FAITH IN ACTION 13 JANUARY 2018 | Issue 6683 | $1.50
The Unique Good News Why I’m Scared to Say Stuff that Matters Jamie Oliver’s Harissa Chicken
Best Bits of 2017 Celebrate Good Times at Commissioning
ON ROTOROA ISLAND
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL André Cox | FOUNDERS William
& 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. MANAGING EDITOR Ingrid Barratt | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box
6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Fax (04) 382 0716, Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org, $75 per year within NZ
PRINT MANAGEMENT www.makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset
is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System. Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.
All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.
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Walking on Heights I love the image from Psalm 18:33: ‘He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.’ I have heard that in the snowy mountains, a mother deer will make footprints in the snow so the baby deer can step into them and know the way to go. As I take my first steps as editor, I am aware that I am walking in footprints much larger than my own. I am so grateful to Major Christina Tyson for her mentorship over the past six years. She is a person of mana, but has never sought status for herself. She has been a courageous, visionary and empowering leader. I believe that in her time, she made War Cry the best Christian magazine in New Zealand. I honour her legacy. But, I know that Christina was also stepping into footprints larger than her own—as she sought to walk in the ways of God and serve his mission. As we move forward, our aim at War Cry is to follow the footprints of God—far larger and loftier than our own. They keep us safe, but they also challenge us to greater heights. I was reminded, during commissioning weekend last year, that we must never stop learning. The outgoing principal Major Ian Gainsford told the cadets, ‘Don’t you dare settle for what you know now!’ As we look back, we know God and ourselves a bit better than we did a year ago. But as we look forward, we have yet so much more to learn. I pray War Cry will continue to encourage and challenge you as you journey with God this year. Ingrid Barratt Editor
Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 134 years | Issue 6683 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 salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft
I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right. Billy Graham
2 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
Proverbs 19:21 (New International Version) Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Ngā Whakatauki 19:21 He maha ngā whakaaro i roto i te ngākau o te tangata; e tu tonu ana ia ta Ihowa tikanga.
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love the summer holidays. Just what I need at the end of a busy year. I had great plans: catching up with family from overseas, seeing friends, picnics, beach times, finishing up some books ... And, of course, it turned out like every holiday. Packing at 11 pm the night before, forgetting things and fighting traffic—all before we even made the airport. This was followed by the mad, hectic jumble of trying to get around and see everyone, which happens when you’re not in town very often. Constant checking of Facebook or text messages trying to organise who, where and when to meet. This year we added the usual non-stop chaos of an almost one-year-old—from the daily 6 am wake-up call to days filled with wonderful phrases like, ‘Mummy has already asked you not to chew on the tea pot’ and ‘Can we leave at least one book on Grandma’s bookcase, please?’ By the end of the time I wasn’t sure if I’d had a break at all. I did read a whole 10 pages of a book though. Okay, so I exaggerate a little, but these days it feels harder and harder to rest. It’s not really helped by the age of instant communication and constant entertainment. This is not an anti-technology rant or ‘take time for you’ blog (which that Facebook
friend shares without a hint of irony from the latest trendy online writer—mum bloggers and ‘wellness’ writers, I’m looking at you). I enjoy being able to connect with the world and keep up with friends across the globe. With that, though, has come the expectation that everything is instant and it’s noticeable how much this has impacted on our sense of rest. We know we need time to unwind. That’s why we have weekends right? That’s why God built a day of not working into the fabric of society for ancient Israel, because we have a tendency to fill our time instead of resting, even though we know it’s important. I know, after a full-on year, I was tired and needed a break. And with an exciting, but challenging year of change ahead, I want to come into it refreshed. I know I need to commit to resting, setting aside time to chill. It’s definitely a commitment I want to take into the year ahead, and I’ll happily echo those overshared online blogs—maybe taking time for you is not such a bad idea. Wherever you are, happy holidays. BY ROBIN RAYMOND
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ONTHESPOT Colonel Suzanne Fincham Get to know the Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary …
GOODSTUFF
Last year we celebrated 500 years since the Reformation, one of the most important events in Christian history. Playmobile created the Martin Luther figurine for the occasion, and it became the most successful Playmobile toy in history. Over one million were sold in the first six months, as visitors to Germany snapped up the souvenirs.
Outdoors New Zealand on Foot Denis Dwyer
At the age of 72, retired teacher, journalist and keen walker Denis Dwyer set out to rediscover his own country on foot. He embarked on more than 200 day walks over an array of landscapes—from kauri forests to volcanoes. The resulting book, New Zealand on Foot, is less a travel guide and more a reflective journal—chronicling his wry observations on place, history and people, and often peppered with good-natured humour. Great for keen walkers who not only want a guidebook but a narrative that shares in the joy of nature. (New Holland)
Secret indulgence: I love a good love story, especially if it’s a Disney film. Celebrity crush: Meryl Streep. What I’m watching: I enjoy watching love stories. One thing I love: Sewing, especially being creative. One thing I hate: I don’t hate anything really. Something that would surprise us behind the scenes of your job: The respect that The Salvation Army has when I am invited to different functions around the territory.
Best Bits of 2017 Grab yourself a covfefe as we look back on a year of politics and other general sillyness. 1. The most dramatic election we’ve ever seen: The New Zealand election was full of twists and turns, culminating with a historic mic drop from Winston Peters and our country’s first minority coalition government.
Dictionary Centre, referring to someone who has both Kiwi and Aussie citizenship. We prefer Kiwissie. 6. #metoo … showed how pervasive abuse is in our society, and it continues to make us think. Kia kaha to all the women that spoke out.
2. The viral video that changed our lives forever … otters floating on their backs while holding hands. Too. Much. Love.
7. It was Taika’s year: Not only is he New Zealander of the Year, but director Taika Waititi made the best Marvel film to date, with Thor Ragnarok. Okay, we might be biased …
3. We lost it when … Pres. Trump accidentally tweeted ‘Despite the negative press covfefe’ and the world went as ker-azy as a hot covfefe. Then just as quickly, we got over it.
8. Ed Sheeran: Ed broke the charts when his songs took out the top nine spots on the singles charts. More importantly, he said he wants to live in New Zealand!
4. We did good sports stuff: New Zealand won the America’s Cup—but was it just us, or could we not get into it? The Black Ferns became the first female team to take out the top honours at the World Rugby Awards, beating England and the All Blacks.
9. North Korea and the US continued their game of ‘who will blow up the planet first?’ … North Korea has been firing off missiles, while Trump has been firing off tweets.
5. Word of the year: ‘Kwaussie’ was named Word of the Year by the Australian National 4 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
10. And finally … our team leader Shar Davis’s cat Ernie came home after disappearing for a yearand-a-half! He was missing the end of his tail and a tooth, but happy to be home.
QUIKQUIZ
1 What was the name of the English Common where the Wombles lived? 2 What is the Māori name for the saddleback bird? 3 What sea creature tastes with its legs? 4 Where is Prince Harry in line for the British throne? 5 Which bird does Proverbs compare fleeting riches to? Answers on page 22
Harissa Chicken Traybake 4 mixedcolour peppers 2 red onions 1 x 1.2kg whole chicken 4 heaped teaspoons rose harissa 4 sprigs of fresh mint
Sci-fi Star Wars: The Last Jedi (M, violence) Rian Johnson
The Last Jedi immediately takes up where The Force Awakens left us, with Rey trying to persuade Luke Skywalker to come out of hiding and rejoin the fight against evil. Against this backdrop is the attempt by the Resistance, led by General Leia, to survive and escape a massive onslaught by the First Order. Rian Johnson brings a new vision to the trilogy and for the most part it works pretty well. However, the film suffers from a languid middle section that could have been omitted, as well as some humour that seems quite disjointed. The brilliant set pieces and battles redeem it and make for an enjoyable addition to the new trilogy. But overall, it feels like a missed opportunity, making for a merely good but not great movie. (Reviewed by Martin Barratt)
Serves 4 Fast Prep 9 Minutes Cook 45 Minutes
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Deseed the peppers and tear into big chunks, peel and quarter the onions and break apart into petals, then place it all in a 30cm x 40cm roasting tray. Use a large sharp knife to carefully cut down the back of the chicken, so you can open it out flat, then score the legs. Add to the tray with the harissa, and a little sea salt, black pepper and red wine vinegar. Toss well, making sure you get into all the nooks and crannies of the chicken. Sit the chicken flat on top of the veg, skin side up, and roast it all for 50 minutes, or until gnarly and cooked through. Pick over the mint leaves before dishing up.
Calories
Fat
Sat Fat
Protein
Carbs
Sugar
Salt
Fibre
297kcal
11.4g
2.7g
35g
13.9g
12.2g
0.9g
5.8g
5 Ingredients by Jamie Oliver is published by Penguin Random House © 2017 Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited Photographer: David Loftus
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. William Shakespeare
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Rotoroa Island once brought healing through The Salvation Army’s addictions programme. Now, Rotoroa is bringing healing to our wildlife, through its island sanctuary. Open to visitors, Shar Davis whiled away a peaceful summer’s day among birdsong and pohutakawa. BY SHAR DAVIS
sat on the bench, waiting and watching as Auckland commuters arrived downtown via ferry, ready to start their working day. I, however, was escaping the rat race for a day to explore one of the few predator-free islands in New Zealand—no rats allowed! Islands have a somewhat fantastical allure about them, so spending the day on Rotoroa Island, surrounded by wildlife and beauty stirred up something that left my spirit nourished and my soul alive again with wanderlust. Rotoroa Island has a fascinating history—and an equally fascinating present and future outlook, which many people have no idea about. Did you know The Salvation Army has owned Rotoroa Island since 1908—and they also used to own neighbouring Pakatoa Island? Early last century, The Salvation Army set up a home for people suffering ‘chronic drunkenness’. They were usually committed to confinement by the courts, first on Pakatoa in 1908 and then on Rotoroa Island in 1911. The island was part farm colony, part retreat, part prison. Women lived on Pakatoa, while men lived on Rotoroa (there are tall tales of skeletons lining the ocean seabed as clients tried to swim from one to the other). Rotoroa Island became the first addiction treatment centre in the country and the longest running, serving over 12,000 New Zealanders before closing its island-based treatment centre in 2005. National director for The Salvation Army’s addictions services LieutColonel Lynette Hutson reflected on why closing Rotoroa Island’s treatment centre was the right decision. ‘Changing patterns of addictions treatment backed by research evidence confirmed that treatment provided as close as possible to the person’s real world was more effective.’ The Army wasn’t giving up on residential treatment altogether because it was ‘still a valid way of breaking the cycle of addictions and giving people tools to live in recovery, but shorter periods backed up with community support gave better results,’ said Lynette. What could the Army do with the island without the significant capital required to develop it? That’s where philanthropists Neil and Annette Plowman came in. Passionate about conservation and education, they funded a 99-year lease of the island and established the Rotoroa Island Trust in 2008, with a focus on restoring the island and conserving native species of plants and wildlife. 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 7
Two of the trustees are Salvation Army representatives, who help preserve the Army’s interests in the island during the lease period. Lieut-Colonel David Bateman, secretary for Business Administration, said the lease fee has been invested by the Army to resource ongoing mission in the territory. ‘This is presently benefiting the capital works needs of our Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services—honouring the ministry carried out on the island for many years prior to its lease,’ he says.
IMAGINE AN A CAPPELLA GROUP MADE UP ENTIRELY OF NATIVE BIRDS. Getting there It’s pretty easy to get to Rotoroa Island from Auckland by ferry, taking just over an hour with a stop-off at Waiheke’s Orapiu wharf on the way. Multiple trips are scheduled each week during summer, with weekends-only during colder months. After spending the ferry ride on the upper deck breathing the salt air, watching the concrete jungle of Auckland slowly disappear and doing my best to avoid feeling sea sick (I’m a lightweight when it comes to boats), we finally arrived at Rotoroa Island, with its friendly staff waiting for us on the jetty. Our welcome wasn’t just motivated by good old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality; there is a much more serious reason— biosecurity. Rotoroa Island is home to lots of native wildlife, something only possible because there are zero pests—which, in turn, is only possible because of the rigorous biosecurity on the island. There are no shops on Rotoroa Island, so it’s BYO food and drink—and TYORH (take your own rubbish home), one of the key things to remember on the island. How many of us have thrown an apple core out the car window thinking, ‘It’s okay, it’s biodegradable.’ The problem on the island is any food scraps could attract rats from neighbouring islands. Believe it or not—rats can swim kilometres at a time! Rotoroa Island Trust has a partnership with Auckland Zoo and works closely with the Department of Conservation to develop this unique wildlife sanctuary. They have been working to populate the island with endangered species that need human intervention to survive. 8 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
Conservation is key Brian Ireland is leader of Rotoroa Island’s education programme. He says, ‘It’s not enough to take kids to an island and go for a walk; demonstrating conservation is key. In fact, demonstrating conservation is the driving ethos of Rotoroa Island. Our island experience is not a walk and a talk. Kids learn a range of conservation techniques and get to use them within a real island sanctuary.’ I tagged along with a group from Dilworth School Junior Campus in Auckland to see what sort of educational experience the island provides. Brian began by asking students what conservation in New Zealand is, and, after a few guesses, he told the surprised roomful of boys, ‘It’s about killing things!’ Taxidermied creatures were then pulled out of bags and students tried identifying each specimen. For some, it was the first time they’d seen a rat, stoat or possum up close. Zoo staff explained the various traps used to catch or identify wildlife—some were used to record footprints of whatever creature walked across the ‘ink pad’ onto the paper strip. We learnt that even rodents have their favourite temptations. Rats prefer Nutella, possums like fruit and the colour yellow. Peanut butter, cinnamon and aniseed are other flavours used to entice unwanted visitors into a trap. All these scents are sprayed onto traps from aerosol cans. Then it was time for the students to venture out to explore the island in two groups. Our group started walking towards one end of the island and straight away the sound we heard was remarkable. It’s hard to describe, but imagine an a cappella group made up entirely of native birds; birdcalls that many visitors would not easily recognise. The birds could usually be heard long before they were spotted, although weka were easily spotted wandering freely around the grounds. Teaching spots scattered allow guides to spend a few minutes talking about different aspects of conservation work. We learnt about the bird houses around the island and how different birds have different requirements—it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all. Stitchbird (hihi) are picky birds requiring a deck, small hole and doorway. Kiwi choose a different burrow each night to sleep in. Saddleback (tīeke) require a triangle-shaped opening for their box. And kaka go around eating the other bird houses. While we were looking at a chart of various birds, Brian froze momentarily, head cocked to one side, before whipping out his cellphone. He began to play a birdcall and almost
ROTOROA ISLAND IS A PLACE OF HEALING AND RENEWAL—FIRSTLY OF HUMANITY AND NOW OF NATURE. instantly a saddleback flew right over our heads and perched in a nearby tree, responding to the cellphone’s call. It was a remarkable thing to watch, and when we learnt that the saddleback was once thought to be extinct, it was an incredibly special moment. Rotoroa Island’s conservation programme started with 40 saddlebacks, but is now home to approximately 100. Rotoroa Island is full of special moments: walking along and suddenly seeing a takahē with its young chick; a baby weka running across your path as it tries to catch up to its mother and sibling; pīwakawaka (fantail) darting around you as they try to catch the insects stirred by walking along the dirt track; or, spotting baby tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) on the beach amongst seashells. The island plays a vital role in the kiwi breeding programme that Auckland Zoo operates. Kiwi eggs are collected from the Coromandel and taken to the zoo for incubation. Once hatched, they are released onto Rotoroa and they stay there for up to two years. A muster by specially-trained dogs takes place before the kiwi are released back into the Coromandel. The public can watch as kiwi are released onto Rotoroa—keep an eye out on their website for release dates. The Rotoroa Island Trust has been busy with other conservation tasks, too, including removing 20,000 pine trees before planting almost 400,000 native plants since it took over in 2008. There’s so much greenery now, including a field of young pohutakawaka trees. With a little imagination, it’s not hard to see the canopy of red bloom that will cover the area as they mature.
What to see and do
in its presentation and helps centre the story of the Rotoroa Island as a place of healing and renewal—firstly of humanity and now of nature. The historic schoolhouse and jailhouse also speak of days past, as does the mast of Tiri II, Radio Hauraki’s famous pirate ship that broadcast from the Gulf. Decoy Gannets with an artificial call broadcast constantly in the hope of attracting real Gannet birds to the island. The island’s graveyard is the resting place of a number of former staff and clients, a peaceful place for reflection—especially for those with personal connections to those buried there. Three of the staff houses have been beautifully renovated with a shout-out to their vintage heritage. These are available to hire for overnight stays. For a cheaper option the superintendent’s house has been renovated into hostelstyle accommodation. It can hold a large group of up to 18 or individual travellers. Multiple beaches on the island make ideal swimming or picnic spots if the weather is inviting, with barbecues at Ladies Bay for visitors to use free-of-charge. The island can be easily covered on foot in a day, with toilets scattered around as well. Rotoroa Island is a unique part of Salvation Army history that was once cut off from the public’s view. It is now a place that all New Zealanders can enjoy. Importantly, it is a place that can enrich our knowledge of the Army, of native species, and of the importance of conservation for the future sustainability of endangered species and wildlife. PLAN YOUR OWN VISIT TO ROTOROA ISLAND | Find out more at rotoroa.org.nz
A state-of-the-art visitor centre and museum preserve Rotoroa Island’s history, beginning with Māori and early European, followed by a comprehensive look at the Army’s addiction treatment centre over many decades. This museum is stunning 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 9
Single for the holidays? It can be a tough time of year to be single. But it can also be a time to make memories that will last a lifetime. ‘I used to hate being single during the holidays,’ says Marielle. ‘I felt pressure to organise something so I wouldn’t be alone. But when I look back, they were some of the best holidays I ever had. Now that I have kids and holidays revolve around them, I appreciate the memories I made.’ ‘I’ve had holidays that were genuinely merry and bright. But I’ve also cried the ugly cry alone in my bedroom on the night before Christmas,’ adds Ali. ‘Don’t ignore it or plaster on a fake smile. Acknowledge those feelings; figure out if there’s anything you need to do about it. Share your feelings with a friend, skip or attend a certain holiday event, resolve to do something differently in the future, or even just have a good cry about it.’ But Ali adds that she ‘resents the fact that it’s expected that single people will be depressed around the holidays.’ She says, ‘The holidays can be fantastic in part because you’re single. You can plan and celebrate a totally meaningful and memorable holiday season on your own.’ As a single person, you have the opportunity to create a tradition that is special to you without being obliged to share someone else’s plans. Marielle booked a bach each summer for a bunch of friends—both married and single. ‘Don’t assume your married friends don’t want to go away with you, but you do have to put yourself out there,’ she says. ‘Take a good hard look at some of the “musts” that come with your holiday season, especially the ones that leave you feeling drained or discouraged,’ suggests Ali. You don’t need to attend every event—pick and choose what is life-giving to you. Seth had a difficult family dynamic and Christmas was a draining time of year. ‘It was hard to break with family tradition, but one year I decided to spend Christmas with friends in the States—it was one of the best Christmases I ever had,’ he says. Ali has one final piece of advice: ‘The most effective thing I’ve found in life to refocus and encourage me—especially on tough days—is gratitude. It’s still a bit of a mystery to me how the simple act of giving thanks has such power to lift my mood or transform a perspective.’
Make a plan If you’re worried about being alone for the holidays, make a plan … For your calendar: Figure out before the holidays how many events you can and want to attend this holiday season. For your finances: If you’re single, don’t feel like you need to match the amount of money your couple friends spend on holidays. Your mental health: Figure out in advance how to take care of yourself—such as asking a friend to check in regularly or planning life-giving activities. Source: gimmesomeoven.com
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TESTIFY! After being abused, Linda Walsh was plagued with anxiety and selfdoubt, until she was invited to the women’s Home League group at New Lynn Salvation Army. I was brought up in a Christian household and attended Sunday school. But after my 15-year-old brother died when I was 12, I really struggled with my loss. I was also abused, but didn’t tell anyone about it for 37 years. My young mind thought it was my fault and that no one would believe me. This caused depression and anxiety to the point that, in my 30s, I would cry myself to sleep at night and worry about every small thing—although to most outsiders I was seen as a successful, hard-working, caring person in a banking career for 24 years. Little did they know about my inside turmoil, including wondering what life was really about. In my early 40s my mum almost died and then I lost a series of family members and a good friend. I felt lost and had a great fear of being alone. I was like a lost sheep. Due to my feelings of worthlessness I decided to leave work. So I rented my unit out and moved in with my mum in Mt Wellington. Mum brought me along to Home League (a Salvation Army friendship group for women) at New Lynn Corps (Salvation Army church). I began volunteering in the kitchen and we attended church on special occasions. Mum and I needed to move house, so decided to move to the new apartments in New Lynn that were closer to The Salvation Army. I really enjoyed Home League. I especially remember one particular speaker who helped start me on a new thought process.
JUST THREE YEARS AGO I WAS TIED UP IN KNOTS INSIDE MYSELF, WONDERING WHY I WAS EVEN LIVING. I started volunteering on the catering team, which helped with my selfesteem, and I realised that I loved the idea of serving others. I remember telling Mum, ‘Don’t expect me to go to church every Sunday’, but the Lord had other ideas. Because we were living close, I attended several of the Easter services and was touched by Jesus. I realised he went through tremendous pain and died to forgive me my sins—so I could, in turn, forgive the individual who had hurt me. This lifted a great weight off my shoulders and my new life began. My relationship with the Lord helped me understand that I was never alone, but
Jesus was always with me. I went on to become a Salvation Army soldier (member) and have never looked back. My self-esteem grew stronger with the help of my new church family and I increased my volunteer work. This year I started working in Community Ministries, serving God and helping others in need. My life has been enriched by my relationship with Jesus. I pray often, starting in the morning with the Lord’s Prayer. I pray anytime I feel the need—in good times and in hard times. I love to ask for his help for others, for strength for myself, and for continued understanding and learning from the Bible. Just three years ago I was tied up in knots inside myself, wondering why I was even living. I never dreamt I would be looking to the future with a real sense of fulfilment, having a relationship with God and feeling great joy by placing my future in his hands. I love to help others and invite them to be part of our Lord’s family. I am blessed to be a blessing. 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 11
WHY I’M SC AR ED
TO SAY ST UFF THAT MATT ER S BY JEREMY SUISTED
My ears were aching and my eyes were craving respite from the stank air. I was spending a week with my bandmates recording an EP. After spending hours in front of a blaring guitar amp, trying to nail the sound, we started to get a little stir-crazy. We needed to blow off steam, so we went outside and did a mock photo shoot with me as a guitarplaying-tortured artist. It was stupid and dumb, and it made us laugh. We uploaded a few photos on Facebook, as you do, and never thought of it again. Five years later and I was about to preach at a church for the first time. As I was being introduced, the auditorium was suddenly filled with larger-than-life images of my fictitious singer-songwriter career. 12 firezone.co.nz 13 JANUARY 2018
The 500-strong congregation laughed—I joined in—and then somehow managed to get over my embarrassment and preach a message. It was hilarious, and pretty harmless as far as internet gaffs go.
EVERYTHING IS FOREVER But this highlighted something that continues to itch in my mind. Everything is permanent. A dumb moment with friends is suddenly broadcast to a room full of strangers. Photos from years ago are drawn back up by Facebook’s algorithm as a memory to share. Blog posts are archived—and forever able to be accessed by Google. Everything is there forever. And this can be downright scary at times. To be honest, this has led to a fear of speaking and writing
for me. We live in a world where we assume that if it’s recorded, it’s the person’s final conclusion. There is no room for development, no room for suggestion, no room for conjecture or ideas. And really, this is absurd. Life is complex, ethical decisions are minefields, and many of us would confess that we find things confusing at times. Take, for example, abortion. This is a profoundly sensitive and delicate topic that encompasses ethics, choice, compassion, relationship and situations. And we’ve reduced this complex issue down to two simple titles: pro-life and pro-choice. If I was to write about abortion—my thoughts, reflections, questions or ideas—I would instantly be lumped into one of these two categories, and all that goes along with it. Whether its sexuality, gun-control, Trump vs Whoever, politics, morals, ethics, questions of origins, justice, belief—all the big stuff that matters!—we try to reduce it. We don’t seem to like complexity. We prefer black and white, to shades of grey. When you’re trying to articulate a view, it’s scary. So it’s a whole lot easier to say nothing at all.
AN IDEA IS NOT A PERSON The second reason I get scared to say stuff that matters is that we tend to forget that an idea is not a person. People live and breathe. People are made in the image of God. People carry life, sanctity, hope and potential. People make ideas—from their experiences, synaptic links, conversations, culture and research. But a person is not an idea. A person carrying an idea that is different to mine may frustrate, anger, upset or disappoint me. But that’s okay. Because the idea is not the person. The truth is: our ideas change and develop. Most people—myself included—would confess that over the past decade their ideas have morphed, revolutionised or grown in ways they couldn’t have predicted. And this is good! The Scriptures urge us to grow, right? ‘And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,’ says Paul in Philippians 1:9. Paul wants their love—for God and each other—to grow in knowledge and depth of insight. Everyone is evolving—even the apostles had lessons to learn. Peter and Paul had an argument, where Peter found himself in the wrong. But Paul was also wrong sometimes—
WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE WE ASSUME THAT IF IT'S RECORDED, IT'S THE PERSON'S FINAL CONCLUSION. like when he refused to forgive a young Mark for a previous betrayal, which meant he fell out with his good friend Barnabas. But when we live in a world that captures our developing ideas as if they are our final conclusions, that leads to a fear of saying anything meaningful at all.
LESSONS FOR A DIGITAL AGE Perhaps we have to recognise that our identity is not in social media likes. When we need popularity, we ultimately reinforce nothing at all. But when we have a conviction, the world needs it communicated. It will likely foster disagreement, misunderstanding, anger and division. But that doesn’t mean the communication itself is poor. It simply means the idea is important. I tend to forget that the greatest communicator the world has ever seen ended up crucified on a wooden cross—not on the top of the New York Times bestseller list. But … be wise. Not everything needs to be shared. And when ideas may cause division, perhaps the wiser path is to allow for discussion and engagement. Perhaps, as we follow this great communicator, we should remember that God is the Word. We are not. We communicate as fallible, blurry-eyed humans—prone to errors, able to be wrong, ready to accept we might just be foolish in what we’re saying. The author Donald Miller sums this up so well, ‘I am willing to sound dumb. I am willing to be wrong. I am willing to be passionate about something that isn’t perceived as cool. I am willing to express a theory. I am willing to admit I’m afraid. I’m willing to contradict something I’ve said before. I’m willing to have a knee-jerk reaction, even a wrong one. I’m willing to apologise. I’m perfectly willing to be perfectly human.’ I’m still afraid at times, still confused. But I recognise this is okay. This is what it means to write and speak, and be human. 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 13
Congratulations to our new lieutenants! (From left to right) Leo Siwi, Lynda & Grant Pitcher, Chonny & Mike Bryan, Beany Cho, Maree & Andrew O'Brien. Photography: Christina Tyson.
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!
From the moment graduates and staff boogied down the aisle to a funk version of ‘Celebrate Good Times’, the scene was set for a festive and joyful weekend. And there was much to celebrate as seven cadets from the Messengers of the Gospel session and one Joyful Intercessor were commissioned. Head, Heart and Hands Cadet Lynda Pitcher began her graduation speech with a quote from Dr Seuss: ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ ‘Tonight we celebrate our heads,’ explained Lynda, at the graduation ceremony on Friday 8 December 2017. ‘But tonight is about more than the knowledge I’ve gained. If I want to go further in making an impact on my small corner of the world, I need to use my head, heart and hands.’ These words were echoed by then-Captain Ian Gainsford, outgoing principal of Booth College of Mission (BCM): ‘We have a wild and infinite God that we too easily claim to understand,’ he exclaimed. ‘Cadets, don’t you dare settle for what you know now! ‘To say we should love requires us to actually love. To say we need to empower, means we need to let go of power … Jesus didn’t say, “Tell people what to do,” he said, “Whoever wants to be great must learn to serve.”’ This partnership of head, heart and hands became a theme throughout the night. The service began with a moving pōwhiri, which included BCM staff and 21 graduates. Music was provided by Waitakere Central Corps, leading in powerful worship throughout the weekend. ‘BCM exists to prepare people for the realities of mission in The Salvation Army, inspiring them to engage with a triune God in a mission that will transform our nation,’ said Commissioner Andy Westrupp, as he presented the annual report. ‘This requires deep learning, significant skill and deep passion.’ The past year deserved special recognition, because BCM gained accreditation as a Category One tertiary provider— putting it at the highest level available in New Zealand. ‘This was a major achievement worth celebrating,’ said Andy. 14 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
The cadets received a range of qualifications, including the Diploma of Christian Studies, Diploma in Salvation Army Mission and Ministry, and Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training. Major Bronwyn Aldersley and Captain Dale McFarlane both received a Bachelor of Theology from Laidlaw College—a major partner with BCM. Finally, 10 people graduated with the inaugural Te Whare Io certificate—a year-long Māori discipleship programme. There were plenty of waiata, karanga whakanui and haka to honour the graduates, which gave an immense sense of mana to the whole evening. ‘William Booth realised that he wasn’t meeting the mark by preaching in church. He realised the mark was out there on the streets, so he met with prostitutes, gamblers and the down-and-outers,’ said Frane Rosandich, Te Whare Io facilitator. ‘I love the revolutionary tone within your whakapapa.’
No Invoice Please, Mum! The word LIFE was spelt out in giant letters at the front of Wellington City Corps. Cadet Mike Bryan pointed out that LIFE stands for ‘love is for everyone’.
Te Whare Io graduate Shona Hawkins.
Territorial welcome for (from left to right) Colonels Suzanne & Melvin Fincham and Colonel Heather Rodwell.
Love was a central theme of the day, on Saturday 9 December 2017, as cadets and their families gathered together for the Silver Star Brunch. Colonel Yvonne Westrupp explained that the Fellowship of the Silver Star was originally set up to honour the mothers of cadets—and it was only in 2001 that fathers and spiritual parents were given ‘equal opportunities’ and included in the Fellowship. Speaking on behalf of the other graduates, Cadet Grant Pitcher welled up with tears as he reflected on his own family: ‘Our parents made us the people we are today. They protected and nurtured us when we were hurt, they were there for our first words, for the scars on our legs,’ said Grant, adding, ‘Remember riding my bike into the swimming pool, Mum? Don’t ever give me an invoice for the money you’ve spent on me over the years!’ Cadet Leo Siwi, from the Indonesia Territory, was chosen to study at BCM for the year. His parents, fiancée and Chief Secretary made a special trip to New Zealand to celebrate his commissioning. ‘Our hearts are beating, we’re happy and are very grateful and we say our thanks to the Lord,’ said Leo’s parents, who are also Salvation Army officers.
men’, saying, ‘He wants every one of us to be mighty warriors, and every one of us to be part of a focused unit of radicals.’ As selected guests gave messages of encouragement to the cadets, a stand out was 14-year-old Sophie Gainsford: ‘Manaakitanga means to care and be generous to others your whole life. My prayer is that this is something that will stay in your memory. Best of luck, never give up,’ she said. During the formal part of the ceremony, each cadet went forward to be commissioned and receive their first appointment. New Lieutenant Sung Woo (Beany) Cho broke the formalities by doing a ‘westside’ sign as he was appointed to Waitakere Central Corps.
The Good News is Everyone’s Job ‘Have you had any good news lately?’ was the question asked of people on the streets of Wellington in an opening video at the afternoon Commissioning and Ordination service. Answers included everything from a clear mammogram result, to a new job, to a healthy family. It was all good news! The cadets were being commissioned as the Messengers of the Gospel. But their message was that they can’t do it alone— we are all messengers of good news. ‘God loves us all—that’s the radical message, and to me that’s what the gospel is, that love is for everyone,’ reflected Mike. ‘The people we don’t like, the people society doesn’t like. So help us to spread that gospel!’ This was reflected in Andy’s address, recalling the early days of The Salvation Army, where corps were typically run by local Salvationists rather than commissioned officers. He compared the disciples of Jesus—both in the Bible and today—to David’s ‘mighty
Te Haka a Te Poti!
Lieutenant Andrew O’Brien—who, along with his wife Maree, has been a cadet-in-appointment at Manukau Central Corps—responded by forming an ‘M-side’ sign with his hands. After the service, Maree reflected that the weekend had felt extra-special for them, as their Covenant Day was also their 32nd wedding anniversary. But the moment met with bated breath was when Leo’s appointment was announced—in accordance with his territory’s practice, Leo had to wait until this moment to find out just where he would be going. He was told he was appointed to 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 15
Spontaneous haka & waiata for graduates.
Maranatha Boys Home in the Bali Java Division, to cheers all round—and a large, relieved smile from Leo. ‘Commissioner, these eight are not perfect, but they are capable,’ said Ian. ‘They will make glorious mistakes. They will struggle and succeed. They will bring life.’ The final ‘act’ was a life-giving and glorious climax, as graduates from Te Whare Io gave a kapa haka performance, with songs of worship to Atua and service to Te Ope Whakaora. Indeed, it brought LIFE—love for everyone that was there that day.
The service was also the official welcome for Colonels Melvin and Suzanne Fincham, and Colonel Heather Rodwell. ‘It’s a privilege to be here in this part of God’s vineyard,’ responded Melvin. ‘Time and time again I’ve seen Jesus turn the impossible into the possible. For whoever, wherever, forever.’ Suzanne gave the morning’s message, reflecting that ‘some of us have fancy epaulettes’ but that doesn’t mean there are not challenges. ‘When it is hard, God says, “Is it well with your soul, Suzanne?” and I say, “Come on God, let’s walk together.”’ She talked about the ‘divine marginalisation’ of God, who chose to become an ‘ordinary’ human being, walking with us. ‘Jesus came into the margins, becoming a servant—which means to become invisible. Jesus came into the margins of society to show us our worth. The Word walks around in us unseen, the Word walks through the marketplace. Do we recognise the Word in our day, in our life?’ It was Suzanne who summed up the feeling of all the celebrations, when she said, ‘It is a miracle, and miracles have happened here this weekend.’
Lieutenant Leo Siwi's guests came all the way from Indonesia Territory.
A New Beginning The Sunday morning celebration service featured the world premiere of new Lieutenant Grant Pitcher’s own brass band composition, ‘A New Beginning’. ‘Before I came to college I wrote this piece of music—but at College I realised it was a new beginning every day,’ explained Grant. It was a stirring piece of music, based on Grant’s two favourite worship songs ‘Our God is an Awesome God’, and ‘Show Your Power’. The morning celebrated new beginnings, as well as life-long journeys. Seven officers came forward to celebrate between 25-40 years of service. But the standing ovation belonged to Major David Bennett, retiring after 52 years of continuous service—which Major Gerry Walker said ‘may well be a record’. Collectively, the officers had done a staggering 357 years of active service. Then, these faithful officers handed over the baton, as they presented the second year cadets with their trimmings and prayed over them. 16 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
Major David Bennett honoured for 52 years continuous service.
READ THE FULL COMMISSIONING REPORT ONLINE | www.salvationarmy.org.nz/CommissioningReport2017
Christmas Wonderland Wows Auckland
A wonderland of hundreds of Christmas trees wowed Auckland write on a paper heart and hang it in memory of a loved one was in the build-up to Christmas. especially popular. ‘A lot of people when they did that were in Over 5000 Aucklanders visited the Christmas Tree Showcase tears because it was so special.’ at Albany Bay Corps over four days in November; featuring more The ultimate highlight, though, proved to be a tree decorated than 200 Christmas trees, a town square with a giant working with ginger bread by Hamilton Salvationist Christine Canty, clock, shops with Christmas scenes, and a life-sized manger. who baked over 200 ginger bread men, women and children. The extravaganza raised more than $25,000 for the work of five Fellow organiser Rhondda Middleton said the nativity scene, Auckland corps. complete with baby Jesus in a life-sized manger and surrounded The event was organised by Hamilton woman Raewyn Bayer by smaller nativity scenes, was also a highlight. and Northern Division Public Relations coordinator Raewyn Butler. ‘We wanted to make sure Jesus was an important part of the Raewyn Bayer held a similar, smaller Christmas tree showcase. There was a big spotlight shining down on the manger. extravaganza in Hamilton in 2014, and when she met Raewyn The baby Jesus got hugged and taken out of the manger quite a lot.’ Butler last year, the pair bonded over their love of Christmas trees and decided to put on a similar fundraiser for the Army. With help from businesses, schools and Salvationists from as far as Hamilton they managed to gather a huge array of trees. Trees were set out in themes: from traditional decorations to trees made out of everything from towels, ties, corrugated iron, pine cones and even the wing of a World War II aeroplane. The hall was decorated with a town square feel, Raewyn Butler said, complete with a clock tower with working clocks and traditional lamps built by her husband Richard and a friend. They also had a café and barbecue and children enjoyed an outdoor play area. It took them three months to set up, with some of the trees taking hundreds of hours to make, but Raewyn said seeing the response from everyone—from pre-schoolers to groups from retirement villages—made it all worth it. ‘Everyone as they walked in their first reaction was, “wow”. There wasn’t a person that left without a smile on their face.’ One group from a retirement village was encouraged to sing carols as they gathered round a mantelpiece decoration. ‘They came back the next day with a card saying thank you for making our ordinary day special.’ Trees decorated in Lego, rainbow baubles and jewellery were highlights for the children. For the adults, a tree of remembrance where people could Photography: Raewyn Butler and Rhondda Middleton. 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 17
Unwrapping Christmas Over the weekend of 1–3 December, Miramar Salvation Army hosted Unwrapping Christmas—a free interactive Christmas experience for the whole family. There were eight sessions across the weekend, including sessions for a local primary school and local preschool. The event was booked out in two weeks, and over 600 people attended the weekend. The idea of Unwrapping Christmas is all about journeying with people from where they’re at with Christmas to the true reason for the season. Each tour group starts in Santa’s workshop, which included crafts, toy testing and photos with Santa. Groups then moved through to a Christmas marketplace with stalls showing how other countries celebrate Christmas. A lot of people’s highlight was heading through a snow room which led to Nana’s house where ‘nana’ shared a Christmas story. The rest of the journey included Christmas Tree Land and some very cute lambs. Guests then had time in the café where there were more activities for the kids, live music and free cake and coffee. Once all tour groups had spent time in the café, they moved through to a nativity scene. This was a particularly significant time for people as the birth of Jesus was illustrated beautifully through story, singing and a live nativity. Corps Leader David Medland wrapped up the event—encouraging people to explore the gift
of Christ this Christmas, praying for those that attended and inviting them to the Christmas Eve service. The weekend was a great success, both for bringing people in the corps together, and for the corps to connect with and share the love of Christ with the Miramar Peninsula.
GAZETTE
Reacceptance and Appointment: Cpt Karl Saunders, Assistant Officer, Invercargill Corps with responsibility for Gore Corps. Additional Appointments: Mjr Ian Gainsford, Chairperson, Moral and Social Issues (Ethics) Council; Cpt Raewyn Gardner, Divisional Candidates Secretary, Midland Division. Promotions: To the rank of major: Tauanatobo Cheer, Ian Gainsford, Kathleen Garbett, Russell Garbett, Racheal-Lee Kendrick, Laineta Ramere, Viliame Ramere, Bruce Tong, Valerie Tong, Lasurusa Turaga, Limaina Turaga. To the rank of captain: Logan Bathurst, Suzanne Bathurst, Missy Ditchburn, Daniel In, Gabrielle Choi, Benjamin Schischka, Karen Schischka, Fiona Stuart, Rance Stuart. Long-Service Awards: 25 years’ service: Mjr Nicola Rogers; 30 years’ service: Lt-Col David Bateman, Lt-Col Margaret Bateman, Mjr Andrew Hay, Mjr Suzanne Stevenson; 40 years’ service: Mjr Joanne Jellyman, Mjr Colin Mason. Retirements: We honour the following officers for their service to God and pray God’s blessings on them in the days ahead: Effective 11 Jan: Mjrs Kathleen and Keith Wray, after 21 years. Kath and Keith entered training from Newton Corps in 1995 in the Messengers of Truth Session. On 7 Dec 1996, they were appointed to Te Aroha Corps as Corps Officers, with Keith also Chaplain, Te Aroha Employment Plus. In 2000, Kath and Keith were appointed Corps Officers, Hastings, with Keith also Director, Hastings/Flaxmere Community and Family Services. Kath and Keith were appointed Corps Officers, Tawa (2009) and Taupō (2016) as well as Chaplains, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (also 2016). In August 2016, Kath and Keith received the additional appointment of Directors, Taupō Community Ministries. Effective 19 Jan: Mjr Ruth Froggatt, after almost 37 years. Ruth entered training from Hamilton City Corps in 1975 in the Overcomers Session. On 15 Jan 1977 she was appointed Corps Officer, Browns Bay, followed by appointments to Whatman Home, Masterton, and The Nest, Hamilton. In 1980, Ruth married Hylton Froggatt. In Jan 1984, they were appointed to Hodderville Boys Home as
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Assistant Managers. Corps appointments followed in Gore (1985), Mosgiel (1989), Massey (1990) and Thames (1994). In 1995, the Froggatts were appointed Assistant Managers, Ohinemuri Home and Hospital, Paeroa, followed by Managers, Resthaven Eventide Home, Christchurch (1998). In July 2002, Ruth and Hylton spent a short time at Bethany Village as Assistant Managers before moving to Taupō where Ruth was appointed Manager, Wharerangi Eventide Home and Hospital. In 2005, Ruth was appointed Mission Director, Home Care. In 2007, Ruth and Hylton were appointed Directors, Addington Supportive Accommodation. In 2010, they were appointed Directors, Bridge Programme, Wellington. They relocated to Auckland in 2011, where Ruth held a number of appointments: Divisional Secretary for Community Ministries, Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers (with Hylton), and Divisional Silver Star Secretary. Since 2014, Ruth has been National Quality Consultant for Addiction Services, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services. Ruth will commence an Appointment in Retirement (part time) as Quality Coordinator, Waikato Bridge. Effective 21 Jan: Mjr Colin Mason after 40 years. Colin entered training with wife Roselynn from Dunedin North Corps in 1976 in the Companions of Christ Session. On 21 Jan 1978, they were appointed Corps Officers, Motueka, followed by appointments to Kāpiti and Mosgiel Corps. In 1984, Colin was appointed Divisional Youth Secretary, Central Division, and then to the Training College as Field Training Officer. Colin and Roselynn were appointed Corps Officers to Hastings (1988), Christchurch City (1992) and Hamilton City (1998). From 1989, Colin had an additional appointment as Chaplain to the Defence Force. In 2008, Colin became Regular Force Chaplain (Army) Defence Force and in 2013 Principal Chaplain (Navy). Colin continues as Principal Chaplain (Navy) in his retirement. Bereaved: Mjr Geraldine Johnson of her mother, Sister Barbara Stratton on 2 Dec 2017 from Hamilton; Cpt Linda Travis of her mother, Kathleen Holloway, on 24 Nov 2017 from Tauranga; Mjr Nigel Luscombe of his father, Brother Clive Luscombe, on 22 Nov 2017 from Auckland; Mjr Gweneth Greig of her sister, Betty Lomas, on 17 Nov 2017 from Wellington.
THE WORD ‘HOLIDAY’ IS THE DERIVATIVE OF ‘HOLY DAY’. We’re all going on a summer holiday! It is my joy to greet you in the first edition of War Cry in this new year of 2018. As we look back and reflect on the past year, there is much to celebrate and thank God for. We recently celebrated commissioning weekend and were inspired by the new lieutenants making their covenant before God and his Salvation Army. We have once again stopped and shared in the familiar Christmas story and been reminded of God’s promise, Immanuel, God with us. Many people are now on holiday, others are making plans to get away. If I were to quote the words, ‘We’re all going on a Summer Holiday,’ what would they mean to you? A certain generation of people will recall the famous Sir Cliff Richard back in the 1960s when he and The Shadows recorded this song, taken from the film Summer Holiday. For those interested, the song was written by rhythm guitarist Bruce Welch and drummer Brian Bennett. The film had a feel good factor, set on a red London Route Master—a double decker bus to the uninitiated—where a young and carefree group set off for two weeks of holiday and travel. It sounds idyllic. Two whole weeks—14 days!—of the wind in your hair and the sun warming your skin, two whole weeks seeing the great expanse of clear blue sky and sandy beaches stretching out before you. A time to connect with family and friends, to enjoy their company, reminiscing and putting the world to rights. Wikipedia’s description of a holiday is: a day set aside by custom or by law on which normal activities, especially business or work including school, are suspended or reduced. Generally, holidays are intended to allow individuals to celebrate or commemorate an event or tradition of cultural or religious significance. The word ‘holiday’ is the derivative of ‘holy day’. It goes back to ancient times when people stopped what they were doing and spent the day contemplating God—his love, his presence and the creation he has given us to enjoy. During the Covenant Day and Commissioning Day, many of us took the opportunity to do just that. We took time to allow ourselves a pause in life, to stop and take breath, to be drawn into God’s Holy presence. Wherever you find yourself this summer holiday, however you spend these warm and sunny days, I pray you will take the time to allow a pause in life. That you will use the time away from all the usual day-to-day things you would normally be doing, and accept yourself being drawn into God’s Holy presence—drawn into his love and grace. May you also take time to experience the joy and peace of God’s people around you. Photography: Brandon Lauridsen.
Colonel Suzanne Fincham Chief Secretary 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 19
The Unique Good News Studies on Grace
Barbara Sampson brings into focus a unique aspect of our faith: the wonder of grace. If you struggle to read the Bible (you are not alone!), try meditating on these four studies over the next week and begin a new habit for the New Year! BY BARBARA SAMPSON
When C.S. Lewis was asked what makes Christianity different from all other faiths, he replied: ‘It is grace.’ In marketing terms, grace is the USP—the unique selling point—of the gospel.
DAY
ONE
THE GRACE THAT SEES THROUGH US Read Genesis 28:10–19: ‘When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” ’ 20 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
There was nothing graceful about Jacob. He was a grabber right from the beginning, a tough little schemer. He cheated his brother out of his birthright and deceived his father over his brother’s blessing. Jacob is on the run when night falls. As he sleeps he dreams of angels on a stairway to heaven and hears God speaking amazing promises: ‘I will give you the land on which you are lying … Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth … All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ Jacob awakens realising that God has not struck him down for his sins but, rather, has blessed him. The place has become Bethel, House of God, a holy place of encounter. Even when, like Jacob, we are in ‘a certain place’, vulnerably on our own, running from our troubles, unsure if we will make it through the night, God knows where we are. He will find and bless us and make of us what we could never make of ourselves. Remember, the grace that sees through us is the grace that will see us through!
Having read Jacob’s story, now read Psalm 139 as ‘your’ story. Whatever words or phrases strike you—let them tumble around in your mind throughout the day.
DAY
TWO
COSTLY GRACE Read Exodus 16:1–18: ‘In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him.’ The mystery of God’s grace is that it is free, but it comes with a cost. The 19th Century Danish theologian Søren Kierkegaard lamented the failure of many of his contemporaries to understand God’s grace. If grace received by a believer is not lived out and passed along in grace-filled ways to others, it is what Kierkegaard called ‘cheap grace’—a two-dollar-shop plastic version of the real thing.
When God led the children of Israel out of Egypt they danced with joy. Against all odds they had been delivered from bondage and set free for a new life in the land of promise. But when the promised milk and honey of the new land did not flow immediately, their songs of joy quickly turned to grumbling. Dreams of Egypt’s bounty were preferable to hunger pangs in the desert (verse 3). Within a few weeks of their miraculous liberation the Israelites had turned back to their idols. Israel’s sorrowful story is sadly our story as well. We too struggle with living in the aftermath of God’s grace—forgiving and not holding grudges, setting free and not seeking revenge, responding with gratitude rather than with grumbling. Our response to God’s grace may often seem inadequate, little more than a ‘crumpled amen’. But God sees beyond our inadequacy to the heart of gratitude with which we bring ourselves. God’s grace, given to us freely and at such cost, calls forth all we have and all we are. Have you ever moved from ‘grace to grumbling’? Write an expression of confession.
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THREE
GRACE IN THE BARREN PLACE Read 2 Samuel 9:1–13: ‘ “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.” ’ Grace is a demonstration of love that is undeserved, unearned and unrepayable. The custom at the time of King David was that when a new king came to the throne, all the family members of the previous dynasty would be killed. Jonathan knew that one day David would be king, and asked him to show kindness to Jonathan’s family. Many years later, when he was indeed king, David remembered his promise and asked if there was anyone still left of the house of Saul (Jonathan’s family). Ziba, a former servant of Saul, told David about Mephibosheth, a son of
Jonathan ‘crippled in both feet’. When Mephibosheth was five years old, his nurse, hearing that Saul and Jonathan had both been killed in battle, picked Mephibosheth up and ran. However, she dropped the child and as a result he was permanently disabled. Mephibosheth had spent the years since then hiding from the king, living in Lo Debar— which literally means ‘no pastureland’, that is, a barren God-forsaken place. When David hears about this son of Jonathan, he orders Mephibosheth to be brought to the palace. He comes, bowing low, knowing he is as good as a dead dog (verse 8). But instead of being killed, he is shown kindness. This son of Jonathan, with nothing but his crippled self to bring, finds that the king has set his heart on him. He is welcomed to the king’s table, treated as one of the king’s sons, and a tablecloth of grace covers both his feet. In this story, do you feel more like David or Mephibosheth? Why and how?
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FOUR
JESUS FULL OF GRACE Read John 1:14–18: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ To understand what clothes grace wears, to see what grace does, to hear the accent with which grace speaks, we need to look at Jesus. Like the word agape, which is a designer word to describe God’s love (as opposed to other ‘loves’), grace was not even in our vocabulary until Jesus came. He came from God the Father, John writes, ‘full of grace and truth’. Out of his own fullness Jesus poured out ‘grace upon grace’ (verse 16, RSV), ‘one blessing after another’ over us. He became poor so that we could become rich. He humbled himself so that he could lift us up. He became nothing so that we could become something.
himself not in a robe of plush velvet or shimmering white, but in human flesh that sweats and smells and suffers. He came not as a prince among men, but as a servant, bending low to wash the feet of his closest friends. Jesus reached out to lift up fallen sinners and to restore lost sons. He noticed little things like children and meagre lunches and widows’ offerings. He kept company with people of no standing, no repute. He was as unconcerned for his own reputation as he was uncondemning of theirs. He met doubt with tenderness, hatred with love, betrayal with forgiveness. He lifted his heart to the God who people thought was unapproachable and called him Father, Abba, Daddy, and encouraged us to do the same. Jesus came clothed in grace, speaking grace, living grace—as John says, ‘full of grace’. Read Philippians 2:6–11 and respond to Jesus in your own way.
Tips for reading the Bible … READ … a portion of the Bible several times, taking note of what stands out to you. REFLECT … keep a ‘grace journal’ as a record of God’s grace at work in your life. RESOLVE … let a word or phrase from your reading become your prayer. How will you be changed by this reading? REJOICE … offer praise to God.
ENJOYED THIS STUDY? This is just an abridged taste of Barbara’s Sampson’s collection of 18 studies on grace, called Grace for the Ungraceful. To order your copy contact barbara.sampson.nz@gmail.com Cost: $5 ($3 + $2 p&p).
When grace appeared it came incarnate in the person of Jesus. He clothed 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 6 Feb: Waitangi Celebrations, Waitangi 18 Feb: Linwood Corps Building Reopening 18 Feb: Installation of Divisional Commanders in Southern Division 19 Feb: Central Division Officers’ Council—Spiritual Day, BCM 25 Feb: Installation of Divisional Commanders in Northern Division 26 Feb: Northern Division Summer Councils Colonel Suzanne Fincham (Chief Secretary) 20 Jan: Amplify Creative Arts Camp, Silverstream 21 Jan: Hutt City Corps 5-7 Feb: Waitangi Celebrations, Waitangi 9-12 Feb: Tonga visit 16-21 Feb: Southern Division Summer Councils
PRAY
Whangārei, Winton, Woodville, Albany Bays and Alexandra Corps; Southern Divisional Headquarters; The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka.
Want to Know More? I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:
Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland
Labour Weekend 19–21 October 2018
New Zeal coincides with the National Māori Ministry Hui. Hui delegates will be hosted on a marae and travel together to New Zeal, with some separate hui-only activities. Quiz Answers: 1 Wimbledon Common, 2 Tīeke, 3 Lobsters, 4 Fifth, 5 An eagle (Proverbs 23:5).
22 WarCry 13 JANUARY 2018
summer scavenger hunt!
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens ...
Get outside and find these wild treasures.
Some thi fuzzy ng
A Y-shap ed twig
A feather
Something with seeds
Aw flow ild er
James 1:17 CEV
or A bug t c e s in
A heart shaped rock ada A cic ll she
Take them home and make an awesome piece of wild art with your findings!
join the dots, then colour in the picture!
ou ing y iful h t e Som is beaut think
Wow, summer is so fun! What’s the best thing you’ve done these holidays?
The Bible says that all good things come from God. Did you know that God wants us to have fun? He loves us. He loves seeing us laugh and play. God wants to give us good things—like friends, sun, awesome places to swim—he gives us good things in our lives.
Dear Jesus, thank you for all the fun things I’m doing over these holidays. 13 JANUARY 2018 WarCry 23
Original Photo: Andy Westrupp.