FAITH IN ACTION 14 NOVEMBER 2020 | Issue 6755 | $1.50
Reflectors of Holiness: Trainees for 2021 Awesome Matua Breakthrough to Freedom
Food Rescue in Action War Cry’s Wins at ARPA
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS William
& Catherine Booth
The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission. EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major
Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,
PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT 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. Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 137 years | Issue 6755 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
salvationarmy.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS @SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts
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The Greatest Good The phrase ‘the greater good’ is loaded with emotional rhetoric. It calls us to consider the ‘collective’ wellbeing over individual rights and freedoms. But if history is anything to go by—and it is—it is a phrase that has a double meaning. Historically the misuse of this phrase has been used to impose restrictions and sanctions on people, while espousing freedom and choice. ‘The greater good’ is a noble concept in its purest form, but inevitably the outcomes of the imposition of ‘the greater good’ are often the loss of individual freedoms, particularly for minorities or the vulnerable in our societies. Jesus Christ lived and presented a completely different paradigm to the philosophy of utilitarianism that underpins ‘the greater good’. In his conversations, confrontations and considerations it was all about the individual. He purported that if you loved and valued the individual, you could change the world. He did, and he still does. The Salvation Army’s strength lies in the belief that we can make a difference in society by loving and caring for the individuals that come to our corps and centres. If we believe that transformation can happen one person at a time, we are in good company; Jesus did too. He summed up his ministry in his reading of Isaiah in Luke 4:18: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.’ In this edition of War Cry we see the outcomes of this love and care of the individual in the rhythms of grace presented in these pages. These snapshots of ministry and testimony point to the ‘greatest good’, the proclamation of the gospel and the freedom this brings for each of us—one person at a time. Vivienne Hill Editor
Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth. Matthew Henry
Psalm 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Nga Waiata 16:8 Kua waiho tonu e ahau a Ihowā ki tōku aroaro: kei tōku ringa matau nei ia, e kore ahau e whakakorikoria.
Source: whiteribbon.org.nz
I
’ve just been to my daughter and son-in-law’s baby shower. Yes, that means I’m a grandma-tobe! There were women of all ages in attendance, but there were also grandads, fathers of teenagers, some newly-married young men, one brand new dad and one other expectant young fatherto-be (besides my son-in-law). I caught myself smiling as I participated in a conversation that moved from Dungeons and Dragons strategies, to night feeding and the content of nappies. I was quietly in awe as I considered this new generation of modern young men who, by and large, appeared very much at ease with their masculinity. I was born in the 1970s, a time when Kiwi men (like my dad) were unlikely to change a nappy. The ability to change a nappy is of course an ambiguous tool for measuring progressive shifts in masculinity, and yet boldly doing what was traditionally labelled ‘women’s work’ tells a powerful story. When we became parents in 1999, Mat (my husband) quickly became the nappy-changing master. Sadly, he was at times labelled by other men as ‘one of those Sensitive New Age Guy-types’. Thankfully he didn’t much care. That was twenty years ago and while gender stereotypes continue to be actively challenged, we’re not there yet. This year’s annual White Ribbon campaign calls out clichés like ‘Show them who’s boss’ and ‘Kids should keep quiet’ or ‘Treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen’, and literally overwrites them with positive alternatives. White Ribbon says, ‘Many men have grown up hearing these things and end up copying these unhealthy attitudes and behaviours—even if they don’t like or agree with them. At their worst, these attitudes and behaviours can lead toward violence against women.’
White Ribbon continues its mandate to focus overall on ‘respectful relationships built on equality between women and men, the effective use of nonviolent communication, flexible gender behaviour for men and women and respectful sexual relationships, which includes consent’. So how can we continue to unravel toxic masculinity and bring freedom to men and the women and children in their lives? The Salvation Army holds to an egalitarian theology that affirms not only the equality of personhood between men and women, but equal opportunities based on gifts not gender. Equity for all continues to be our social justice mandate. So how are we doing? Do we have outdated clichés that need to be re-written too? Are we Te Ope Whakaora—the Army That Brings Life—in this area? White Ribbon gives some sage advice for those wanting to make a real difference: ‘In all our relationships—whānau, friends, colleagues, teammates—we can challenge the outdated stereotypes of what it means to be a man. We can role model healthy relationships and focus on strength that comes from a kaupapa of respect and aroha. We can call each other out and encourage more kōrero about gender equality. By challenging each other in constructive ways we become stronger, and support change for those who need it the most. It’s time to shake off the old and reveal the new’. This November, I’m going to wear a white ribbon and ‘challenge the outdated’ gender stereotypes in my sphere of influence. I’m doing it for my grandchildren—who will you do it for? BY JULES BADGER
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Historical Drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 (R16, strong coarse language) Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin The latest offering from the mind that brought us A Few Good Men, The West Wing and The Social Network is an intriguing reconstruction of the trial of anti-Vietnam War activists in Chicago in the late 1960s. In trademark Sorkin style, the dialogue is snappy, narrative construction tight and characters engaging. Particular mention must be made of Sacha Baron Cohen’s performance as countercultural Abbie Hoffman, as well as Frank Langella’s curmudgeonly Judge Julius Hoffman (no relation). The film highlights the fragile—often fraught—reality of political dissent in times of conflict, and should raise questions for the church as to which empire we find ourselves at the service of. Highly recommended. (Reviewed by Sam Coates)
SALLIEOF THEWEEK Gill Scoltock (Mt Albert Corps)
Gill Scoltock is the heart of Mt Albert Corps and has been part of the whānau since the corps opened in 2000. Over the years, Gill has served in the Family Store, drop-in centre, children’s ministries, women’s ministries, Bible study, paid administration, Sunday hospitality and gardening. She has also served community meals, preached and taken part in ‘prayer and share’. Gill can often be found caring for others with practical support, including getting groceries every week for one corps member during both Covid-19 lockdowns. Captain Erica Kearse nominates Gill as our Sallie of the Week to ‘...honour her for the commitment and care she has for the community of Mt Albert Salvation Army. She always has a smile on her face and shows care in all that she does. Gill you are the heart of our team and we love you!’
WARCRY INHISTORY
The 15 January 1921 edition of War Cry used these illustrations to show the 12 most important ‘doctors’ in order for children to stay healthy and engaged—although all ages could benefit from a visit from Dr Rest! Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Ploughman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission
Weird of the Week: Eggplant—or aubergine— was once known as the ‘mad apple’. The humble vegetable earned a bad reputation by association, thanks to its identity as part of the nightshade family (many of which are poisonous) and some superstitious folks who thought eggplants could cause insanity. 4 WarCry 14 NOVEMBER 2020
In the Pink Johnsonville Family Store participated in Pink Shirt Day on October 16 by celebrating with a pink window display. Pink Shirt Day is an annual anti-bullying campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation. Kate Martin (Senior Sales Consultant), who set up the display, says she felt strongly about making people aware of the event. ‘It was about making it visible,’ she says. ‘Bullying happens anywhere and the more it’s put in front of people, the more they’re aware of it happening and might do something about it.’
TOPFIVE
Trying to make your meals that little bit healthier? If swapping white rice for brown rice just isn’t your thing, here are five alternative food substitutions to test. 1. Replace sour cream on your nachos with a dollop of yoghurt or cottage cheese. 2. Swap popcorn into your snack box instead of chips. 3. Try a vegetable soup for lunch instead of a cream-based one. 4. Spread hummus on your sandwich rather than mayonnaise. 5. Toss out the sugary sports drinks and go for coconut water (or good old-fashioned plain water).
Carrot Milkshake
QUIKQUIZ
1 Which two presidents did Alexander Hamilton serve under? 2 Which famed German painter captured Anne of Cleves in portrait? 3 What distinguishes an on-Broadway (or simply Broadway) show from an off-Broadway show? 4 Who wrote the screenplay for the 2004 film Mean Girls? 5 In the Bible, who was the food storage supervisor in Egypt when famine came?
3 cups carrots, peeled and grated
Peel carrots and discard the skin. Peel 2 strips of carrot to use as a garnish, then grate 3 cups worth of carrot for the milkshake.
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger 1 cup fresh pineapple pieces
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blitz until smooth. Divide between glasses, and garnish each with a carrot strip.
½ tsp turmeric 1 pinch black pepper 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1½ bananas, peeled and sliced 1½ cups unsweetened coconut (or almond) milk
Source: Simon Gault/eatwell.co.nz
Answers on page 22
Kate spent four hours setting up the window arrangement. ‘I made the pink buntings so it was really visible. Then I dressed the models in all shades of pink, and put up a lot of posters advertising Pink Shirt Day and what it was about.’ She says the feedback from the community was encouraging. ‘We had really positive feedback from customers and people driving by saying they really liked the window when they came into the store,’ says Kate. ‘Our team was really encouraging too. The staff that were working put pink shirts on, so what more could you want?’ Kate was inspired to set up the display after seeing the event
on social media. ‘I thought it was a great idea and we really had to get on board,’ she says. ‘It embraces unity within the community, and one of the philosophies of The Salvation Army is to be kind and look after people.’ 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 5
Booth College of Mission (BCM) is preparing to welcome 16 trainees in 2021, six of whom will train at the Fijian campus. This feature focuses on the New Zealand trainees, while the next edition we exclusively profile the Fijian cadets. BY JULES BADGER
Nick Moffat, Westgate Corps (Northern Division) Nick, aged 22, is excited about entering training in the 2021 session Reflectors of Holiness. ‘That name really inspires me. It’s a massive challenge because you can’t fake a reflection and I love that.’ Nick has been serving in The Salvation Army since he was a child, and is an accomplished musician who is passionate about worship and leading others into the presence of God. Officership had been in the wind for a while, but in 2019 Nick sensed God saying, ‘Now is the time’. Trusting in God’s perfect timing is important to Nick. ‘I think it’s about being positioned to respond to God—being ready to move when he calls. If you’re certain of where God wants you, you’re also more likely to sense when that changes and it’s time to go.’
Barry Kirby, Tawa Corps (Central Division) Barry is a trained youth worker and has most recently been working for the Army’s Reintegration Services here in Wellington. ‘I’ve been working towards the right time to apply for a few years, but it just never quite felt right. But now where I’m at with God, I’m in a much stronger place in my identity in Christ to move forward into officership.’ Trusting the application process has been crucial for Barry. ‘The process made it all real and God really spoke to me when I took that step of faith. Calling feels like such a big thing but it’s actually not that complicated. Ask yourself, “What am I good at? What gifts and talents do I have? What breaks my heart? What can I do that will enable me to use my passions?” Officership might just be the right fit.’ Barry is especially excited about living in community with other families while at BCM.
Natalie Kirby, Tawa Corps (Central Division) Natalie is a trained teacher, Mum to 3-month-old Daniel and married to Barry. ‘During one of the quiet reflection times at Delve, God challenged me to write down all my dreams—so I did. And then God said, “Now cross out all the dreams you have to let go of if you’re an officer”. I tried to do that and realised I could still do all the things on the list even as an officer. That night Captain Peter Koia was preaching and I saw myself standing 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 7
up the front and preaching to many people—I thought, Oh wow! As an officer, every day will be different and there will be challenges, but there will still be dreams and plans and things that are rewarding. When God called me, I realised he can use all the things I’ve already done and so much more.’ Natalie is looking forward to studying again and is eager to get to know her fellow session-mates.
Rebecca Howan, Wellington South (Central Division) Rebecca, aged 26, had what she describes as a ‘black and white moment’ at an Amplify Creative Arts Camp that confirmed her calling to officership. ‘One moment I wasn’t called to officership, and the next moment I knew that God was asking me to do this.’ Rebecca is looking forward to studying theology and learning more about ministry at BCM. Ephesians 2:10 is a significant verse for Rebecca: For we are God’s masterpiece. He had created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things that he planned for us long ago. Rebecca reflects, ‘After that first moment of calling, I didn’t apply for quite a few years as I felt that I was too young and too inexperienced, so I put it to the side for later in life. Through this verse, God really encouraged me to stop stalling and apply, as I know that it is his plan for me to be an officer and that is a good thing for me—I can trust him to provide and empower me to fulfil his calling.’
Benjamin Cola (Pene), Ōtāhuhu Corps (Northern Division) Ben, aged 25, was raised in Fiji, and says, ‘It was the work of the Holy Spirit that prompted me to become an officer. I was encouraged by my fellow Salvationists in Fiji to continue seeking the Lord and to live a life totally surrendered to him.’ Ben has been part of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) for the past few years and is passionate about overseas mission and reaching out to the marginalised. During his time with YWAM, Ben has been learning first-hand about tikanga Māori. ‘I’ve been very blessed to serve and work with tangata whenua while with YWAM and have had the privilege of creating kingdom bridges with Māori. A special verse for Ben is Isaiah 6:8, Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Who shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 8 WarCry 14 NOVEMBER 2020
Alana LePine, Upper Hutt Corps (Central Division) In 2018, Alana was preparing a sermon to present at Amplify Creative Arts Camp the following January. The topic was surrender, causing Alana to do some personal reflection, asking herself again if she had surrendered her all to God? Through that process, Alana sensed God challenging her to consider officership, which caught her by surprise. Alana previously worked at BCM as the EA to the Principal, Assistant Principal and Territorial Candidates Secretary. She then moved to Auckland before taking the plunge and applying. ‘There’s a word in the Bible—Hineni—which means for here I am, I surrender. Often when we surrender it’s with a posture of fear about what’s coming next—what might God ask of me? But this same word also refers to when God says, “Here I AM”. This has been really comforting to me. As I say to God, “Here I am, I surrender”, God has responded by saying, “Here I am. I am with you and I am for you”.’ Alana goes into college with prior study experience so she is especially looking forward to the formation side of training and the journey with fellow cadets.
Tammy Mohi (Ngāpuhi, Tainui), Whangārei Corps (Northern Division) ‘Ko Tammy Mohi tōku ingoa, nō Whangārei Corps ahau.’ Tammy comes to BCM with her four daughters and is aware the transition to Upper Hutt will be a challenge for her family. Tammy holds on to Proverbs 16:3, Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Tammy says of her corps and officers: ‘They have been a constant inspiration and encouragement over the years’. The sense of calling to officership for Tammy has come in a variety of ways, but ultimately it came down to preparedness, timing and the bigger picture and purpose coming into view. She believes in taking every opportunity that comes her way and is looking forward to learning from others and learning new things.
Neil Henderson (Aux-Captaincy pathway), Hibiscus Coast Corps (Northern Division) Having migrated to New Zealand from South Africa in 2008 with wife Tiana, Neil currently runs his own company within the construction industry. An important factor in the
confirmation process of applying for service has been the story of Jonah. ‘When I compared Jonah’s disobedience with my own initial resistance to God’s calling, I was encouraged by what God did when Jonah eventually obeyed. This is the driving force behind me saying “yes” to full time ministry.’ Neil is passionate about ending the exploitation of people. ‘There never seems to be a shortage of predators ready to take advantage of the desperate and vulnerable. God is the solution and The Salvation Army has the spirit, infrastructure and leadership to offer the hope these people need. God has called me to be part of this.’
Tiana Henderson (AuxCaptaincy pathway), Hibiscus Coast Corps (Northern Division) Tiana has been a pastoral counsellor since 1990 and mostly worked with victims of abuse. Tiana and Neil worked for a children’s home in South Africa and cared for 13 abused children. Currently Tiana is a relationship coach and runs her own business, but has always known that she would eventually work full-time for the Lord. ‘On my way back from a Bible study in August, I stopped at a road crossing and heard God asking me, “Are you in or out?” I was quite startled and sat for a few minutes gathering my thoughts. I was excited and said, “I’m in, Lord”.’ A week later, Tiana and Neil were invited to attend Delve by their corps officers. ‘All of a sudden Neil and I received multiple confirmations of God’s calling to full-time ministry.’ Tiana is passionate about sharing Christ and believes he is the only way to experience full freedom.
Reaccepted Officer, Lieutenant Rae Evans, Forward 2000 session, Levin Corps (Central Division), Booth College of Mission (one-year refresher course) Rae refers to herself as a boomerang, having originally trained in 1999/2000 as part of the Forward 2000 session. Rae returns to officership under the Single Spouse Officer provision with the full support of husband Stephen. With a passion for social
justice, Rae wants to ‘ensure every New Zealander has a roof over their head, enough food to eat, can attend school and has enough money to budget with’. Rae has a background in banking, Housing New Zealand and also worked for social housing in the Army. Rae is looking forward to returning to college for a year. ‘If you were a tradesperson who’d been out of the work for 16 years, of course you’d need a refresher—and refreshment!’
Envoy Wi Pirihi (Ngāpuhi), Appointment: Whangārei Community Ministries (Northern Division, effective January 2021) Envoy Wi Pirihi put off applying for service because he was unsure if his recovery journey would be a help or a hindrance in the process. ‘The vices and failures from my past—I hadn’t quite come to terms with God’s forgiveness, so I was still holding on to guilt … It’s not about my past! That was such a revelation. It was time to get on with it. For Christians to achieve our purpose in Christ, we must accept our unique stories as a gift.’ There are a lot of people in Wi’s life who he refers to as walking testimonies. ‘There is nothing more powerful than a real-life walking testimony! I want to be that for others,’ says Wi.
Aux-Captain Amiria Te Whiu (Ngāpuhi, Tainui), Appointment: National Māori Ministry Development Coordinator for Community Ministries (Territorial Headquarters) About to retire, Amiria changed her mind: ‘I’ve still got a few years to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Through thoughtful prayer with God, I asked him to show me where it was that I could best serve the people.’ Well known to many in the Army through her consultative involvement with Māori Ministry across Aotearoa, Amiria’s ordained ministry experience with the Presbyterian Church—coupled with extensive chaplaincy experience— made for an easy step straight into warranting as an Auxiliary Captain. Married to Wimutu, Amiria serves under the Single Spouse Officer provision. Currently in an interim role with Community Ministries, Amiria sits on the Māori Council and is bringing her wisdom and experience to the wider Māori Ministry developmental framework. 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 9
Advice about Advice When we see someone in distress, our first response is to help. After the loss of a loved one, we cook meals to ease their load. When they are pushed for time, we assist with errands. When they have a tough choice to make, we tell them what we would do. But does giving advice soothe us more than them? Offering our pearls of wisdom makes us feel better, not just because we are ‘helping’ but it also gives us a sensation of confidence, that we know all the answers. In many ways, advice can be more of an ego boost for us than a comfort to the recipient. Think about how you respond when people give you advice that you didn’t ask for. How often do you take their suggestions on board, even if you appreciate their helpful intentions? Does it annoy you when people pepper you with ideas rather than just listening? Often, when we seek counsel, it is not because we want a cookie-cutter solution—it is because we want relationship, to talk through the situation and get to the root of the problem (and the problems behind the problem).
HONEST FEEDBACK MIGHT BE WHAT THEY NEED, BUT MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THEY CAN TAKE OR LEAVE YOUR SUGGESTION(S). GIVE THEM OPTIONS, NOT A SOLUTION
Even if part of your work includes giving advice—think psychologists, school counsellors, writers (cough, cough… let’s move on)—there are better ways to go about helping a loved one through a problem. So, ironically, here is some advice about how to sit with a friend through a crisis. 1. The golden rule—listen! Pay attention and empathise to understand them, not to offer up your opinion. 2. Help them reach the solution themselves. Let them know you don’t have a perfect answer yourself. Example phrases could be: ‘I might be wrong about this, but it seems as if…’, or, ‘It sounds like …’ 3. Where appropriate, relate their situation to a story, particularly if you know somebody who is/has been in a similar place. But don’t use it to shift attention onto yourself. 4. Expand their perspective. Try to give your friend another angle on the situation or consider the future implications of their options. 5. Validate their feelings. Are they being reasonable? Are their concerns valid? 6. Encourage them to consider their values. What choices will help their self-esteem or to become the person they want to be?
7. Ask how you can help, however, set boundaries. Don’t entangle yourself in a messy situation if it is unnecessary. Remember you are not the one who will live with the consequences, and no one but that person truly understands the ins and outs of the situation. Putting yourself in their shoes does not account for everything. If your friend genuinely asks for your opinion, give it. Honest feedback might be what they need, but make it clear that they can take or leave your suggestion(s). Give them options, not a solution. They make the final decision. But this is just advice … you can take it or leave it.
People aren’t problems to be fixed. People are people for us to walk alongside and journey with, and help pick up the pieces with, and when they drop them again, to get back down and help them pick them up again. And that’s real love without condition and without expectation. Brooke Ligertwood Source: Meg Selic/psychologytoday.com
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TESTIFY! Ihaka Namana seized the opportunity to turn lockdown into a time of praying for his classmates and he has since seen evidence that God is working amongst his school community. In March 2020, when New Zealand was put into level 4 lockdown, I was saturated with free time. My mum and I realised that this was a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to connect with God and become greater followers of Jesus. A few days after lockdown started, we both decided to pray three times a day, for 21 days. We each had a focus and mine was on my classmates. For 21 days, three times a day, I prayed for the salvation of my Year 12 classmates—for me to become closer to them and for us to be able to be real, honest and vulnerable with each other. On 27 April, God gave me a word. He told me that he would help me lead my people out of slavery, like Moses did, and, at the time, I had no idea what that meant. I just tried not to focus on it, I continued to connect with God and figured he would sort it out. By mid-May, it was safe for us to return to school and, as part of my preparation, I decided to do something to celebrate being with my classmates again. I baked some chocolate chip cookies, put three cookies into separate bags and named them for each of my classmates. I also gave some to my teachers and, a week later, I did the same thing with Afghan biscuits. In June, it was every student’s least favourite time of year—speeches! As I was going through the speech topics, one topic really stood out: ‘Let Me Tell You About a True Leader’. The name ‘Jesus’ wouldn’t leave my mind. I fought it and fought it, until finally I admitted defeat and in God’s boldness and grace, I delivered a speech about his son Jesus to my class. God also prompted me to
I HAVE LEARNED TO STEP FORWARD EVEN WHEN I AM DOUBTING MYSELF, AND I KNOW THAT GOD IS CALLING ME TO BE A LEADER TO A BUNCH OF KIDS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR TRUTH. purchase ‘Priceless’ necklaces (based on Proverbs 3:15) for every senior girl at my school. After praying about it, my mum and I decided to go ahead with it, and in August we raised $450 through donations from our Salvation Army corps family (Thames Corps) to pay for the necklaces. Hopefully they will arrive soon, and more people at my school will be touched by God’s love. In September, I invited one of my classmates to the new Coromandel Life Recovery Church (CLRC) group that my mum was about to start … and she said yes! On the second night of church, on 11 September, my classmate gave her heart to Jesus and is now a regular
at the CLRC. Finally, I knew what God had meant—he literally wanted me to lead my people into the promised land. By praying God would make me authentic, truthful, honest and real, I have seen God save one of my friends and I believe there are so many more to come, because I know that this is the time of the harvest! Over these last few months, I have discovered that I have purpose where I am, right now. I have learned to step forward even when I am doubting myself, and I know that God is calling me to be a leader to a bunch of kids who are looking for truth.
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Peeling Back the Truth About Tanning
Summer is so close; you can almost taste the $1 Frozen Coke from McDonald’s. The beach is beckoning. We have all spent months indoors, hibernating in warm coats and black boots, but now it’s time to switch into tee shirts and shorts. Also on the horizon? The societal pressure to get a tan. BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
There is a whole spectrum of reasons why people seek out a tan—to fit in, to accentuate, to model the people they see in the media, to socialise—but the ugly reality is that sun tanning puts people at risk of skin cancer. New Zealand has the highest melanoma incidence rate in the world. More than 350 Kiwi die every year because of melanoma, and it doesn’t only affect people in high risk categories. Māori and Pacific Islanders have a lesser incidence rate, but they can often develop thicker moles which are more serious to treat.
becomes harder to treat as it spreads. You might require surgery, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Sometimes, body parts must be amputated. The process can impact your future ability to start a family. Even if the cancer is successfully removed, regular check-ups will be part of your ongoing life. Is a summer tan—which will stay with you for three months, maybe four—worth a life-altering illness which may live in your body forever?
Risk factors that increase danger include: • higher sun exposure (New Zealanders and Pacific Islanders automatically belong to this category) • skin that burns easily • using sunbeds • having many/larger moles • family or personal history of melanoma • fair skin • red, blonde or fair hair.
It is not a bad thing to want a tanned appearance. For sure, consider whether your only motivation is because people around you and in the media say you should aspire to tanned skin. In a consumer society, the world gets a kick out of tearing into the things about you that don’t need to be fixed—your clothes, your habits,
Melanoma can develop due to uncontrolled growth of the skin’s pigment cells (called melanocytes), which produce melanin to help protect the body from ultraviolet (UV) rays. One damaged skin cell is all it takes. The risk of sunburn is not just short-term pain. Whether it covers a patch of skin or every inch of your back, sunburn increases your likelihood of developing melanoma. Removing melanoma is not like extracting a troublesome tooth. If not caught early, the cancer 12 firezone.co.nz 14 NOVEMBER 2020
Best of Both Worlds
YOU WILL NEVER REFLECT ON YOUR LIFE AND SAY, ‘YOU KNOW WHAT, I WISH I NEVER WORE ALL THAT SUNSCREEN’.
your personality—and appearances have always been their favourite target. Skin colours are not a fashion trend you need to follow; they are part of your DNA, and they are all beautiful. A tan is not something you need. But if it makes you feel genuinely good about yourself, the same way that trying out a new hair colour over summer gives you a mental boost, then you can still adopt a bronzed look without putting yourself in cancer danger. Supermarkets, department stores, pharmacies, salons … there are so many places to buy self-tanning products (or have tan applied by a professional). Yes, self-application might take a bit of practise. Yes, it will cost money. But we all weigh up cost versus want for things like hairdressers, make up, protein powders, beauty procedures and gym memberships. If it’s not worth your money, it’s not worth bargaining your health. And make no mistake—every moment you spend in the sun without sunscreen is bargaining your health at terrible odds.
IS A SUMMER TAN— WHICH WILL STAY WITH YOU FOR THREE MONTHS, MAYBE FOUR—WORTH A LIFE-ALTERING ILLNESS WHICH MAY LIVE IN YOUR BODY FOREVER? Professionals are increasingly encouraging young people—especially those who spend lengthy time in the sun—to get skin checks. But sunscreen is the most important weapon you can brandish against UV, especially given that melanoma is a largely preventable form of cancer. The only excuse to not wear sunscreen is if you are a baby under the age of 6 months. It’s a fair assumption that if you are reading this, you do not fall into this category.
Sun Smarts
Do your research and read the label of your sunscreen carefully before blindly slip-slop-slapping. Price does not necessarily indicate quality. Look for a sunscreen which is at least SPF30+, broad spectrum and water resistant, with the AS/NZS 2604 standard on the label. FYI, SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’ (the higher the SPF number, the more UV radiation is filtered out), while broad spectrum means the sunscreen filters out both skin UVA and UVB radiation. Cancer Society NZ recommends applying sunscreen twenty minutes before
sun exposure, and to reapply every two hours (more frequently if you are in the water or sweating). Your skin, as your body’s largest organ, is truly incredible—protect it. Be smart about your sun exposure: wear a hat, sunglasses, rashie or tee shirt and seek shade in peak UV times. Remember, sunscreen isn’t only for December to February. There are plenty of websites and apps where you can check the daily temperature, UV exposure and what hours to watch out for. You will never reflect on your life and say, ‘You know what, I wish I never wore all that sunscreen’. But if you are diagnosed with melanoma because you spent too much time chasing a tan without being sun smart, you are sure to regret it.
MORE INFO melanoma.org.nz—Website (You can find a list of Melanoma NZ’s recommended resources here: melanoma.org.nz/support/useful-links) @calltimeonmelanoma—Instagram Account ‘Natalie Fornasier’, Shameless—Podcast
Healthy Summer Glow? Five Tanning Myths MYTH #1: Tanning beds are a safe way to tan. Nope, tanning beds emit the same, harmful UV rays and can also cause premature aging. MYTH #2: A base tan will protect me from future sunburn. Tanning is actually a sign of skin damage; it cannot protect you from the sun. MYTH #3: Tanning is a great vitamin D source. We are exposed to enough vitamin D from the sun in our general day. Besides, you can pick up extra nutrients in your diet. MYTH #4: My tanning oil has SPF—I can tan and stay protected. Products which promise you can suntan while protecting yourself from UV are misleading and dangerous. MYTH #5: People who can tan without burning, or have darker skin, don’t need sunscreen. Yeah, nah—all sun exposure is a cancer risk. Although the extra melanin in darker skin can offer limited protection, it does not block UV rays. Sources: Healthline, Cancer Society NZ 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 13
People First: Countdown, The Salvation Army and Food Rescue BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
The Salvation Army is Countdown’s national food rescue partner and their largest charity partner. The two organisations have collaborated on projects—such as The Foodbank Project, The Good Shop and the yearly food rescue appeals during winter and Christmas. Through the partnership, millions of dollars’ worth of food has been saved from landfill and given to hungry Kiwi in need. Supermarkets are a balancing act of business and sustainability, but Countdown has a vision for every store to understand that food ‘waste’ goes to people first and landfill last. ‘That’s our hierarchy, and if every store could get that a hundred percent right, then we can feed a lot of people,’ says Kate Porter, Countdown’s Head of Communications and Community. ‘If we just wanted to not put food in landfill, we could compost it, but that’s not what we want to do,’ she says. ‘Why would we lose that food when it can be used for somebody else?’ Countdown’s funding into the food welfare sector has steadily grown over recent years as part of their Food Rescue programme, teaming up with a range of partners from independent foodbanks to charities like The Salvation Army and KidsCan. ‘It’s now turned into this incredibly comprehensive and fullyfledged, massive Food Rescue programme where one hundred percent of our 183 stores donate food.’ In the last financial year, $6.2 million worth of food was donated through Countdown’s Food Rescue programme (following $6.9 million in 2019 and $6.3 million in 2018), with roughly a third going to The Salvation Army. That equates to approximately 12 to 13 million meals each year. In June, Countdown launched their Food for Good Foundation, an umbrella to gather and focus their food welfare and rescue efforts, which will not only address hunger in the short term, but also ensure meaningful impact in future years. ‘It’s not just about buying some food here and there and making sure people are fed; it’s also about how we are helping people to live full lives and how we are using that money to make sure that the food rescue and the food welfare sector is sustainable.’ As a business, Countdown wants to leverage its visibility as well as its resources to enable customers to get involved. ‘We’re not changing the world here, but we are really big,’ Kate says. ‘We have 3 million customers through our stores 14 WarCry 14 NOVEMBER 2020
Food Rescue Christmas donation trolleys at Countdown.
every single week, so that gives us a unique opportunity to talk to New Zealanders. ‘We always see the public-facing part of our partnerships as key, because it’s another way that we can help give back. During the Winter Appeal, Countdown donated $280,000 towards food, but so did customers—they matched it, so that’s amazing.’
Food Rescue in Action Fresh food rescue begins in the produce departments where each day a Countdown team member will sort the food according to what is good for sale. Remaining produce is put aside and assessed according to the question: ‘Would I eat this?’ If the answer is yes, the food is put aside for Food Rescue. ‘That obviously takes time,’ Kate explains. ‘It’s not an automatic process, and it requires somebody to think and go, “Would I eat it, would I not? Would I sell it, would I not?”’ Because The Salvation Army is not set up to receive fresh food donations on a daily basis, perishable produce comes to foodbanks via other Food Rescue partners, such as KiwiHarvest, which act as a conduit. ‘They have a big hub and all the major foodbanks—including The Salvation Army’s—get food from them on a daily, or every couple of days, basis.’
Countdown directly supplies Salvation Army Foodbanks with timely donations of non-perishable groceries. Certain items which cannot be sold in store but are still safe to eat—such as produce close to its best-before date or dented canned goods—are saved for Food Rescue. Several foods cannot be passed on, including produce which has touched the ground, meat products which do not meet health and safety requirements and recalled items. Some stores are partnered with companies or farmers to repurpose perishable items into animal feed. However, a common obstacle is the feasibility of depackaging the food.
‘WHY WOULD WE LOSE THAT FOOD WHEN IT CAN BE USED FOR SOMEBODY ELSE?’ ‘Say if it was rotten raisins … the pigs would still love those raisins, but the ability to take them all out of packets is impossible,’ Kate explains. ‘It’s a really complicated area.’ The Food Rescue programme is only one facet of Countdown’s push towards zero waste in their stores. This creates a challenge of reducing food and packaging waste, while also keeping affordable items on their shelves. ‘It’s the constant weigh-up of environmental issues, cost issues or waste issues,’ Kate says. ‘We have a role to help ensure that the industry is sustainable.’ However, making sure their staff understand Food Rescue from a people-based approach, rather than a solely waste-based viewpoint, is essential. ‘When you go and visit somewhere like Manukau Foodbank—which I have several times—and you see it when it is empty, that is a really emotional thing to see. And then you see the food coming from the Countdowns that they have collected around Manukau, and you’re like, “this is amazing”,’ Kate says. ‘I’ve talked about where the food goes or what happens to it, and I’ve had people break down and cry because they had food parcels and they had food support from The Salvation Army when they were kids, and they get it.’ She is thankful to The Salvation Army and the people she has had the opportunity to collaborate with—from the Public Relations Department to Community Ministries— to establish and build the Food Rescue programme. ‘The dedication that they have is the only way that we are able to help. They come to us with ideas, they get stuff done and it’s incredible work. It’s very humbling, and we’re very proud to be part of it.’ The 2020 Countdown Food Rescue Christmas Appeal will launch in the lead up to Christmas this year.
Beauty of Glen Eden After more than 25 years of fellowship, Glen Eden Corps held its final service on Sunday 25 October. Glen Eden was initially planted from the neighbouring New Lynn Corps by Majors Darrell and Lorraine LePine, and grew into a vibrant, welcoming faith community in the ‘Heart of the West’. Lieutenant-Colonels Stephen and Sheryl Jarvis, who arrived as corps officers in 2001, say that the corps’ go-for-it attitude always stood out, particularly when they relocated from temporary premises in the local primary school to a brand-new building. ‘The people helped to build the building in order to save money— obviously we had builders, but people did the gardening, the fences … there were a lot of working bees,’ Sheryl remembers. ‘Anything you wanted them to do, they’d be on board.’ Glen Eden was the first Salvation Army corps to run the mainly music programme, and one of the pioneering churches to host Halloween-alternative parties. ‘We would get 300 to 400 people at those events, because they wanted a place to go which was safe and something that was going to be run really well.’ They also became well known for community drama events, which drew hundreds of visitors, some of whom stayed on to become part of the church. One woman came from a science background and proclaimed herself an atheist, but the corps eventually ended up starting a Bible study at her house. ‘She eventually realised that there was a God who does love her. We were so blessed by that,’ Sheryl recalls. ‘That was illustrative of people who would come and go through Alpha [a series exploring faith] and have an encounter with God, and then find that there was a consistency in the corps and a place to belong,’ Stephen agrees. ‘There was authenticity.’ Among many great memories, one amusing moment happened at a Christmas pageant, which featured a story based on the Bing Crosby narrative, The Small One. ‘The donkey becomes a key player in the Christmas advent story, so we decided to get a donkey,’ Stephen says. ‘The donkey wouldn’t cooperate and wouldn’t walk into the building at the time it was cued, so we had two people pulling on the reins and someone pushing the back … marching it down to the front to play its part. That was funny.’ Just as Glen Eden is special to the Jarvis family as the church where their children grew up, it became a home for many other families, where children of all backgrounds could belong. ‘Glen Eden Corps became very accepting of children with ADHD or with Asperger’s,’ Sheryl says. ‘God kept bringing other families in who didn’t fit in other established churches because their child would act out or not feel safe, or people didn’t know what to do with them, so that was one of the beauties of Glen Eden.’ Stephen and Sheryl want to acknowledge Darrell and Lorraine LePine for laying the foundation of the corps; the Rankin family, who ran a Sunday school bus which allowed many families to attend services; and the corps’ developing relationships with Green Bay High School and Prospect Primary School. The Daly and Brinsdon families were active volunteers and leaders within the corps, with Captains David and Denise Daly going on to lead Glen Eden during a time of community growth. The corps’ success was possible because of the hard work of many people. Subsequent officers included Captains Missy Ditchburn and Jordan Westrupp and Lieutenants Ivo and Heather Pyper. 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 15
Traversing Distance Though Prayer Sit down with Jesus is the brainchild of Australian officer, Major Peter Farthing (Rtd). Peter saw a real need for Salvationists to have prayer resources that were easy to access, especially during Covid-19 lockdowns. Sit down with Jesus is a free online prayer course, launched on 3 October 2020, that will remain available via the website indefinitely. Prepared with Salvationists in mind, the material is suitable for anyone wanting to deepen their prayer life. The course is a daily pilgrimage that lasts for six weeks, and is described as ‘like having a personal prayer coach’. Participants are encouraged to set aside 15 minutes each day during which they watch a short inspirational clip, receive teaching on prayer, listen to a Bible reading and then there’s a short lead-in to prayer.
United nations Sit down with Jesus is led by 21 different teachers from 11 different nations. New Zealanders Captain Jordan Westrupp (Divisional Youth Secretary, Midland Division), and Rosy Keane (Women’s Ministries Mission Leader) are two of those leaders. Rosy says, ‘I love the way Peter platformed such a diverse group of people from around the world. Such a wonderful mixture of cultures, genders and experiences’. Peter’s initial vision was to create a variety of practical prayer tools that people could use at home, and had a clear vision of recruiting teachers in their 30s and 40s. The online sessions are as varied and unique as the teachers themselves. Rosy was invited to participate based on the point of difference she has to offer as a spoken word poet. Peter pitched the idea to Jordan who says, ‘What sold it for me was Peter’s passion to have a wide range of Salvationists—women, men, young-ish soldiers and officers—as the face of the project’. Both Rosy and Jordan see the pros and cons to prayer being conducted through the online forum and both agree that it enhances accessibility and engagement. Jordan explains that, ‘The real gold of the online forum—which I don’t think we’ve really fully tapped into yet—is the ability to break down borders and traverse distances in an instant. Online, suddenly the best of the best becomes available to everyone, everywhere. This fosters understanding that prayer is both within us and global all at the same time.’
A peculiar intimacy The online forum has the power to create ‘a peculiar amount of intimacy’, observes Rosy. ‘When it’s just you and another person—be that the teacher or one of the participants—via a screen, there can be this increasing sense of vulnerability that opens up because of that one-to-one intimacy. Some people feel more comfortable trying something new because they’re at home and can’t see all the other participants. I think that’s part of the emboldening of people in terms of participation in prayer through social media. You can have private groups too. And you can moderate sites so they are safe and so all voices can carry the same weight together,’ she explains. On the flip side, Jordan is very aware that ‘the online experience can never fully meet our deep need for person-toperson connection with each other. This has always been a vital expression of the prayer tradition.’ 16 WarCry 14 NOVEMBER 2020
Like Jordan, Rosy agrees that there’s ‘...a slight sense of surrealness because you’re not physically present together’. However, she believes that ‘this can actually be hugely motivating because the ethereal nature of the online forum means for my prayer to be embodied, I need to speak it out and share it with others. It’s quite empowering because you have this intimate time with someone on screen where you’ve shared together and learned and connected, but that intimacy can be replicated and extended beyond the screen. People capture that online experience and take it out into their community and everyday lives.’
Prayer that equalises Interestingly, the course reflects a significant shift in how we’ve approached corporate prayer traditionally in The Salvation Army. There was a time when gathering together physically was the only means of praying corporately, but the internet has changed that reality. Previously, corporate prayer has involved public speaking, making it something of a scary undertaking for many, despite best efforts to focus on an ‘audience of one’. ‘There’s a certain type of personality or established Christian who feels comfortable praying in a corporate setting the way we currently frame it,’ observes Rosy. ‘But with social media you’re not competing against other voices so it’s equalising. You have space if you need to go away and even log out if you feel self-conscious or need to think it over’.
Praying through uncertainty Both Rosy and Jordan have received positive feedback from participants around the world for the sessions they each led. Jordan reflects that the uptake for Sit down with Jesus affirms that ‘people get a lot of value out of directed and/or structured prayer that’s relatable, perhaps now more than ever with so much that feels uncertain’. Sit down with Jesus is an innovative way to encourage global corporate prayer, especially in settings where physical contact poses a very real risk for many of our Salvationist brothers and sisters around the world. Even locally, Rosy observes a wariness by some to come together corporately. ‘There’s a real need for prayer and people know they need to be praying for the world—especially at the moment with Covid-19—but there’s also real hesitation sometimes because it can seem daunting and like a bridge too far. People are mentally tired and afraid or exhausted from work and often have so much going on personally. I find it helpful when the prayer needs seem to overwhelm to remember that in the prayer space it’s not us trying to fix everything and bring it to pass. We’re not trying to beg God to get involved—that’s just exhausting! We’re joining with God—he’s already there.’
Discerning together Anecdotally the appetite for prayer, albeit in new forms, seems to be lifting because of Covid-19, and Jordan says that, ‘There’s a growing re-acceptance from Salvationists that despite all of our efforts to plan, strategise, facilitate and hold board meetings— God is reminding us that we must pray and discern. We’re being called back to prayer and to listen to God for His way forward.’ ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; Quietness and trust shall be your strength’ (Isaiah 30:15).
Join the Fight for Freedom! The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC), in conjunction with International Headquarters and International Women’s Ministries, launched The Salvation Army’s new International Modern Slavery and Human trafficking (MSHT) response strategy—‘Fight for Freedom’—in September. Here in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, Captain Sammy Millar has been appointed Territorial Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Contact Person. Sammy is thrilled that the Army is making this issue a global priority. ‘The Salvation Army’s always had a mandate to fight against injustice. Modern slavery and human trafficking don’t appear to be slowing down at all. We recognise that in the 130 countries where we are present, we have a responsibility to act and be part of the fight.’ The initial part of this new appointment involves raising awareness and collaborating with other groups already working in this area, and then identifying the need within the four nations of the territory. Sammy fully understands that each of the four countries face different challenges in this area. ‘Even the policies, legislation and relationship the Army has with the governing bodies in each country differs, so it’s really important that we have people on the ground in each country join the fight. This strategy is best worked out at the local level, so we need as many people to join us as possible.’ Sammy sees her role initially as supporting people to step into the fight for freedom. ‘There’s a training and equipping component involved because we need to help people identify whether they might be in an exploitative situation. If we don’t think it happens in New Zealand, we are totally wrong. In the Hawke’s Bay earlier this year, a man was prosecuted for both slavery and trafficking.
It’s the first time there’s been a dual prosecution highlighting both aspects. This is a very real issue here in New Zealand,’ explains Sammy. Sammy is emphatic when she says, ‘For me as a follower of Jesus, when I read the way he spoke out the words of the Captain Sammy Millar, Territorial prophet Isaiah in Modern Slavery and Human Luke 4 about seeing Trafficking Contact Person. the oppressed set free—well that’s who we are as disciples and what we’re called to. It’s not an optional extra but something we have to take seriously. I feel strongly that raising awareness about the issues that break the heart of Jesus is something we’re all called to give witness to.’ Sammy encourages readers to check out the revealing online report (see link below) on modern slavery and human rights violations in Australia and the Pacific. There’s an interactive function to assist your reading and provide snapshots of information. You can also go directly to the ISJC’s website and join the fight for freedom by pressing the red sign-up button. MORE INFO | salvationarmy.org/isjc/SAfightforfreedom and walkfree.org
Campbells’ Chat This is the busiest time of year but also the most rewarding, so Mark and I thank you for the many extra hours you will spend caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society by God’s power in the weeks prior to Christmas. Recently while preparing a reflection to share at the ASARS Leaders Conference, I was reminded of the story of William Booth’s Cab Horse Charter. He noticed that the cab horses pulling the cabs and carts were better fed and cared for than many people living in the East End of London. Booth’s charter made two important points: when a horse is down, it is helped up and cared for; and while it is alive, it is given food, shelter and work. This charter became one of the founding principles of The Salvation Army: when people are down, we help them up and care for them; and every person has the right to food, shelter and work. We thank God because every day people are helped up physically, emotionally and spiritually by individuals, corps and centres.
What a privilege! Thank you for bringing hope to the people in our community and for sharing the love of Jesus through Christmas music, services, meals, conversations, accommodation, hampers and kindness. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 it reminds us that ‘Christ’s love compels us’ to help others to experience his love. NGĀ MIHI NUI, COMMISSIONERS MARK & JULIE CAMPBELL
14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 17
Breakthrough to Freedom The Salvation Army’s Breakthrough Programme, which aims to make ‘Awesome Matua’ out of men living with violence, is going from strength to strength. Breakthrough began in 2018 with a successful pilot programme, and has since seen more than a hundred men in the community and in prison engaging with this programme. It gives men who have grown up with emotional and physical violence the tools to deal with life’s challenges, in a safe and positive way. Course facilitator, Poutoa Papali’i, says there have been six programmes in the community and two completed in the prison so far, with another two due to start over the next fortnight. Following on from the success of Breakthrough, the programme has expanded to collaborate with the Wahine Toa programme in Manukau. Poutoa says it is important to help the men in the wider context of their ongoing relationships, and to support their partners as well. ‘We embrace the concept of aroha for the whole whānau,’ he says.
A growing area of focus is in supporting those who have completed Breakthrough in prison to transition back into the community. A few graduates from the prisons have or are repeating the course following release. ‘The men feel highly motivated when they leave prison to implement their newfound skills, but life’s challenges can hit them and that’s why our ministry with these men is ongoing,’ Poutoa says. The Salvation Army is keen to support the women who are in relationships with these men and help the whole whānau to function in a better way for all concerned, especially the children. The programme is also run out of the Papakura Corps, and they are hoping Poutoa Papali’i, Breakthrough Programme to expand to Pukekohe and to East course facilitator. Auckland areas. Ideally, ‘our hope is for the programme ‘I feel truly humbled to serve God to be rolled out across New Zealand’, in this capacity with these men, and it Poutoa says. The men who come through is exciting to see God’s will unfolding the programme will tell you that they feel before our very eyes through their a lot more confident in their ability to be transformation and changed mindsets.’ better fathers and better men.
GAZETTE Appointment: Effective 14 January 2021: Major Louise Kennedy, Case Worker, Auckland Bridge Services (ASARS). We pray that God will continue to bless Louise in the days ahead. Effective 1 November 2020: Major Zelma Malton, Mission Support Officer, Hawke’s Bay—Supportive Housing (ASARS). We pray that God will continue to bless Zelma in the days ahead. Effective 1 November 2020: Major Timothy Malton, Divisional Bicultural Work Development Officer, Midland Division. We pray that God will continue to bless Tim in the days ahead. Additional Appointment: Effective immediately: Captain Stuart Tong, Second in Charge, Central Division Headquarters. We pray that God will continue to bless Stu as he takes up this additional appointment. Appointment Title Change: Effective immediately: Major Bruce Aldersley, Mission Support Officer, Epsom Lodge Supportive Housing, ASARS. Effective immediately: Major Bronwyn Aldersley, ASARS Officer Support and National Mission Director. Effective immediately: Lieutenant Cassandra Henderson, Mission Director, Bridge and Oasis Auckland (Team Leader). Effective immediately: Major Helen Knowles, Mission Director, Bridge and Oasis Wellington. Effective immediately: Major Peter Macdonald, Mission Director, Waikato, Midland and Tauranga Bridge and Oasis. Effective immediately: Major Karl Saunders, Mission Officer, Bridge and Oasis Auckland (primarily Waitakere Bridge). Effective 14 January 2021: Cadet Emma Buckingham, Mission Support Officer, Palmerston North—Supportive Housing.
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Effective 14 January 2021: Captain Rebekah Herring, Mission Support Officer, South Auckland—Supportive Housing. Effective 14 January 2021: Captain Matthew Herring, Mission Officer, Bridge and Oasis Auckland (primarily Manukau Bridge). Effective 14 January 2021: Major Ralph Hargest, Mission Director, Bridge and Oasis Christchurch and Supportive Housing Addington. Effective 14 January 2021: Captain Paul Smith, Mission Director, Bridge and Oasis Christchurch and Supportive Housing Addington. Resignation: Effective 9 January 2021: Captain Jules Badger. Jules, with her husband Mat, entered training as cadets of the Heralds of the Good News session in February 2005. Following their commissioning in 2006, Jules and Mat were appointed to the Northern Division as Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretaries. In August 2009, Jules was appointed as sole Divisional Candidates’ Secretary, Northern Division, with the additional appointment of Support Officer, Botany Corps Plant. This was followed by an appointment as Corps Officer, East City Corps, Northern Division, in 2011. In 2018, Jules was appointed as Assistant Divisional Youth Secretary, Northern Division. In January 2019, Jules was appointed as Assistant Writer, Communications Department, Territorial Headquarters. We thank Captain Jules for her 14 years, 1 month and 5 days of active service and pray God’s blessing on her in the months of transition ahead. Single Spouse Officership: Effective 9 January: Captain Mat Badger. Mat is accepted as a Single Spouse Officer and continues in his current appointment as Territorial Youth Secretary and Director, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre. We pray God’s blessing on Mat as he adjusts to these changes.
‘WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE COLLECTIVELY THAN WE CAN ACHIEVE ALONE.’
War Cry Wins at ARPA War Cry was thrilled to come away with wins in six categories at the 2020 Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA) Awards, judging entries from the 2019 year. Our team of graphic designers—Sam Coates, Lauren Millington and Matt Gillon—were recognised by winning Gold in the Best Magazine Design category. Captain Jules Badger received three awards: two for her article, ‘Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Grace?’, rewarded with Gold in the Best New Writer category and Bronze for Best Faith Reflection, and she collected a Silver Award for Best Social Justice Article with her piece, ‘Lasses, Live Up to Your Privileges and Stand Up for Your Rights’. Bethany Slaughter won a Silver Award in the Best Young Writer category for a profile of International Social Justice Commission Research Analyst Dr Laurelle Smith. Shar Davis received Gold for Best Feature—Single Author, with her article about Parihaka and The Power of Forgiveness. Our team is truly appreciative of these awards, and thankful that our work resonated with the judging panel this year. It is always a privilege to see that the stories from our territory are inspiring and interesting to people around New Zealand and Australia. Across the ditch, The Salvation Army Kidzone magazine from Australia also picked up a couple of awards for Best Original Illustration and Best Headline.
I have recently attended a ‘good’ board meeting, the annual general meeting (AGM) of The Salvation Army (TSA) Jeff Farm Management Board. Nearly 70 years ago, TSA was gifted a farm which was said to be in ‘poor condition’. Since then it has been developed to become a top producing livestock farm which is used to train youth in farming practices. The profits from the farm help support Salvation Army ministry to vulnerable youth in society, and there were many stories shared at the AGM of how recent profits had contributed to mission success. Here are three highlights. • Nine more young people were taken off the streets in Fiji, housed and given a hope and a future. Recommencing school was a challenge for six, so TSA arranged special teaching. • TSA mentored a disadvantaged young offender from prison through to enrolment into a course at university. • A young Aucklander was funded to attend the Blue Mountain Adventure Centre and describes his experience as a turning point in his life. He said, ‘I felt accepted and valued after a long battle with drug addiction’. He then moved on to the Bridge programme for assistance with his battle with substance addiction. These stories are heartening, especially at this time of challenge for the farming community where they are battling things beyond their control—like days of bad weather that kill stock and soul and low wool prices. These mission successes are a cause for celebration, but it is the success of the management board of Jeff Farm that I want to highlight. The board is led by, and made up of, people skilled in various professions outside of the operation who provide strategic direction, oversight and support to the manager. It is also supported by Salvationists who ensure the missional heart of TSA remains in focus. Over the years this management board has turned around a rundown farm into a positive example of what is possible when a diverse group of skilled individuals come alongside a good manager to support them in their operation. This reminds me of the eclectic group Jesus put together to commence the church. Each came with a different skill set and personality, but together—under extreme hardship and challenge—they commenced a movement that has grown to millions of people who work to bring eternal hope to millions more. Team means that together we achieve more. My hope is that each of us will take the opportunity to build ‘team’ in your family, in your work and in your ministry—a team who are supportive, visionary and innovative. We can achieve more collectively than we can achieve alone. Jesus chose 12, how many will be on your team? Major Allan Clark Territorial Secretary for Business Administration 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 19
The account of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha’s house (Luke 10:38-41) is a multi-layered, gentle but boldly unapologetic invitation to stop, sit down, shut up and listen. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the fact that life is full of interruptions and responsibilities—there will always be something that needs to be done. But it also highlights that there are unexpected surprises, invitations and better choices to be made. BY JULES BADGER
It’s a story about being given permission to stop. And many of us need permission to stop before we can fully embrace the invitation to rest. Stopping is one thing, resting is another, but the transformation that rest can bring is something else entirely. We know that Mary had opened her home to a bedraggled rag-tag crew of tired, grubby, hungry disciples and their scruffy prophet leader. They hadn’t texted ahead, and they certainly weren’t just popping in for a quick cuppa and a brief chat. That was not Jesus’ preferred modus operandi during his earthly ministry. When Jesus and his disciples came to your place, they made themselves at home—possibly for a few days. This was whakawhanaungatanga, Bible-style!
Good, better, best Some have suggested that Martha was an uptight older sister, peeved off with her lazy younger sister. But perhaps she was 20 WarCry 14 NOVEMBER 2020
simply a domestic goddess taking her role as hostess seriously. Luke uses the word distracted to describe Martha, not jealous or resentful. This is no linguistic accident. Martha was distracted, and most likely because she was focused on her role as hostess. And this in and of itself was not a bad thing. She wanted her guests to feel welcome and relaxed—this was manaakitanga at its finest! To be distracted means that our attention is not where it should be. And in Martha’s case, it wasn’t that her attention was on the wrong thing—what she was doing was good and valuable— it’s just that there was something better Martha could have been doing. And Jesus knew this. Jesus knew what Martha needed—she needed to stop, come and sit down and be with Jesus, just like Mary was. And that’s why Jesus didn’t take her side when Martha said, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ Shockingly, Jesus says nothing to Mary. Instead he focuses on Martha—Martha, who is distracted by many things, things that were preventing her from sitting at his feet. And Jesus won’t let Mary be distracted from his presence to go and help Martha. So instead of telling either sister off, he invites Martha to take a closer look at the situation. Jesus helps Martha see that she is missing out on what she needs most, which is being with him. And so he says, gently and lovingly, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is best and it will not be taken from her.’
JESUS KNEW WHAT MARTHA NEEDED—SHE NEEDED TO STOP, COME AND SIT DOWN AND BE WITH JESUS, JUST LIKE MARY WAS.
WE DEMAND TO KNOW WHO DID THE WORK BECAUSE OUR NATURAL HUMAN TENDENCY IS NOT BIASED TOWARD SIMPLY BEING WITH GOD. It’s as though Jesus is saying, ‘Martha, Mary’s not coming to help you. She’s with me—where she needs to be. Where she belongs. How about you come and join us? Come Martha and sit at my feet, too. I know you, and what you need right now is me. You need the rest and refreshing that only sitting in my presence can bring. Dinner can wait. Only one thing is needed right now. Join us Martha.’ And I think Martha accepted Jesus’ invitation and came and sat at his feet with Mary. But wait a minute! Who cooked the dinner? There was no such thing as 0800 Pizza Hut. And who cleaned up? The fairies? Someone still had to take responsibility and feed everyone! It’s all very well and good and lovely sitting at the feet of Jesus—a nice life for some—but there’s work to be done! So, who did it?
Roots and fruits That’s what makes this story so shocking and so important. We resist the invitation on Martha’s behalf! We demand to know who did the work because our natural human tendency is not biased toward simply being with God. Instead it’s strongly weighted toward doing for God—as though he somehow needs our help! We need to remember that he doesn’t need our help with anything at all. He chooses to involve us in his mission, but what he wants most is for us to know and accept his unconditional love for us. The yoke of our doing for God is always easy and our burdens light when we spend time with God, learning from him the unforced rhythms of grace. Henri Nouwen so wisely said: ‘The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be. Only when your roots are deep can your fruits be abundant.’ We’re Salvationists. Christian activists. Many of us choose to serve God through and in the Army because we love the mission and want to stand against
injustice and see the world changed! But that’s the point, there will always be more work to be done—good work, kingdom work. Jesus knew and knows this. There will always be need and things placing demands on us, and even when we’re thriving in ministry, what is it that we still need most? The same thing we’ve needed since the beginning of time when Adam and Eve walked and talked with God of an evening in the garden of Eden—rest. I love that the story ends with Jesus’ invitation to Martha and leaves out what happened next. Did Jesus feed the household as he did the 5000? Who knows—that’s not the point of the story, nor is it the end of Martha’s story. We encounter her again when her brother Lazarus has been in the tomb for three days (John 11:17). This time when Jesus arrives, Martha is the one who runs out to him and announces that he could have saved her brother had he been there, and that even now God would give Jesus whatever he asks. It’s Martha—not Mary—who declares this. Martha’s faith in Jesus is strong and certain. Martha knows who Jesus is and what he can do, because somewhere along the way ‘distracted Martha’ became ‘attentive Martha’. A shift took place within. Martha knows more than just who Jesus is, Martha knows Jesus because she has sat at his feet and rested in him.
Come let us adore him The invitation that Jesus extended to Martha is also extended to each one of us. Christmas is upon us, don’t miss the Christ at the centre of it. The temptation to get busy and become distracted by all the preparations that need to be made is real. But God is calling to us, ‘Beloved Child, only one thing is needed. Choose what is best. Stop. Come and adore him’.
14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) No official engagements at this time. Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 17 November: Red Shield Christmas Appeal Auckland Breakfast 18 November: Red Shield Christmas Appeal Christchurch Breakfast 19 November: Red Shield Christmas Appeal Wellington Breakfast 27 November: Fiji Cadets Covenant Day, online 28 November: Fiji Silver Star and Commissioning, online Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 17 November: Red Shield Christmas Appeal Auckland Breakfast 18 November: Red Shield Christmas Appeal Christchurch Breakfast 19 November: Red Shield Christmas Appeal Wellington Breakfast 25 November: Tawa Home League 27 November: Fiji Cadets Covenant Day, online 28 November: Fiji Silver Star and Commissioning, online
PRAY Newtown Centre, Hawke’s Bay
Recovery Church, Northern Division Corps and Community Ministries, Northern Divisional Headquarters, Nuku’alofa Corps; The Salvation Army in Italy and Greece.
Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
salvationarmy.org.nz/ employment
Send us 400–600 words with one or two captioned photos. Promotion to Glory tributes are approx 300 words. Email reports and large, high-quality jpeg images to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz
Shop online at
salvationarmy.org.nz/shop
Want to Know More? I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me
THE JOURNEY
prayer for the following needs:
13–19 DEC
WHO Anyone aged 16–30 years.
Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
22 WarCry 14 NOVEMBER 2020
MORE INFO bluemountainadventure.org.nz
bmac@salvationarmy.org.nz
Quiz Answers: 1 George Washington and John Adams, 2 Hans Holbein the Younger, 3 An on-Broadway theatre must seat at least 500 people; off-Broadway can seat 100–499 spectators, 4 Tina Fey, 5 Joseph (Genesis 41).
Name
WHAT An epic trek from Central North Island to the Tasman Sea. Leadership through tramping, mountain biking, rafting and more.
Friend Fact File!
What 's the be s t parti n gif t? g A c om b!
Fill out this Friend Fact File for you and your friends. You can have one of your besties complete it, or ask someone you don’t know, to make a new buddy. If you’re feeling confident, and want to play a game, fill in your own answers, and then what you think your friend’s answers will be. Test each other to see how well you know each other!
‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’ Proverbs 27:17
Example Sally Bennett
Name
9
Age Birthday
8/7/2011
School
St Johns
Fave subject
Art
Fave colour
Blue
Fave hobbies
Dance, Basketball
Fave food
Pizza
Fave animals
Dog
Do they have a pet?
Yes—Xander the puppy!
How many siblings do they have?
2—Ellie and Mike
How long have you been friends?
3 years
What makes them a good friend?
They are super funny, kind and they give the best hugs
float Apples ey are e th becaus r ter air! u one q a
Can you and your friends make it through the maze? H o w do w e kn o w the ocean is friendly ? It waves!
Have you heard the famous phrase, ‘Iron sharpens iron’? It refers to how one iron blade is used to (you guessed it) sharpen the other, making both blades greater tools. Did you know this saying originated from the Bible? This example represents our relationships, and how by surrounding ourselves with good friends, we become better people through being around them! Good friends tell us the truth, stand up for us, make us smile … but they also let us know when we do the wrong thing. Through encouraging us when we get it right, staying by our side when the going gets tough and being honest with us when we are in the wrong, friends help us grow. If we are valuable friends, we do the same for them. It is better to have one friend like this than many fickle friends who are overly critical, poor influences or those who run away in troubling times. Think about your friends—are they sharpening you or leading you astray? Hold tight to people who leave you feeling fulfilled. THINK ABOUT...
How can you show a close friend you are thankful for them? 14 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 23
Give a gift of hope at
salvationarmy.org.nz/ christmasappeal