he also said, ‘not my will but yours be done’. Jesus was putting aside his fears and feelings for a greater purpose. Once he had made that decision, nothing was going to stop Jesus from fulfilling God’s plan.
What’s with the whole stone and tomb thing?
There are a bunch of famous tombs all over the world. They are famous because of who is buried inside them. All except one: Jesus’ tomb. It was common practice when Jesus died that people would be buried in tombs and stones placed in front of the entrance. The stones they used are estimated to weigh at least one-and-a-half to two tons. There’s no way Jesus’ disciples or the women who visited the tomb could have moved that stone without the Roman guards knowing. There’s one theory that Jesus woke up inside the tomb and pushed it aside himself. Jesus had been beaten, stabbed and crucified. So even if somehow he hadn’t been properly dead when placed in the tomb, there is no way he could have physically moved that stone. The Bible tells us that it was an angel that moved the stone from the entrance and then perched on top of it. That would have been something to see! The guards were scared to death. The angel told the women who had come looking for the tomb that Jesus wasn’t there, he’d risen from the dead.
Why did Jesus have to die?
Long story short, Jesus came to take back what Satan had tricked Adam and Eve into giving him. When Adam and Eve ignored God’s instruction not to eat the fruit from a particular tree in the Garden of Eden, they lost their position as a son and daughter in relationship with Father God. They also handed over their Godgiven authority to Satan. We often talk about that event as ‘The Fall’. Imagine if I asked you to house sit and feed my cats while I’m overseas. I’ve given you the keys, the alarm code, etc. But you get sucked into giving the keys and code to someone else. Now they have access to everything and you don’t. You’d be locked out and they could basically squat in my house, rearranging everything and eating all my food. Adam and Eve had an intimate relationship with God that was broken when Satan got in on the act. The only way this relationship could be restored and Satan lose what he had stolen, was a balancing of the scales. Someone who had never done any wrong needed to give their life as ‘payment’. Jesus was that someone. Satan was so focused on ‘winning’ he thought it was all over when Jesus died. But Satan was on the losing team. When Jesus rose again, he defeated the power of death, which cancelled Satan’s claim on humankind and the earth. In that moment, his fate was sealed and the door was opened for our relationship with Father God to be restored.
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THINK AGAIN!
The General visits Salvationists in Ghana.
An Easter message from The Salvation Army’s international leader. BY GENERAL ANDRE COX Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12, CEB)
In the midst of that context, the Christian message is unique because the message is not about a set of doctrines and beliefs but about a person, Jesus Christ.
Easter is a time for us to reflect upon the incredible, extravagant and measureless grace of God. Through Christ, God provided a way for mere mortal human beings to be both reconciled to him and enabled to enjoy the matchless benefits of a personal relationship with him.
We recognise the fact that we are not perfect people, but Easter brings the hope of new life—one that has been changed and transformed. The fact that we are imperfect is not, however, an excuse to justify a life of continual sin and rebellion.
Sadly, for many, Easter weekend may not represent anything more than an opportunity to have an extended break from the relentless pursuit of other personal goals and ambitions.
Sadly, we recognise that some people in society have turned their backs on the Church because they feel that Christians are lacking in credibility. We preach love, yet the Church can be the most unforgiving place. We preach spiritual values, yet in reality Christians often aspire to material wealth, power and influence. We preach justice for the oppressed, but how many of us actually do anything to make a difference?
We live in a world resolutely turned towards materialism, to the almost total exclusion of the other elements we require to find fulfilment and purpose—to be complete and totally satisfied. Modern society offers us many of the things we need from a material perspective, but these are not enough to ensure happiness and freedom. If you think material possessions bring happiness, think again! You only have to take a look at society today to see the negative effects of materialistic consumerism.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23 that ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’. It is because of sin that humanity is unable to enjoy a relationship with God, and this explains why so many of our contemporaries are unsatisfied and seeking.
Despite all that we have, modern humankind remains unsatisfied, seeking to find the point of our very existence and assurance that there is something after death.
Despite a world that appears to be resolutely materialistic, we do see much evidence of people who search for meaning, who seek spiritual answers to the most
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preoccupying question of all: is there life after death? Could it be that many in our world today are trying to fill the spiritual void and find ways through their own efforts to reach the eternal paradise? Jesus came to reconcile the world to God—this is the primary reason for his incarnation. Everything else resulting from the presence of Jesus in the world and in our lives is a direct result of us being reconciled to God.
Humankind remains unsatisfied, seeking to find the point of our very existence and assurance that there is something after death. Jesus came to fill the void that separates us from God. What is absolutely extraordinary—and what we need to remember every day of our lives—is the incredible fact that God in Jesus took the initiative so we might be reconciled to him! It is for this reason that Jesus willingly paid the price so that people like us who were considered to be ‘enemies’ could be reconciled as a result: ‘Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation’ (Colossians 1:21-22). What more do you need? Is Jesus not sufficient for you? If you have discovered the blessing and peace that only Jesus can bring then you will agree with the songwriter* when he says: When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know It is well, it is well with my soul. It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate And hath shed his own blood for my soul. For me be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper thy peace to my soul.
10,000 Youth to Encounter Luke’s Gospel this Easter Bible-reading barriers have been addressed by Bible Society in this year’s Easter Gospel to be distributed at The Salvation Army’s Central Division Easter camp in Upper Hutt, as well as other camps around the country. The barriers were revealed in the organisation’s 2016 Youth Bible Engagement Research. Not knowing where to start reading, having trouble connecting with God, time pressures and simply not understanding the Bible content were the key barriers uncovered in the research. To help youth overcome some of these barriers, Bible Society has published a special edition of the Gospel of Luke. The publication features chapter summaries, an eight-week youth group discussion guide, and new reflection sections called ‘pause’. The ‘pause’ sections invite readers to imagine themselves in a Bible scene using their senses of sight, smell, hearing and touch. ‘Using your imagination is another way to connect with God and the Bible,’ said Jeremy Woods, Bible Society’s Youth and Young Adult’s Ministry Partner. ‘I encourage them to just go for it and not be concerned about getting all the details right. It doesn’t really matter if you imagine the disciples in sneakers. It’s about inviting youth to discover the Bible for themselves, hear what God is saying, and for them to reflect on what God is doing in their community.’ Since 2011, Bible Society has given away more than 50,000 Gospels and other resources to youth across the country. The material is often used post-camp by youth group leaders as a discussion resource. A key goal is to give youth permission to grapple with their understanding of their faith with others. The Bible Society is also offering a free Easter-themed children’s leaflet, ‘The Big Easter Surprise’, which can be ordered from biblesociety.org.nz/discover-the-bible/freeresources.
VE SA
E TH
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15-16 SEPTEMBER
But Lord, ’tis for thee, for thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; O trump of the angel! O voice of the Lord! Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul! *‘It is Well with my Soul’ by Horatio Gates Spafford (Song 741, The Song Book of The Salvation Army)
18 Allright Pl, Mt Wellington, Auck | Register salvationarmy.org.nz/JustAction
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Messengers of Compassion Welcomed The territorial welcome to the Messengers of Compassion Session—Ngā Kārere o te Arohanui—was held at Wellington City Corps on Sunday 12 March. Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Kylie Tong introduced the 10 New Zealand cadets, commending them for their obedience to and trust in God, and honouring the sacrifices they had made to enter training. The Central Division was well represented, with six cadets, Grace and Stuart Duxfield, Bevan and Rochelle Reddish, and Andrew and Ruth Wilson from the lower North Island. Miriam Choi, and Heather and Ivo Pyper enter training from the Northern Division, and Cameron Millar from the South Island. Another four cadets have begun their training at the School for Officer Training in Fiji: Betty and Samisoni Akoteu from Tonga, and Adriano and Seremana Rokovesa from Fiji. Joining the new cadets is Leo Siwi of the Indonesia Territory. All cadets around the world train under a sessional name chosen by the General. Leo has already completed his first year of training as part of the Joyful Intercessors Session. Training Principal Captain Ian Gainsford took the opportunity to acknowledge new members of the Booth College of Mission team. In New Zealand: Education Officer David Wardle, Mission Training Officer Captain Kylie Tong, Senior Training Officers Major Darrell LePine and Captain Stu Tong, and Assistant Officer Major Carole Scott. And in Fiji: Assistant Training Principal Captain Racheal-lee Kendrick and Mission Training Officer Major Marika Serevi. Speaking on behalf of the college’s staff, Captain Gainsford said, ‘We understand what is at stake. This is a moment in our history that requires passion and vision, and an approach to leadership that is rooted in the idea of servanthood and yet clear in its direction. Our soldiers, staff and volunteers need to be valued. And tens of thousands of New Zealanders, Fijians and Tongans wrestling with sin, poverty and marginalisation need to be touched by an encounter with the Lord who came to give them life in all its fullness. We need leaders grounded in our story and its God-given mandate, but who also bring 16 WarCry 08 APRIL 2017
something new—because more of the same will not do.’ He told the new cadets they were not signing up to a task or a job, but to a calling to serve. ‘In a global moment of cynicism and division, you are asked now to serve selflessly that the light of God’s compassion might break into our world and actually change things. Build the Army we all dream of, an Army that is bold and determined and dreams new dreams. Remember the compassion of Christ for you, and the compassion you are summoned to bear to the world.’ Cadet Ruth Wilson testified that her early life had been about doing what her officer parents wanted, only really living as a Christian on Sundays. This mind-set changed at a Salvation Army training event for children and youth workers, and she was then led towards officership. God had prepared her and husband Andrew for this task separately and together, she said, just as God had done for the rest of their session. Commissioner Andrew Westrupp preached on a New Testament dinner party where a prostitute showed the love and hospitality to Jesus that his host, Simon the Pharisee, did not. Simon was challenged to see this woman through Jesus’ eyes, as a loved daughter of God. ‘There is no one here that Jesus sees as a mistake,’ Commissioner Westrupp reassured his listeners. The Territorial Commander challenged people not to agree with the ‘limiting labels’ that others put on them, and to show the same measure of compassion as Jesus. ‘We carry the love of God in our hearts, his great forgiveness. We are totally accepted by God, and what God would have us do is share that love and compassion with those in need. We may never know the power of our words and actions, but we can all be messengers of compassion. All of us!’ GAZETTE Birth: Capt Corryn and Lieut Francis Vemoa, along with Angel, Julius and Solomon, are excited to welcome Malachi Lucas into their family. Malachi was born on 23 March in Wellington.
Giant Cross Garden Brings Tears and Joy A hedged garden in the form of a giant cross is the culmination of a dream for Lloyd and Heather Shearman—literally. ‘I went to bed one night, and woke bolt upright at 4 am with this vision. It was a garden in the structure of the cross, and people were returning from the garden weeping or with a broad smile,’ explained Lloyd. The couple had never been gardeners on this scale, but in a step of faith sold the home they had bought for their retirement and bought a rural property just north of Levin on State Highway One. It took five years to develop the garden, with over 100 measurements, 12 new gardens and 400 shrubs. The hedged cross—formed in the shape of the famous Marsden monument to link it to New Zealand history—now stands at a whopping 80 metres long. Over the past year, more than 1000 visitors have enjoyed the garden, including a garden tour, church groups and many individuals. There was even a proposal and a wedding, after a couple visited with their church group. Soon after moving, Lloyd began battling ongoing health problems, but a band of 23 volunteers ‘have been wonderful,’ he said. ‘Some come weekly, and the vision for this property would not have become a reality without them.’ Every aspect of the garden is rich with symbolic meaning, and visitors can take in a spiritual guided walk through the cross. The top of the garden symbolises Jerusalem—walking through the cross speaks of Jesus’s offer of forgiveness. The rounded hedges are the loving arms of Christ. A flax garden is our ‘tangled self-will’, a red garden stands for redemption, a white garden stands for purity, and a gold garden symbolises Christ the King. As you reach the end, you enter the ‘eternal circle’ beyond the cross. Lloyd and Heather never know who they will find in their garden, but their vision has indeed become a reality: ‘We have seen people for whom it’s been a place of weeping and
restoration, and others who have found it a place of rejoicing and celebrating what Christ has done,’ said Lloyd. ‘Several members of the general public have said what amazing peace they’ve felt in the garden, and asked, “Can you explain it?” ’ Visit the Marsden Cross Garden in spring, summer or autumn at ‘Shear-Haven’, 594 State Highway One, north of Levin. Pop in or call (06) 368 7888
Tribute: Major Nancy Harris Major Nancy Harris was promoted to Glory on 5 March from Glenfield, Auckland, aged 86. Nancy Wilde was born on 21 July 1930 in Oamaru. She entered The Salvation Army Training College in February 1951 from Invercargill in the Ambassadors Session. Nancy was commissioned on 28 January 1952 and appointed to Milton Corps. On 29 January 1953, Nancy married Lieutenant John Harris and joined him at Nightcap Corps. For the next 25 years, Nancy and Jack served as Corps Officers in Port Chalmers, Mosgiel, Woodville, Levin, Terrace End, Avondale, Otahuhu, Thames, Tauranga, Invercargill, and Upper Hutt. In November 1978, a change of work came with an appointment to Norman Kirk Eventide Home, Upper Hutt, where Nancy was appointed as Matron, a role she later also fulfilled at Epsom Lodge,
Auckland, and Mary Bryant Family Care Centre, Hamilton. In January 1986, Jack and Nancy were appointed as Managers Autumn Lodge, Wellington. In January 1989, they commenced their final appointment as Managers at the Maureen Plowman Eventide Home. Majors Jack and Nancy Harris retired on 1 February 1993. A service of thanksgiving and remembrance was held on 11 March at Glenfield Corps, conducted by Karl Saunders, Pastoral Care Coordinator for Glenfield Corps. We honour Major Nancy Harris for her 41 years of faithful active service and continued ministry in retirement. Please uphold Jack, and their children Sheryl, John, Jennifer, Jeanette and Stephen, and other family members in prayer. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus!
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Rock Painting Helps the Hungry Painted rocks helped boost a campaign supporting Salvation Army food banks. The Resene Hunger for Colour campaign almost tripled its collection of canned food for Salvation Army foodbanks, as New Zealanders swapped 64,961 cans for testpots of Resene paint during February. Now in its third year, the campaign was boosted by the rise of community rock painting groups that has swept the country. Groups such as Palmy Rocks and Hawke’s Bay Rocks, encourage families to paint rocks, hide them around their town for other families to find and share their discoveries. Resene ColorShops around the country say members of the groups have been enthusiastic supporters of the Hunger for Colour campaign this year. Palmy Rocks, the original rock painting group that started the craze (see page 4), led the support by sharing about the campaign on its Facebook page. And for the third year in a row Palmerston North had the largest number of donations in the country, with Palmy people donating 5716 cans, while people in Napier and Whanganui donated more than 4000 cans. Community Ministries Territorial Secretary Major Pam Waugh said the cans will give a timely boost to Salvation Army foodbanks, restocking shelves after a busy holiday and backto-school period and helping prepare for winter when many families struggle. ‘This is a fantastic effort by Resene and their customers. We’re really grateful to our corporate partners and to people around New Zealand who respond so generously to the needs
in their community. It takes the pressure off our centres when so many people get on board and support them to help those in need.’ Resene Marketing Manager Karen Warman said the company was proud of the generosity of so many New Zealanders this year and grateful for the support of the community. ‘We have been so impressed at the support of so many Kiwis in donating cans and for all their kind words and appreciation for Resene Hunger for Colour. Our team are very proud of being part of this community effort to support the Salvation Army and struggling kiwi families while adding colour to people’s lives.’
Tribute: Alfred George Daly
Brother Alfred George Daly, a soldier for most of his life at Ashburton Corps and in recent years Christchurch City Corps, was promoted to Glory on 24 February, aged 97. Born to Salvationist parents Amy and Alf Daly in Petone, George (as he was always known) had two siblings: the late Rita (Baughen) and the late Major Laurie Daly. At secondary school, George aspired to be a doctor, but Depression-era realities saw him join his father’s painting and
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decorating business, remaining a respected and skilful practitioner until he retired. Joining the Air Force in WWII, George trained at Ashburton, Wigram and Woodbourne before being shipped out to Great Britain. There he continued training and service as a bomber pilot, culminating in becoming a Flying Officer in the 75(NZ) Squadron RAF, flying Lancaster aircraft. Towards the end of the war, George met Coral Peach, a Salvation Army officer’s daughter. The two were married before George was decommissioned and returned to New Zealand. Coral sailed to New Zealand three months later with some 700 other brides on the ‘bride ships’, settling to a more rural lifestyle property with George to bring up seven children: Graeme, Ron, Gordon, Ann, David, Alison, and Linda. George served the Ashburton Corps Band as a very competent musician on various instruments, but was always keen to encourage younger players, so he often asked to move sections to allow a younger person the ‘top seat’. He also served as
Corps Secretary and Bible Class leader. Not one to seek the limelight, George was very loyal and committed to his Christian walk, his family and corps. He was a real encourager to the numerous folk with whom he communicated by phone or letter, something he was still doing until his passing. His funeral at Sydenham Citadel on 2 March, conducted by son Captain David Daly, was a dignified simple service as was his wish. George’s family was astounded by the wide range of people that attended, demonstrating the impact George had on so many diverse people in his long life. Despite difficult and painful health issues in recent times, George was a continued witness of a faithful spirit and looked forward to meeting his Lord and Saviour. He is survived by wife Coral and their seven children. Not—How did he die? But—How did he live? Not—What did he gain? But—What did he give? These are the things that measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth. From ‘The Measure of a Man’ (Anon)
GOD IS DOING ALL HE CAN TO COME AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO ADAM … AND WAITING FOR ADAM TO RESPOND.
Is Visiting Rome On Your ‘Bucket List’? Maybe you have already visited this most stunning of cities and, like me, wandered about marvelling at the celebrated, ancient structures. Within Rome is the Vatican City and within that tiny enclave is the famous Sistine Chapel. The ceiling of the chapel is arguably the centrepiece of all of Rome’s ancient treasures, completed by none other than Michelangelo in 1512. Even if you’ve never been to Rome or entered the Chapel to raise your eyes to the ceiling, you will probably be familiar with one of the images. In one scene, God is stretching across the sky towards a man. God is twisting and turning his body so he can extend his outstretched arm. Every toned muscle on his body is taut, demonstrating his deep desire reach out to the man. God is propelled, not just with his own strength across the vast sky, but also by the assistance of angels. It’s as though God’s entire being and attention is wrapped up in his determination to close whatever gap remains between him and the man. The tip of God’s finger comes within a hairbreadth of touching the man. The fresco, a process of painting freshly laid plaster, has traditionally been called ‘The Creation of Adam’, but looking closer the viewer can see that the man, Adam, is already alive. His eyes are wide open and he is propped up on his elbow. He’s conscious.
almost indifferent to God’s effort. He appears to be less than interested in making the connection that God so plainly wants to make with him! Maybe—and here I admit I am wildly speculating about what Michelangelo was trying to convey—Adam assumes that God, having come as far as he has, will close the gap. After all, it’s not that big a deal, just a few millimetres in the fresco. But still, Adam seems oddly unmoved. Maybe he lacks the strength to be with God, but then again, all he has to do is lift his finger. The fresco took Michelangelo four years to complete. Day after day he stood on a wobbly platform working with paint and plaster above his head. I am sure that at times he would have been exhausted and maybe discouraged in his intense labour—yet for 500 years, countless people have raised their eyes to the ceiling and seen the pathos and drama portrayed in his work. Although this fresco is known as ‘The Creation of Adam’, it speaks to me of our present world’s almost wilful indifference toward a God who loves each of us deeply. The crucifixion of God’s son, Jesus, at the hands of his own creation—the event we mark each year at Easter time—is proof enough of that love.
What I see is Adam being offered life with God.
Every Easter is a chance for us to pause and notice God’s supreme sacrifice in attempting to forge a relationship with us, yet each year that passes I fear that Kiwi acknowledgement of that profound event is dissolving into a similar response to the limpwristed one portrayed in Michelangelo’s fresco.
Michelangelo wanted to convey God’s undeterred purpose to reach out and to be with the person he had created. And God is doing all he can to come as close as possible to the Adam. But having come as close as possible, he is allowing the Adam to make the final choice. Adam can choose whether to respond to the obvious effort God is making to reach out to him.
Still God wants to have a relationship with us, his creation! The fresco reminds us that God wants to be with us—we who were made in his image. And that all it takes is for us is the almost imperceptible lifting of a metaphorical finger. In other words, such a small effort on our part when compared to God’s great sacrifice.
God is waiting for Adam to respond to God’s invitation to be with him. When we look at Adam, his response to God’s obvious purpose is less clear. His reaction is harder to interpret, I think. Adam seems to be, well, laid back—literally and metaphorically—
Commissioner Andy Westrupp Territorial Commander
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In the Mud with Jesus: A Manifesto We begin a series reflecting on the values of The Salvation Army. In this Easter edition of War Cry, we look at what it really means to ‘put Jesus first’, finding ourselves in the mud and the mayhem. BY INGRID BARRATT
There are times when we need to pour ashes on our heads and sit in the mud, and ask Jesus to give us another chance. Maybe this Easter is our time.
The real good news When Jesus was walking this earth, he kept saying that the Kingdom of God is near … the divine is here. It’s so close you can touch it. ‘Reach out and touch me,’ said Jesus, ‘because something radical is about to happen to you. And not just to you, but to the world.’ Jesus referred to the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven, no less than 214 times. Ronald J. Sider, in his book The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience (check that out for a title), points out that this kingdom was the 20 WarCry 08 APRIL 2017
gospel according to Jesus. It went much further than the ‘forgiveness of sins’, and required a revolution. What’s more, Jesus showed us what that Kingdom looked like. He surrounded himself with a ‘community of disciples who began to imitate Jesus in living according to the norms of the dawning kingdom—a kingdom where the poor would receive justice, and peace would prevail. Jesus and his followers healed the sick, cared for the poor, and welcomed the marginalised into their fellowship,’ writes Sider. When we meet Jesus, the only natural response is to want to leave everything behind and spend the rest of our lives living his way. That why it is so beautiful to be called a Christian—
a ‘little Christ’. What an honour, what a mandate and what a privilege!
The blasphemy of the little Christs Yet, why is it that when people encounter us Christians, they don’t automatically see Christ? They don’t see a reflection of the divine in a way that makes them want to leave everything behind and follow Jesus too? In fact, the word ‘Christian’ has become so sick and infected that for many people it means the opposite of the Kingdom of God; it means judgement and hurt and grief. What have we done to the name of Christ? Sider argues that as ‘evangelical Christians’, we have watered the true
gospel down to a simple transaction: we say ‘sorry’ to Jesus for our sins, and he says, ‘You’re forgiven.’ The wonder of Christ is we can come to him with all our crap and he makes us clean again.
Jesus very clearly said it is almost impossible to hold on to wealth and take part in God’s Kingdom (see Luke 18:2225). Is there anything more jarring to us Western Christians than to hear this?
But this also requires a deep response from us—and that’s where we’ve failed. We have not challenged ourselves to leave everything behind and live in radically different ways: to enter the Kingdom of God. When we call ourselves Christians, but fail to live like Christ, we blaspheme his name.
PEOPLE WANT A CHRISTIANITY THAT LOOKS LIKE JESUS AGAIN.
Red Letter Christianity Tony Campolo and a bunch of Christian leaders in the US felt a deep yearning to get back to living like Jesus. They came up with the term ‘Red Letter Christians’, meaning they take the words of Jesus —often printed in red letters in our Bibles—seriously. Shane Claiborne (who we interview in the next issue of War Cry) is part of the Red Letter movement. ‘What if Jesus really meant what he said?’ is his catchphrase. Claiborne has become a prophet to other Christians, having given up wealth to live in community and advocate for the poor. ‘If we really become a new creation in Christ, that should transform how we act, who we hang out with, how we look at money and war and politics and why we are here on earth. Indeed, all things become new,’ says Claiborne. But Tony Campolo admits how hard it is to live like Jesus in our prosperous, comfortable world. I admire his honesty in this story he tells: I remember a young Jewish man who became a convert to Christianity who, having read the Sermon on the Mount, asked me whether or not I had an insurance policy and a retirement fund.
In the US, if everyone who called themselves an evangelical Christian tithed (gave 10 per cent of their income to fund God’s concerns), there would be US$145 billion more available for the poor and powerless. Imagine how that, alone, could solve many of the world’s inequalities! But let’s not leave the blame with our brothers and sisters in the US. Let us also be willing to look at what we hold on to most tightly.
In the mud with Jesus ‘People today want a Christianity that looks like Jesus again,’ says Claiborne. If we want to know how to do that, we don’t need to look any further than Jesus himself. Many years ago, I spent a year just reading the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In each story of Jesus, I imagined myself in the scene. I was the Pharisee talking to Jesus when he shockingly turned around and called me a ‘white washed grave’. I was the dirty, shameful woman with terminal bleeding who touched the hem of Jesus’ garments and shook with fear when he asked, ‘Who was that?’
When I answered, ‘What kind of question is that?’, he said, ‘Well, I was just reading in Matthew that you’re to take no thought for the future as what you need to eat and what you need to be clothed. Jesus said you shouldn’t concern yourself about these things.’
I felt the offense, the indignation, the shame, the humility of each of these people. And like never before, I felt the love that covered it all. This was when I really fell in love—for want of the better word—with Jesus. He was not a set of beliefs; he was a human being who dared to get dirty with us lot.
I almost felt like saying, ‘What do you want me to do, live like the birds of the air and the flowers of the field?’ I didn’t say that because he would have said, ‘That’s what Jesus told you to do, so why don’t you?’
There is a theology I love called ‘dirty theology’, which looks at how Jesus got down in the dirt with us—mixing mud and spit to heal a blind man, washing the dust off his disciples’ feet. Jesus was
mud-and-dust real. It is this intense empathy with our lowliness that speaks of his divinity. If we claim to put Jesus first, we must leave our sparkly, sterile mansions and pristine churches. We must pour ashes on our head (an ancient way of showing grief and asking forgiveness). We must get into the mud—because that is where we will find Jesus. And this is where we will discover that it is our dirty feet that Jesus is bending down to wash. I love this poem, ‘The Vow of the Nail’, by Kiwi Salvationist Rosy Keane: Oh Lord Take my pampered hands Take them in your rough-hewn carpenter's own I yield the pampered skin The unhampered sin Let my palms look like yours Cracked, calloused, raw Hard-laboured and small-favoured and little thought of and denied, Pierced Marred Empty Open … I will take the vow Of the nail I will deny myself My hands will bleed My feet will chafe The snares shall loose My eyes will see Your people will blink Unslumbered violently numbered Awoke And finally Finally Finally At last We are Good News. The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga has drawn a line in the sand and said that we will put Jesus first in all that we do. It won’t always be pretty, but it will be transforming. Learn more about our Mission Plan & Values | salvationarmy. org.nz/ MissionPlan
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SUDOKU
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS
Each Sudoku number puzzle has a unique solution that can be worked out logically (not mathematically). The numbers 1 to 9 appear once in every row, column and 3x3 square. Difficulty | Medium
8 7 2 6
8 2 6 3 9 4 1 7 5 2 9 4 5 8
1 2 9 5 3 4 6 7 8
10 am Worship: Past, Present, Future. Speaker: Territorial Commander Comm Andy Westrupp. Fellowship lunch to follow.
29 Sept–01 Oct
Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt
Quiz Answers: 1 ROYGBIV, 2 Fruit, 3 Best Picture, 4 New Delhi, 5 Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:10).
22 WarCry 08 APRIL 2017
3 8 5 7 6 9 2 4 1
Send to: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
6 7 4 8 2 1 5 9 3
Phone
8 1 2 9 4 3 7 6 5
Email Address
4 3 7 6 8 5 1 2 9
Name
9 5 6 2 1 7 8 3 4
prayer for the following needs:
Sunday 30 April
For more info P: (03) 366 0740, E: christchurchcity_corps@nzf.salvationarmy.org
Find Salvation Army job opportunities: salvationarmy.org. nz/employment 7 6 3 1 9 8 4 5 2
The Salvation Army to contact me
2 pm, Official Opening 3 pm, Afternoon Tea and Viewing 7 pm, Celebration Dinner/Cabaret (this is a ticketed event, contact the corps office for details)
To advertise your event, email: warcry@nzf. salvationarmy.org
2 9 8 4 5 6 3 1 7
information about The Salvation Army
Saturday 29 April
Albany Bays, Alexandra, Aranui, Ashburton and Auckland City Corps; Bridge Recovery Churches; The Salvation Army in Tanzania.
Want to Know More? to learn about who Jesus is
Official Opening Weekend of the New Christchurch City Complex
PRAY
400–600 words with one or two captioned photos. Promotion to Glory tributes are approx 300 words. Email reports and large, high-quality jpeg images to: warcry@ nzf.salvationarmy.org
I would like:
Christchurch City Corps: The Next Chapter
5 4 1 3 7 2 9 8 6
7 4 9 6 1 4 7
Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 8–10 Apr: Midland Division Review 29–30 Apr: Christchurch City Complex Opening 9 May: Red Shield Appeal Breakfast, Auckland 11 May: Red Shield Appeal Breakfast, Wellington Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 8–10 Apr: Midland Division Review 13,14 & 16 Apr: Easter Services at Feilding Corps 29–30 Apr: Christchurch City Complex Opening 9 May: Red Shield Appeal Breakfast, Auckland 11 May: Red Shield Appeal Breakfast, Wellington
Exploring the relationship between host and guest, and what our willingness (or otherwise) to make space and offer kindness says about our identity and practice as people of God in an increasingly extreme and self-interested world. Registrations open 1 July. Thought Matters is hosted by the Tri-Territorial Theological Forum.
Call for Papers
For more info
Potential presenters are invited to submit 200-word abstracts by 30 April.
Visit salvationarmy.org.nz/ ThoughtMatters
Wh tell an y shouldn’t you Ea Becaus ster egg a jo ke? e it mig ht crac k up.
Easter Competition Design a colourful Easter shield. Include an Easter message and some pictures from the Easter story. You can read the Easter story in Mark 15:1–47 & Matthew 25:57–28:10.
The Big Little Bible
‘But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.’
This cool book tells 30 Bible stories with awesome pictures by Kiwi artist Meesh Holswich. Each story has discussion questions for kids and for adults. Every picture joins with the next using one unbroken line. How clever!
1 John 1:9 CEV
The story of God’s love runs through the Bible as ONE STORY, just like the pictures in The Big Little Bible all join up from the beginning to the end. FIND OUT MORE | Visit biglittlebible.com
e did th Why r Bunny Eastethe road? cross se the Becaun had his e chick ter eggs. Eas
Why did the Easter egg hide? Because he was a little chicken.
I AM GOD’S FRIEND Everyone does wrong things sometimes. These include things like lying, cheating, bullying and being mean. These things are called ‘sin’ and they get in the way of us being God’s friends. God wants us to live in a way that doesn’t hurt people, which means God can’t ignore our sins by pretending they don’t matter. But God made a way to forgive our sins when Jesus died on the cross at the first Easter. That’s when Jesus stood in for us— dying for the sins of everyone who has ever lived or will ever live. So now NOTHING can stop us from being God’s friends!
Post or email us your shield (see page 2) by Friday 5 May. The four best shields will win a copy of The Big Little Bible from Bible Society. Name:
We do still have to ask God to take what Jesus did on the cross and make it count for our life. Have you done that? If you haven’t, how about asking for God to forgive your sins?
Age:
Address: If you go to church at The Salvation Army, tell us where:
Here’s an example
Dear God, thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross so I can be your friend again. I am sorry for the wrong things I’ve done and ask you to forgive me. Thank you! Please show me how to live for you every day. Amen. 08 APRIL 2017 WarCry 23