9 July 2020 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 09 JULY 2020 | Issue 6746 | $1.50

From Strength to Strength in Samoa

Marvelous Matariki

Aspire’s Successful Year ‘Fan’ Does Not Always Mean Fanatic Identifying Toxic Friendships

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS William

& Catherine Booth

The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission.

EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major

Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,

PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone

(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT www.makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset

is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

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The Privilege of Prayer This July, we have entered into a time of prayer for our nation. The themes are: ‘This World Needs You’, ‘Be Salt and Light’ and ‘Position Yourself in Prayerful Expectancy’. These themes are not only for us to think about, but they require action on our part. In other words, this world needs me, so I will pray, I will expect God to hear my prayer and then I will be the answer to my prayer in this nation.

We all have our part to play, we can all hear God’s voice and bring that heavenly wisdom to our families, our communities and our nation. You don’t need to wait, all God needs is for you to pray, listen, speak and do—right where you are.

In this edition of War Cry, we have the final installment of the series, Heavy Metal. We learn about the sword of the Spirit and how we partner with God in defending our corner of the world. How wonderful that we are not left alone to fight our battles, but God equips us with his word to strike at the heart of any threat to ourselves and our loved ones.

Jesus says, ‘My sheep hear my voice…’ this is not an optional extra, it is an imperative. Jesus did not say a few of you may or may not at times hear my voice— no, ‘my sheep hear my voice’. The more you are in the word, the more you pray, the more you will discern the voice of your saviour and the more you will impact your world. This world needs you!

Vivienne Hill Editor

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

Publishing for 136 years | Issue 6746 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

www.salvationarmy.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS @SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts

2 WarCry 09 JULY 2020

I have learned to kiss the rock that throws me against the Rock of Ages.

Charles Spurgeon

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Roma 12:12 Kia hari i runga i te tūmanako; kia manawanui ki te whakapāwera; kia ū ki te īnoi.

W

hen my family and I lived in Auckland, we belonged to a wonderful home group. One of the members of the home group owned a boat, and in the summer we would all trek up north of Auckland and enjoy a long weekend on the Waitematā Harbour.

One particular year, we were boating off the coast of Snell’s Beach with our families. The children were towed behind the boat in inflatables and we swam and enjoyed fellowship and fun. Dusk fell and I decided I would like to try some fishing.

A friend and I sat on the transom of the boat, legs dangling in the water, rods baited and lowered as we sat chatting. It was an idyllic evening: the sun setting, the children lolling in inflatables and the ocean calm and still … paradise…

My friend’s fishing rod jolted, she excitedly pulled back on the rod and started to reel in her prospective catch. We could see into the clear, still water that a good-sized snapper was at the end of the hook. I grabbed a net and prepared to help move the fish from the water into the boat, when all of a sudden, a huge mako shark grabbed the fish and line, jumped up out of the water in front of us, twisted its powerful body and dove back down into the deep water. My friend let go of the rod, and I screamed: ‘Get the kids out of the water—Shark! Shark!’

We pulled on the ropes of the inflatables and the children clambered on board. We were all

shaking. It was not just that it was a shark, it was that the shark was huge, powerful and menacing as it jumped out of what appeared to be a still, calm and peaceful setting.

Over the years, I have often reflected on the spiritual application of this event. The enemy of our souls lies in wait in the shadows and, when we least expect it, he jumps out, steals our provision, terrorises our families and destroys our peace. It is so typically demonic, and we have all experienced these acts of terrorism.

Throughout the Bible, we see the supreme power of our God against the elements—the winds, waves and the creatures of the sea: the children of Israel passing through a sea as the waves stack up either side; the whale who swallowed and released Jonah; the God who promises in Isaiah to punish the sea creature leviathan.

We see this same rescuing power reflected in the ministry of Jesus as he commands the winds and waves, calls the fish to come into the nets of his disciples, and masterfully overcomes the terrorist of all terrorists in the lives of those who accept him as Lord and Saviour.

We may not be immune to sudden attack, but we do have a mighty and powerful saviour who will fight for us. He is faithful, he is to be trusted and he is ‘mighty to save’!

BY VIVIENNE HILL

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QUIKQUIZ

1 How many points is the letter K worth in Scrabble?

2 In what order do the colours of the Olympic rings appear?

3 What year was the Sony Playstation first released?

Roasted Potatoes with Crispy Herbs 1kg roasting potatoes 1 Tbsp salt, plus extra to season ¼ cup olive oil 2 Tbsp fresh thyme 2 Tbsp sage leaves 2 Tbsp Italian parsley ½ cup—1 cup sunflower oil

Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Fill a large saucepan with water and salt, then boil potatoes. Drain and allow potatoes to cool enough to handle.

Using your palm, squash each potato until sides crack and they flatten a little.

Arrange them on the baking tray.

Season well with salt and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.

Martin Luther

4 What has more bones, the human hand or human foot?

5 According to Psalm 5, what is like an open sepulchre?

Answers on page 22

Meanwhile, to fry the herbs, in a small saucepan heat the sunflower oil.

Carefully add herbs to the oil and fry until crispy.

Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.

Using a paper towel, pat dry and season with salt. Set aside until required.

Serve potatoes, topped with the crispy fried herbs.

Tip: After frying herbs, keep them in an airtight container. The potatoes can be cooked a day before and reheated for 12–15 minutes at 200°C (180°C fanforced) before serving.

Source: countdown.com

TOPFIVE

This year 2020 is flying by and it’s already winter. Here are five ways to say ‘winter’ around the world.

5. Vinter—Danish/Swedish/Norwegian 4. Zima—Polish 3. Musim dingin—Indonesian 2. I nverno—Italian 1. Ho’oilo—Hawaiian 4 WarCry 09 JULY 2020

Thriller The Nest (R16, offensive language) Written by Nicole Taylor, Directed by Andy De Emmony What does family mean to you? And how far would you go to ensure you get to be part of one? In this nail-biting, consciencestirring Scottish thriller, each of the key characters is seeking the comfort and completion of family. For thirty-something couple Dan and Emily their unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child through IVF results in 18-year-old Kaya literally crashing into their lives and offering to be their surrogate. But Kaya is hiding a dark secret. Turns out she’s not the only one. The morality of buying a baby and building an empire from drugmoney sits alongside the more poignant themes of release from the shackles of the past, self-acceptance in the present, and the promise of loving and being loved in the future. An excellent watch. (Reviewed by Jules Badger)

WARCRY INHISTORY

This winter, we’re looking back on this icy front cover from the April 23, 1910 War Cry. The photo in the centre is of Mount Ruapehu and was taken at the Young People’s Picnic at Rangataua Pass.

Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Ploughman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission

‘Count On Me’: Online Intergenerational Service Encourages Territory On June 14, the same Sunday as many corps reconnected in person, a special intergenerational service was broadcast via SalvationOnline.

The theme of the service was ‘Count on Me’, and it involved people of all ages from around the territory—including an appearance from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

It included worship and sharing short testimonies, Bible readings and story time.

‘It was about people,’ reports Territorial Children’s Mission Secretary Major Debbie Clark. ‘We are really thankful to be given the opportunity to put this together and hope other people were blessed by it. It was an absolute team effort by all the divisions.’

Divisional Children’s Secretary (Southern) Major David Moody shared the message about how Jesus’ encouragement, which lives in each of us, spurs us on to lift up others.

‘It’s so good to receive and too good not to pass on,’ he said.

Debbie hopes that the service demonstrated the importance of intergenerational mission going forward. ‘“Intergenerational” isn’t providing programmes in each part of your building; it’s actually about what you do together,’ she explains. ‘That’s really important—not making our kids have to sit through things before they go out, but that they’re actually engaged and involved.’

Watch the service online | salvationonline.org.nz or Facebook.

SALLIEOF THEWEEK

Sheila Moreton (Linwood Corps) Sheila Moreton is the volunteer Foodbank coordinator for Linwood Corps.

She works four days each week sorting donations, adding extras to food parcels and meeting the clients when they come in to pick up their food.

Sheila always finds time to make cups of tea and coffee for all the staff—knowing exactly how everyone takes theirs. On Friday nights, she helps to run junior soldiers and somehow comes up with interesting extras to add to the lessons.

She also oversees morning tea on Sunday mornings, making sure that everything is set up for whomever is serving.

Major Lynne Medland says that, ‘Sheila is willing to help anywhere, with anything. She thinks of the little things that so often the rest of us overlook’.

And that’s why Sheila is our Sallie of the Week!

Weird of the Week: The ‘League of Extraordinary Communities’ is made of three sister cities: Boring, Oregon; Dull, Scotland; and Bland Shire, Australia.

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T

he night sky has provided humankind with a detailed directional map, since before a star led the Magi to the birthplace of Christ.

Ancient mariners traversed oceans guided by signposts studded into the darkness. Our ancestors planted and harvested according to the clock and calendar in the sky. The revolution of the sun around the earth and the phases of the moon altered the night sky’s appearance, heralding the coming and going of the seasons, migration of fish and birds, and other cycles of birth, life and death.

It’s little wonder ancient Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Vikings, Celts, Arabians, Japanese, Hindus and Polynesians (to name just a handful of people groups) worshipped the celestial objects of the skies as gods. They could never have imagined a life not governed by the wisdom contained in the stars. In our twenty-first century world of artificial light and digital time keeping, looking up is more novelty than necessity.

For those who choose to look up anyway, there’s much to see and celebrate.

Here in Aotearoa, the rising of the star cluster known as Matariki (the Pleiades of the South Pacific) on the darkest night of the year, heralds the dawn of the Māori New Year. Matariki is visible for most of the year, but sets in the west for a month in early evening during May and periodically in early June, rising again in the predawn sky of June or July.

Ana, I te atapō tonu ka rewa ake a Matariki Ka kite mai, ā koirā te tohu o te tau hou.

Therefore, in the early morning when Matariki is Seen rising, this is the sign of the new year.

Bringing light and life Matariki celebrations are becoming more widespread across New Zealand. Māori Ministry in the Northern Division has embraced Matariki as an important time for reflection, remembrance and consideration of future aspirations. But what is Matariki? And how can celebrating Matariki ‘bring life’ to Māori within The Salvation Army?

BY JULES BADGER

Māori Ministry Kaiawhina Irene Farnham explains how Te Ope Whakaora celebrations of Matariki in the Northern Division over recent years have been a source of immense pride for participants.

‘Matariki is a uniquely Māori celebration. Acknowledging it and celebrating the Māori New Year within The Salvation Army says to Māori that The Salvation Army values Māori culture. It enhances further that sense of belonging to Te Ope Whakaora—the Army that brings life—for Māori, by creating a sense of comfort about identifying as Māori within The Salvation Army.

‘I could see the pride on the faces of those who did the mahi (work) to hold celebrations in Auckland. For Māori across a variety of services within The Salvation Army who are connecting with Māori Ministry, Matariki is a great way to come together and celebrate being Māori. It’s a tangible way of ‘bringing life’ for Māori engaging with Te Ope Whakaora.’

Irene’s words are echoed by Dr Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe), author of Matariki— The Star of the Year, who affirms that Matariki (or Pleiades) is recognised and celebrated as ‘a symbol of cultural identity for communities, tribes and nations across the globe’.

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Dr Rangi explains that traditionally Matariki ‘signalled the changing of the year, and its pre-dawn rising heralded in a period of remembrance, reflection, hope, preparation and celebration for Māori’.

For Māori Ministry in the Northern Division, Dr Rangi’s description encapsulates how Matariki is being celebrated.

‘Celebrating Matariki in The Salvation Army has been about acknowledging the Māori New Year and engaging with what that represents,’ explains Irene.

‘Matariki gives us an intentional time for reflection as we look back on what the previous year has held for us. What successes can we celebrate? Relationships are so important to us as Māori Ministry, so we ask what new relationships have been built? People come to Māori Ministry through a variety of Salvation Army services, so we acknowledge how far people have come in their various individual journeys. We think about the relationships Māori Ministry have been able to build across the board.’

IT’S WORTH NOTING THAT IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE THE BIRTH OF JESUS IS CELEBRATED AT THE EXACT SAME POINT ON THE LUNAR CALENDAR AS MATARIKI. The National Māori Ministry Strategic Plan—Te Ōhākī— consists of four goals for The Salvation Army to work collectively toward. Captain Hana Seddon explains that, ‘Matariki and the Māori New Year offer us the opportunity to take some time and look at how we are tracking with these goals—celebrating our progress and renewing our strength to go further!’

Irene also explains that ‘a very special part of Matariki is acknowledging those who have passed on. We think about those who may have died, but also those who aren’t part of what we are doing anymore. Some have moved onto other places of mahi. We allow space to acknowledge those relationships and reflect on how important people really are’.

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Matariki—past and present Like many ancient civilisations, astronomy was an essential means of measuring time and seasons for Māori. It’s important to note and understand that maramataka Māori (the Māori lunar calendar) governs the Māori seasons and year. Dr Rangi observes that ‘the Western calendar and Māori maramataka are different, and that the Matariki period should not be aligned with a non-Māori system of time.’

Dr Rangi explains that, ‘Māori astronomy experts, tohunga kōkōrangi, would observe the sky from sunset to sunrise, noting the appearance of the stars … This detailed knowledge was taught to a select few via whare kōkōrangi, or the Māori astronomical house of learning. It was within the confines of these institutions that students were taught the names of hundreds of stars and constellations, their meanings, their signs and their connection to the activities of man on the earth.’

However, like many cultural practices, Matariki was significantly affected by colonisation. Early Pākehā ethnologists and historians recognised what was being lost and endeavoured to capture and record Māori star lore at the turn of the nineteenth century. Dr Rangi summarises this attempt.

‘When the first European settlers arrived in Aotearoa in the late 1700s and early 1800s, they were astounded by the large amount of astronomical knowledge maintained by Māori. It was widely recognised that Māori knew much more about the night sky than their European counterparts, and their ability to observe distant nebular and other objects with their naked eye was unequalled.’

However, the arrival of Europeans with their Gregorian solar calendar did not easily align with the Māori system of time. Readers of New Zealand author Eleanor Catton’s award winning novel The Luminaries (now a television series available at TVNZ On Demand) may be able to appreciate something of the impact of this clash of astronomical thinking. Sadly, by the middle of the twentieth century, adherence to Matariki was virtually non-existent.

Rangi notes that fortunately some aspects of the practice of Matariki were incorporated within Māori religious movements— like the Ringatū faith—but it wasn’t until the early 1990s when a movement was established to revitalise Matariki.

‘Matariki underwent a revival, spearheaded by interested Māori groups and iwi such as Ngāti Kahungunu in the Hawke’s Bay. A new celebration was then founded in Wellington and hosted by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa,

‘MATARIKI GIVES US AN INTENTIONAL TIME FOR REFLECTION AS WE LOOK BACK ON WHAT THE PREVIOUS YEAR HAS HELD FOR US.’ which included a number of high-profile events with public lectures, cultural performances and the viewing of Matariki in the predawn sky. This in turn ignited widespread interest in this celebration, and since that time, Matariki has become part of the national conscience.’

In 2020, the Māori New Year is celebrated in various ways across the country and continues to grow as understanding of its significance is reclaimed. In the Northern Division, Māori Ministry has embraced Matariki celebrations, but Covid-19 has affected planning and possibilities for 2020. In recent years, the coming together of Māori under the banner of Te Ope Whakaora to celebrate Matariki has gathered momentum.

Rangi acknowledges that Matariki ‘has different meanings for different people’, but suggests that ‘in a new age it has become a marker, not only of culture but also of national identity’.

Matariki—light from the darkness The Matariki star cluster is of course mentioned three times in the Bible—twice in the book of Job, and again in Amos 5:8: He who made the Pleiades and Orion And changes deep darkness into morning, Who also darkens day into night, …The Lord is His name.

It’s worth noting that in the Northern Hemisphere the birth of Jesus is celebrated at the exact same point on the lunar calendar as Matariki. Our geographical location at the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere means that we miss the deep symbolism of Christmas being celebrated at winter solstice— with the light coming out of the darkness—because we celebrate in the height and heat of summer. Matariki provides an invitation for Karaitiana (Christian) Māori to bring Ihu Karaiti (Jesus Christ) to the forefront of celebrations.

As Dr Rangi concludes: ‘Matariki is more than a cluster of stars that marks that changing of the season and the winter solstice. It is more than an environmental indicator that

predicts the new season’s growth, and it’s more than a symbol of unity, togetherness and hope. Matariki is greater than its connection to new life and its remembrance of the deceased.

Matariki transcends boundary, religion, political agenda, and even race … These stars served a purpose for the ancestors of the Māori, and in this modern society they have been revived, taking on new meaning for a new generation. Perhaps the future of Matariki is best portrayed in the following proverb— Matariki ki tua o ngā whetū: Matariki of endless possibilities’.

Territorial Māori Ministry Goals Goal 1: Te tikanga o te hāhi—Being church together How do systems, policies, procedures and people reflect an intention to support tangata whenua to live out their Christian faith as Māori?

Goal 2: Kia rarangatia te tira—Leadership How do our development plans (at a local, divisional and national level) make a greater investment in Salvation Army Māori leadership, to intentionally develop Māori leaders?

Goal 3: Whakawhanaungatanga—Relationships How do our operational models foster and implement a culture of whakawhanaungatanga, to develop an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for Māori and all people?

Goal 4: Kia rere iho te whakawā—Justice How do our (personal and organisational) responses to the on-going social injustices of poverty that impacts Māori, show commitment to reducing inequalities for Māori?

09 JULY 2020 WarCry 9

Weeding out Toxic Friendships Are you worried that one of your friendships is starting to rub off on you, and not in a good way?

We all want to be supportive friends, which is why it can be hard to acknowledge that a friendship is more draining than it is fulfilling.

Here are eight types of ‘friends’ to watch out for. You might recognise one of them, and not just in your own friendship circle; they could be close to a friend or family member or, frankly, it may be you.

1. The Flaky Friend. This person strings you along, making plans with you only to cancel them when something better comes up. They expect you to be around for them, but do not do the same for you.

2. The Overbearing Friend. This friend wants you to drop everything to help them whenever they ask. They do not understand the concept of boundaries and you feel guilty telling them ‘no’.

3. The Over-Dramatic Friend. These people are consumed with interest in their own lives. You become their personal problem solver, but they rarely or never ask about you.

4. The Negative Friend. They never stop complaining, have a barrage of negative opinions and sometimes direct their fire onto you.

5. The Gossipy Friend. It is easy to feel close to these people, bonding over sharing secrets and the latest goss, but it will not take long for criticism of others to lead to criticising each other.

MAKE TIME FOR YOUR MATES. NEVER BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT FOR HELP, BUT DO NOT ASK TOO MUCH OF THEM.

6. The Critical Friend. They begin with snide comments about you, passing them off as jokes, but then it escalates into cutting you down to make themselves feel better. They disguise their cruelty as ‘looking out for you’, which gives them an excuse for why they act as they do.

7. The Dangerous Friend. Seemingly adventurous, these rebellious types can put you in unsafe or illegal territory and pressure you into doing things you are not comfortable with.

8. The Lazy Friend. No matter how many times you reach out, they do not commit to plans, or drop out at the last minute.

But be careful this friend is not withdrawing due to mental health issues or grief, in which case you should absolutely stick around. A lazy friend, in contrast, is simply not willing to put any effort into sustaining a friendship.

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If any of these are ringing alarm bells, then it could be time to pursue new friendships, as scary as that can be. Make a conscious effort to be the opposite of these types of ‘friends’, and you will have the best chance of forming genuine relationships.

Make time for your mates. Never be afraid to reach out for help, but do not ask too much of them. Tell your friends what is going on in your life, then listen to them. Bring light to your conversations. Try not to gossip. Talk about what you love rather than what you hate.

Find things you both enjoy and do them together. Above all, be there for each other. If you care about the connection, build it on a strong, healthy foundation.

Source: verywellfamily.com

TESTIFY! Fiona Muncaster from Dannevirke Corps shares with us her journey to faith and her ongoing commitment to teaching children.

I grew up in Hastings. I went to Sunday school, and was aware of God through my younger years. But when I had my daughter, my eyes were opened to a deeper awareness of God. It was like a spiritual awakening.

I was working part-time at the Apple and Pear Board when I became pregnant, and began life as a solo mum.

When my daughter was three, I had the chance to train as an early childhood teacher. I began training through Massey University in 1996 and taught for 20 years as an early childhood teacher. Fifteen of those years were in a Christian centre, which was such a privilege and a real stepping-stone for my faith.

I started going to The Salvation Army with my sister and brother-in-law.

They’d been taking my daughter there, and eventually I decided to tag along.

In time, I was invited to do soldiership classes. I really wanted to be part of something—to belong somewhere.

Out of that decision to be enrolled, my faith began to deepen. I had a sense of Jesus in my life, and faith really started to make sense. I believe God honoured my decision to commit myself to him as a soldier of The Salvation Army by revealing more of himself to me.

Raising my daughter on my own was a big challenge. It was the little things.

I couldn’t afford to buy a flute, let alone pay for lessons she wanted. So, we prayed about it. Soon afterwards, one of the ladies at The Salvation Army explained that her daughter was off at university and her flute was just sitting under the bed! My daughter was able to have lessons through one of the other kids at school whose mother was a flute teacher. That was God’s provision—

I THINK, FOR ME, PRAYING FOR ANOTHER PERSON IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THING THAT YOU COULD EVER DO FOR SOMEONE. AS A MOTHER AND A TEACHER, PRAYER IS HOLDING PEOPLE IN YOUR HEART. when you’ve only got so much money, it’s heart-breaking to not be able to provide in that way. But God knew and he took care of it. There were other hard things but watching how God worked it out was amazing.

In 2003, I had been praying for a husband. I was 42 then, and I’d been on my own for 13 years. When David walked through the door of the church, I knew he was the one! He’d been living in Tasmania and felt he needed to return to New Zealand. That’s got to be God! We were married a year later in 2004, and we’ve been together for 16 years. When David retired in 2016, we moved to Dannevirke and now both attend the corps there together.

I’ve been teaching junior soldiers for about 15 years off and on—it keeps coming back to me! During lockdown,

classes stopped, and I realised how many kids I’d taught over the years—scary really! But amazing—such a privilege.

I think, for me, praying for another person is the most significant thing that you could ever do for someone.

As a mother and a teacher, prayer is holding people in your heart. I quite often wake up with someone’s name on my mind—intercession is a special part of my faith experience.

Jeremiah 29:11 has been a very significant verse over the years. No matter what’s happening around you, God has a plan and it’s a good plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.

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People are quick to judge passionate fans as obsessive, but is this always accurate?

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

From Beatlemania to the Marvel film franchise phenomenon, the way audiences go gaga for musicians, blockbuster films and book series is nothing new. Even though what was once maligned as ‘geek culture’ has found its place amongst mainstream audiences, fans are still stigmatised by outsiders looking in as over-the-top, frenzied and obsessive. After all, everyone has heard the stories of enamoured fans taking it too far. But is this always the case? Is there a more positive way we can respond to fandom?

What is Fandom?

Compare these dictionary definitions: • Fandom—the fans of a particular person, team, fictional series, etc, regarded collectively as a community or subculture; or, the state or condition of being a fan of someone or something.

• Obsess—to preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually and to a troubling extent; or, be constantly talking or worrying about something.

Can you spot the differences? Fandom is, by definition, a positive thing; a community of people who are excited about something and share it together. In comparison, obsession is allconsuming, and leads to a negative impact on not

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just you but, inevitably, those around you as well. ‘…We don’t have a word for healthy fandom, and so we struggle with that idea as a culture’–Sarah Sloat

Is Fandom Okay?

The Ten Commandments are clear that we should only worship the one, true God. ‘You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below’ (Exodus 20:3–4).

However, our God is creative; you only have to look at nature to see this. He made us with unique talents and interests, and he wants us to engage with them. Music, films, novels … these are passions he gave us in which to express ourselves.

Psychologists have found that fandom members (particularly teenagers) are generally happier; they have a strong sense of belonging, and many display strong critical thinking skills due to the hours they spend analysing, engaging with and creating content. As they discover and develop their identity amongst a community of like-minded people, they boost their self-esteem and confidence.

However, if your chosen fandom becomes a religion, and you begin to idolise the object of your shared affection, then it becomes a problem.

Warning Signs Fandoms bond over an intense degree of engagement—often exceeding the length of the original content—expressed through activities like live tweeting, cosplay (dressing up as a film, book or

game character) and fan-produced content (e.g. fan fiction, podcasts, websites, cover recordings, etc).

They invest their time, finances and emotions, which can lead to genuine grief when the band breaks up, the season finishes or they turn the final page. These artists or characters are like family to them.

Because of this commitment, it can be difficult to distinguish the obsessed fans whose devotion can put both celebrities and fellow fans at risk.

Authors have received death threats when fans don’t like the way the series ends. Celebrities have had their online accounts hacked and stalked. In tragic cases, people have been stabbed, bullied and hurt by hysterical fans. Their devotion can even turn fatal; in 2016, singer Christina Grimmie was shot by an infatuated admirer at a meet-and-greet.

While a healthy fandom community provides a sense of belonging, on the flipside, obsessed fandom members can mobilise into a mob when they feel provoked, and jealousy becomes rife when they do not feel they are being properly recognised for their level of commitment.

‘…WE DON’T HAVE A WORD FOR HEALTHY FANDOM, AND SO WE STRUGGLE WITH THAT IDEA AS A CULTURE.’ It is important for others to try not to dismiss genuine, passionate interest as a useless pastime.

To generalise all fandom as obsession can damage the self-esteem of those who need it as an outlet the most. Fans are enthusiastic, and that’s okay.

In fact, it’s great. God has blessed people with gifts that have the power to move us emotionally and unite us. We can, and should, celebrate those gifts, but we shouldn’t worship them. It is up to you to discern when fandom morphs into something unhealthy and know when to step back.

Sources: teenvogue.com, vice.com, dictionary.com, Lexico— Oxford University Press.

Fandom Culture There is a healthy way to be a fan; there is no such thing as a healthy obsession (even if it does not manifest into bullying or violence). Belonging to a fandom is reported to lead to positive mental health, whereas there is a strong link between obsession and depression. Engaging with art and culture is part of being human. Obsession, and putting someone or something before God, is a sin.

You do not need to be cynical about joining a fandom, but it is important to know how to protect yourself (particularly online) and not place all of your self-worth within it. In an article for Vice, writers Daisy Jones and Alexandra Pollard say ‘… fandoms aren’t necessarily just about having a joint love of one particular artist. They’re also about having a support network of people who are just like you, and a vessel in which to channel your energy and enthusiasm’. However, they warn that when you build your identity around a fandom—like any other obsession—you risk having little or nothing left if you decide to leave it behind one day, whether that is because your interest wanes or because those people are making you feel bad rather than good.

Ask Yourself …

Am I being a fan in a mentally and physically healthy way? For example, does keeping up with this fandom cause me to stress, ignore responsibilities or lose sleep?

Does the time I spend engaging with this fandom leave me feeling drained, or fulfilled?

When I interact with other fans (particularly online), am I staying safe and enriching the lives of the people I speak with? Or do I become angry, violent or jealous?

Is it important to me to be recognised as the biggest fan? Why? Does this person/book/series, etc, send a good message, reflect good morals and/or align with my beliefs?

How much of my self-worth do I place in my identity as a fan? What else do I value about myself?

09 JULY 2020 WarCry 13

God at Work in Samoa

BY LT-COLONEL ROD CAREY

Lt-Colonel Rod Carey (right) with the Samoa team, Colonel Suzanne Fincham (second from left) and new soldier enrolments.

On our first visit to Samoa in 2017 to check out the potential for launching The Salvation Army, Jenny and I noticed a large stone monument with the words, ‘Fa’avae I Le Atua Samoa: Samoa is founded on God’. This is the inscription on the Samoan Coat of Arms. It is a constant reminder to every Samoan that God is first and foremost in the nation. This motto is not only true for Samoa, but it is especially true for The Salvation Army.

Everything we have done since pioneering the work two and half years ago has been firmly founded on God. From the original revelation and vision, to his promise of miraculous provision, to the remarkable growth and development of the work, God has been at the heart and soul of all that has been achieved.

The Mission Apia Corps is based in Moto’otua and is a vibrant expression of ‘the Army that brings life’. It has grown from three people to a congregation of over 100, with an average attendance of around 70. God has blessed us with people from all walks of life who come together for worship and fellowship, with everyone feeling ‘one in Christ’ at the foot of the cross.

Over 50 percent of the population in Samoa is under 25, so children and youth are a feature of the congregation. We have a growing Sunday school of over 25 children, and a youth group that meets every Friday night. We have commenced a Sunday night youth service once a month, which is now a highlight of the corps programme. New soldiers and adherents are regularly enrolled with further classes about to commence in July, ready for enrolling on the second anniversary of the official opening on 4 August 2018. We have been blessed with a great leadership team who are overseeing the strategic plan and mission of the corps.

Addiction Services The Addiction Services Alcohol and Drug Treatment programme is meeting real needs in the community. Abuse of alcohol 14 WarCry 09 JULY 2020

and marijuana is causing a lot of social harm in the country.

Every week approximately 40 clients, mainly men, attend the Psychoeducation programme and Recovery Fellowship. The majority of clients are referred from the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and Probation Services to seek help with their alcohol and drug problems, which have resulted in them getting on the wrong side of the law. Over 520 clients have gone through the programme and many testify to their lives being turned around by God’s help. Some have joined the corps and others have been saved from jail and are reunited with their family and village church.

We also offer nicotine replacement therapy and 140 people have been assisted to give up smoking. We are about to commence a three-year research and evaluation project on the addiction services, in partnership with our friends from the University of Otago. We will be engaging with the clients and their families to evaluate the success of the programme.

Recently, The Salvation Army featured on television and news media and in the Samoan Parliament, as we have been raising awareness and voicing concerns about the growing level of social harm and damage alcohol is causing in society. Cheap, 450ml bottles of wine mixed with fizzy drink are being packaged in plastic bottles, targeted at youth and sold in the local shops for as little as $4.00WST ($2.18NZD). The alcohol content is 13 percent and young people are getting drunk cheaply and quickly—getting into all sorts of trouble. We are pleased to play our part in reforming society in Samoa.

EVERYTHING WE HAVE DONE SINCE PIONEERING THE WORK TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO HAS BEEN FIRMLY FOUNDED ON GOD. We now have 12 staff members working in the corps and Addictions Services. We have employed a corps pastoral assistant and a business administrator for Regional Headquarters. The Addiction Services has recently taken on two alcohol and other drugs (AOD) trainees. We are delighted to have been accredited as a non-formal learning provider with Samoa Qualifications Authority and will be providing the first ever AOD and Mental Health Workforce Training in Samoa. We have opened this up to our partner organisations—Goshen Trust Mental Health Services Samoa, Teen Challenge and Probation Services— to train up to ten people. This will help build capacity and sustainability in this critical and new area of the workforce.

Lt-Colonels Rod and Jenny Carey in front of the monument declaring Samoa's foundation.

Covid-19 Free Samoa

We were delighted to receive a donation of used clothing and footwear from Eveni’s Clothing store. We have been distributing items to families in need and have been able to sell some of the clothing to raise much-needed funds for our welfare work. We are exploring starting a Family Store to support the work.

Pray for Samoa God is moving mightily in Samoa. People are discovering new life in Christ, broken lives and families are being healed and restored, leaders are stepping up to serve and lead in his church. We are grateful for the ongoing prayers and financial support from many Salvationists and friends in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. Please continue to pray for us in Samoa. We have a vision for starting another corps/outpost and we have quickly outgrown our leased premises. Our dream is to build a multipurpose worship and community centre to house the Regional Headquarters, Apia Corps and Addiction Services.

I remember the day clearly, I was praying at Territorial Headquarters in Wellington in the prayer room at lunch time and I was anxious about starting the work in Samoa. What if we go and the mission fails? What if no one wants to join The Salvation Army? Where will we find Samoan-speaking AOD clinicians? We don’t have a quarters to live in, or a place to worship or any people! I was on the edge of faith and clinging on with all I possessed. Then something happened. God gave me a promise that day to calm my anxious heart and increase my faith. He pointed me to 1 Corinthians 2:9, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind conceived the things that God has prepared for those who love him’. It was like an injection of faith and I immediately said in my heart, Well if God has promised it, I will take him at his word and step out in faith and see this good thing the Lord said he would do. I have claimed this promise over and over again in the last two and a half years. God has been faithful to his word and has fulfilled his promise a thousand times more than I could have ever imagined. Truly it can be said, ‘Fa’avae I Le Atua Samoa’: Samoa and the Salvation Army’s work are founded on God. Below: Alcohol & Other Drugs programme graduation.

We are celebrating that Samoa remains Covid-19 free, with the borders currently remaining closed to tourists. A state of emergency was declared with businesses, schools and, of course, churches closed.

During the closure, the corps members were visited every week and Bible studies, sermon notes, children packs, and food and water were delivered to families in the corps—as well as receiving prayer and pastoral care. We have also been providing welfare support to other families in the community who have been adversely affected by the growing number of unemployed, due to the decline in tourism.

09 JULY 2020 WarCry 15

Aspire Report 2019 Launched The latest Aspire Kiwi Youth Development Programme report sessions and journey with participants through the week. Bevan was launched on Wednesday 24 June at Territorial Headquarters, agreed that leaders genuinely want to invest in the students’ celebrating another year of empowering young people. journeys and hang out with ‘no agenda’—from home visits to In 2019, the programme had 240 participants of diverse watching their weekend rugby games. backgrounds from 17 schools around New Zealand. In its five year Assistant Territorial Secretary for Mission Captain Gerry history, the programme has mentored over 1000 participants.

Walker closed in prayer, remarking that, ‘In Aspire, we have Following a shared morning tea and welcome by Territorial something that epitomises The Salvation Army—Te Ope Director of Community Ministries Jono Bell, National Aspire Whakaora—the Army that brings life’.

Coordinator Michael Smith summarised the report and its The Aspire programme thanks its partners: The Warehouse overwhelmingly positive findings.

Group, Warehouse Stationery, Nestlé, OCS Limited (NZ), Students are referred to Aspire either for a leadership Ministry of Youth Development, Blue Mountain Adventure opportunity or to provide them with further moral support.

Centre and Jeff Farm, as well as their private financial donors.

The year-long programme uses the ‘Circle of Courage’ approach, taking one school term to work through each of the four MORE INFO | Read the report at salvationarmy.org.nz/aspire concepts: Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity. In 2019, participants reported overall growth in all four areas, and said the most influential aspect of the programme—unsurprisingly—was the adventure experience held at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre.

Michael praised the ability of The Salvation Army to offer holistic services to participants, in addition to the hard work of Aspire facilitators.

‘We can go further with … our whānau than other organisations can,’ he said.

Facilitators J.D. Douglas and Bevan Sanders shared their experiences leading the programme and their passion for seeing it continue to flourish.

Aspire report launch (from left): Captain Gerry Walker, Colonel Heather Rodwell, As a former product of Aspire, J.D. course facilitators Lisa Gatward, J.D. Douglas and Bevan Sanders, Isabel Lemanutau said he relished the opportunity to go (Central Youth Services Team Leader, Petone), Michael Smith (National Aspire beyond the weekly two-hour group Coordinator) and Jono Bell (Territorial Director of Community Ministries).

Tribute: Oswald (Ossie) Rodgers Retired Corps Sergeant Major Ossie Rodgers was promoted to Glory on 29 May 2020 from Feilding, aged 97, having been a soldier of the Feilding Salvation Army Corps for 82 and a half years.

Ossie began attending The Salvation Army with his father, going to Sunday school and learning to play a brass instrument. At the age of 11, he made a public decision to follow Jesus at a mission meeting in a tent in Feilding.

Just before his fifteenth birthday, on 14 November 1937, Ossie was enrolled as a senior soldier of the Feilding Corps. Ossie committed to a number of local officer positions over the years, including Feilding Gymnastics Club leader, young people’s sergeant major, band sergeant, quartermaster, recruiting sergeant and corps sergeant major—all in the Feilding Corps. He was also a member of the corps council and census board.

As a local officer, Ossie’s desire was to be a good and godly example to others, especially those younger than himself; and then in his latter

16 WarCry 09 JULY 2020

years he took every opportunity that arose to share with others his faith story, witnessing to the saving and keeping power of Christ in his life.

Ossie made an impact on many people’s lives—within the corps, the workplace, the local community and the family. He was known as a man of faith, prayer, innovation, compassion, integrity, love and kindness. In the words of Micah 6:8, Ossie sought to ‘do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with [his] God’ in every aspect of his life and service.

Well done, good and faithful servant of God!

By Major Lorraine LePine (Daughter)

Welcome back!

Hamilton City Corps

New Lynn Corps

A collection of photos from corps around the territory, celebrating their return to their buildings after lockdown was lifted.

Dunedin City Corps

Westgate Corps Albany Bays Corps

09 JULY 2020 WarCry 17

EECA + TSA = LED Government agency EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) has partnered with The Salvation Army to give away sustainable LED lamps to low-income households around New Zealand.

With the lamps now sourced and delivered to New Zealand, EECA is trialling a variety of distribution methods to find the most cost-effective way to get LED lamps into low-income households. The Salvation Army will be involved in a trial distribution in Kaitaia and Tokoroa.

Project Manager Charlie Hand explains that these light bulbs render a significant reduction in energy costs, saving from $100 to $300 over the life of the lamp.

‘If you replace an incandescent lamp with an LED lamp, you’ll save upwards of 85 percent of the energy cost, so it’s quite significant.’

The quality of the light is also improved and they are more durable, therefore the bulbs require replacing less frequently.

‘That’s going to reduce the energy bill that people have to pay, which is going to reduce the impact on their finances, which will then help [them] have more money for those other essential needs they have, such as food,’ explains Territorial Director of Community Ministries Jono Bell.

‘It’s great that we’ll be able to focus on Kaitaia and Tokoroa as two communities, and both centres have been really responsive and flexible in wanting to take this project on.’

There are also environmental benefits: an LED lamp generates 3.3 times fewer carbon dioxide emissions than an incandescent lamp.

LED lamps are available at supermarkets and hardware stores, but the slightly increased unit price—as well as wariness against new technology—is a hurdle which EECA hopes to allay by providing the lights free of charge in order to get them into more Kiwi homes.

As many as 1800 households in Kaitaia and 5000 in Tokoroa will be eligible to receive these giveaway lamps by redeeming a mail voucher at their local Salvation Army mission centre. A volunteer will be present to provide instructions and stress the importance of not waiting until their current light bulbs blow to replace them.

‘To save money and to make an immediate difference to your benefit, you need to go home and replace the lamps immediately and throw the old ones out,’ Charlie says.

EECA are also working with partners such as Mitre 10, Foodstuffs, Anglican Care and industry trusts around the country.

Housing, a Silver Lining Housing First is a collaborative project led by The Salvation Army in Nelson Tasman Bays that was just getting off the ground when Covid-19 lockdown hit.

‘The silver lining to Covid-19 is that our ability to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our society by providing housing was hugely accelerated,’ reports Envoy Ros Vercoe, Director of Community Ministries for Nelson Tasman Bays.

‘The intensity of that period of work was amazing. There were some very long days, but the lives of people who have very complex issues have been changed. Providing them housing has made a huge difference in their lives,’ Ros says.

Housing First is a Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) contract being delivered collaboratively

by The Salvation Army, The Male Room and Ti Piki Oranga. The original contract was to provide support and housing for 20 people in the first year. Housing First Team Leader Jaap Noteboom had just been employed when lockdown came into play. MHUD contacted him and requested that Housing First get all people off the streets, and asked what he needed to make this happen.

‘We started with one motel, as we didn’t have a clear picture of the homeless population. As soon as we started filling the rooms, it became clear the problem was far bigger than we thought it would be. During the lockdown period, we placed 74 homeless people in a range of accommodation around Nelson,’ explains Jaap.

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The collaboration continued with Meals on Wheels providing a daily hot meal, supplemented by food parcels from The Salvation Army. Jaap coordinated welfare checks that took place every day, undertaken by a team formed from Te Piki Oranga, The Male Room and the DHB. ‘Of course, there are always going to be some issues … we had great support from the police, and a local security company provided additional support to ensure people felt safe and incidents were reduced,’ says Ros. But the big win was the stability that housing brought to people’s lives. No one placed in housing during lockdown has had to return to the street.

‘Many who have been housed are now accessing various types of services, including mental health and addiction services, and are looking at ‘next steps’ in terms of the support they need. This is what Housing First is all about. There are no pre-conditions to getting housing. The premise is that people get housing, and then once they are settled, they’re more likely to begin addressing the underlying issues they’re struggling with.’

Going forward, Housing First will work with other community agencies and the DHB to further open referral pathways and provide long-term sustainable housing solutions.

GAZETTE Corps Closure: Effective 1 July 2020: North Shore Korean Corps Plant, Northern Division. After 7 years of ministry amongst the North Shore Korean community, the corps has reached the end of its sustainability. We thank the officers, soldiers, adherents and friends of the North Shore Korean Corps Plant for their faithful service over these past years and ask that you pray for the corps as it approaches its closure. A final meeting as a corps plant was held on Sunday 28 June at 1pm. A Sunday service and a limited range of weekday activities will continue to be provided for the Korean community out of the Albany Bays Corps.

Effective 31 August 2020: Glen Eden Corps, Northern Division. It is with deep regret that we advise of the closure of the Glen Eden Corps. After 25 years of ministry in the Glen Eden community, the corps has reached the end of its sustainability.

We thank the officers, soldiers, adherents and friends of the Glen Eden Corps for their faithful service over these past years and ask that you pray for the corps as it approaches its closure. A final meeting will be held on Sunday 30 August at 10am.

Resignation: Effective Wednesday 1 July: Captain Daniel In. The Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Captain Daniel In, in order to care for his mother in Korea. Dong-Cheol (Daniel) In, with his wife Jeong Yune (Gabrielle) Choi, entered training as cadets of the Friends of Christ session in February 2010. Following their commissioning on 8 December 2012, Daniel and Gabrielle were appointed as Corps Officers, Kāpiti Corps. On 16 March 2015, Daniel and Gabrielle began service in the Korea Territory. Daniel was appointed Assistant Corps Officer, A-Hyun Corps, Seoul Division, which was followed by an appointment as Corps Officer, Dong Taejoen Corps, Cheong Chung Division. Returning to New Zealand in March 2017, Daniel was appointed Corps Planting Officer, North Shore Korean Corps Plant, Northern Division. We thank Captain Daniel In for his 7 years, 6 months and 23 days of active service and pray God’s blessing on him and Captain Gabrielle Choi as she continues as a Single Spouse Officer.

Appointment: Effective 1 July 2020: Captain Gabrielle Choi, Assistant Officer, Epsom Lodge Supportive Accommodation. With the resignation of Captain Daniel In, in order to care for his mother, Captain Gabrielle Choi will continue as a Single Spouse Officer. We pray that God will continue to bless Captains Gabrielle Choi and Daniel In in the days ahead.

The World Needs You To Pray!

This year we have discovered how our world has needed us all to do our bit to keep our part of the world safe from the virus.

We have also been reminded that the world needs us to speak up and stand up to eliminate racism, violence, and to build safe, respectful and peaceful communities.

The world needs us to demonstrate the love and forgiveness of Jesus in our relationships and attitudes.

The world needs us to pray, so throughout July The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have taken on the challenge to unite in praying for our communities, nations and world. It is exciting to know that every day people will be ‘on duty’, praying specifically for God to heal, unite and transform our world by His love and power.

The Serenity Prayer is a familiar and well-used prayer, especially in Alcoholics Anonymous and Recovery Church, and reminds us that it is God who can change and heal our world, and the change begins with you and I. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

This prayer was written by Reinhold Niebuhr in 1932, and he originally asked God for courage first: Father, give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other.

The world needs us to pray for courage to do our part in changing our attitudes and actions so that others feel valued and appreciated. We pray that God will enable us to fulfil our mission individually and as a movement—to care for people, transform lives and reform communities by God’s power.

Jesus’ disciples noticed the difference in the way He loved people regardless of race and age and that He daily went to a quiet place to pray, so they asked Him to teach them to pray.

He taught them this powerful prayer that we refer to as the Lord’s Prayer, which continues to help change us and our world.

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

May your Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9–13 (NLT) The world needs us to pray, and I encourage you to join us in praying this prayer during July—and see the difference that God will make in and through us.

Commissioner Julie Campbell Territorial President of Women's Ministries 09 JULY 2020 WarCry 19

EPHESIANS 6

part six

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

In this final instalment of our occasional series on the armour of God, we learn how to take up the sword of the Spirit and see how unique is this weapon.

BY JULES BADGER

The Salvation Army has been described throughout history as ‘the army without guns’, which begs the question: If guns aren’t our weapons, then what are?

Some have said that love is our weapon, and of course that is true—and what a great weapon! But as Paul explains in Ephesians 6, and as we’ve seen throughout this study, every believer has access to strategic weapons that enable them to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. These weapons are truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith and salvation. Each is cleverly described

by Paul using the metaphor of a Roman soldier’s armour, and he saves the best and most critical weapon until last—the sword of the Spirit.

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When it comes to this weapon, what many of us miss is that the sword doesn’t belong to us. It is the sword of the Spirit.

And that’s not all we sometimes miss.

The sword of the Spirit is the only piece of armour that Paul explains right there in the text of Ephesians 6, every other attribute matched to a piece of armour Paul has discussed earlier in his letter.

But this time he tells us to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God! Paul’s saying if you only take one thing away from this letter and the metaphor about armour, make sure it’s this. Don’t miss that the sword of the Spirit is the word of God! The sword of the Spirit is completely unique and utterly critical for believers, because it is the only offensive weapon Paul lists. Priscilla Shirer explains in her book, Armour of God, why taking the offensive is critical.

‘You and I are being told once and for all that withstanding the attacks of the enemy doesn’t always mean we take a defensive posture. Sometimes it means

taking the offensive position by moving forward, being proactive and maintaining your posture of victory. That’s what standing firm is. It doesn’t mean just staying where you are. It means that you maintain the position you’ve been given in Christ. The hard-won ground of victory in Christ that he bought for us with his own blood—that’s the posture we’ve got to maintain. And whatever it takes to maintain it—that’s what you’ve got to do. Sometimes that means being on the offensive so that you can take down or tear down strongholds the enemy has built up in your mind or your life.’

Roman soldiers carried two swords. One was the large broadsword we referred to when we considered how the helmet of salvation protected a soldier from such a powerful blow to the head. The sword of the Spirit is not this larger sword. The sword Paul is describing here was more like a dagger. It was double-edged and sharp as a needle—perfect for hand-tohand combat. This small sword was the kind of quick-draw weapon you pulled

or in your own heart and mind. When it feels like one blow after another and the enemy is right in your face!’

This is when we need the sword of the Spirit—days, which Paul calls ‘the evil day’ in Ephesians 6:13; days, Priscilla describes as being, ‘when all hell seems to break loose’. It’s fitting that the only offensive weapon available to us is not actually our weapon—it’s the Spirit’s sword which is the word of God. ‘It’s the weapon that the Spirit uses in the spiritual realm—in the heavenlies— to fight on our behalf. It’s what he uses to push the enemy back and to cause his attacks not to be felt so severely. It’s the sword the Spirit uses on our behalf. And it’s the word of God,’ says Shirer.

out when an enemy was all up in your face. It could be deadly, quickly.

Shirer perceptively points out that, ‘...if Paul is telling us that we need that kind of sword to stand firm, then that tells us that sometimes life is going to feel like the enemy is right in your face. It’s going to feel like close hand-to-hand combat.

There are going to be those times when you’re up all night long riddled with fear or paralysed by insecurity or intimidation. These are the times when you can feel the enemy moving in your family, destroying and tempting and dismantling what you love and hold dear in your children’s life, your spouse’s life

It’s important for us to grasp the significance of the Spirit using the word of God to fight for us and how that works. Understanding that there are three different words in the original New Testament Greek text for the ‘word’ of God, helps. Shirer explains that the first Greek word used in the New Testament for ‘word of God’ is graphe, which means the book itself—literally the words on the page, the ink and the paper, or the words on the app on your phone.

Obviously having access to a physical Bible is important, but this is not the word Paul uses for ‘word of God’.

Another New Testament Greek word is logos, which means the message of the graphe. So, when we understand the message of the Bible—when it’s explained to us—that’s the logos. This is the term used in Hebrew 4:12 (NKJ): ‘For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword’. As Shirer suggests, ‘...the logos is what helps you see your fleshly desires in contrast to God’s will’.

When Paul writes ‘the word of God’, he uses the word rhema. The rhema of God is the utterance of God to you directly.

‘...IF PAUL IS TELLING US THAT WE NEED THAT KIND OF SWORD TO STAND FIRM, THEN THAT TELLS US THAT SOMETIMES LIFE IS GOING TO FEEL LIKE THE ENEMY IS RIGHT IN YOUR FACE.’

...WE MUST DO OUR PART AND GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO WORK WITH! It’s that moment when you’re listening to a sermon and you feel like you’re the only person in the room. As Shirer says, ‘It’s personal. You’re thinking, did the church bug my house? How did the pastor know this passage was exactly what I needed to hear? Or it’s those quiet times at home when God seems to take his divine highlighter to your Bible, and you’re gripped in your soul by that verse and you know it’s God convicting you or challenging you. That’s the Holy Spirit giving you his sword to use in your life, and it becomes a dagger to the heart of the enemy.’

In Matthew 4, when Jesus is tempted by the Devil in the wilderness, he uttered the rhema of God to combat Satan’s lies. The sword of the Spirit is the rhema of God. Shirer puts it like this: ‘When God illumines the logos to you because you have the graphe, that’s the rhema of God!’ That’s why it’s critical for us to be constantly growing in our understanding of the Scriptures. The Spirit needs something to illuminate to us! If the Spirit is going to push back the enemy in the heavenlies on our behalf, we must do our part and give him something to work with! This is what it means to take up the sword of the Spirit.

It seems completely appropriate then, that we conclude this series with the challenge to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, by going back and reading through Ephesians in its entirety. God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are all waiting to be illuminated afresh to you and taken up as sound weapons. Weapons that enable us not only to stand firm but that position us for certain victory here and in the heavenlies. Amen!

09 JULY 2020 WarCry 21

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

There are no official engagements until further notice.

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PRAY Greymouth Corps, Hamilton City Corps, Hastings Corps, Hāwera Corps, Hibiscus Coast Corps; The Salvation Army in Denmark and Greenland.

9 2 6

3 9 5 1 7 8 5 2 4 9 2 3 4 8 7 4 8 8 4 5 5 1 6 8 9 1

Each Sudoku number puzzle has a unique solution that can be worked out logically (not mathematically). The numbers 1 to 9 appear once in every row, column and 3x3 square. Source: opensky.ca/sudoku

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: salvationarmy.org.nz/ careers

GIVE A GIFT THAT TACKLES POVERTY AND INJUSTICE AROUND THE WORLD

Want to Know More?

GIVE A GIFT ONLINE AT JUSTGIFTS.ORG.NZ

I would like:

INTERNET BANKING AVAILABLE

to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:

Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Send us 400–600 words with one or two captioned photos.

Promotion to Glory tributes are approx 300 words. Email reports and large, high-quality jpeg images to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz

Shop online at

salvationarmy.org.nz/shop

Quiz Answers: 1 Five, 2 Blue, Yellow, Black, Green, Red, 3 1994, 4 Hand (27; the foot has 26), 5 The enemies’ mouths.

22 WarCry 09 JULY 2020

Science experiment: dry paper in water!

How is this possible?

Air takes up space, so, when you submerge the cup, the air is trapped by the water and cup surface. Air is lighter than water; therefore, it needs to stay on top of the water. As long as the air cannot escape, the water cannot get into the cup and therefore your paper will stay dry.

But, once you provide an escape route for the air by letting those air bubbles escape, water will take the place of the air and the paper will get wet!

You will need: • A deep container filled with water • One cup/container which can be completely submerged in the water • Paper/paper towel

Method: 1. Fill a deep container with water 2. Scrunch or stuff some paper/paper towel into the bottom of the cup. Make sure that it is wedged in and will not fall out (if needed, use a little tape to stick it in place).

3. Flip the cup upside down.

With a very steady hand, keep the cup perfectly straight as you place it into Source: steampoweredfamily.com the water. Tip: if the glass is slightly 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 crooked as you 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 submerge it, you will 4 4 4 4 3 4 see air bubbles and 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 the experiment will 3 1 3 1 4 3 3 3 not work.

4 4 4 2 2 3 3 4 2 4. Completely submerge 2 3 4 3 3 2 4 4 the cup, then 2 4 3 4 3 4 3 carefully pull it 4 2 4 2 2 2 4 straight back up.

2 3 2 4 3 3 2 2 4 4 5. Check your paper.

4 3 3 3 If you kept the cup 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 straight, the paper 3 3 4 4 4 3 will be completely dry.

4 4 4 4 4

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Fun Fact :

A crocod can't pok ile e tongue o its ut!

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Colour by numbers!

Can you colour the picture above, matching the numbers to the appropriate colour, to reveal the animal hiding in plain sight?

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When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior’.

Judges 6:12

The Israelites were in big trouble, because they had sinned for so long, so God had allowed the Midianites to rule over them, and living conditions were challenging.

However, God did not abandon them.

He chose a leader from amongst them— an unassuming young man named Gideon. The Lord sent an angel to tell Gideon that God was with him and explain that he was sending Gideon to free Israel. ‘“...But how can I save Israel?

My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family”, Gideon asked. The Lord responded, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites”.’

Gideon asked God for a sign and left a dewy piece of wool fleece on the ground. If, when he returned, the ground remained dry, it would be a sign that God would rescue Israel.

The next morning, Gideon was able to wring a whole bowl of water out of the wool, yet the ground remained dry!

He requested one more sign, and that night he left a dry piece of wool fleece on wet ground. In the morning, miraculously, the wool was still dry.

Now Gideon felt confident that God would protect him—no matter what.

THINK ABOUT...

…a time when God proved to you that he was in control.

Stay tuned for the next War Cry to hear the rest of Gideon’s story!

09 JULY 2020 WarCry 23

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