09 August 2014 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION |  August  | Issue  | $.

Planting Seeds of Hope in Eastern Europe

THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE

NZ GENERAL ELECTION 2014

MEDIA PRAYER DAY

NORTH SHORE KOREAN CORPS PLANT

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF CHURCH

BOUNDLESS FILM COMPETITION

WIN BEAR GRYLLS’ LATEST BOOK

LEVI SWIMS FOR BIBLES

02 WarCry 09 August 2014

Kia ora Getting to a better place 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, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Martin Barratt (movie reviewer), Kris Singh (music reviewer)

PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford COVER

Lts Augustine and Anna Danagi with Cols Yvonne and Andy Westrupp outside the Hahola Salvation Army church in Papua New Guinea.

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 SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0740 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

PAPER Novatech is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under environmental management system ISO14001 using FSC Certified, Mixed Source, ECF pulp from well managed and legally harvested forests.

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.

Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission.

Publishing for 131 years

ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6598 Please pass on or recycle this magazine

salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft

salvationarmy.org.nz

I often share stories about The Salvation Army’s work with recovering alcoholics and drug addicts with readers. That’s because my husband works in Addiction Services, and most Thursday nights I go along to support him at the Recovery Church he leads at The Salvation Army in Newtown. To be honest, this is often the highpoint of my week. It’s such an open, honest and affirming space. Real people doing life together, with very little pretence.

I recently heard the most amazing prescription for a successful life at the graduation of an Addiction Services client. This was someone who had really worked hard to pick up the great tools available to people through our treatment programme, and who had clearly also benefited from walking through the journey of recovery with other people who understood what he was going through.

He told the group, which included members of his family, I know that for me to get well, I have to open up myself—to be vulnerable and not hide away and be ashamed of myself.

There’s solid wisdom in that, isn’t there? Many of us are probably tempted to the easy path of avoidance or denial to keep pain, angst or even just hard work at bay. But the way to get well and grow in life is to become vulnerable—to admit our failures and fears, and to ask for help. Of course, that sounds far easier than it is. But when we keep that goal of wellbeing in mind, surely it is worth some discomfort to reach that goal?

So, that was this man’s advice about how to get well in life, but he continued with some practical advice about how to move on: Set your goals, put good things inside yourselves and leave bad things outside. Actually, the really good thing that this man had allowed inside, was the presence and power of God. Handing over control of our lives to the care of God is always a good call—as Step 3 of the 12 Steps of AA declares. No matter what you’re going through this week, trust God to care for you.

Christina Tyson Editor

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BIBLE VERSE John 14:27 Contemporary English Version

‘I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give.

It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.’

Hoani 14:27

‘He rangimārie tāku e waiho nei ki a koutou, tēnei tāku rangimarie te hoatu nei e ahau ki a koutou: e kore e rite ki tā te ao hoatu tāku hoatu ki a koutou. Kei pōuri ō koutou ngākau, kei mataku.’

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WISE WORDS

There may be those on earth who dress better or eat better, but those who enjoy the peace of God sleep better.

L. Thomas Holdcroft

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Let’s Talk | 0

M

y granddad was one of those strong, thoughtful men, who worked all his life in the timber trade. He wasn’t one for reminiscing, but when he was well into his eighties, I asked him what the greatest change in his lifetime had been. His one-word answer surprised me: TV. Not cars, or the World Wars, or the 40-hour week, or even Velcro.

TV changed our culture immeasurably, truly bringing mass communication into our homes for the first time. It didn’t have the restrictions of the written word or radio. For the first time, we saw history happening before our very eyes.

Perhaps more importantly, TV entertained us. It entered our cultural heritage and, in fact, often became the centre of popular culture. It influenced wider cultural conversations around politics, justice, racism, equality and sexuality. Today, TV, radio, the printed media and the internet have joined together in mass communication.

Because of that, many Christians developed an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality, feeling that the media was corroding what became dubbed as ‘traditional family values’. Of course, it’s not that simple. Society has changed—and continues to change— and the media has become a powerful part of that change. Are they leaders, or simply mirrors of our culture? Most likely, a bit of both.

Instead of seeing the media as a threat, perhaps we need to face up to its challenges: are we indeed prejudiced in ways we have been blind to? Perhaps we do need to look at the injustices our own Christian culture has perpetuated? This should only make our faith stronger, more authentic, and more grounded in the all-encompassing love of Christ.

As in all areas of industry, there are those in the media

who most certainly feel bitter towards the church—but you will find that in any office around town. There are also those working in the media who love and follow Jesus, and who are trying to bring a piece of God’s Kingdom to their area of influence.

Simon Barnett—co-presenter of MoreFM’s immensely popular breakfast show—is open about his faith, and is an authentic voice for Christianity in New Zealand media. Yet he says the harshest criticism has come from fellow Christians.

‘That hurts to say it, but that’s the truth. It would be much nicer if they just sent a text saying, “Just letting you know, we love listening to you, God’s got your back.” That would make me feel closer to God, rather than pinning me.’

Today, our TV has literally become part of the furniture.

We don’t think to pray for the media any more than we think to pray for our local petrol attendant or our coffee guy. Yet the media continues to be arguably the most powerful influence in culture today, and as Simon says, we need to have the back of our brothers and sisters.

Media Prayer Day, organised by the Christian Broadcasting Association, is on 10 August. It’s simply a chance for Christians to come together as individuals and communities of faith, to pray for our media. TV journalist and producer Tim Wilson (pictured) makes the point that he sometimes prays for Kanye West, because ‘I don’t think there are many people praying for him.’

The media is not the enemy. And many of those working in the media are fellow followers of Christ. So let us pray … and while we’re at it, why don’t we pray for our coffee guy too?

INGRID BARRATT Visit

mediaprayerday.com to find out more

04 WarCry 09 August 2014

Bookshelf Fitness Your Life: Train for It Bear Grylls If anyone is qualified to give advice on becoming a ‘fitter, stronger, healthier you’, Bear Grylls is your man. This is a departure from the ‘survivalist’ genre—no eating live worms here—but it’s still in line with Bear’s ‘is he man or machine?’ persona. The workouts he endorses are surprisingly accessible—they include Kettleball resistance, bodyweight workouts and primal power stretch sessions. But that is not to say they are easy—done properly, these would provoke intense sweat—and exercises like ‘abdominal crunch to standing’ even sound painful. Each exercise is explained step-by-step with clear illustrations. (Bantam Press)

Playlist

Biography Joni and Ken Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada Joni is arguably a ‘superstar’ of Christian culture—in her books, she told the story of how she became a quadriplegic, which led to a film, a music career and a ministry called ‘Joni and Friends’. But here, Joni and her husband Ken give us a purposeful glimpse into the realities behind the ‘Christian celebrity’ images. They speak honestly about the strain caregiving for a quadriplegic put on their marriage, and Ken’s subsequent depression.

They express the realities of chronic pain, unspoken resentments and burnout, behind the happy ‘Joni’ smile. Yet, married for 30 years, Joni and Ken is rich with testimony to God’s purposes. (Zondervan)

Prayer Help Thanks Wow Anne Lamott As a writer, Anne Lamott is much loved for her refreshingly non-religious take on Christianity.

She jokes that she calls God ‘Phil’ (after her favourite verse, Philippians 4:4-7)—this might seem irreverent to those of us well versed in Christian culture, but may open the door to others struggling with God. Similarly, Lamott breaks the essence of prayer down to pure simplicity: ‘My three prayers are variations of help, thanks, wow.

That’s all I ever need.’ And she acknowledges the tangled web we weave for our lives in between these prayers. For authenticity and real tableaus of life, Lamott is a pleasure. (Riverhead Books)

Reel News

Soul/R&B Fall for You Leela James Leela James is an American soul and R&B singer hailing from Los Angeles. Fall for You is her 5th studio record, and is chock full of silky smooth soul and gritty, deep grooves that channel some of the genre greats. James’ voice rises and swells with a maturity beyond her years, and this translates to an excellent record. The album blends styles fairly regularly—from the synths in ‘Who’s Gonna Love You More’ to the emotive and stripped back piano ballad of the title track, James delivers vocally with grit, power and passion. This is a musician’s record as much as it is a casual listener’s, and deserves a second listen.

Brass Favourites The Household Troops Band Favourites is a collection of pieces taken from the distinctive ‘green book’ found in many Salvation Army band rooms. Clocking in at just over an hour, The Household Troops Band commits some of these classics to the collective Army record. Favourites include the well-known marches ‘Alderny’ and ‘Rosehill’ and the tone poem ‘The Great Crusade’. Big Salvation Army composing names like Dean Goffin, Ray Steadman-Allen and Erik Silfverberg are all well represented, and the Troops Band interprets these pieces with professionalism and precision. While there’s not a lot of variation in terms of style, the selection of pieces will certainly appeal to any Army brass fan. This one is worth checking out.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of Your Life: Train for It, tell us why exercise is important to you.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 25 August.

Convictions Matter winner is: Margaret Petersen-Foster

Sci-Fi (3D & 2D) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Matt Reeves / M (violence, offensive language) In the previous film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes an experimental drug meant to repair and improve brain function is given to an infant chimpanzee named Caesar who, after he reaches adulthood, uses it to alter his fellow apes’ makeup. This leads them to escape from humans and start their own community. The film ends as the vaccine mutates into a ‘Simian Flu’ that sweeps the globe, threatening to wipe humanity from the face of the Earth.

In the 10 years since ‘Rise’, Caesar has led a flourishing ape community complete with education, language and infrastructure. At the heart of their civilized society, and a theme that reappears throughout the film, is a simple command etched on a stone wall: ‘Ape Not Kill Ape’. This is basic Ten Commandments-type stuff, but it’s also an expression of the trust shared between apes and their allegiance to Caesar. They have stood witness for a decade of what humans do to one another when confronted with dire circumstances and choose not to live that way.

With the virus having already taken the lives of untold billions, there are few survivors, especially in San Francisco, the closest city to Caesar’s community. The city is led by a man named Dreyfus who wants to see if a former hydroelectric dam can be made operational again—a dam that happens to be right in Caesar’s territory. Thus the inevitable warfare happens, despite the efforts of well-intentioned survivors and peaceful apes.

This is a surprisingly contemplative and believable story, choosing to focus almost entirely on Caesar, his family and the brotherhood of apes Caesar is trying to foster, and much less on the humans and their plight.

Go to

salvationarmy.org.nz/saresources

Feature | 05

in Eastern Europe I believe in a Salvation Army that is changing the world—and the opportunities have never been greater in Eastern Europe, where the breakdown of the old political system has opened up many possibilities. Individual success and aggressive capitalism are the new motivations for many people. In this setting, The Salvation Army is obeying God’s calling and making a difference.

BY MARK SOETERS

06 | WarCry 09 August 2014

I

was born in Rangiora, studied geology at Canterbury University, and then moved to Australia to work. I became a Salvation Army officer in 1992, married an Australian, and have been serving in the Eastern Europe Territory with my wife, Jude, since 2013. Our respective roles here are Territory Property Secretary and Training Principal/Territorial Education Secretary, based at Territorial Headquarters and The Salvation Army’s Karl Larsson Centre.

Winter in Moscow is very different from Christchurch. Going to work here involves layering several jackets, gloves and hats, opening the front door to minus-25 Celsius, and then digging the car out of the snow. It also involves being confronted by the many homeless people who seek refuge in the subways.

One of the scariest things that Jude and I have discovered about living in this part of the world is the way people drive here. Forget red lights, lanes and pedestrians; this is a race that often turns into a smash-up-derby. The internet videos are all true! When we pray for safe travelling over here, there is always a note of desperation.

Sadly, this same desperate attitude extends to the way that many people treat the poor. The concept of ‘charity’ is alien when, previously, all needs were met by the State. There is now a desperate gap in resources for the marginalised. My hope is that the people of Christ hear the cries of those in need. Scripture teaches that charity is more than giving to the poor; it is a heart condition, a spiritual opportunity.

The Moscow Corps has started a soup run and a drop-in centre that is seeing people’s practical needs met and souls saved. Some of the homeless people greet us at the corps in English because they are having English lessons at the drop-in centre. This work, plus their new-found relationship with God, means they have a new attitude toward the world, their society and their place in it. Speaking English means that they have more job options.

Salvation Army corps (churches) in Eastern Europe are vibrant communities of faith. There is a passion in the worship and great enthusiasm in the prayers. Mercy seats are crowded with people seeking God. Many of the corps buildings are rented and in poor condition, but God is at work.

We change the world by speaking about our saviour, Jesus. We change the world by showing a new way of living, a life that is based on the Bible.

Unique ministry opportunities The Eastern Europe territory covers five countries: Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. This includes some of the poorest areas of Europe. There are unique ministry opportunities among the many subcultures within this territory; for example, among the travelling people. Poverty also contributes to the tragedy of large scale trafficking of people. We need to do more to help these people find freedom.

Recent political tensions in Ukraine have put our soldiers and officers under huge pressure. Please pray for their safety. Jesus said, ‘God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).

As a New Zealander, it is hard for me to understand a culture that is quick to pick up guns and start a war. The local people spend much time arguing about borders and ownership of history and land.

Amongst this reality, The Salvation Army is an international mission that is apolitical. This places us in a great position to be peacemakers in war-torn communities. Our corps are centres of security in troubled times. For one corps, this has meant opening its doors daily for the senior citizens of the city, so they can meet together in safety as well as provide support for each other.

In a part of the world used to religious restrictions for many years, The Salvation Army is in a unique position. It brings strong doctrine, a Christian way of living and urges a return to community. It also teaches a selfless philosophy: Christ gave his life for you and me.

Our concern for the marginalised is desperately needed in Eastern Europe. We are the church for the ‘whosoever’. When people grasp this message, they respond with enthusiasm. I am an officer in Eastern Europe because I believe that The Salvation Army has the answer.

However, the reality is that there is resistance from people who are suspicious of the motives of new organisations. It is therefore essential that The Salvation Army demonstrates a practical faith where people can see our obedience to Christ lived out in real action.

Many of the corps buildings are rented and in poor condition, but God is at work.

Life in Moscow Living in Moscow is interesting. It is a busy city with a huge population. All of the signs are in Russian and few people speak English. My Russian is very basic, so each day is a challenge and the constant concentration can be tiring. I am told that it takes five years of study to become fluent.

The shops are well stocked, but prices are high and wages are low. When Jude and I first arrived here, grocery shopping was a nightmare. Unless there was a picture on the can of food, we bought the wrong thing. We thought we had bought broad beans only to find, when we got home, that we had bought a packet of gooseberries! We have worked out the good brands of chocolate and ice cream, but I do miss liquorice, sago and familiar coffee—the local coffee is often Turkish style, and the tea here is bitter.

It is also strange to walk down the street and observe the high number of people with physical disabilities. Many of the elderly walk with a limp, and there are many people with missing limbs. One of my friends in Australia has a missing leg, but you would never know until he removes his prosthetic.

Medical care is basic. This is hard to cope with when serious health issues affect our soldiers and officers. In response to community needs, The Salvation Army is running some health care programmes in the most disadvantaged communities. In Moldova, for example, a mobile clinic goes out into the villages and supplies much-needed assistance and care.

This territory has such huge potential! It often seems that finance is the only limiting factor. The hope of The Salvation Army here is to teach a community the concept of charity and care of the marginalised. Our goal is to save souls.

To those living in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, I would say that there is a call for charity and a need to promote peace in this part of the world. Perhaps your own demonstration of love will show in your gift to this year’s Self Denial Appeal—a gift that will support The Salvation Army’s ministry in Eastern Europe and throughout the world. A gift that will change lives by planting seeds of hope.

Go to salvationarmy.org.nz/selfdenial for more on the Self Denial Appeal, in which Salvation Army churches in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga are aiming to raise one million dollars to strengthen the Army’s mission in developing countries and those with limited financial resources.

Feature | 07

I Came to The Salvation Army for Free Cookies Ukrainian cadet Oleg Samoilenko says there is nothing better than doing God’s will.

Many testimonies begin with the words ‘Before I found God I was …’ and then follows a long list of different variants of how people sinned. My testimony starts with the words that ‘I was born in the typical Ukrainian family at a time when Ukraine became independent.’

My family was almost typical of other families at that time, except that I was born into a Christian family, which was not so usual. Instead of fairy tales, my grandmother read me the Bible. Every evening we prayed before going to sleep, and on Sunday it was mandatory for me to attend Sunday school in the Orthodox Church.

Because of this, I knew from childhood who God is, that he loves me, and that I needed to go to church every week to stay strong in my faith.

I did not make a lot of mistakes in my life or do bad deeds before I realised that I needed to come to God. And so, probably this is the testimony of God’s love for me: as God led me in my early days, so he has continued to guide me.

When I was 10, I came into contact with The Salvation Army for the first time. I confess that I came along for free sweets and other gifts, because I grew up with my grandmother in a very poor family.

Seeing me, the officer said, ‘This boy will one day become General of The Salvation Army!’ I laughed at his words, because I was a very difficult character and did not see myself as particularly worthy. But God had a plan for me, and a year later, I became a junior soldier. Later, I became a senior soldier, and then worked in a Salvation Army ministry to people living with HIV/AIDS and children with disabilities.

While studying history at university, I was invited to go to a weekend for people who might be willing to serve as Salvation Army officers (ministers) in the future. A captain from Territorial Headquarters in

Moscow talked about what it meant to be an officer and to serve God in this way. As I listened, I was increasingly aware that God meant for me to hear what this captain was saying.

When the officer invited people to come to the mercy seat to pray, I was the first to respond. I was trembling and tears were rolling down my face. As I knelt and began to pray, I heard God’s Holy Spirit say to me, ‘Oleg, it’s time—it’s time already.’ I saw in my eyes the many people who had died in their sins, cut off from God, and I knew that people like these were my responsibility. So I said to God, ‘Yes!’ And I am sure that I have not made a mistake by saying this. I do not regret my decision, because there is nothing better than to serve God, doing his will.

Many years have passed since I made that commitment to God. Today, I am a Salvation Army cadet, training to become an officer.

Looking back, I can see how the Lord has led me on his way. I have already had a marvellous experience of ministry that has included international conferences, United Nations meetings, participation in programmes in different countries, and being interviewed for newspapers and television. I could not think or imagine this when I was 10 years old and came to the Salvation Army for free cookies.

Today, as part of my training, I am serving in a big corps in central Ukraine. This is a difficult time in my country and I understand more and more that I need to be open to new ministries and experiences. For example, for the first time I am serving refugees and teaching the local version of the Ukrainian language. Very often, I run a Salvation Army meeting at City Hall, and after that we go to feed the homeless. In the evening, I run an English class and also a children’s programme.

God still works every day with my heart. He changes me, talks to me, teaches me and gives me his strength. I know that, with God’s help, I will serve him as a faithful minister of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army’s Early History in Russia In March 1909, General William Booth went to Saint Petersburg, but was unsuccessful in securing permission to officially establish work in Russia.

In 1910, Danish officers arrived in Saint Petersburg to prepare the way for the Army’s registration. But after two years in the country, their application was denied and they returned home.

Access to Russia was finally secured when Constantine Boije, an officer from Finland, offered to become Russian owner of Vestnik Spaseniya (The War Cry, called Salvation Messenger in Russian). Adam Piesheffsky, a Polish Jew converted in a meeting conducted by General Booth in Hamburg, Germany, was to serve as its Russian editor. Soon after, Ensign Helmy Boije became the leader of the Army’s Russian work, which included a corps and a slum post.

The outbreak of WWI created

a stream of refugees and, in response, Salvationists set up shelters for women and children.

The Salvation Army in Canada donated an ambulance unit and the USA sent first-aid equipment.

While ministering among the poor, the officers continued to sell the Vestnik Spaseniya and to hold worship meetings in Adam Piesheffsky’s apartment. The first enrolment of soldiers took place on 20 December 1914.

In 1915, Finnish-trained Russian officers were appointed to St. Petersburg to assist in selling the Vestnik Spaseniya, now with a monthly circulation of 10,000. Although the situation remained difficult, there was widespread support of the Army’s work by wealthy individuals, banks, firms, and by the City Committee of Petrograd.

The February 1917 revolution provided a previously unknown freedom to the Army in Russia to

hold marches, conduct openair meetings and rent halls for evangelistic meetings. Soon, the Army was able to find locations in St. Petersburg for seven corps, two children’s homes, two slum posts, and a home for the elderly.

This freedom was to be shortlived, as the November revolution changed everything. The city was soon facing increasing political instability, uncertainty, privation, hunger, disease and lack of fuel.

Soon, the Army had to withdraw its reinforcements, leaving only 40 Russian and Finnish officers to continue under extremely difficult conditions.

For more than a year, it was impossible to send aid from outside Russia or to communicate with officers inside the country.

Food and fuel were in short supply and thousands were dying of starvation and disease.

Some officers died from typhus and tuberculosis. Male Russian

officers were taken into military service and some officers from other countries were repatriated.

To remain legally in the country, other officers sought regular jobs, which helped them to survive while continuing their ministries.

Political, social and economic upheavals continued and, in February 1923, at the decision of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party, The Salvation Army had to close its operations and leave the country.

The Salvation Army’s activities in Russia recommenced in July 1991, overseen by the Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes Territory.

Work was then extended to Ukraine (1993), Georgia (1993), Moldova (1994) and Romania (1999).

The final stage of registering ‘the Moscow Branch of The Salvation Army’ was completed in April 2009.

08 | WarCry 09 August 2014

HEALTH

ENVIRONMENT

Pass the Sugar, Sugar

Wardrobe Revival

It’s a sweet life, but for many of us, sugar may have become an addiction.

Here’s a favourite childhood joke: A man and woman were at a restaurant, she leaned towards him and said, ‘Pass the sugar, sugar.’ Then she said, ‘Pass the honey, honey.’ Wanting to join in on the romantic mood, the man said, ‘Pass the tea … bag.’ Okay, this has very little to do with our modern sugar addiction, but who doesn’t love a good, slightly sexist, dad joke? And here’s the tenuous link: why can’t we stop passing the sugar?

According to food writer Eliza Barclay, there’s growing evidence that sugar is actually addictive. Research at Colombia University has shown that when we eat a lot of sugar, our dopamine levels surge. This affects the reward system in our brain, much like other drug addictions. Too much sugar can kickstart a ‘series of unfortunate events—loss of control, cravings and increased tolerance to sugar’.

Being more environmentally conscious is not just about shopping less, it’s about shopping smarter. So, here’s how to get a whole new wardrobe by having less clothes.

Take a deep breath and open your wardrobe: Joshua Becker’s blog on owning less clothes went viral recently—and one of his key points is that we need to admit to ourselves that we own too many clothes. Even the least fashion-conscious Kiwi is a big consumer by world standards.

One of the latest ‘eco stunts’—as these food-related regimes have been dubbed—is cutting out sugar from your diet all together. Eve Schaub cut out sugar for her family for a year (and, of course, wrote a book called Year of No Sugar). On reflection, she says that sugar does have a place in our lives, but our consumption has gotten out of control.

Embrace the idea of ‘one’: We particularly liked this tip from Joshua, who says, ‘When one can be enough, embrace it—one black dress, one swimsuit, one winter coat, one pair of black shoes …’ If you have two of something, you tend to wear your favourite anyway, so ditch the extras.

Eve’s family made some wonderful discoveries about how to keep sweet treats in the mix. Whipped frozen bananas make a delightful soft-serve banana ice cream. Mashed banana can be substituted for white sugar, and chopped dates for brown sugar in many recipes.

Take it to the Family Store: Do good and donate what you don’t need.

Give it the seasonal test: With what you have left, turn your clothes hangers around. If you haven’t worn it after a season, take it to the Family Store.

And it’s safe to say, they were a lot healthier—her daughter’s school absences due to sickness went from 20 days per year, to only five. Over the course of the year, the family stopped craving sugar, and became much more sensitive to sweet flavours. ‘In our family, we eat it now in small amounts, for special occasions. That’s what sugar is designed to be: small and special,’ says Eve.

Get smart: Now that you’ve minimised, it’s time to maximise your options.

When you go shopping, buy tops that complement your bottoms (which will be one pair of jeans, one pair of black trousers and a couple of skirts, perhaps). Now, buy layers to complement your tops. Throw out anything in your wardrobe that goes with nothing else.

Play with colour: Have you ever thought of wearing purple and coral together? Or red and pink? It can look amazing, and give you so many more options for coordinating. Spend about a third of your shopping budget on accessories—a necklace or scarf can transform any top.

Source: www.npr.org

Stop shopping: Try a shopping fast of six months. The best way to do this is avoid clothes shops.

Sometimes me think, ‘What is friend?’ And then me think, ‘Friend is someone to share the last cookie with’.

Cookie Monster

Repeat: Don’t let your wardrobe get crowded again. Whenever you buy something, sort through your wardrobe for things you no longer need.

Cottage Pie Prepare this the day before and refrigerate until ready to cook | Serves 2–3 600–700g floury or all-purpose potatoes 1 onion 1–2 carrots 1 stalk celery 250g minced beef 1 Tbsp flour 1 Tbsp tomato paste 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ½ cup stock or 1 tsp instant stock powder dissolved in ½ cup water 2 tsp butter milk as required ¼ cup grated cheese pinch of ground paprika (optional)

Peel and quarter potatoes. Cook, covered, in lightly salted water until tender.

Finely chop onion, carrot and celery. Put prepared vegetables and mince into a large non-stick frypan. Brown mixture, stirring regularly and adding a little oil if necessary to prevent sticking.

Stir in flour, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and stock, and bring to boil. Take mixture off the heat and spoon into a nonstick sprayed dish.

Drain the cooked potato and mash with butter, adding enough milk to make a smooth, creamy mixture. Spread over the top of the meat mixture, swirling the surface attractively. Sprinkle with grated cheese and add some paprika for colour if desired.

Place in a preheated 180°C oven and bake for 30–40 mins.

From Marvellous Mince & Sensational Sausages by Simon and Alison Holst. www.holst.co.nz

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A How can I make others feel special?

Relationship therapist Isadora Alman says spreading emotional warmth benefits everyone. Here are her top five tips for making someone else feel special: . Give small ‘just because’ presents. Whether it’s their favourite chocolate bar or a paperback book you found at a garage sale, it really is about the old adage that ‘it’s the thought that counts’. . Make it a point to slightly touch him or her often. I’m not talking about anything intimate, but an enthusiastic hug of pleasure when you greet or part, a casual touch on the shoulder as you pass, a friendly squeeze of the arm as you walk side by side. Studies show that even the most fleeting touch of the fingers when a librarian returned a reader’s card made the customer remember the library visit as a more pleasant experience (without knowing why). . Share a warm memory of the other person. ‘I was thinking the other day about the time you ...’

Knowing that you are noticed, remembered and thought of, is wonderfully flattering to anyone. . Make something: Whatever your talent, use it to do something special for others. Can you cook?

A man in my life long ago made me a meal that had almonds in everything—the salad, the main dish, and the dessert—all because I casually mentioned that I liked almonds. Needless to say, the fact that he remembered this casual comment impressed me! A folded paper crane made by a young relative learning origami has sat on my desk for more than a year, and usually makes me smile. . Plan an event: I arranged a lunch date in the middle of my workday, and my friend brought a packed picnic complete with blanket. This was almost 50 years ago. How many lunches have I eaten with friends over the years? This one stands out among them all, and so does the person who arranged it.

Many times over a long life I’ve been made to feel special by such gestures. I only hope I have spread the warmth around, when I did them too. Here’s wishing you the same.

Testify!

Jeremy Teulon has seen how being a ‘father to the fatherless’ can change the culture of a community.

Before I became a youth worker, I was a truck driver. But my passion has always been to see people grow into their fullness. I remember my supervisor telling me that I had leadership potential, and I said to him, ‘No way, I’m not a leader.’ But he could see things in me that I couldn’t see in myself at the time. So now that’s what I want to do with my life, helping people grow in their God given potential.

After I studied youth work through Praxis, God opened some really cool doors and I became the Youth and Community Worker for The Salvation Army in Woodville. I wanted to show the love and faithfulness of God to the young people of Woodville.

Many of them have experienced abandonment, so the important thing is to be there again and again and again. That’s part of how our young people will experience the love and faithfulness of God in a tangible way.

We’re called Embassy Youth, with camps, a drop-in centre and mentoring. One young fulla who was part of our whānau lost his father to suicide. One day he sent me this text: ‘If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be the better person I am today. I truly thank you for everything you have done for me, respected greatly.’ Wow—that makes it all worthwhile! This young man was considered ‘at-risk’, and today he is in the training squad for the Colts rugby team.

We probably average around 40 young people at our Friday night drop-in centre, and it’s a safe space for them. We always have a ‘God spot’, where we bring a life message to challenge, equip and inspire our young people. Recently, some of the young people were a bit unsettled, and one of the girls piped up and said, ‘Be quiet, I want to listen. This is the only time of the week when I feel peace.’

Embassy Youth is a change agent influencing the youth culture of our town. Through it, the young people have discovered they are hugely valuable and of great worth.

Due to our awesome team, we have closed the generation gap. Some of the older people are now ‘aunty’ and ‘uncle’, rather than people to intimidate on the street.

For the future of our town, I take my inspiration from the Bible’s Deuteronomy 8:3. I look forward to seeing the day when our town and district are realigned with God’s original creative intent.

I have taught religious instruction for many years at our local primary school, and recently, some college students asked me if I would come and teach at their school as well. So we’ve started a lunchtime group where we hang out and talk about life, Jesus and more. What’s so cool is that this was initiated by the young people.

I was also asked by the college if I could co-facilitate resiliency training for Year Nine students,

along with two other teachers who are also Christians. We talk about issues like conflict resolution, facing challenges, identity, and how your past doesn’t have to shape your future.

When I first started youth work, I remember some of the guys saying to me, ‘Oh, you won’t stay; no one sticks around in Woodville.’

He’s in his twenties now and recently came back to visit me and catch up … there’s an irony in that!

I wanted to show the love and faithfulness of God …

Let’s Talk I would like: to explore what it means to follow Jesus information about Salvation Army worship and activities prayer for the following needs:

Providing personal care and practical home support for a variety of ages and situations —short or long-term.

Freephone 0800 222 040 www.HomeCare.org.nz

NAME: ADDRESS:

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

10 | WarCry 09 August 2014

GOSPEL MANIFESTO

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Ahead of the New Zealand General Election on 20 September, War Cry is publishing material from a Christchurch-based group of Christians suggesting a ‘Gospel Manifesto’. Experts will focus Christian voters on the teaching of Jesus and the local and global situation in which we live.

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Time off Deliver Toward a past time Low-lying wetlands Stop work and protest Great on a hot day Fresh ‘Me, too’ Covers Durability Recognise Deserved Have covered Seconded

Let’s get quizzical …     

Who was the NZ flag bearer at the 2014 Commonwealth Games welcome ceremony?

What does the acronym SCUBA stand for?

How many astronauts have walked on the moon?

Sedimentary and igneous are all types of what?

Which prophet confronted King David with his adultery?

JUST ACTION 2014

in Our Backyard Be inspired and challenged by our guest speaker from the UK, Russell Rook, along with locals who are making a difference.

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CHRISTCHURCH WELLINGTON AUCKLAND

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Go to salvationarmy.org.nz/justaction

The story Jesus told of the Good Samaritan is one of the most widely recognised in the gospels. Helping a stranger in need is now happening across the planet in an effort to counteract a long history of poverty and exploitation, and to respond to the increasing frequency of natural disasters.

Another challenge from Jesus’ ministry is the sharing of bread and fish, which signals the gospel imperative to make sure that everyone has enough to eat. Less often remembered is the story of Jesus defending the woman caught in adultery, which is about Jesus advocating for justice.

Taking these stories to a global level, they become a paradigm for living together on planet earth: sharing with those in need, caring for and redistributing resources, and speaking out for tolerance and justice. The obligation to help our neighbours who experience earthquakes, typhoons and cyclones is a given. Providing food, water, shelter, medical care and education to people caught up in conflicts like Syria is urgent. Funding good development programmes that help people out of poverty and situations of violence is an imperative.

But New Zealand has done better in this area. The Official Development Assistance (ODA) or aid budget has dropped to 0.26% of Gross National Income from a recent 0.3% high in 2008. Funding that was used to eliminate poverty has been channelled to business interests under the guise of ‘sustainable economic development’. The most

vulnerable people are missing out and are likely to lose the small livelihoods they eke out from home gardens, in-shore fishing or in-day labouring to large scale mechanised industry. Moving closer to the promised UN Millennium Project target of 0.7% for ODA could make a major difference if it was invested in people—842 million of whom go hungry each day.

Instead of foreign policy that is about outcomes for real people, the New Zealand Government is focused on trade policy. Keeping market access for New Zealand farm products is the priority—not a market in which all can participate. The New Zealand Government is vying for a seat on the United Nations Security Council saying it is fair-minded and focused on the future, but from a gospel perspective this is not true. To focus on a future where everybody has what they need to live, requires a different focus. In a world where inequalities are climbing, the damage and exploitation of the resources of the planet has reached life-threatening proportions, and where tensions within and between nations, religions and ethnic groups are rising, it is time to refocus our foreign policy.

The Scriptures speak repeatedly of an ethic where care for the orphan, the widow, the stranger, and often the prisoner, are the measure of justice. New Zealand needs to pick up the challenge of the post-2015 United Nations Agenda to make sure that no one is left behind.

Pauline McKay is Director of Christian World Service

We can build an economy that does not destroy its natural support systems, a global community where the basic needs of all the Earth’s people are satisfied, and a world that will allow us to think of ourselves as civilized. This is entirely doable.

Lester Brown

Close Up | 11

Think Before You Vote The Salvation Army launches video resources to help New Zealanders think about the important issues before they vote in this year’s General Election.

BY SUE HAY Did you know that our mood on election day is likely to affect how we cast our vote in the upcoming General Election on the 20th of September? Researchers report that if we are in a bad mood on Election Day, we are more likely to vote to change the government.

What’s more, the weather, our favourite sports team’s recent success or failure, and the tone of voice of political candidates can also influence our voting behaviour.

Sadly, in New Zealand, a significant number of us fail to take up our responsibility to vote at all. We appear to be convinced that our vote won’t make a difference, or so confused about the parties and their policies that voting goes into our ‘too hard’ basket. However, the outcome of the election is far too important to leave to fickle influences or only to those who are more motivated to vote.

Last election, New Zealand had its lowest voter turnout in over a century! Some commentators suggest that many of us were complacent because we believed the outcome was already settled.

There is a strong possibility that New Zealand voters could feel and act the same this year.

As people of faith, we have a responsibility to take our citizenship seriously. How we vote will impact the very fabric of our society over the next political term. By exploring the policy choices offered by the various political parties, we can consider how best to vote. As Christians, this choice will involve thoughtful consideration as to which parties will achieve better outcomes for the marginalised.

When God commissioned the prophet Jeremiah way back in the Old Testament, he told Jeremiah, ‘See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day!

Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish. And then start over, building and planting’ (The Message). Jeremiah was to work toward creating a just society by having a voice at a political level on behalf of the marginalised.

Voting is one way that we, too, can speak into the political process. Our vote has the potential to be a signal against unjust political policy, and a strong statement in support of policy that demonstrates a commitment to the marginalised. You and I may disagree about which parties and policies will create the best future for our nation, but what is important here is that we all think before we vote and then take hold of this opportunity to shape the future of our nation.

Sadly, much of what we glean about politics is shaped by the media using very short sound bites that often fail to convey any real depth of analysis of policy issues. The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit has therefore produced a resource to help us reflect more deeply on policies that will impact the wellbeing of our nation. The resource takes the form of six short videos (each is six to eight minutes) that explore policy options we believe can positively shape the future for our most vulnerable citizens.

Last election, New Zealand had its lowest voter turnout in over a century!

Our Election Series videos do not tell anyone how to vote; rather, they explore five policy areas that have a significant impact on the fabric of our society. We take a look at the wellbeing of our children, New Zealand’s current housing crisis, work and incomes, crime and punishment, and the social hazards of alcohol, drugs and gambling.

We also outline the sort of policies we believe will improve the plight of the marginalised in New Zealand, and the wellbeing of our nation as a whole.

These videos can be viewed by individuals, but they can also be used as discussion starters with a group, such as over a cuppa during lunchtime at work, or with a church or community group.

We won’t all share the same political views, but it is important we explore together how we integrate our faith with our aspirations for our nation. This year, let’s not leave New Zealand’s future to chance.

Let’s take seriously our mandate to be active citizens by casting a thoughtful vote in this year’s general election.

Major Sue Hay is the deputy director of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. For more info, and to access the unit’s election resources, go to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

From 9 August, the full set of Election Series videos will be available on salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy. You can also download the videos for offline viewing.

12 | WarCry 09 August 2014

The greatness of our faith is not measured by great successes, but in our so-called ‘failures’, reflects Darren Elkington, in the final of his three-part series.

A great crowd has gathered to see Jesus, who overhears an argument that has broken out between the teachers of religious law: ‘What is all this arguing about?’ Jesus asked. One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, ‘Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him.

He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.’

Jesus said to them, ‘You faithless people! How long must I be with you?

How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.’ So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.

‘How long has this been happening?’ Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, ‘Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.’ ‘What do you mean, ‘If I can’?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’

When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. ‘Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,’ he said. ‘I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!’ Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, ‘He’s dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.

Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, ‘Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?’ (Luke 9:14–28)

Why, Lord?

The disciples ask a great question, but before I tell you Jesus’ answer, it may be helpful to know that this story appears in three of the four gospels. Matthew, Mark and Luke all record this incident, so it must have been a poignant moment in their ministry. A concerned father comes to them asking for healing for his son, but they are unable to do this. And so they take the boy to Jesus, who not only heals the boy, but rebukes them for their inability to cast out the demon.

But although all three gospel writers retell this story with incredible similarity, they remain at odds with Jesus’ response to their question: ‘Why couldn’t we cast out the evil spirit?’ Matthew’s version of events is probably the most recited of all three endings: Jesus answered: ou don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. (Matthew 17:20).

Luke seems to evade the question all together, concluding with, Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s

power (Luke 9:42). According to Mark, it was not a lack of faith that stopped the disciples from healing the boy, but a lack of prayer. Jesus says, This can be cast out only by prayer! (Luke 9:29).

How will it turn out?

I recently overheard one person saying to another, ‘Maybe God didn’t heal you because you lack faith.’ The comment was not meant as a rebuke; it was meant to bring comfort. The person had asked why God had not dealt with an unresolved issue in their life. So, like a sporting coach wanting more from the team, the challenge was set: ‘You can win this, but it will require you to lift your game.’

The call to try harder may work on the sporting field, but I don’t believe it offers much to the one in search of healing or hope. That’s because faith is not an extreme sport. It’s not about trying harder, or working harder, or outdoing the person next to you.

After all, the mark of great faith is not evidenced in the moment when everything turns out right for you. The mark of great faith is given to the one who is right with God—or to put it another way, the one who keeps turning to God despite how things turn out. And I think this principle is best illustrated in the life of Joseph, the second youngest son of the patriarch Jacob.

Faith is not an extreme sport. It’s not about trying harder … or outdoing the person next to you.

Where is God? Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons. This caused Joseph’s brothers to be jealous of him. They plot to kill him, but instead sell him into slavery. Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he became a trusted servant of his new master, until his master’s wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to molest her. Joseph was thrown into prison where he stayed for many years.

Sometimes we can look at our situation or our circumstances, and if things are not going well or going our way, we wrongly assume that it must be because God is absent, or because God doesn’t care, or because God is sleeping on the job. But this story helps us to see otherwise. Despite things not going well for Joseph, the Bible records that ‘the Lord was with Joseph’.

In my experience, sometimes that’s all we have to hold onto.

And certainly it was all that Joseph had (the promise that ‘the Lord was with Joseph’ appears several times throughout his story). Even so, I wonder if Joseph ever thought, ‘Hey, Lord, I think it’s time you were with someone else. Since you have been with me, I’ve been sold into slavery, accused of a crime I did not commit, and now here I am, in prison. Please be with someone else—please go and be with my brothers.’

And maybe you, too, have said (or thought) at different times in your life: ‘Thanks, Lord, that I feel your presence during this time of

Soul Food | 1

illness, but I don’t want to be ill’; or ‘Thanks, Lord, for carrying me through the funeral of my partner, but seriously, Lord, I miss them’; or ‘Thanks, Lord, for helping me through this time of uncertainty, but seriously, Lord, I don’t know why I had to face such adversary.’

Being honest in times of turmoil does not equate to a lack of faith. Neither can we conclude that it hinders God’s care for us.

The answer to our questions After spending a long time in prison, Joseph was eventually brought to Pharaoh, the King of Egypt. The king was greatly troubled by a series of dreams and it was Joseph who was able to interpret these for him. In doing so, he ended up as a loyal confident to the king. And it’s at this point of the story where Joseph was once again united with his brothers.

But unlike the early years, it was Joseph who now held all the power. And his brothers knew it. They were worried that he would take revenge on them. So they went to Joseph seeking forgiveness.

Joseph’s reply is one of the most remarkable statements of faith in the entire Bible. ‘Don’t be afraid of me,’ he said. ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.’ (Genesis 50:20) This is a remarkable comment to make! Despite the painful experiences Joseph endured over many years, he remained confident that God would one day, strangely, produce good out of the bad.

And so I rejoice Fast forward a few thousand years, and the apostle Paul is in prison.

He is unsure what the outcome of his imprisonment will be. Will he one day be released? Or will he spend the rest of his life in chains?

He does not know. Furthermore, there were some who spoke against Paul and his imprisonment. Preaching with selfish ambition, their message weighed heavily upon Paul, making ‘the chains more painful’ (Philippians 1:17).

But even so, Paul seems to have something of the same robust confidence in God’s overriding power. Despite the fragility he is facing, he is able to write, ... but that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached … so I rejoice. (Philippians 1:18) Joseph said what he said with the benefit of hindsight, but Paul does not. Paul is saying this while his story is still going on. You have seen my struggle in the past, he explains, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Even so, my focus remains on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Writing to the church in Corinth, Paul explains that we are like fragile clay jars containing a great treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7). The imagery of ‘fragile clay jars’ reinforces his next point: This makes it clear that the great power is not from ourselves, but from God. And it’s from this point of fragility that Paul is able to reason, We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never

abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

The big but For me, the most powerful word that Paul uses here is the word ‘but’. It has me reasoning that your ‘but’ may be big, but God’s ‘but’ is bigger!

Let me explain: Do you remember what Joseph said to his brothers? ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.’

Focusing in on your circumstances, your challenges or your pain may knock you down, drive you to despair or make you feel as if you are being hunted. But even so, Paul offers us a great hope—the ‘but’ of God: • I am facing … but God • I keep coming up against … but God • I do not know where to turn … but God God is always with you. Even when you doubt or lack faith.

Because, more importantly, God is within you (remember, we are like fragile clay jars containing a great treasure).

This ought to be a great encouragement to us. How often are we tempted to feel discouraged when our plans are badly thwarted?

We need to learn from Paul (and long before Paul, from Joseph) the art of seeing God’s purposes working out through problems and difficulties. ‘But God meant it for good.’ * Bible quotes from the New Living Translation Major Darren Elkington is Corps Officer (pastor) of Whangarei Salvation Army

What is faith? It is giving myself to God, ‘risking’ myself (if we may use such a term, for there is no risk about it), risking my all, for this life and for the next, on the truthfulness and the goodness of God, and daring to live and act contrary to everybody around me, knowing that all that God has said is true.

Catherine Booth Life and Death

14 WarCry 09 August 2014

Koreans Put Down Roots With The Salvation Army

(l–r) Capts Steven and Grace Lim (l–r) Capt Grace Lim, Heewon Mo and Deborah Park; photography: www.thephotographer.co.nz Captains Steven and Grace Lim, leaders of the Salvation Army North Shore Korean Corps Plant, say that when their corps was first established in February 2013 it was as a place of worship and fellowship where Korean immigrants could hear the gospel and help each other with the challenge of integrating into a new country. ‘Planting’ is an important concept to the couple, who see most immigrants as trees that have been uprooted from their own countries and need help to take root again.

The corps (church) plant started as afternoon services in the Glenfield Salvation Army. Grace says that it was a challenge to start a Salvation Army Korean church from scratch as there are over 100 Korean churches in Auckland. The couple began by visiting their non-Christian friends, advertising and writing columns in the Korean newspaper.

This year, the plant moved into its own building next door to Glenfield Corps. ‘Having our own place is very exciting, and has given the congregation its own space and identity,’ says Steven.

The Salvation Army in Korea is largely identified as a charity, so the Lims had quite a job getting the message across that it is also a church. That was Steven and Grace’s early view of The Salvation Army as well, until a friend spoke to them about this and they visited

Wellington City Corps. When Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, corps officer of Wellington City at the time, spoke to the Lims about The Salvation Army, they both felt the Holy Spirit calling them to join. They believe their journey of integration into The Salvation Army and the New Zealand culture enables them to help the people of their corps do the same.

‘Though we come from different nations, we worship the same God,’ says Steven. ‘And it is the covering of God’s love that is vital to cover over miscommunication that sometimes happens between cultures,’ he adds.

Grace and Steven feel that God has given them a vision (from the Bible passage about the woman at the well) to bring God’s living and new water to the Korean community on the North Shore. Many immigrants are tired and weary but God has opened his Kingdom so they may find rest in his presence.

The Lims believe that their role within The Salvation Army is as a bridge to help people assimilate and to help those whose lives have been uprooted take root in God. They welcome the prayers of the wider Salvation Army for God’s work through the North Shore Korean Corps Plant.

Bruce Millar

Small Corps with a Big Impact Woodville Corps has been described as an ‘enigma’ for bucking the trend and thriving in a small rural township.

The small corps is having a big impact on the township of about 1400 residents. ‘We’ve been called an “enigma” by divisional leaders, because we shouldn’t really exist, but we just keep growing,’ said leader Gary Stringfellow.

Several initiatives have helped contribute to this growth, including Embassy Youth, which have helped affect Embassy Youth joined with Salt Youth, from Napier Salvation Army, for a camp on Queen’s Birthday weekend

Our Community | 15

Last Goodbye to Riverton Hall

About 40 people gathered on 3 June to say goodbye to a little hall with a big history.

The Salvation Army hall in Riverton, Western Southland—the only venue the corps owned in its 100-year history—was bought by St John after the corps closed in 1984 and was demolished during the last week in June after reports found it was an earthquake risk and required expensive repairs.

Locals with links to the hall joined a contingent from the Invercargill Corps for a short service led by Invercargill corps officer Captain Perry Bray. Music was provided by a small group from the Invercargill Citadel band.

In his book The Sallies of the South, author Neil C. Reinsborg records that The Salvation Army began in Riverton in January 1884, less than a year after it ‘opened fire’ in New Zealand, and four months after the first services were held in Invercargill, about 35 km away.

When it was officially opened in March, 1884, Riverton was the 19th corps in the country and the second in Southland. The Colony Commander of the day, Major George Pollard (who was only 21),

change in the culture of the town. Belonging to Embassy Youth has become a point of pride for young people that are connected with the programme.

‘You often see the kids with their Embassy Youth shirts, and it’s almost become like a positive gang patch,’ says Gary.

‘It’s their way of saying, “We belong to this, and we’re living by its values.” ’ In the past, some young people could be intimidating to the elderly residents of the town. Their ‘mischief’ sometimes meant they weren’t welcome in the shops.

Over the years, Jeremy Teulon, Youth and Community Worker, has worked closely

with local police to find creative solutions for youth. ‘There were some guys tagging, so we got them up at 8 am and went around to all the places that they tagged and they had to clean it up so it was good-asnew. One of the young guys said, “Man, I’m never tagging again, this is too much hard work”,’ recalls Jeremy. [See page 9 for Jeremy’s story.]

The changes in the town have not been due to slick programmes, but rather ‘an environment of authenticity, where the youth know that there are people who give a damn about them,’ Gary says.

The leadership team has intentionally focused on

arrived on horseback from Invercargill to do the honours.

Services were held in the Oddfellows Hall until the Army’s own hall was built in 1913 at a cost of 693 pounds. It was officially opened in December that year and named the ‘Booth Memorial Hall’ to remember The Salvation Army’s founder, who had died the previous year. It is understood to be the first such memorial hall in the world.

A youth hall was added in 1963 and opened by then Territorial Youth Secretary (later Territorial Commander) Ernest Elliot, who had been stationed in Riverton as a young married man.

Other well-known officers with links to Riverton are Sarah Stirling, a vocalist who toured with Army Māori groups throughout New Zealand and parts of Australia in the 1880s, and Hazel Allison, who entered training college from Riverton in 1926 and served in social appointments for more than 30 years, retiring with the rank of brigadier.

Among those that bade farewell to the hall last month were people whose relatives had been faithful soldiers, local officers or corps officers at Riverton. Some, like Sister Eva Hopkins, were married in the hall, while others had parents or aunts and uncles who were married there, or recalled attending Sunday school or youth group in the hall.

After the corps closed, its Salvation Army memorabilia was taken to Invercargill for safekeeping. The two ‘Promotion to Glory’’ honours boards can now be seen on the wall in the Invercargill citadel.

Allison Beckham

developing an ‘intergenerational faith community’, he says.

Children are encouraged to read from the Bible and share verses in the Sunday service. The corps has seen growth in many ways, including attendance that has risen from 20 to about 35 regulars. ‘We have seen people from all walks of life attending our services, seeking real answers to real life issues they’re facing,’ says Gary. ‘We are actively shaping a culture where people can unpack fullness of life through Jesus, in a way that is real, relevant and authentic.’

This year they started ‘chip and butty fellowship time’, with $20 of chips and loaves of bread

for everyone to share after the service. ‘It’s casual as anything, and people sometimes stay until two or three in the afternoon —they just want to have fellowship, ask questions and do life together,’ Gary explains.

‘This is real life, not just ticking a box. God wants to use ordinary people just like us to reach a lost world.’

He says another exciting development has been the opening of a Family Store in Woodville, to complement the existing store in Pahiatua.

‘This is giving The Salvation Army a greater presence in the eyes of the community and greater sustainability for our long-term future.’

16 WarCry 09 August 2014

Brass on Fire at Wellington South On Thursday 19 June, 27 young brass players hit Wellington South Corps for the first of three 2014 National Youth Band (NYB) weekends.

This was shaping up to be a great weekend as we were there to help the corps band celebrate 120 years of service. Wellington turned on the weather big time, which allowed us to do all events planned.

This was also the start of a new era as Bandmaster Duncan Horton had a new direction on how the band would play and present the weekend. Friday was spent visiting two schools where members of the corps teach. The kids loved it. They got involved when asked and had a great time. Playing the hit song ‘Happy’ also went down a treat.

Saturday started with some more rehearsal, then out into Newtown to play outside the Family Store while corps members handed out free sausages and flyers about that evening’s concert and other activities.

Saturday evening saw the debut of a new NYB concert concept.

Two screens onstage allowed the band to spread a message through video. This included clips of films and words to fit pieces of music, and two video testimonies also hit a chord with the audience.

The response following the concert was positive. People had enjoyed the music and found a connection through the way NYB had presented its material (and people are still asking me where Trent got all the instruments from!).

Sunday morning came and with it the chance to participate in worship with the church. Following the ministry of the band and the message given by the band’s executive officer Graham Medland, there was a great response at the mercy seat.

It’s terrific to see young people sharing in the mission and ministry of brass music. NYB’s next stop is Christchurch City Corps from 1–2 August.

TRIBUTE

Vivienne Hoare A large congregation gathered at the Palmerston North Citadel on 4 June for a service to celebrate the life of Vivienne Hoare who was promoted to Glory on 29 May, having suffered from motor neurone disease for almost four years.

featured nationally as a vocal soloist, tutor and guest conductor. With A.T.C.L. and L.T.C.L. qualifications, Viv had a great time with the 1960s group ‘The Crusadeairs’. She also toured extensively with the National Songsters.

The service was led by Colonels Russell and Doreen Hamilton and, as requested by Viv, the band and songster brigade contributed and Allister Smith sang. Tributes were given by Madeline Fletcher and Aileen O’Keeffe.

Viv always gave thanks to God for the many talents he had gifted her.

During her life, there were many opportunities for her to use those abilities, with countless people blessed by Viv’s music, her influence and by her commitment to use her voice for God.

Brothers John, Winston and Bruce spoke of Viv’s life at home, her career in the insurance industry, and her significant contribution to corps activities. Viv had been a leader in the timbrel brigade, primary, young people’s singing company and had also served as deputy songster leader.

During her retirement years, she became food bank manager, corps receptionist, and was an enthusiastic supporter of the home league.

Viv was well known throughout the territory as an accomplished musician. In addition to having been corps pianist for 38 years, she

At the conclusion of the funeral service, a recording was played of Viv singing ‘Thank you, Lord’, a song she was well known for and with words that always came from her heart. Viv will be missed by many, but the greeting ‘Well done, good and faithful servant—you are now at peace with God’ now rewards Vivienne for her service to God through The Salvation Army and the Palmerston North community.

Winston Hoare

Ben Ross (Percussion)

International Leaders Grapple with Urgent Issues

New Zealanders Lt-Cols Gordon and Susan Daly (Spain and Portugal), Cols Andy and Yvonne Westrupp (Papua New Guinea), Lt-Col Jennifer Groves (Taiwan), Comms Janine and Robert Donaldson (New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga), and Cols Bronwyn and Lyndon Buckingham (Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar).

The Salvation Army’s global leadership team met in Singapore from 19–26 July 2014 for the International Conference of Leaders (ICL), under the direction of General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries). The conference was attended by leaders of The Salvation Army’s 59 territories, commands and regions from around the world, together with commissioners serving on International Headquarters (IHQ) and USA national leaders.

Signalling the importance of transition in leadership and sharing of information, the General invited six incoming leaders scheduled to take up new territorial or command appointments following the ICL. This confirms a commitment to transparency and accountability in leadership, which is a priority for the General.

Ahead of the conference, General Cox said, ‘These are important days during which our discussions will focus on key themes, some having been raised at last year’s pre-High Council conference.

We should not simply sit and listen to the delivery of various presentations, but must grapple with some of the urgent issues facing our Army today.’

Denominational and societal trends and issues considered by the 135 members of this year’s ICL were: adherent membership, leadership development, lifestyle issues, impact measurement, and accountability. General Cox said the conference was ‘an important milestone within an ongoing journey that shall continue into the weeks and months ahead’.

The ICL welcome meeting was live streamed around the world from Singapore Central Corps. The General told those watching the welcome meeting that ‘when we think of the pain and the suffering in the world, when we see how sin has ravaged ... the world needs the gospel now’. It was not enough for Christians to say that they had a ‘wonderful message’ for the world, he said, ‘as Christians, we have to do more than proclaim it, we have to live it! We have to pass the credibility test. Do the things we do match up with the words we say?’

He asked Salvationists to consider how effectively they were reflecting the light of Christ in their families, communities and in the places where they served. ‘The light that is to shine in our lives does not come from us; it comes from the one who calls us,’ said the General. ‘Jesus came into this world to be the Light of the World, but in turn, Jesus says to you and me: you are the light of the world!’

Noticeboard | 17

CALENDAR AUGUST –: Youth Councils / Northern Division : Home League Sunday / Fiji Division : Family Stores Quality Improvement Working Party / Northern Division : Regional Lunch (Auckland West & Auckland North) / Northern Division –: Women’s Camp / Tonga Region –: Children’s Camp / Midland Division : Officers Development Day / Northern Division : Men’s Ministry Sunday / Fiji Division –: Regional Children’s Camps / Fiji Division : Just Action: In Your Backyard / Dunedin : Women’s Night of Prayer / Fiji Division : Just Action: In Your Backyard / Christchurch : Youth & Children’s Training / Tonga Region : Self-Denial Sunday : Blaze Youth Event / Central Division –: Officers Fellowship / Southern Division : Just Action: In Your Backyard / Wellington : Just Action: In Your Backyard / Auckland : Kneedrill Youth Event / Northern Division –: Corps Cadet Camp (East) / Fiji Division –: Thought Matters Conference / Auckland : Safe to Serve Training / Northern Division – Sept: Officers Fellowship / Central Division

International Film Competition The Boundless 2015 international congress in London is hosting the Boundless Film Festival, celebrating Salvation Army film making from around the world.

The Salvation Army has been involved in film making since its inception, and the Boundless Film Festival will recognise the gifts and talents of today’s Salvation Army film makers. Submissions should be based around the congress theme: Boundless—The Whole World Redeeming. Whether it’s a gripping drama, cutting-edge animation or riveting documentary, the International Congress office wants to see the best examples of innovative, high-quality film making.

A panel of judges will select films that best represent the theme, with entries in two age categories: 25 and under, and 26 and over. The best films will be shown on the big screen at The O2’s Cineworld Cinema, where three screens—the largest of which seats 750 people—have been set aside. The new films will be shown alongside a selection of archive footage and recent documentaries.

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)

Creativity and originality are strongly encouraged, with films demonstrating imagination the most likely to be showcased. Films must be no longer than 15 minutes and all entries must be submitted by 30 April 2015. If not in English, the film must be subtitled.

– August: Palmerston North Corps - August: Opening of Mt. Wellington complex  August: Southern Division Review  August: Just Action: In Your Backyard / Dunedin (TPWM)  August: Just Action: In Your Backyard / Christchurch (TPWM)  August: Just Action: In Your Backyard / Wellington (TC)  August: Just Action: In Your Backyard / Auckland (TC)  August: Retirement Service for Cols Graeme and Wynne Reddish

Full details, guidelines and rules, including information about how to submit your films, are on the Boundless Film Festival webpage: www.boundless2015.org/boundless/film_festival

Colonels Graeme (Chief Secretary) and Wynne Reddish (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries)  August: Retirement Service / Johnsonville Corps Crossword Answers: Across: 8 Camera, 9 Articles, 10 Pancakes, 11 Inches, 12 Cinema, 13 Eleventh, 14 Include, 16 Dismiss, 20 Neckline, 23 Cherry, 25 Frowns, 26 Laughing, 27 Measures, 28 Events; Down: 1 Vacation, 2 Rescue, 3 Backward, 4 Marshes, 5 Strike, 6 Icecream, 7 Recent, 15 Likewise, 17 Includes, 18 Strength, 19 Realise, 21 Earned, 22 Insure, 24 Echoed. Quiz Answers: 1 Valerie Adams, 2 Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, 3 12, 4 Rocks, 5 Nathan (1 Samuel & 1 Kings).

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Thames, Timaru, Upper Hutt and Vaini Corps, Valenio Outpost and Vava’u Corps Plant, Fiji Divisional Headquarters, The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea Territory.

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

• Experience the raw energy of God’s power in your life • Take your faith higher and impact your world!

Don’t miss the most significant Men’s Event of 2014! - Register now!

CHRISTCHURCH 22-23 August WELLINGTON 12-13 September La Vida Centre, Upper Riccarton

Lane Park, Upper Hutt

AUCKLAND 3-4 October

Victory Convention Centre, Freemans Bay

18 WarCry 09 August 2014

LEADERSHIP LINKS

How do we build a better world?

There is so much tragedy in our world. In the week that I write these words, the world is reeling after a Malaysian Airlines plane was shot down over Ukraine. In the same week, tensions and violence have escalated in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

How do we build a better world? This is a question that has puzzled humanity for centuries. Many things have been tried.

Some have helped and others have not. Some years ago, Michael Jackson penned this prayer.

Heal the world Make it a better place For you and for me and the entire human race There are people dying If you care enough for the living Make a better place For you and for me We may not be able to change the situation in the world’s war zones—although we must certainly pray for those who are endeavouring to do so—but all of us can change the world where we live. In a recent conversation, I was reminded that each one of us makes a difference by doing one kind act at a time. We can do it by one gift of charity at a time. One shared smile at a time. One uplifting word at a time. We can do it by listening to each other.

We can build a better world with each act of love we share and each good thing we do. These acts don’t need to be complex.

They don’t have to be extraordinary. These acts can be the normal, everyday events, and these acts bring joy to the heart of God. In Ephesians 4:43, we read: ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ We need to be reminded to be kind and compassionate, because we are not born with a natural inclination to do so.

Instead, we grow to become kind people. Kindness needs to be taught and caught and practiced. It needs to be modelled for our young. Frederick William Robertson (1816-1853) said, ‘One act of kindness will teach us more of the love of God than a thousand sermons.’

We express Christian kindness in acts of mercy, compassion and love toward others. Walk through your life with kindness —in doing so you will be doing your bit to make the world a better place. Through simple acts of kindness, you have the capability to show God’s love to a great many people.

Jesus challenges us to live out our purpose not only in the big moments of life, but in the little ones as well. For it is in the small things that we show people the main thing: God’s love. As Jesus reminded us, ‘Whatever you do for the least of these you do to me.’ Just do it!

Commissioner Janine Donaldson Territorial President for Women’s Ministries

It’s Not Just About Goals Lessons from the early church community for today’s Salvation Army.*

BY ROSS WARDLE When it comes to holidays, I have two preferences: 1. More of them (probably not an uncommon preference).

2. Flexibility. Sometimes I like to get in the car and then decide which direction to drive (less common).

That might be okay for holidays, but I think it’s fair to say that having some idea of where you want to go and how you’re going to get there is a good thing. Even Jesus had that. As an organisation, The Salvation Army has put some thought into these things. The upshot is four Territorial Strategic Mission Plan (TSMP) goals and plenty of suggestions about how to reach them.

They are pretty easy to remember: 1. Make Disciples.

2. Increase Soldiers.

3. Fight Injustice.

4. Develop Leaders.

But what we sometimes forget about is the context within which we pursue these goals (and any other Kingdom of God building goals we have. After all, it’s not as if these four are the only possibilities). That context is the church (aka the corps or centre that we are part of).

The church is an interesting thing. It is the place in which God intends his mission to be progressed. It is the Body of Christ—God intends it to be the place where Jesus Christ is present with his creation. It is the community within which God

Mission Matters 19

intends Kingdom of God solutions to be found and offered to broken creation problems. It is also a community of imperfect and frail humans.

If it’s any consolation, we’re not the first collection of imperfection and frailty to have those intentions dropped on us.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’

(John 20:19–22) It may be that the quality of our participation in God’s mission is a bit of a mixed bag—some good bits, some not so good; but we will never be in a worse state than this group of disciples was. That’s good news! If we can rediscover the dynamics that were present post-Jesus (in John chapter 20), we can be all that this little community became.

After all, if the gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t good news for the Church, it won’t be good news for anyone else!

Dynamics for today So, how would you describe ‘this little community’? What dynamics were present after these first disciples were sent by Jesus? What do you think of this list?

1. ‘Jesus came and stood among them.’ The community focused on Christ. You might say, ‘Of course they were focused on Christ, that’s what any church does!’ Maybe. But this little community seemed to know that they were a community —although they weren’t focused on Jesus’ presence, as much as his absence. So, when Jesus came and stood among them everything changed. Once he came and spoke, they were Church. And then they could begin to hear Jesus’ greatest commission: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’

2. ‘The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.’ The community celebrated. The important thing is not the style of the celebration (arguments over types of music are a recent phenomenon and are hard to equal as exercises in missing the point). The important thing was the reason for the celebration: hope. Worship includes a pervasive sense that our current situation is not the end of the story. Hope is a reality

When Jesus came and stood among them everything changed. because of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. People need to receive from the community a sense of authentic hope. God knows how much despair there is in their lives!

3. ‘Peace be with you!’ The community offered peace. This peace is not the peace of ‘peace and quiet’. It is best described by the rich concept of shalom. Here are a few words that would need to be part of any definition of shalom: completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquillity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.

4. ‘Jesus came and stood … The disciples were overjoyed.’ The community is both old and lively. It values and continues good traditions, just as Christ is a continuing reality in human history. It is living and lively, as Christ is living and lively.

There is a name for organisms that have no change: dead. The message of the gospel remains the same. The communication styles don’t. The community is one of both change and continuity. It is alive.

5. ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ The community is missional. It is not missional because of style or relevance (which are both important); it is missional because it is genuinely focused on Christ. See item 1 … and repeat until Jesus comes again.

This is a part-description of what church is, or at the very least, what it is intended to be. Having some idea of where you want to go and how you’re going to get there is a good thing. But goal setting for the church remains largely an academic exercise until the church looks something like this.

*This article draws, in part, from the book Missional God, Missional Church: Hope for Re-Evangelising the West, by Ross Hastings (IVP Academic).

GOD & FAITH

How many times do we have to sing

this chorus? ... And the guitar is out

of tune

I HOPE IT’s not superwine biscuits for morning tea

again ...

I wish i’d just

slept in

Getting the Most out of Church Maybe we just need to get over ourselves and appreciate the blessing that church really is!

BY VANESSA SINGH

Sometimes church can be awesome. You go, everyone is friendly, the music is good, the preacher is onto it, God shows up, people are transformed.

And then sometimes church can be … disappointing. Yes, we said it. Sometimes you go, people don’t talk to you, the music is sloppy or outdated, the preacher is off somewhere in Cloud Cuckoo Land, God seems to have slept in, and people come out more lifeless than when they went in. You leave thinking, ‘Ain’t nobody got time for that!’

But we want to put something out there. It’s pretty revolutionary, out of the box and it may just blow your mind. Perhaps ‘how church is’, says less about your church and more about you. Yes, you!

When we go to church with preconceived ideas and unrealistic expectations, asking what we can get out of it, sometimes things fall short. Church is meant to be a great opportunity to meet with God while meeting with others. So we thought it would be super sweet to explore some ways we can all get ‘more’ out of church.

Be stoked we don’t die when we enter church This may sound extreme, but back in the day, this was a pretty real issue. In Old Testament times, the tabernacle (often a fancy tent) or flash temple could only be entered by a high priest. People could hang around in the outer courts (a bit like the church foyer), but only

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Let’s consider it a massive privilege that we can meet with God! anointed high priests could actually get into the Holy Place.

And if you did manage to sneak in, you could totes die. (Leviticus 16:2 says, ‘The Lord said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die …’)

Along with that threat, there were a whole bunch of rules around who could talk to God, what sacrifices you had to offer, what lamps to have in the temple and so on. Bro, that is some serious business.

It wasn’t until Jesus came to earth and offered himself as a sacrifice for all our sins (thanks, Jesus!) that we all finally had the opportunity to cross into the holy place and have an intimate relationship with Christ.

The veil between the outer courts and the Holy Place in the temple was torn, basically sending a message to us from God, ‘You don’t have to have fancy clothes, be a priest or kill any lambs to get to me—I am freely available for you, all the time, forever.’

So, first off, let’s consider it a massive privilege that we can get into church and actually meet with God!

Go expectant (but lose those expectations!)

The simplest way to never be disappointed is to never have any expectations. Maybe if we went to church with our only expectation being to meet with God, we might leave more satisfied. If we dropped our expectations around structure, length, music, seats and the morning tea spread, we might be able to ignore distractions (including our own attitude) and focus on the sole reason of church (to spur each other on and meet with God).

This is not to say that we let all our standards slip (we should be striving to present our ‘best’ offerings that glorify God in everything we do), but in all these things, we should never let the actual offering of our various contributions overcome the reason for the offering, which is our worshipping the amazingness of God. Even before you leave home on Sunday, ask

God to meet with you at church. Actually, ask him to meet with everyone that enters your building. Ask God to block out the distractions and to accept your offerings of praise and worship. He won’t disappoint you.

View worship as choir practice for Heaven A super-clever guy, A.W. Tozer, puts it simply: ‘Every glimpse that is given us of Heaven and of God’s created beings is always a glimpse of worship and rejoicing and praise because God is who he is … I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.’

Woof, big call! Now, I don’t think Tozer is suggesting if you get bored during the fifth Hillsong song in a row or you don’t appreciate brass bands, you’re not ready (or good enough or cool enough) for Heaven. It’s not about music style!

I think what Tozer does mean, is that if you can’t get into worshipping God here on Earth, then surely you would struggle with the haps in Heaven. Of course, worshipping God isn’t all about the songs—worship is showing adoration to God in whatever way he has created you to do, so I’m pretty sure that as well as singing, we’ll also be creating, running, jumping, talking and laughing lots in Heaven. Whatever you love to do, you can bring that to the way you worship at church.

Take time to meditate on the character and goodness of who God really is, and hopefully soon, you’ll have a desire to worship God big time. You’ll forget about the genre of the music or the person next to you, and just go hard out. Like we will with the angels.

Do your thang The saying goes, ‘if you don’t like something, do something about it.’ And it’s the same with church—if you think the music could be better, offer your musicianship and not your criticism. If you think your church needs to focus on prayer more, offer to run a prayer meeting. If you feel people aren’t friendly enough, put yourself out there—join the welcome team or make an effort to speak to others.

Church isn’t all about what you can get out of it; it’s more about what you can do to help build yourself and others up. In Corinthians, Paul explains that the church is like a body made up of many parts and that we need each part to do their thang to function properly (see 1 Corinthians 12). Remember

that and consider what you could do to make church more awesome.

So, if you do love everything about your church, tell people! Tell people who don’t go to church and invite them to join the party.

And encourage people in their ministries, and thank them for their contribution.

Encouragement makes everyone feel awesome and will lift your church even more!

Encourage unity A church is simply a group of people that have a common desire: to meet with and grow deeper with God. The problematic part is connected to this: church is a bunch of people.

People can be happy or cranky, helpful or discouraging, positive or negative. Some people like one thing, others prefer a different thing. You can’t and won’t please everyone.

It’s that simple.

A church functions well when it realises it’s a group of people with different strengths, weaknesses, tastes, passions and backgrounds … and acknowledges and celebrates that! When you accept those differences and interact together with a heap of love and grace, a lot of our ups and downs are easier to work through. God wants us to come together in unity, to lift each other up and work together to glorify him.

Church is way more enjoyable when you’re all getting along and working toward the same thing. So do whatever you can to help that happen!

Realise it’s not all about Sunday Sure, your church may not be the best it could be, or it may be everything you need and want, but church isn’t just about Sunday.

God can meet with us anywhere, at any time.

We need to all be pursuing God in our own time and giving him more than one or two hours on a Sunday morning. Church is just one aspect of our faith journey. We need to be ensuring that we’re nurturing a vibrant faith in and outside our church walls.

So, make it a habit to hang out with God in your own time. Worship on your lunch break or on the bus, get into the Word, keep chatting with God, and walk in step with the Spirit. If you’re in constant step and communication with your Creator, he’ll follow you into church each Sunday too. That simple.

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EVENTS | 22

Passionate Leadership From – July, youth and children’s leaders from all over New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga got together at Willow Park Camp in Auckland.

This year’s Territorial Youth and Children’s Ministries Conference (TYCMC) had a dual purpose: to encourage the ‘Passionate Leadership’ inspired by Romans 12:8 (‘the leader should lead with passion’) and to expose our leaders to a Pasifika worldview, since Pacific Islanders are a valued part of Salvation Army congregations. The second purpose was helped by being based in Auckland, which has the largest population of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand.

Almost 160 youth and children’s leaders attended the conference, which meant it was a great time to build relationships and be inspired by stories of different ministries.

There were three keynotes speakers.

Ronji Taneilu (a Social Policy Advisor at The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit) presented a brilliant and challenging keynote address exploring the relationship between information (where do you get you information from?), agitation (what stirs your heart?) and action (what are you going to do about it?).

Merrilyn Withers, a prominent Baptist youth ministries leader, spoke about longevity in ministry—and with 33 years of youth ministry experience, she knew her stuff ! And last, but not least, Aaron Ironside delivered an entertaining message on ‘The Joy of the Lord is your strength’, asking us to think about ‘the joy killers and joy bringers’ in ministry.’

Just listen! We have something to say and contribute to the movement, we just need you to hear us.

Over the weekend, delegates chose three informative and practical workshops to attend. They also spent time networking in divisional groups to discuss passions and struggles, consider issues, share stories and gather knowledge in specific areas.

some very graceful ladies. Unfortunately, some less than graceful guys also joined in, but it was all a lot of fun! This session came to a close with some stories and testimonies from a few of our Pacific people. It was an amazing time, and if there was one message our Pacific People would like to send, it would be: ‘Just listen! We have something to say and contribute to the movement, we just need you to hear us.’

One of the conference highlights was the ‘island experience’, facilitated by Christina Fa’avae and her great team from Waitakere Corps. This started with lunch, where officers were seated at special tables and served their meals, while the rest of us waited and then had to serve ourselves. This exercise gave us a glimpse into one of the formal aspects of Pacific culture and taught us the importance of respecting our elders and leaders.

After lunch, and with most of us dressed in lavalavas, we learnt more about Pacific culture through dances performed by

Joining together created space to bond, share ideas and form partnerships to develop stronger and more wide-reaching ministries.

This year’s conference was another great time of teaching, networking and refreshment, and it certainly encouraged our leaders to lead with passion!

MANDATORY FUN

Parody

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic

Mandatory Fun is a little fun, and a little irritating —the key to Weird Al’s continuing success as a parody artist and comedian. It’s a badge of honour to have Weird Al flip a song into a twisted pastiche of puns, parody and polka, and his latest selections are an accurate reflection of 2014’s pop landscape.

Whether it’s ‘Foil’ espousing the many uses of tinfoil, ‘Tacky’ lambasting the subject’s disastrous wardrobe, or ‘Word Crimes’ taking on the terrifying use of grammar on the internet, Weird Al’s wit is sharp. Mandatory Fun is a great snapshot of the 2014 pop scene.

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

BY KARL MILLINGTON

LOWBORN

Alt Rock

Anberlin

Lowborn is Anberlin’s seventh and final studio album, after deciding to call it quits in early 2014. It’s not the most dramatic send-off, but Lowborn is a decent, eclectic alternative rock record with a strong modern vibe. Lead single ‘Stranger Ways’ embodies these influences with its dark muted synths. There are hints of the band’s former heaviness in the choruses of ‘Hearing Voices’, while ‘Atonement’ takes cues from 2005’s Never Take Friendship Personal. There’s a stylistic push and pull in Lowborn, though it never interferes with the honest, creative spirit.

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

Fun4Kids Fun4Kids | 2 | 2

MATCH HOW MANY THE FLIPPERS CIRCLES ARE AND INSIDE FIND THE THE ODD SQUARE? ONE OUT

Why did the teacher jump into the pool?

She wanted to test the water.

WHERE DOES EACH WATERSLIDE END? Why do you keep doing backstroke?

Because I’ve just had lunch and don’t want to swim on a full stomach.

What kind of fish can’t swim?

A dead one.

In which direction does a chicken swim?

Cluck-wise!

Answer: 1=C, 2=A,3=E, =B, =D.

LEVI SWIMS FOR BIBLES Inspired by what he has been learning at junior soldiers, nine-year-old Levi Overbye swam more than 2kms (80 laps of his local pool!) to raise $360 for Bible Society New Zealand.

Levi says, ‘I’ve been learning that kids all around the world don’t have the privileges in life that I do. I realise I have a lot to be thankful for.’ Levi reads his own Bible twice a week and decided to use his talents help kids around the world have Bibles of their own. He wants the money he raised to be used to buy Bibles for children in China.

Levi’s coach decided to push him from the original 1.5 km goal to see if Levi could make the extra 20 laps to 2kms! ‘I felt sick and dizzy when I got out of the pool but I struggled for people who are struggling more.’

Levi, who trains twice weekly, said his family, his Salvation Army church and friends were really supportive of his Bible fundraising venture. Proud mum Kylie, a cadet at Booth College of Mission with Levi’s dad, Ralph, says, ‘It’s a wonderful feeling to see Levi grow and make some really good choices in life. I feel truly blessed to have children who love God!’ Kylie says that when they talked about using a talent Levi had to help people around the world less fortunate than him, Levi didn’t think he had much to offer. But once he realised something he loves like swimming had the potential to make a difference, the challenge was on!

‘God will use us for great things no matter how old or young we are, or how insignificant we think we may be!’ says Kylie.

Bible Society CEO Francis Burdett presents Levi with a special study Bible and a unique waterproof New Testament to thank him for his efforts.

General William Booth launched the first Self Denial Appeal in 1886.

Since 1969 Salvationists have been challenged to give one week’s salary to support the appeal. Please give generously.