FAITH IN ACTION  14 JANUARY 2017 | Issue 6658 | $1.50
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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. EDITOR Major Christina Tyson | GRAPHIC DESIGN Tanesha Dahya, Amber Wilkinson | STAFF WRITERS Ingrid Barratt, 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.
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Light for life It’s a joy to greet you in the opening weeks of 2017. Every year brings wonderful opportunities as well as fresh challenges, yet none of us know what lies ahead. It’s as if the path ahead is still in the shadows—dim and unclear. We hope our feet will tread in good and wise places, we hope for wisdom and insight to make good choices. What we need is light for the year ahead. Jesus is that light. He said, ‘I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life’ (John 8:12). The Bible adds further guidance to our steps. Psalm 119:105 says, ‘Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.’ It’s the prayer of the War Cry team that you would know the companionship of Jesus this year. That you would know how cherished you are by him and how Jesus wants to help you make the most of your life and to invest the gift of your life for others—because he loves them, just as he loves you. While we’re talking about prayer, I encourage you to prioritise prayer for persecuted Christians this year. Our feature article profiles the work of the Open Doors organisation, which raises awareness of the needs of the persecuted church and encourages prayer support. Hebrews 13:3 says, ‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’ We can see prayer for the persecuted as ‘love on its knees’. Christina Tyson 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 133 years | ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6658 Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
www.salvationarmy.org.nz salvationarmynzftwarcry @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft
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Encouragement is awesome. It can actually change the course of another person’s day, week or life. Chuck Swindoll
1 Thessalonians 5: 11 The Message So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind … 1 Teharonika 5:11 Nā, whakamārie koutou tētahi i tētahi, hangā hoki te pai o tētahi e tētahi, pērātia me tā koutou e mea mai nā.
W
hat is it about a new year, month, week or day that offers a chance for a do-over? How many of us have made well-meaning decisions about changes we wanted to make and these lined up with a ‘new’ moment? If we fall off the wagon, as the saying goes, many of us then feel we’ve blown it, so we wallow in self-pity or get stuck in self-sabotage while waiting for the next ‘new’ to come around … so we can begin again. I’ve done it myself many times. Whether it’s an exercise or clean eating regime, a save-don’tspend plan or the old Facebook fast—it’s simple but not easy. In fact, ‘simple but not easy’ has become one of my key life messages. It keeps me grounded and reminds me to be kind to others and myself. We can be quick to heap burning coals of failure on ourselves and others when expectations are not met. But here’s one thing I’m learning more and more: God doesn’t work like we do. A lot of people are motivated to make positive change on Mondays. For instance, a study on Google search queries a few years back found more people think about quitting smoking on Mondays than any other day. But I believe God would say to us, ‘No more Mondays!’ God doesn’t require us to wait for the next ‘new’ to come along before we can talk with him or ask for forgiveness. God’s grace is not limited by a time-stamp. I remember talking with a friend one day about church. They said they needed to get their life sorted out first before they could come along to
a church service. Their thinking was, ‘I’ve messed up too much come to church.’ That’s not the gospel according to Jesus of Nazareth! One of the other life lessons I’ve learnt is that God is more interested in our character than our comfort. Sometimes life gets uncomfortable —and we can choose to stay in that place with its consequences, or we can choose to change something. It might be an attitude or a habit or a mindset. Dissatisfaction can be a great catalyst for change. So can hope. Do you have a vision for the kind of life you want to live? Do your current circumstances and behaviour lend themselves to this vision? Or are they contributing to you staying stuck in a rut? I’m a big fan of Brené Brown, a research professor who has spent years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness and shame. Her books and TED talk have inspired millions around the world. Brené says that ‘sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up’. Show up—when you’ve stumbled. Show up —when you feel inadequate. Show up—when you aren’t living to your full potential. Show up—when you feel unworthy. ‘You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both,’ says Brené. As we begin 2017 let’s choose to live with courage. Let’s choose to live purposely. Let’s choose to accept God’s grace without needing to wait till next Monday. That might just help us love Mondays a little bit more too. BY SHAR DAVIS 14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 3
GOODSTUFF
Milo isn’t turning kids into sports stars. Consumer NZ voted this one of the top most misleading foods. Its claims to healthiness are almost entirely because it’s mixed with milk—but the powder gets just one-anda-half stars. Most misleading food marketing was also aimed at kids: Heinz ‘Little Kids Fruit and Veg Shredz’ is 70% sugar, cereals like ‘Coco Pops Chex’ have added more sugar to recipes, and Blue Diamond Almond Milk has more sugar than almonds! For a healthy snack, eat an ‘apple a day’ —fat free and 90% sugar free!
Best of 2016 In every War Cry issue, we try to give practical tips for living—here are our fave life hacks of 2016. Caring about our world • We use a mind-boggling 1.6 billion plastic bags every year, but Countdown and The Warehouse are now offering a recycling service for plastic bags, and any other plastic that is foldable—like packaging and even chippie packets. So make the most of the recycling bins in Auckland, the Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch. • Bananas are our most-bought supermarket product, but boy can they drive you bananas when they over-ripen. To avoid them going to waste, break up the bunch and put them individually in resealable plastic bags. It really works! Loving life • Doing good deeds has been scientifically proven to help reduce anxiety. The best way to beat the dreads is to get busy in the kitchen or serving others.
QUIKQUIZ
1 What is the address
where John Key grew up?
2 What is the Māori word for computer?
3 How many toes does an alpaca have?
4 What two other names is
James Howlett known by?
5 What church did Jesus’
brother James oversee?
Answers on page 22
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• To avoid boredom in your job, ask to do more of what you love this year and keep learning—set yourselves new goals and learn new skills. Most of all, surround yourself with workmates that have a positive attitude. Health • A hug is the secret to good health. World leading cardiologist Dr Dean Ornish found that human connection is the most important factor in health—more important than diet, smoking or exercise. A hug a day keeps the doctor away. • We run a gauntlet of ‘food cues’ every day from advertisers, encouraging us to eat more than we need to. Remember the four ‘Rs’:
ONE COPY TO GIVEAWAY
Send to: Growing Vegetables, War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Sq, Wgtn 6141 or warcry@nzf. salvationarmy.org by 30.01.17
Gardening Growing Vegetables Sarah O’Neil Summer is the season when ‘the harvest is in full swing and abundant’, writes author and expert gardener Sarah O’Neil. She grows all her own veges, and really does make growingyour-own sound like the good life. This ‘how-to’ book is a really helpful, practical guide for beginners. Sarah breaks the book into seasons, so you can easily keep track of what to plant and when—mid-summer is the time to plant beans, cucumber, pepper, pumpkin, tomatoes and zucchini. There are also guides on things like composting, pests, mulching, and a glossary of ‘gardenese’ for all those terms that confuse us amateur gardeners. (New Holland)
Remind yourself that you’re the boss, resist the temptation and have a prearranged alternative (like getting a drink of water or distracting yourself on your phone), remember the big picture of better health, and reward yourself each time you resist by putting a dollar in a jar—don’t spend it all at once, though!
You know more Swahili than you realise: ‘safari’ is Swahili for journey, ‘jenga’ means build, and for Lion King fans— ‘simba’ means ‘lion’ and ‘rafiki’ means friend.
ONTHESPOT Nadia Lim Founder of My Food Bag, may be New Zealand’s answer to Oprah, recently launching her own lifestyle magazine called Nadia.
TOP10
Flicks for the Holidays Some new releases, plus some oldies but goodies your kids might love for the first time … and you’ll enjoy all over again.
1 BFG—an adaption of Roald Dahl’s classic story.
Your secret indulgence: Nachos. Celebrity crush: So many! However Bic Runga is a beautiful talented Kiwi I admire! What I’m watching: Westworld. One thing I love: Cooking, and more so eating, obviously. One thing I hate: Sheets tucked in really tightly at the foot of the bed … I hate feeling restricted when I’m sleeping! Fave Friday night takeaway: Indian! Something that would surprise us about your job: The amazing looking food you see in food magazines and TV is almost always stone cold.
2 The Secret Life of Pets—so many cute characters. 3 Finding Dory—if only I could remember what this was about … 4 Hunt for the Wilderpeople—an instant Kiwi classic. 5 Inside Out—a profound movie for adults, and kids love it too. 6 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—the first in the series of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Spiced Chicken & Mango Pizzas
7 Chicken Run—save the chickens from Mrs Tweedy’s pie factory.
‘This pizza recipe was a huge hit with My Food Bag customers, with kids especially giving it a big thumbs up,’ says Nadia Lim.
8 Simon Birch—this movie is a powerful watch.
400g chicken thighs
Preheat oven to 220°C. Preheat two oven trays.
1 tsp ground paprika
Cut chicken into 1 cm strips. Place in medium dish with spices and salt, mix well then marinate for five mins. In a small bowl mix tomato paste with olive oil and set aside.
9 The Princess Bride—it has everything: pirates, giants, true love, and so many quotable lines. 10 ET—everyone needs to know how to phone home.
1 tsp mild curry powder ½ tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp garam masala ¼ tsp salt 6 T tomato paste 1 T olive oil 1 red onion, thinly sliced
And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.
2 large pizza bases
Rainer Maria Rilke
2 green capsicum, sliced
2 cups mozzarella, grated 1 mango, peeled, thinly sliced
Heat oil in medium fry-pan on med-high heat. Fry onion for 3 mins til soft and golden. Remove from pan and set aside. Add more oil to pan and fry chicken for about 1 min each side (do not completely cook through). Divide tomato paste and oil mixture between two bases and spread. Sprinkle cheese, top with onion, chicken, mango and capsicum. Place on trays. Cook till bases are crisp and golden at edges, around 12-14 mins. Swap position of trays halfway through cooking time so they cook evenly.
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ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS
A man imprisoned for his faith is left to die in the snow of Siberia, but is miraculously kept alive. A Christian family escapes after rioters destroy their home … Mike Burrows shares some astounding stories from Christians around the world. BY INGRID BARRATT
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hen Mike Burrows was staying in a safe house for persecuted Christians in Malaysia, he met a fellow Christian who had escaped from Pakistan. They had an immediate connection, since both have three children, all exactly the same age—10, eight and six. ‘He had to escape from Pakistan because he was a Christian and his brother tried to kill him. His family beat him. When he went out, he came home and found his wife had been badly beaten because of his faith in Jesus Christ,’ explains Mike, the relationships manager for Open Doors, an organisation that supports the persecuted church. ‘So the best thing he could do was to leave, and his family do not know where he is.’ It was one of those God-ordained meetings—two fathers, with children the same age. ‘Yet what it means for me to walk by faith in New Zealand, and for him to walk by faith, it’s such a contrast,’ says Mike. Open Doors describes two types of persecution: in countries where being a Christian can literally be a death sentence, there is ‘smash persecution’. But in many more countries, there is a far more subtle way of making Christianity unbearable, called ‘squeeze persecution’.
Squeezing out Christ For example, most of us would consider Malaysia far friendlier to Christians than Pakistan. ‘But there is a saying, “To be Malay is to be Muslim,” ’ explains Mike. Although there are churches in Malaysia, it is illegal for a Malay national to become a Christian. ‘One of our guides was Malay and he became a Christian. He’s married with a daughter, and if the authorities find out, by law they can relocate his daughter into a Muslim family, break him and his wife up, and re-educate them back into Islam.’ In addition, Christians that dare to try and make contact with a church are often turned away, because the church fears the authorities. ‘So not only are these Christians being persecuted by their family and the government, but also by the church,’ adds Mike. Christians in countries where they are ‘squeezed out’ have life-changing decisions to make every day: Do they go to the mosque and pray to Jesus instead, or do they stay away? Do they declare they are Christians on official forms—knowing this means they will not get promotions, will be isolated, and will not be able to rent or buy a house? 14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 7
The most dangerous place to be Christian Open Doors was established 60 year ago when its founder —known only as Brother Andrew—felt called to smuggle Bibles behind the iron curtain into Poland. From that one act, an international movement was born that exists to serve the persecuted church in over 65 countries. It offers practical help to Christians with safe houses, advocacy, trauma counselling and Christian material, as well as meeting practical needs. Open Doors also leads short-term trips into persecuted countries to smuggle in Christian material, meet secret believers, and—in countries where the doors are really closed—do prayer walks. ‘We hear stories of Christians in those countries who know when a team has come into that country to pray. We can’t meet them, but they feel it.’ The most dangerous place to be a Christian right now is North Korea, where there is extreme persecution—Open Doors knows there are around 70,000 Christians in labour camps there. Other countries where persecution is extreme are Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Iran. ‘The beautiful thing is that persecution cannot stop the church,’ reflects Mike.
Our brothers and sisters Mike insists Open Doors is not simply the ‘Western church’ helping the persecuted church; the blessing is really ours. ‘I’ve discovered that the Kingdom of God works through relationships, so Open Doors provides that bridge between us and them, through getting their stories out,’ explains Mike. ‘As someone’s testimony is released to the world, it multiplies the effect of that testimony. So it’s a beautiful way we can honour them and honour what God is doing in a place.’ He continues, ‘Our brothers and sisters are living and dying for their faith in Jesus every day, so there is a need to walk with them. But when we pray for them, financially support them or do trips, we become bigger people as well. It expands our discipleship and spiritual walk.’ One astounding story paints a picture of the true body of Christ crossing all boundaries. Alexander had been in a Siberian prison for years because of his faith in God. In the midst of deathly winter, the guards decided to kill him. They smashed open the window of his cell one night so the freezing air and snow would come in, and he would freeze to death. Alexander felt his body shutting down. He knew he was dying and he cried out to God. 8 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE LIVING AND DYING FOR THEIR FAITH IN JESUS EVERY DAY. In a completely different country, God woke a woman and said, ‘Pray for Alexander.’ She immediately called friends from her church and they prayed through the night for this unknown man. Just as Alexander knew he was going to die, he felt a warm embrace, as if coming from inside him. The warmth stayed through the night. In the morning, the guards came in with a physician and were horrified to find him alive. Alexander overheard them talking heatedly in the corridor. ‘This is totally impossible,’ the physician said. ‘His body temperature is exactly the same as ours. He should be dead, but he’s alive.’ Alexander stayed in prison for another six months. Open Doors heard his story and asked Christians around the world to pray for Alexander. The woman who had been praying read the story in a newsletter and realised, ‘This is the Alexander we’ve been praying for over the last six months.’ So they kept praying, and the rest of the world prayed. Alexander was released from prison, without any explanation.
Optimal persecution The persecuted church offers us a huge challenge—and an opportunity. ‘Chinese pastors would say there’s an optimal level of persecution for church growth,’ explains Mike, ruefully. ‘If you have too little, the church becomes less bold in sharing Jesus Christ. Too much, and many people are killed.’ Often, pastors in secret churches in China consider their biblical training as twofold: firstly, they study in seminary. Secondly, they expect to spend two to three years in prison before they are fully prepared to lead a church. Mike insists that the message from the persecuted church is not that we should feel guilty, but that in having the spiritual veil lifted from our eyes, we, too, can be empowered once again. ‘Jesus said to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. The message of the persecuted church to the Western church is, “Don’t give up in your freedom, what we haven’t given up in our persecution”—that is, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.’
Today I Met a Hero By Pastor Steve Chong Today, I met a hero. This man was rich. He owned three houses and multiple cars. He managed an office of multiple staff with an Islamic man who was his best friend. When ISIS swept through his town to cleanse it of Christians, he picked up his wife and five kids and fled. As they ran, his best friend phoned and took pleasure in telling him, ‘I have taken everything of yours. I am actually calling you from inside your house, which is now mine in the name of ISIS.’ Yet my friend says, ‘They come in the name of ISIS, but we will stand firm in the name of Jesus Christ and we will not be afraid of them. We leave our houses, but I know that if we leave our faith we lose everything.’ But nothing could have prepared me for what he said next: ‘Before they took away everything, I was a Christian only by name, but now my faith is alive. ISIS is a gift. If ISIS comes to the West it is a gift from the Lord. It will be a wake-up call for a sleeping church. If you want to spend your time working for more money and more houses and just going along to church on Sundays, you can lose it. But if you work for God, you can never lose it. So I say to the Western church—wake up, wake up!
Remember Charlie Hebdo? Most of us can remember, when satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo was bombed in 2015, killing 11 people. But what we don’t know about is the shockwaves it sent around the world for Christians living in Muslim countries. In Niger, rioters lashed out at churches. They killed three Christians, and burned and looted 76 Christian institutions and 50 Christian homes. Pastor Yunusa recalled when things turned violent: ‘When I heard about the persecution that had started, two of my children had already left for school. I took a taxi and went looking for them, but when I got to the school they had already fled. My wife, two other children and I also fled. We
What can we do in New Zealand? 1. Be aware—read Open Door’s stories and others like them. 2. Share our faith—because that honours the persecuted church. 3. Pray—our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church know the power of prayer more than we do and are hugely encouraged when we pray. Plus, miracles happen! 4. Give—consistently, because the needs of Christians in persecuted churches are ongoing. 5. Go—Open Doors offers short-term missions to visit secret Christians, take material and do prayer walks. LEARN MORE | www.opendoors.org.nz
noticed a large group of people following us, so we changed direction and ended up hiding in a hut, where God protected us.’ When they returned home, they found their house completely destroyed.’ Many Muslims did not agree with the persecution. ‘My neighbour, who used to treat me harshly, became very sympathetic,’ recalls Pastor Cappo. ‘A few days later, he came to my house with his wife to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.’
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Strengthening your Marriage None of us have reached perfection yet, so one resolution worth making this year is to improve your relationship. Here are some scientifically researched ways to help you and your spouse get closer. Be friends first: We’ve all heard this, but it is significant. The way we attached to our parents as children set the pattern for how we deal with relationships. If you had a difficult upbringing, you build a secure attachment with your spouse by developing a healthy friendship. Increase the time you spend together, doing something you both enjoy. Regularly ask about what your partner is liking or disliking, any new interests, and what they’re stressed about. If they share something with you—even as small as a YouTube clip—take interest.
ONE OF THE SIMPLEST WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS TO COMPLIMENT YOUR PARTNER DAILY.
Actively appreciate: Research has shown that unhappy couples underestimate the occurrence of pleasurable events in their relationship by 50 per cent. Unhappy couples focus on the negative. Instead, actively seek out those good moments. One of the simplest ways to improve your relationship is to make a dedicated effort to compliment your partner daily.
SIMPLE FREE DATE IDEAS 1 Have a picnic at your local park.
Share power: John Gottman, the world’s pre-eminent marriage expert, found that where one person in the relationship is not willing to share power, there is an 81 per cent chance the relationship will self-destruct. This means sharing decisionmaking, compromising and listening to the other person’s opinion. Practise sharing power on small issues—like how household chores are done—and build it into your relationship.
2 Go for a bike ride or a walk somewhere new.
Manage anger: The odd outburst of anger is common, but if it is an entrenched part of your relationship, it becomes unhealthy. Anger often masks other emotions, such as fear or sadness. So, reflect on a recent angry confrontation and consider what you were each really trying to communicate. How could you do that more effectively?
5 Play a board game.
Change ‘demand-withdraw’ patterns: In conflict, one person tends to be more critical and demanding, while the other tends to withdraw. To change this pattern, call time-out if a discussion gets heated, but make sure you both come back to it in a calm manner. Accept the unsolvable: You will return to some issues time and time again in your relationship, but couples that stay together move through resentment and begin to accept these unsolved issues as a part of their relationship. What do you need to accept about your spouse? 10 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
3 Download a star-gazing app, and on a clear night check out the constellations you can see. 4 Cook a favourite meal together—with no arguing!
6 Visit the local farmers market and try the free samples. 7 Go to your local art gallery or museum—many are free or a gold coin entry. 8 Sit outside and share a sunset together. 9 Go for a long walk on the beach—some romantic clichés are worth re-visiting. 10 Take your laptop outside on a warm night and enjoy your own outdoor movie theatre.
TESTIFY! Major Uraia Dravikula is the first Fijian officer to serve for 25 years and says the passion remains for God who saved a young prisoner plagued by violence and drink. I love my work! My appointment as divisional evangelist in Fiji is the pinnacle of my officership—I have been called for such a moment as this. In 25 years I have been through corps appointments, public relations and social services. It has all prepared me for what I do now. I go all over Fiji– which is great, and like the manna in Exodus the gospel cannot be kept; it must be distributed today, today, today! I also do prison ministry and I wear a yellow ribbon that stands for second chances for prisoners. Last month, I spoke to 500 of them and I told them, ‘In 1977, I was wearing that uniform you’re wearing. The very air you’re breathing now, I breathed then and I know it is suffocating, but only one thing took me out—Jesus Christ.’ Those prisoners, those lives, they are nuggets of gold. When you strip away the things that brought them there, you find gold. If you can get them to come to the Lord, the zeal they had, they will have that same zeal for God. When I came into officership, the way I looked at people and did things was different. I look at people now with softer eyes and more compassion, but that doesn’t mean I have reached the end—the fire still burns. My wife was promoted to Glory (passed away) in 2014, and my son for eight years has been on dialysis with a chronic kidney condition. But what I have been through sharpens my resolve. Everything in my life is only by God’s grace, and God’s voice comes through the midst of the storms, ringing clear. It brings peace, deep peace that captivates you and you cannot do anything else.
Those wounds Jesus took for me —what I have been through is nothing compared to what he went through to purchase me. Eight years ago, my wife, son, daughter and grandson were all in hospital, I had two university papers to sit and I was drained. I came home and cried. I said to the Lord, ‘If it’s your will to take my wife, take her; my daughter, take her; my son, take him; my grandson. I have only one thing to ask, don’t take our relationship. If you take that, it’s better to take me too.’ Eight years later, my son could die at any moment and my prayer remains, ‘If it’s your will, take my son. It will hurt deeply, because we’re really close, but your grace is sufficient and I know when that day comes you will have prepared me.’ The tears will come, but I’m stronger and firmer than ever, because I have seen everything God did for me. Every day I try to walk closer to God, and it is my earnest prayer that other officers, other Fijians, will catch that vision.
WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH SHARPENS MY RESOLVE. Serving God is not a sprint; it is a marathon. If you can get that it is none of you, it is all of God and you’re just the channel, you will understand what the master says: ‘my yoke is easy and my burden is light’. It does not mean there will not be tears, but after the tears there will be peace with you. I stand on the shoulders of those that went before, my training officers and others who have mentored and supported me—and I thank them. I read about the people who went before me and I’m humbled to be counted with them. I’m strengthened by their prayers and the prayers of people all round the world who pray for God’s ministers. They do not say my name, but they pray for me. That humbles me—so I cannot lower the standard, I cannot put the flag down. EXPLORE SALVATION ARMY OFFICERSHIP www.salvationarmy.org.nz/SayYes 14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 11
It’s Sunday ... should I go to church? Are you preaching?
no
yes Have you prepared? yes
Sometimes making decisions can be … well … hard. So here’s our solution for some of the tricky questions you might be facing this year.
You should go! Read Isaiah 55:11 for encouragement.
Am I an old-time Salvationist? yes
Do you tap your feet to brass music?
Do you freak out when people grab the Army flag and march around the hall while everyone else sings?
no
no
no
Ok, great. But don’t make it a habit—you don’t want to be labelled the slacker. Check your motives.
Go! Start praying and/ or Googling. NOW!
Chances are you’re a newbie—which we love about you! Invite your friends and family to join us too. Everyone’s welcome!
Should I buy fair trade? Do you only care about yourself?
If someone yells out, ‘Fire a volley!’, do you take cover under a chair?
yes Don’t panic! Shout back ‘Hallelujah!’—a Hebrew word boasting about the awesomeness of God.
12 firezone.co.nz 14 JANUARY 2017
Will someone else fill in for you?
yes
yes It’s called a ‘Hallelujah Wind-up’ and it used to happen a lot in the Army’s early days. These days, it mostly happens at large Army events. You could see this as a sign of our confidence in God’s victory over sin and passion to take his salvation to the streets.
no
yes
no You’re totally an old-time Salvationist. Keep the faith and continue to fight for God and souls!
Jesus said, ‘Let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No.’ (Matt 5:37) Follow through on your commitments, bro!
SHOULD I JOIN THE SINGERS IN THE MUSIC TEAM?
yes Are you rostered for anything else? no Go anyway. Grab a coffee on the way and a nap this afternoon.
YES
Do you sound like a sick duck when you sing?
Does stage lighting bring out your best features?
Have you thought about joining the techie team? Most of them are tone deaf.
yes
Do you have a contagious disease? yes
no
The one valid excuse. Stay home and don’t make people sick—even if you don’t really like some of them!
You’re out of excuses. GET THEE TO CHURCH!
Can you correct these Matt Redman lyrics? ‘Whatever car I pass / And whatever chair’s beneath me ...’
YES
NO
The techie team CONTROLS the stage lighting!
The techie team make sure NO ONE EVER gets the lyrics wrong! EVER!
Do you look good holding a microphone?
NO
YES You wouldn’t even have a working microphone without the techie team! But also ... you do realise it’s about worshipping God and not you, don’t you?!
Don’t worry: ‘People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ (1 Sam 16:7)
Should I read the Bible?
Then buy what you like! ... But remember, Jesus said as well as loving God, he wants us to love our neighbours too. Oxfam recokons for every dollar the developed world gives in aid, we take away two dollars through unfair trade. So don’t be a meany! Fair trade won’t fix everything, but it gives people in developing countries a much better life.
NO
YES
Did you have a late night? no
NO
Have you read Judges?!
Yes, but now I’m confused and grossed out!
Yes
But it’s boring!
Sorry about that—–talk to your youth group leader or corps officer.
14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 13
TERRITORY WELCOMES NEWEST OFFICERS What better time to commission Salvation Army officers with the sessional name of ‘Joyful Intercessors —He Kaiwhakawhiti o te Hari’ than the season of Advent! The 2016 commissioning weekend was a time of joyful worship and celebration of God’s faithfulness as six cadets became lieutenants and the seven cadets of the ‘Messengers of the Gospel—Ngā Kārere o te Rongopai’ session looked ahead to their second year of training. Sensitive musical support was given by The Salvation Army’s national choir, SpiritSong, and the Wellington Citadel Band throughout the weekend.
Booth College of Mission Graduation Friday evening’s graduation at Hutt City Corps honoured the academic accomplishments of those training at Booth College of Mission. Training Principal Captain Ian Gainsford welcomed people, saying, ‘I’m a believer in education—I believe it equips us to carry out the mission to which God calls us. But we need to ground ourselves not just in theology but in faith.’ Graduates included Cadets Emma and Jacob Howan, Erica and Fraser Kearse, TaeHwan (Ted) Kim and Aram Kwon. As well as receiving Diplomas in Salvation Army Mission and Ministry and Certificates of Salvation Army Officer Training, the cadets were awarded Diplomas in Christian Studies, 14 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
in conjunction with Laidlaw College. Also awarded this qualification was Barry Kirby, who studied at the college’s School of Bible and Mission. Koroseta Timu graduated from The Salvation Army’s Youth Work Training faculty with a Certificate of Youth Work Training, a qualification that prepares people for youth work as a long-term vocation. It was also a proud moment for Major Helen Knowles who received a Graduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College. Every graduate was congratulated by Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson, a previous training principal at BCM. They were also congratulated by Charles Erlam of Laidlaw College, along with Francis Burdett of the Bible Society. Mr Burdett presented each graduate with a study bible. As chair of the BCM Governance Board, Commissioner Robert Donaldson noted that the 2016 New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) evaluation and review saw the college assessed as a Category One tertiary provider for the first time. He thanked past and present staff for the work leading to this achievement, making mention of the late
Captain Dr Judith Christensen who, in 2007, was appointed to BCM to rewrite the officer training programme and develop a programme for NZQA approval. ‘We owe her a debt of gratitude for the quality of what she began, which continues to be built on in equipping men and women for ministry today.’ During 2016, BCM’s Centre for Leadership Development had another good year, with more than 300 delegates attending its short courses and reviews. Forty-four people received academic scholarships for study in fields that included theology, counselling, social work, addictions, management and medicine. And, in August, a review of learning and collaboration opportunities in Fiji and Tonga was conducted. Cadet Aram Kwon was the evening’s graduate speaker. She recalled feeling excited and uncertain when she first arrived at BCM in 2015, but said looking at the hills surrounding Upper Hutt reminded her of God’s promise in Psalm 121: I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord … He will not let your foot slip. ‘I had to come out of my comfort zone and allow myself to be stretched and grow,’ she said, adding that a ‘huge learning was to trust in God with who I am and who I was created to be’. Aram described BCM as ‘a safe place to be challenged and grow and to be heard’ and prayed the college would continue to be part of God’s story. Lieut-Colonel Jennifer Groves presented the keynote address. A New Zealander, Jennifer’s officer service has included Portugal, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and, currently, Canada. She challenged the cadets to be ‘agents of change’ as they began their ministry as Salvation Army officers. ‘Whatever ministry you go to, stay close to God!’ she said. ‘If
you want to be a change agent, do not resist the true agent of change—Jesus. Remember his words: remain in me, and I will remain in you.’
Honouring family Saturday began with an intimate gathering in which parents of those about to be commissioned were thanked for the part they had played in their children’s lives and in their calling to become Salvation Army officers. The cadets’ parents were admitted to the international Silver Star Fellowship in a brief service organised by Major Debbie Clark (Territorial Silver Star Secretary). Memorial certificates were presented to honour parents who had passed away. The ceremony was held in the BCM chapel before cadets and guests enjoyed brunch together. Cadet representative Jacob Howan spoke about the importance of his Salvation Army heritage, but also reflected on the Old Testament story of Jacob and the challenge this presented to his session to leave a heritage from their officer ministries. Addressing the cadets’ parents, Jacob said, ‘You have set us on a right path, and that path led us to officership. We begin this journey by wanting to say, “Thank you.” We want to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ’
Trust God! In the afternoon, the commissioning, ordination and appointing of the cadets was held at Wellington City Corps. Introducing the Joyful Intercessors, Captain Ian Gainsford said they had ‘grown in capacity, ability and grace’ during their time 14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 15
at the college. ‘They have been joyful—and they will bring joy,’ he promised. Lieutenant Emma Howan said her whole life had been one of knowing God, as she was raised in a Salvation Army family. ‘I had all of the theory of a young Salvationist and made a commitment to more deeply know God as a teenager.’ However, Emma then took over the ‘career planning’ of her life. Although called to officership, she pushed that aside, pursuing religious and political studies at university. Although she and her husband still intended to become officers, they felt this was still some time off. The couple had just bought a house, Emma had started a new job, and tickets were booked for an overseas trip, ‘when God gave this GO!’ Initially angry at God for interrupting their plans, Emma says she then heard just two words: ‘Trust me.’ She and Jacob stopped trusting God on their terms, stepping out of their comfort zone to enter officer training in 2015. ‘I seek to trust and follow where God leads,’ she said. Commissioner Janine Donaldson preached, noting it was not always easy to feel joyful, but pointing out that joy was not the same as happiness—because joy did not depend on circumstances. ‘Sometimes we imagine we can’t have joy because of all that’s happening in our lives, but joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives,’ she said. ‘How do we get this joy? By accepting Jesus!’ Chief Secretary Colonel Willis Howell took the opportunity to welcome seven accepted candidates to the platform with their children. They will train from 2017 to 2018 as the 16 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
‘Messengers of Compassion—Ngā Kārere o te Arohanui’ session.
Rest for the weary On Sunday morning, the now second-year Messengers of the Gospel cadets took to the platform, while the new lieutenants were already blending in amongst other officers with their new red trimmings. The Messengers of the Gospel were introduced as ‘seasoned campaigners’ who came from a variety of work, ministry experience and cultural backgrounds. Captain Ian Gainsford said, ‘Going back to school is a real challenge, but [their first year of training] has seen them grow—they are seeking something more and becoming something more’. Cadets Andrew and Maree O’Brien were appointed as cadets-in-appointment at Manukau Central Corps. A tug-of-war game demonstrated the powerful strength of intercession as the new lieutenants and the Territorial Governance Board eventually ‘stepped in the gap’ to help the children win a battle against the Messengers of the Gospel. Lieutenant Erica Kearse recalled coming through the Army’s doors at Waitakere Central Corps to discover people who were warm and friendly and where she was quickly welcomed into the whānau. ‘What did people do that I came to faith? They simply loved me. And through these relationships I came to understand what God is like and what it is like to be in the Body of Christ.’ She challenged the congregation to be mindful of the 120,000 people who come through the Army’s doors each year, asking, ‘What about the other Ericas? Are they
Accepted into Training 2017 Miriam Choi, Auckland Korean Corps
feeling our love and compassion?’ Cadet Mike Bryan talked about the ‘baggage’ of his life. As a young man, Mike adopted a scientific approach, but soon realised this way of looking at life didn’t have any soul. He rejected the Bible but explored other religions, eventually becoming an atheist. ‘I spent years wandering around in my own wilderness, but then I came back to the Bible. The good news is, I’m a beloved son of God—in my brokenness God accepts me. Let’s not make any apologies for our God, let’s not limit God, and let’s not hide the power of our God!’ Long-serving officers were recognised for 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of Salvation Army officership—among them Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson, with 30 years’ service to their names. In his final Bible message as Territorial Commander of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, Commissioner Robert Donaldson taught on Jesus’ invitation (in Matthew 11) for the weary and burdened to find rest for their souls by taking on Jesus’ yoke. He called on three helpers to demonstrate what it was like for a ‘wise older oxen’ to train a younger one. In spiritual terms, this meant becoming ‘humble and obedient, with our Lord Jesus Christ beside us’. ‘If we’re going to be Christ’s people in the world, the simple truth is this can only be experienced in his strength —not ours’, emphasising, ‘I’ve never, ever been let down by Jesus!’ He prayed God would help people live in authentic relationships with Jesus and point people to the Saviour.
I grew up in a Buddhist family. One day, a friend invited me to a musical youth event at the local church. I heard the Gospel of Jesus clearly and confessed I was a sinner. My life has become brighter since knowing Jesus. God has always given me courage to draw near to him, even when I was alone, afraid or failed him. I started attending the Auckland City Korean Corps Plant in 2010. I felt part of something. As my understanding of Jesus grew, my faith also grew. One day in 2011, Major Malcolm Herring visited and preached about ‘calling’. He told me to meditate on Joshua 1:5-9, because I said I was feeling insecure and insignificant. He said, ‘Be strong and don’t be discouraged.’ The October 2013 congress, in which our corps plant was elevated to corps status, was another opportunity to learn more about The Salvation Army. My corps officer, Major Byoung Sun Kim, suggested I go to a Delve weekend to explore Salvation Army leadership. I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about officership. God spoke to me there and I said to myself, ‘I will never limit God—I just need to take the step of faith, and that calling is about obedience.’ Every person is valuable to God. I can’t change a single soul by my own effort, but God can—he is able. I just need to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly as his disciples did. I want to help people know that Jesus is the redeeming saviour and help them find the living hope, Jesus Christ.
Adriano and Seremana Rokovesa, Labasa Corps Adriano says, ‘My wife Seremana and I attend Labasa Corps with our three beautiful children, Esther Dikilimoi (7), Adriano Rokovesa Jnr (5) and Faith Lewaseni (18 months). Seremana is corps secretary and I am the corps sergeant major. Additional to our corps involvement, my wife works as a case worker at the Labasa Family Centre, and I am the sales manager for BLK Sales, Labasa. ‘We have been married for seven years and that also marks the start of our spiritual journey with The Salvation Army. It is indeed a joy and blessing to serve God in the Army, because this is where we came to discover God’s call in our lives. Life is full of fun but so sweet and beautiful when Jesus leads the way. ‘We believe we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We have gone through experiences together where the turbulence of life arises, but through God’s strength we have overcome. As husband and wife we want to stand alongside one another to serve the Lord and people as Salvation Army officers. Our desire is to extend God’s kingdom.’ 14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 17
New Zealand Honours Servant Leaders It was a bittersweet occasion—with plenty of laughter and tears—as Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson were farewelled for overseas service by family and friends on Saturday evening 10 December. This followed three years as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. In a service led by Chief Secretary Colonel Willis Howell, many recalled Robert’s encouragement to Salvationists to focus on doing ‘the right thing, in the right way, and for the right reason’, while Janine was thanked for championing the role of women. Both were described as ‘true servant leaders’. Soldiers Aaron and Heather Stone shared memories, with Aaron thanking the Donaldsons for being prepared to ‘roll up your sleeves and muck in with the rest of us’. Heather expressed confidence that God would continue to guide their steps and equip them for the tasks ahead. Captain Gerry Walker praised the Donaldsons for their genuine interest in and commitment to empower people. ‘Your heart for mission permeates [all] your decision making,’ he said. This was evidenced by the territory’s new mission plan with its emphasis on being ‘Te Ope Whakaora, the Army that Brings Life’. Their legacy also included a new governance framework that would bring greater transparency and accountability, more open communication, and more inclusive decision-making. Māori Ministry leader Lieutenant Trish Mataki thanked the Donaldsons for offering opportunities for cultural learning while leaders at Booth College of Mission. Those seeds continued to grow, she said. ‘Māori culture has been given an opportunity to stand on a firmer foundation in God. You have helped us build a relationship of tikanga that is slowly becoming relaxed and accepted within The Salvation Army.’ Retired officer Lieut-Colonel Lyn Buttar said the Donaldsons had consistently preached, taught and testified that people must progress from second-hand or inherited religion to a first-hand experience of Christ as Saviour and Lord. ‘Their bottom line, as long as I have known them, is: give all your giftedness and your very best energies to the Lord Jesus Christ in his divine service. We reluctantly release you to go to London, for what we believe will be for the greater benefit of The Salvation Army.’ In a more light-hearted segment, Captain Ian and Major Liz Gainsford gifted the couple with ‘survival packs’ for London life—including Pineapple Lumps and Marmite. More humour came as Colonel Barbara Howell and Kate Geddes shared a conversation on what it had been like for Kate to sit next to Robert in the baritone section of the Wellington Citadel Band, and for Barbara to sit across the corridor from Janine’s office. Kate described Robert as ‘a legend’ who understood what it was like to be in ‘relational community’. Barbara said of Janine, ‘Your inspiration is so contagious, and you have infected other people with your love, your compassion and your grace. And may we never recover from that.’ Rosy Keane, of the Women’s Ministries Department, performed a powerful spoken word piece focused on Jesus. In response to the many words of farewell, Janine said, ‘We’re totally overwhelmed and incredibly grateful.’ It had been their great privilege to lead the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga 18 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
Territory. ‘We are proud Kiwis! We love our land and will do our best to represent you well. As leaders, Robert and I have not got everything right, but we thank you because you have seen past our frailty to something else, and you’ve been patient and kind, loving and understanding. May the Lord bless you.’ In a brief Bible message, Robert spoke of his love of seeing the Army’s mission, ‘to bring life’, worked out in people’s lives, and thanked people for their commitment to ‘change the world’ through The Salvation Army. ‘We have a specific calling to the poor, the marginalised and the dispossessed. And we have an incredible opportunity every day to bring wholeness of life to every person who walks through our door—but we have to live like Jesus!’ Earlier in the meeting, Robert played as part of the Wellington Citadel Band. He made a special point of thanking the band for its significant contribution to his wellbeing. Over the past two years, while under the immense pressure of carrying the responsibility of two additional international appointments, attending band practice had been ‘a little oasis’, he said. As SpiritSong presented a moving farewell song reflecting on the lasting impact of the Donaldsons’ ministry for God, a number of past and present colleagues, along with family members came to the platform with flowers and embraces for Robert and Janine. While family remained on the platform, long-term friends and supporters Majors Anthony and Gaynor Stone shared final words of appreciation. Janine’s father, Lieut-Colonel Russell Hamilton gave the benediction before Robert took the opportunity to conduct the band in the piece ‘Victors Acclaimed’.
Fiji Farewells Territorial Leaders A heartfelt emotional rendition of Fiji’s farewell songs ‘Isa Lei’ boomed across the Suva Central Corps as hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson on Sunday 6 November. Corps from the East region, including women who were in Suva for women’s camp, gathered to farewell their territorial leaders. Speaking on behalf of soldiers and local officers, Suva Central Corps Secretary Wati Seeto described the Donaldson’s as people who ‘walked the talk’. ‘You modelled the very love, the discipline and the grace that you preach and teach,’ she said. ‘We are going to miss you. This territory is going to miss having you both at its helm.’ On behalf of Fiji’s officer force, Major Uraia Dravikula reiterated Wati’s comments. ‘You are leaders of insight and vision and you have lifted up the profile of our Army to be one that seeks to be transparent in all that we do.’ In response, Commissioner Janine Donaldson said how blessed they had been at being part of The Salvation Army’s ministry in Fiji. ‘You humble us with your sense of joy despite your struggles, your contentment despite there not being much. Keep loving God and keep being the Army that brings life.’ In his message, Commissioner Robert Donaldson highlighted areas on which he wanted the division to focus. ‘One such area of great importance is youth and children,’ he said. ‘You have to give youth and children emphasis in your ministry, in your corps. They are not the minority. They are the very ones that will help us all in the days to come—love them, understand them and work with them.’ He commended their successors, Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp. ‘These are God-fearing, wonderful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as you have welcomed us into your hearts, I ask that you do even more for this couple. They come to serve you. They come wanting to know you and wanting to walk alongside you,’ he said. At the conclusion of his message, Commissioner Robert Donaldson went on his knees to pray for the Fiji Division. Tears flowed freely as Salvationists watched their leader at prayer.
Fijians pledged their prayer support and love for the Donaldsons as they looked to take up their new roles at International Headquarters. BY CAPTAIN LUSI LEQA
GAZETTE Bereaved: Mjr Roger Horton of his sister, Mrs Edith Fox, on 2 Dec 2016 in the UK. The funeral service was on 9 December at St Peters Anglican Church, High Bentham, near Lancaster. Mjrs Roger and Carol Horton were unable to travel to the UK to be with family. Please support them in your prayers. Mjr Coral Allott of her sister, Vesper Manning, on 29 Nov 2016. The service was held at Crestwood Funeral Directors, Hastings, on 2 December, led by Vesper’s niece, Lt-Col Margaret Bateman. Please remember in prayer Mjrs Coral and Ray Allott and other family members, including niece Mjr Evadne Allott Wright, currently serving in Sitka, Alaska.
Appointments: Effective 5 Dec 2016: Mjr Steve Scott, Oasis Gambling Caseworker, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa, Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services. Effective 12 Jan: Mjr Carole Scott, Assistant Officer, School for Officer Training, Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt. Admission to the Long Service Order: 40 years, effective 15 Jan: Lt-Col Gordon Daly; effective 9 March: Mjr Russell Sawyer. 35 years, effective 16 Jan: Mjr Glenda Bezzant, Mjr Glenys Fairhurst, Mjr Jan Impey. 30 years, effective 17 Jan: Comms Janine and Robert Donaldson; Mjrs Denise and Stephen Crump.
25 years, effective 10 Dec 2016: Mjrs Claire and Glenn Anderson; effective 11 Jan: Mjr Silone Collins, Mjrs Paul and Stephanie Herring; Mjrs Bruce and Marilyn Tremain; Mjrs Christina and Keith Tyson; effective 25 Jan, Mjr Uraia Dravikula. Promotions to Major: Effective 4 June 2014 (not previously acknowledged): Adrian (Marika) and Phillippa Serevi. Effective 8 December 2016: Grace and Steven Lim, Katherine Sonntag. Promotions to Captain: Effective 4 Dec 2016: Karalaini and Sekaia Rabuli. Effective 10 Dec 2016: Robert and Susan Adams; Bradley and Fleur Carpenter; Suman McIntosh.
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Sometimes the Earth
Another earthquake rattles our beautiful island home and we sense our own vulnerability—living as we do on ‘the Shaky Isles’. BY CHRISTINA TYSON
Kiwi folk singer Jess Chambers captures the mixed blessing of life in New Zealand in her song ‘Island’: I live on an Island. Close to the sea … Sometimes the earth moves … We live on an Island. Made from the same dust we walk over … We live on this Mountain. Forget ourselves, think we are greater. Sometimes the earth moves … 20 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
Moves
New Zealand lies over two constantly colliding tectonic plates. When stress accumulates along a fault line, we sometimes experience its abrupt release as an earthquake. Depending on the strength, location, depth and time of day, its effects can be something we easily shake off (excuse the pun), or something with the power to devastate and destroy people, homes, livelihoods and infrastructure. November 2016’s 7.8 magnitude Kaikoura quake—affecting north Canterbury, Marlborough and Wellington—ruptured at least six fault lines. In the following week, more
OUR INTIMACY WITH GOD PROVIDES WHAT WE NEED TO GET THROUGH TOUGH TIMES. than 4000 aftershocks were recorded across the top of the South Island and Wellington. GeoNet Director Dr Ken Gledhill recorded some of his impressions of the quake in a GeoNet blog, saying: ‘With the changes in the coastline off the eastern South Island, New Zealand has new land. The scientist in me is excited, but I also feel deeply for the people affected by the quake.’
He asked, ‘Are earthquakes scary? They certainly can be. I’m not trying to downplay tragedies or anxiety. I encourage us all to consider what we can do about it. We can’t stop the earth from shaking; more earthquakes will come. If not now, someday. New Zealand’s beautiful mountains were created by earthquakes and uplift. Earthquakes are why, in part, our country exists.’ So, while we’re rattled by earthquakes —not just literally but emotionally— we’re also aware that some of New Zealand’s most impressive scenery owes its existence to tectonic forces. And the same can be true of the impact of stressful forces on our lives.
Character shaped by suffering Sometimes the earth moves from under us in life and we find ourselves feeling like people do after an earthquake: fearful, worried and anxious. In Jess Chambers’ words, we ‘forget ourselves [and] think that we are greater’—but ‘sometimes the earth moves’. When we lose a loved one, when we’re diagnosed with a significant health condition, when we suffer a setback at work or in an important relationship, when our finances stretch beyond breaking point, when addiction gets the better of us … stressful forces come into play and life becomes unsure. Some say suffering is a huge challenge to the Christian faith. ‘How can you believe in a God of love who allows bad things to happen to good people?’ is a question often asked. And yet, when we read the New Testament we see suffering is viewed as a very normal experience for a Christian. Consider the matter-of-fact teaching of Paul and Barnabas ahead of selecting church leaders in a number of locations: ‘We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom’ (Acts 14:22). It is impossible to read the Bible and come away with the view that God’s people are supernaturally protected from adversity in life. Of course, much of the suffering spoken of in the New Testament is concerned with being persecuted for following Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told people: ‘God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you
because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago’ (Mark 5:11–12). In John 16:33, Jesus told his followers, ‘While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.’ But even when suffering and hardship is not the direct result of our Christian witness, the New Testament still offers a helpful perspective. Just as the beauty of New Zealand is forged in the forces that move to shape our land, so the character and internal beauty of our lives can be forged in the forces and challenges of life. As Paul writes in Romans 5:3–5: ... We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us … In this passage, Paul invites us to lift our eyes from the immediacy of our plight and to cast our sight ahead to how enduring that suffering might shape us. One person responds to suffering with bitterness, but another responds with a sense of gratitude for the support of loved ones and the chance to re-examine their priorities. The former may spend their time in self-pity, regret and even anger; the other may come to experience the transformation of a renewed and even healing perspective on what matters most in life.
Invite God to be with you But let’s be clear, the Christian approach is not simply focused on the truism that resilience grows through endurance. It is not about adopting an attitude of positivity, like some Band-Aid plastered over the weeping wound of suffering. No, the Christian hope rests in the presence of a strong God who is with us in our suffering. This is where the supernatural intersects with the everyday. The final part of Romans 5:5 carries the reminder that the Christian experience of suffering is grounded in the reality of the loving presence of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives: … All of this [the character building that comes when we endure suffering] happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Our Lord, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won’t let us fall. Psalm 55:22 (CEV)
If we can develop the close relationship with God that builds trust and confidence, then when adversity comes—when our existential earth moves—we are more easily able to live by faith. We have come to know God, to appreciate his love for us and his nearness. And so we naturally draw on the strength that comes from this relationship. Some of us are in earth-shattering, heart-breaking times—in which case it is important to rest on the truth that God loves us, that God is with us, and that God will give us the resources we need. We can trust God! All of us will face life tremors at some point. If you are not troubled at the moment, count your blessings—but understand that by developing a closer walk with God now, you will strengthen yourself for future days. Read the Bible often and talk to God in prayer. Allow God to open your eyes to the spiritual realities around you, so that if your vision ever does become unclear, you retain an abiding sense of God’s love and comfort. Of course, we don’t develop intimacy with God as an end to a means; true intimacy with God is a blessing and strength we desire simply because it is what we are created to enjoy. But there is no doubt that intimacy provides what we need to get through tough times— bringing benefit to us and those we love. None of us is sufficiently great or powerful to cope on our own with all that comes our way. The good news is: we don’t have to—God is ready to help us. Invite God to be part of the everyday of your life. Nurture your relationship. Enjoy God every day, knowing that when the earth moves, God will not. * All passages are from the Contemporary English Version
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To advertise your event, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org Quiz Answers: 1 19 Hollyford Avenue, Christchurch, 2 Rorohiko, 3 Two, 4 Wolverine and Logan (Marvel comic/movie character), 5 Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
22 WarCry 14 JANUARY 2017
Order from Salvationist Resources www.salvationarmy.org.nz/shop, p: (04) 382 0768, e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org The DVD is also online with the full series of One Army international teaching materials at www.salvationarmy.org/OneArmy
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Written by respected author Robert Street for the One Army teaching series, In the Master’s Hands teaches that every life is meant to be sacramental—an outward and visible expression of an inward and invisible grace. This resource considers the place and use of specific ceremonies and sacraments in the Church. Excellent for group study and personal reflection.
Rakiraki and Rolleston Corps Plants, Rangiora, Rotorua and Savusavu Corps, Jeff Farm, and The Salvation Army in Southern Africa. 4 6 8 1 2 5 9 3 7
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PRAY
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New Teaching Resource: In the Master’s Hands
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Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 8 Feb: State of the Nation Launch (Wellington) (TC) 10 Feb: Officers Councils, Fiji 11–12 Feb: Welcome to Cadets, Fiji 14 Feb: Officers Councils and Regional Meeting, Tonga 20–22 Feb: Officers Councils, Midland Division 26–27 Feb: Officers Councils, Northern Division Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 8 Feb: State of the Nation Launch (Wellington) (CS) 11–12 Feb: Welcome to Cadets, Fiji
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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS
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Each Sudoku number puzzle has a unique solution that can be worked out logically (not mathematically). The numbers 1 to 9 appear once in every row, column and 3x3 square. Difficulty | Easy
9 4 5 3 1 7 2 8 6
SUDOKU
Crossword
‘But the news about Jesus spread even more. So crowds of people came to hear him. They also came to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often went away to be by himself and pray.’ Luke 5:15-16, NIRV
Can you spot the 5 differences?
ts s? t ge Wha s it drie l. ter a wet A towe
It’s great to be enjoying school holidays, taking a break and relaxing a little. Jesus was often really busy—he was healing people and teaching them about God. Sometimes he even did miracles. This made Jesus so popular that more and more people wanted to see them.
to gs d on se ? el s u ers t b t i th . ha bu o e W u by am yo ore ur n m Yo
s it e ha n lose n o a ry Eve one c it? o at is n d an t, wh ow. i ad A sh
What has to be before you can broken use it? An egg.
But Jesus knew how important it was to still keep in touch with God, so he always made time to pray.
Picture Sudoku
Even though you are on holiday, keep making time to pray and read your Bible. This will help get you ready for an exciting year of following Jesus.
face What has a but s d an h and two gs? le r o s m ar no . ck o A cl
Dear God, thank you for holidays and time to relax with family and friends. Help me to make time for you every day because I know this will help me to live wisely and love others more. Amen. 14 JANUARY 2017 WarCry 23
Answers: Crossword 1 shorts; 2 hat; 3 (across) shovel; 3 (down) starfish; 4 shirt; 5 (across) crab; 5 (down) cat; 6 (down) sand; 6 (across) shell; 7 bucket.
Territorial Welcome to the New Leaders of The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga, Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp Sunday 5 February, Wellington City Corps, 92 Vivian Street 2.00 pm Installation of our new Territorial Leaders to be conducted by
Commissioner Brian Peddle (the Chief of the Staff) and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (International Secretary for Women’s Ministries).
10.30 am The Chief of the Staff will preach at Wellington City Corps. With musical support from SpiritSong and the National Youth Band.