FAITH IN ACTION  15 JULY 2017 | Issue 6671 | $1.50
On the Spot with David Farrier
Meet Nigerian Kiwi Rapper Unchained XL JILL McKENZIE
Reconciling with Parents Finland Spotlights Homelessness:
BAD LUCK CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
Keep it Kind Online
Hope in recovery
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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 Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Ingrid Barratt, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford | COVER (l–r) Linda Murray, Jill McKenzie and
Major Colleen Marshall of Levin. Photography: AJ Johnston 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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Who do you want to look like? The other Sunday I was looking across the congregation of the people I worship with each week. A number of striking family likenesses stood out. I noticed a dad and daughter who have the same nose, a mother and daughter with the same hair, and a dad and son who share the same mannerisms. The first time I realised I look like my mum was when I was about 20. It was the one time I had my hair permed. I looked in the mirror … and saw Mum looking back at me! No offence to my mother, but when you’re 20 and catch a glimpse of yourself as someone 28 years older, it can be a scary moment. I’m older now than my mother was then, but I’m starting to see the attractiveness of our family likeness. In particular, I want to pray like Mum prays—regularly and faithfully for lots of people. In this, she’s like her parents. Prayer was a central focus of their lives too. When I survey the people at my church, I see another family likeness. I see people who look like Jesus. Not perfect. Not people who never fail, but people whose hearts are directed to living life like Jesus. People who are kind and loving, generous and faithful, joyful and passionate. If you’re tired with the character of your life, it’s not too late to find a new role model in Jesus. Come along to The Salvation Army and find a family that will help you pursue a new and fulfilling way of life. 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 | Issue 6671 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
www.salvationarmy.org.nz salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft
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Love will teach our hands to serve and multiply our powers. Catherine Bramwell-Booth
John 13:35 New International Version By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Hoani 13:35 Mā konei ka mātau ai te katoa, he ākonga koutou nāku, me ka aroha koutou tētahi ki tētahi.
‘I
’m fascinated how The Salvation Army has survived?’ The reporter’s question caught me a bit off guard, curious about how The Salvation Army remained relevant, when it seemed so out of step with society with ‘uniforms and ranks and things’. What worried me about the question was not really how you explain to someone what’s kept The Salvation Army going over 150 years. Nor even the idea that they thought the Army was strange. What worried me about the question was that what seemed so unusual, radical or strange was our military structure, ranks and uniforms. In a world where values like charity and care for the poor have become more mainstream, does the Army not stand out anymore? I’ve been feeling worn down by the Army drumbeat of bad news and hard times. Feeling jaded and questioning if we’re getting anywhere. But then I heard someone from our Social Housing team say they celebrate every time they find someone a home. Finding someone a home is their everyday job. It would be easy for this to become routine. But what an exciting thing to celebrate! I wonder how often we stop to celebrate what we do. This year alone I’ve listened to some amazing stories of what this church does, but I haven’t always stopped to wonder how unusual they are. The story of a church that has given a home to a dying woman facing homelessness. Of a church where gardening and chopping firewood becomes a way of bringing justice by feeding the hungry with healthy food and teaching them new skills. A church that looks at gang members and sees people in need of love and support to break their chains.
Napier Salvationists in 1886 after release from prison for ‘parading the streets in their peculiar fashion’. The War Cry reported: ‘The whole town was stirred up. The Army got properly advertised, souls were saved, money rolled in, and God’s name was glorified.’
Where a recovering addict told me about how people from his Salvation Army church gave him a room in their house when he was homeless, and found him a job. Another gave him a car, while others counselled him. He told me the biggest thing they did was trust him, a man with a criminal record—that made all the difference. Celebrations are also a chance to challenge ourselves. At the start of this month The Salvation Army marked its founding, when two Methodist church members—William and Catherine Booth —stepped out to found a movement to ‘transform society’. It marked the latest wave of an unusual mission to bring good news to the poor and to set the captive free. Through those years, The Salvation Army has survived and thrived best when it lives out a mission that stands out as ‘strange’ or ‘weird’ because it turns society on its head. So, I guess what I’m wondering is when this journalist steps into a corps or visits a Salvation Army centre looking to find out about The Salvation Army today, what will they find that’s out of step with society? Will they find a place that celebrates associating with the poor and outcasts? Are we still weird enough? BY ROBIN RAYMOND
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GOODSTUFF
Keep It Kind Online Last month, an online campaign was launched by Kiwi bloggers calling for us to ‘Keep It Kind Online’. The campaign asks everyone to make the pledge: to comment with care and to challenge online unkindness when I see it. In addition, you can download banners and frames for your social media profiles that say ‘Keep It Kind Online’. The campaign is a joint effort between Kiwi bloggers Christina Baird and Jenn Hadfield O-Connell. ‘I’ve only been blogging for 12 months and even in that time I’ve noticed that behaviour online has changed, and it’s become more common to make personal attacks,’ says Christina, a Christian blogger at breadandpomegranates.com. Many bloggers, who moderate their own sites, have to deal with nasty personal comments. Christina points to the vicious treatment of Tokoroa woman Imogen Burgess, who posted on McDonald’s Facebook page about Happy Meals. Her daughter loves the vehicles that come with the meals, so she asked McDonalds why their toys were gender-specific. The online backlash was nasty, including comments like ‘she should be euthanised,’ and calling her a ‘stupid attention-seeking wh**e.’ This should be shocking —and indeed it is—but if you’ve scrolled through comments on your Facebook feed lately, you may have noticed these attacks are daily realities. ‘It’s okay to disagree, but keep it about the issues rather than personal attacks,’ says Christina. ‘Encourage people to call it out when they see it, and if you notice that a site is not well moderated, contact the organisation and challenge it.’ Go to | keepitkindonline.wordpress.com
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Remember the tongue twister, ‘She sells seashells by the seashore’? It’s based on a real fossil seller named Mary Anning (1799–1847). From an impoverished family, she eked out a living selling fossils to tourists on the beaches of Dorset, England. Mary discovered and documented many significant fossils that hugely influenced scientific knowledge of the Jurassic period. The first widely circulated pictorial representation of pre-historic life was based on fossils Mary found. In her lifetime, she was excluded from the London Geological Society on the grounds that she was a woman. But in 2010, 163 years after her death, the Royal Society included Mary on a list of the 10 British women who have most influenced the history of science.
NZ/Biography The Resilient Farmer Doug Avery
Doug Avery works the land his family have farmed since 1919. He’s a Kiwi bloke and a farmer, but his writing style is that of a poet. ‘I raise my fists to that impassive sky and I bellow like a bull,’ he writes of the eight-year drought that depleted his land and his sense of self. Most extraordinary is Doug’s candid account of depression and the way out. Rural New Zealand men between 15–64 are the most at risk of suicide in our country. This book puts words—eloquent and earthy—to that silent pain. (Penguin Random House)
The word ‘gorilla’ is derived from a Greek word meaning, ‘a tribe of hairy women’. Awkward.
ONTHESPOT David Farrier We know David Farrier as New Zealand’s favourite pop culture reporter, but he’s also a critically-acclaimed documentary maker, and was a collaborator on Rhys Darby’s Short Poppies. Secret indulgence There’s nothing I adore more than starting the day with a McDonalds Bacon and Egg McMuffin. Maybe two of them. I know they are bad for you, but by gosh I love them! Celebrity Crush Jeff Goldblum—I was lucky enough to spend some time with him at a jazz night he does in LA. It was the best night of my life. He sang the Jurassic Park theme song.
Greek Baked Chicken
QUIKQUIZ
1 When was Edmonds Cookery Book first published?
What I’m watching The Leftovers, the most wonderful, surprising drama on HBO.
2 What Kiwi band was
One thing I love Animals. Give me an animal, and I’m happy. Parrots, cats, cows, sheep, dogs.
3 Who wrote The Life
One thing I hate I can’t deal with people who don’t listen, and just talk. I want to put those people in the bin.
4 What is the only living
Surprising thing about my job The amount of wonderful people behind the scenes. All the best, most talented people sneak around, unnoticed. Not just in TV, but any profession.
formed from the TV series Popstars?
3 medium sized potatoes, Preheat oven to 180°C. Place sliced potatoes into the base of a greased skin on, sliced thinly ovenproof dish. 1 Tbsp oil Heat oil in frying pan over medium 1kg chicken pieces heat. Brown chicken on all sides, then place on top of the potatoes. 1 onion, chopped In the same pan, fry onion and garlic 2 cloves garlic, sliced until golden. Add tomatoes, lemon 400g can diced tomatoes zest, sugar, oregano and olives. Heat through until just bubbling. Pour 1 tsp lemon zest over the chicken pieces. 1 tsp brown sugar Sprinkle feta over the top of the chicken and tomato mix. Cover ½ tsp dried oregano and place in the oven for 20 ½ cup sliced black olives minutes. Remove cover and cook for a further 20 minutes or until 100g feta, crumbled chicken is cooked through. Serve with a side of salad. TIP: Wrap the leftover feta and freeze. It doesn’t last long in the fridge but freezes well.
of Pi?
Recipes at shop.countdown.co.nz/shop/recipes
thing on earth visible from space?
5 What was eaten at
the Passover meal?
Answers on page 22
‘Always do right—this will gratify some and astonish the rest.’ Mark Twain
Netflix A.D. Kingdom and Empire (Adult) Roma Downey & Mark Burnett
There are 12 exciting episodes in this Netflix series. A.D. starts with the drama and intrigue of Jesus’ empty tomb, follows with the Holy Spirit’s energising of Jesus’ followers, and gives us a front-row seat at Stephen’s martyrdom. Once a menace to the early believers, Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus leaves Saul (now Paul) a changed man—but his switched allegiance further enrages the authorities. The series ends with Cornelius’s conversion (as told in Acts chapter 10). A quality production, full of grit and intrigue. True to the essence of the book of Acts, but with fascinating speculation about wider events and people caught up in Christianity’s earliest days. Consider this for small group discussions. (Reviewed by Christina Tyson) 15 JULY 2017 WarCry 5
Two years ago I could not leave my house, let alone tell my story. But after a lifetime of abuse, alcoholism and deep despair, I have finally found peace. BY JILL M c KENZIE
Photography: AJ Johnston
E
very morning I get up and head to Community Ministries at Levin Salvation Army corps (church), where I volunteer. I’m there to support whoever walks through the door, with whatever they need help for —whether it’s a food parcel, Work and Income appointments, going to the doctor, or just being there as a support person. But before 2015, I could not leave my house. My anxiety was so bad that if I tried to go to the supermarket, I would end up abandoning the trolley in the middle of the aisle and running away. I would go hungry rather than face the outside world. The only place I could bring myself to go was the liquor store —out of desperation.
Things Fall Apart I am the youngest of 11 siblings, but by the time I was born, the older ones were already married with their own families. We were a farming family—we would go to school in Whanganui during the week, and in the weekends we would join my dad on the farm. My father was a devoted and loving family man. I loved being with him while he worked the farm on horseback with his dogs. When I was five, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. One day, when we were all away, Dad took himself down to the back of the farm and took his own life. A search party took three days to find him. He left a note saying he didn’t want to be a burden on us. I was never told anything, and felt very confused as to where Dad had gone. I just thought he had left us and never come back. There were three of us children still at home, but my father’s death left my mother bitter. Her anger would turn to a full-blown rage, which would turn into violence. We were punished with a riding crop that left searing welts. If her rage was out of control and left visible wounds, we stayed home from school. I was frightened of my mother and needed her at the same time. My mother started drinking heavily and was often out at dances, bringing the party home late at night. The sexual abuse started when I was seven. I would hear the cars arriving and the music start. I would try and hide in the cupboard, wardrobe or under the bed. But I was usually found by one of the two main offenders. They said that if I told my mother, she would leave just like my father did. I believed them. When I was nine, I finally found the courage to tell my mother what was happening. Her response was to slap me so hard across the face that it fractured my jaw. My mother didn’t take me to the doctor for a week, but I couldn’t eat. Finally, she told the doctor I had fallen off a horse. By then, the fracture had set at an angle, and as a result I lost my right-side bottom teeth as I grew up.
A bridge to hope At 15, my bags were packed, I had to leave school and find a job and somewhere to live. There would be no further education. I was told that I had to go to work, as education was a waste for a female. At the same age, I was gang raped by four teenage boys I thought were my 15 JULY 2017 WarCry 7
friends. I had taken a bus after work that would take me to my little bedsit. They had seen me get on the bus and were following it. They offered me a lift to my front door, and I thought nothing of going with them. But instead, they took me to some bushland on the outskirts of town and raped me. I was left catatonic and injured. Eventually, I walked back into town and told no one of my ordeal. I did well in my profession as a seamstress, and found good jobs. I had some relationships, but they were not good ones, as I did not trust anyone. I attempted suicide twice. One day, after an argument with my partner, I was driving home, took my hands off the steering wheel, put my foot on the accelerator and went down a deep ravine. I was stopped by a tree and left with only a strained wrist. I was so angry I hadn’t died. My condition was diagnosed as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It was in hospital that I realised my brain was not functioning the way it should and that I needed help. I decided to go to the Salvation Army Bridge for help with my addictions. I was so scared and the first two weeks were the hardest—others on the programme walked out. But I knew that if I wanted to get better, I was going to have to do whatever was asked of me. The programme was interesting and it was great to understand different aspects of myself. I would recommend it to anybody.
Ups and downs
I KNEW THAT IF I WANTED TO GET BETTER, I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO DO WHATEVER WAS ASKED OF ME.
My corner of the world
At the Bridge we could go to church meetings, including Recovery Church. Since I was 10 years old, I had been interested in church. I tried to talk to my mother about it, but she wouldn’t have any talk of religion. In my 20s, I had tried to read the Bible but it didn’t make any sense to me. I decided I didn’t believe in God. Surely no God would allow such abuse to happen as I had experienced? But I started to realise the Devil had his part to play, and I had to sit down and re-think everything. It was at the Bridge that people helped me to look within the pages of the Bible, and I started to make sense of it. This is when my faith really began to grow. 8 WarCry 15 JULY 2017
Things settled for a time, and at 35 I married a man I had known for 13 years. However, after five years, our marriage broke up. He didn’t really want to settle down, and I just didn’t have any fight left in me. I became deeply depressed again. My home became my only haven. I closed my curtains, locked my doors and hid from the world. My anxiety was off the scale. I would rather go hungry than go to the supermarket or dairy. I did go to liquor stores, purely out of desperation, and I started drinking heavily. I was self-harming again, and that affected my physical and mental health. I knew that, once again, I needed to seek help. I found a residential addiction programme, and as part of it, attended Recovery Church again. Once I had finished the programme, I continued to attend The Salvation Army and Recovery Church. I loved hearing other people’s stories, and to know I was not alone. I began working through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This required me handing my life over to my Higher Power, and it really grew my faith. I also worked with a psychiatrist for nine months—I still keep a folder of our notes in my car, that I can refer to them if I’m having a bad day. But I was still associating with the wrong people and knew I needed to get out of my hometown.
In 2015, I decided to move to Levin and live with my motherin-law. She needed someone to live with her, and I knew living alone was not good for me—so it’s been good for both of us. We are very close and enjoy each other’s company. I went to the Levin Salvation Army, and the people were so open and welcoming. I was lacking confidence and feared going back to my old habits, but Community Ministries helped me and I did the Positive Lifestyle Programme. I have not had a drink since 2015. My life became less chaotic, which I put solely at the Lord’s feet. Here, I have found my little corner of the world. I am at Community Ministries most mornings. I support people who have difficulty understanding their appointments. I help people with addictions, giving them advice on where to find assistance. I go with them if necessary. This is my way of giving back; to support the church that has supported me over the years.
I AM STRONGER THAN I HAVE BEEN EVER BEEN. I AM CALM, AND HAVE FOUND PEACE. When we began Recovery Church in Levin, I was one of the first one there! I read my Bible almost every day and am learning to understand God’s ways. I am stronger than I have been ever been. I am calm, and have found peace. I feel blessed, and my life’s journey with God continues. Many things have got me where I am today—counselling, the Bridge programme, AA, Recovery Church, and other addictions programmes. I hope my story helps other people who are struggling, to realise they can get help. And that within the pages of the Bible there is hope.
Jill with (on left) Community Ministries Coordinator Linda Murray and Assistant Corps Officer Major Colleen Marshall.
A Letter to Myself A survivor of abuse writes a letter to herself as a child I see you. You are worth seeing and knowing. I know you believe there is something flawed about you. I know you think all those things happened to you because you deserved it. But you never deserved it. Those things were unjust. You were innocent. I’m so sorry for how the shame isolated you. You hid yourself. You were afraid of being discovered as dirty and disgusting. I’m sorry for how you feared abandonment every day, believing that you deserved to be alone. I’m sorry for how you believed you had to settle for being hurt and controlled in all your relationships because you thought that’s all ‘someone like you’ could expect. You were wrong about yourself. But you have nothing to be ashamed about for being wrong. You had to agree with them to survive. You didn’t have a choice. You got yourself through until you were safe enough to see the truth.
A free* and confidential service
Call us on 0800 53 00 00 *Conditions apply
And you see the truth now. You are sure of who you really are. You don’t have anything to prove to anyone. The truth is that there was nothing about you that deserved abuse. Shame was your abuser’s way of coping with their actions, and keeping you compliant and controlled. The shame was never yours to carry. You didn’t have control of what others did to you. Those abuses were their actions, not yours. You have nothing to be ashamed of and you are deserving. By Christina Enevoldsen Source: overcomingsexualabuse.com
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Reconciling with Parents How can we have a relationship with our parents when it is difficult, or even painful? Ferrell Irvine, a respected psychotherapist and co-author of The Salvation Army’s Twelve Steps programme, tells of nursing her dying, alcoholic mother. Although she had experienced much pain, stemming from a difficult relationship with her mother, Ferrell decided to follow God’s call of compassion and mercy. She—along with her sisters—took charge of Mum until her death. There were many God moments, where Ferrell was given healing things to say and do. Ferrell says that the experience ‘didn’t change her, but it deeply changed me.’ The details may be different, but the essence of Ferrell’s story is the same for many people—where we look to our parents for love and acceptance, we receive rejection and despair. We long for reconciliation, but wonder if we are being gluttons for punishment. As Christians, the ideal of reconciliation is at the heart of our faith—the whole reason for Jesus was to reconcile us to God. It is one of the most powerful and healing human experiences. As Ferrell’s story shows, it is possible to experience reconciliation even when we are not met half-way. Choosing grace and compassion for a parent who has caused us pain may not change them, but it allows us to be the person we want to be. This can do much to release us from the hurts of the past. The important question to ask ourselves is: If I never get anything back from them, what kind of person do I want to be? Of course, we must measure this with a healthy sense of boundaries. Trying to ignore your pain will only deepen those wounds. Be honest with yourself about the relationship. And from that place of truth, choose your response. This is powerful—you are not living in reaction, you are creating a different path for your life. Be ready to take baby steps as you begin to rebuild trust—find common ground, reminisce about good memories and express positive feelings. Keep your time short and don’t discuss difficult issues. Instead, work through any intense emotions in a more supportive environment. Choosing to offer compassion doesn’t mean you become an emotional doormat. Perhaps a good image is that you are the master of your doormat. At times you will choose to lay it out —even allowing it to be trampled on—because you recognise the power of self-sacrifice at that time. But you also have the ability to roll up the doormat and walk away. And sometimes you will choose to do that, for good reasons.
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IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXPERIENCE RECONCILIATION EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT MET HALF-WAY. Helpful Questions to Ask What will I do if they reject me all over again? Can I handle them denying my hurts? Can I trust myself to set and maintain clear, respectful boundaries? Do I feel the need to engage in old arguments and ‘change’ their perceptions, or can I respond differently to old family patterns? Am I able to stand confidently in my own separate identity? Or am I emotionally enmeshed with my family members? Do I feel internal or external pressure to reconcile before I am emotionally capable? Is the threat of physical and/or emotional violence still present? Source: Nancy Richards, selfgrowth.com
TESTIFY! Natalie thought she’d miss alcohol forever. But more than two years later, life is better than it’s ever been. On my day one of giving up alcohol, my eldest daughter was in hospital with anorexia, my youngest was an angry nine-year-old, my finances were a mess, my career was just hanging in there, and anxiety and depression were taking turns to lead this whole miserable dance. I was in my mid-40s and had been binge drinking most weekends since my early 20s. It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I started drinking at home, away from social activities. That was the most problematic drinking for me. By my 40s, drinking had become a compulsion. When I wasn’t drinking I felt empty, as if I was rudderless. I knew for a long time my drinking wasn’t making me a better parent. I wasn’t on my A-game. My mother would tell me that—and she was so right. But I thought drinking was good for me. So I figured if I made up for it with my kids in other areas that would be okay. It wasn’t until my daughter was admitted to hospital with anorexia that I realised something was undeniably wrong. She’d been losing weight and I hadn’t even noticed. I Googled ‘help for alcoholism’ and The Salvation Army Bridge came up. So I phoned and talked to someone. It wasn’t at all scary having that conversation, and they encouraged me to come in and check them out. I knew I needed to create enough space to sort myself out and the Bridge gave me that space. I became a day client. I was really lucky because Mum moved in to look after the kids. One of the most important lessons I learnt on the Bridge programme was that what I thought alcohol was, was
Photograph: Stock photo
I KNEW FOR A LONG TIME MY DRINKING WASN’T MAKING ME A BETTER PARENT. a myth—alcohol had fooled me into thinking it was doing good things for me, when the opposite was true. I also picked up some good psychological tools to change my behaviour—people there helped me immeasurably! Not drinking got easier. It really did! The funny thing is, all the things that had made me drink—the anxiety, bouts of depression, feeling unworthy or that life had dealt me a bad hand —when I stopped drinking, they went away. Before, I was good at things but didn’t have a lot of passion for them. But now I feel good and like I’m making a difference.
one hell of an understatement. My daughter is now at healthy weight and eats anything and well. She’s as happy as a teenager can be. My youngest is extraordinary, content and really happy at school. This year I’ve presented in a board room to some of the industry leaders where I work as a health and safety consultant, looking after six different plants across the country. I’ve discovered my default setting is to be largely free of anxiety and depression, and that my true nature is one of happiness and positivity. I thought I would miss alcohol forever and have this huge gap where the bottle used to be. I’m lucky I got to discover that isn’t the case. Who do I have to thank for this new life? Well, me—because I decided to make a change. But also my wonderful family and the amazing people at The Salvation Army Bridge. Want to assess your drinking? | salvationarmy.org.nz/Bridge
I’ve had two-and-a-half years of sobriety, and to say life has turned around is 15 JULY 2017 WarCry 11
Nigerian Kiwi rapper Unchained XL, aka Hugh Ozumba, chats to Ingrid Barratt about faith, music, and how hiphop and Christianity collide. What is the meaning behind your hip-hop name Unchained XL? I was inspired by the movie Django Unchained, which tells a story about a slave’s path to freedom. As an African individual, that story really resonated with me. Unchained XL is about being unchained and free in a society that wants to make me a slave. The XL is a fun way of communicating that I’m a big dude! How does the idea of freedom come through in your music? I often make cryptic references to the idea that society is regressing, so that seemingly common-sense notions are not only rejected but considered repulsive. I have a line in ‘Weight on My Bars’ that says, ‘They’re malicious in their intent to strip our heads of common sense.’ I’ve told my wife, Jess, that I’m probably going to end up saying something that’s going to put me in jail, because the way we are heading, the result of honesty isn’t just that you will be disagreed with, you’ll be hated and eventually criminalised. Hip-hop culture is a lot about words, and part of that is being outspoken. How does that fit with the Christian ethos of being humble? There’s an analogy with Christians in combat sports, I think, in that it’s a mental game and you have to intimidate your opponent. In hip-hop, the combat is verbal—we actually call lyrics ‘punchlines’. It’s an interesting tension and somewhat of a paradox. I do keep myself in check about the kind of things I say, and how far I push it. I’m never going to be really insulting of people and who they are. What about the materialistic side of hip-hop culture? The materialistic stuff is what you hear on the radio, and to me that’s quite cliché and uninteresting. The majority of hip-hop exists under the radar of most of mainstream culture—it’s about how you use your words; it’s about politics, socio-economics, reallife stories. All that deep and interesting stuff, and that’s the kind of thing that grabs my attention. How did you come up with your funk-inspired sound? One of the main influences on my sound is my Nigerian heritage, particularly a genre of music called ‘afrobeat’. One of its pioneers was a Nigerian artist famous in the ’70s called Fela Kuti. I fell in 12 firezone.co.nz 15 JULY 2017
love with that sound—and it’s music from my culture, so it resonated with me. How did you meet Jesus? I was raised in a Christian home and I started making my faith my own in high school. I can’t point to any specific moment, I just recall it being more important and more mine as I got older. I’ve had peaks and troughs, but God has always reminded me he’s there. My natural instinct is to process things at an intellectual level, but I’ve felt as if God knows that, so he’s communicated to me through prophetic words that I can’t rationalise away. It’s always happened so powerfully that there is no other way to explain it—and it always happens at a time in my life when I really, really need it. Tell me about your passion for arguing for your faith? Naturally I’m argumentative, so I know I need to be able to answer people’s questions about faith. When I got to university, it really became a passion for me because I realised that apologetics (giving a rational account of faith) exists in very academic spaces as well. Last year, I sat on a panel and we invited people to provide a challenge for Christianity—we wanted people to ask the questions they were too afraid to ask, and to see that Christianity can stand up to their questioning.
I’ve known some people who think once they start questioning, they have to leave the church … Exactly, and that indicates quite a sad failing of our churches! Especially in light of the fact that the church has a rich intellectual history—fathers of Western Christianity like Augustine, Aquinas and Anselm were monsters in philosophy. Even the Big Bang was discovered by a Catholic priest! So why is the majority of the Western church not continuing that tradition of deep thinking? Do you see music as a ministry? My general pose is that I’m a Christian, so naturally that is going to come out in my music. I am aware how cliché this sounds, but I just want to be authentic. I don’t necessarily identify myself as a ‘Christian rapper’, but I’m happy for people to call me that if they need to so categorise me. One of my goals is to be in the secular space, but to maintain the things that are important to me. For example, all my songs are lyrically clean. And in how I conduct myself, I’m always going to aim to have a character that people will know is not the same as everyone else. Connect with Unchained XL on Facebook | www.facebook.com/unchainedxl
Quick Questions with Unchained XL Are you a lover or a fighter? Lover. Have you had Thai food? Why would you fight it? Favourite lyric: ‘They say we’re born to lose the war we’re built to win. I peep the morning news— the world’s about to end, [so] I told my girl I got to get up on the road and make a dent.’—John Givez. First instrument, and how old were you? What instruments do you play now? Piano at four years old. I play drums, guitar, bass and triangle (I don’t care what you say, it’s a tough instrument). What one thing would you ask Jesus, if you met him today? Who’s right—Calvinists or Arminians?
Hidden talent: I can do the movie trailer voice. First album you ever bought: Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory. What are you listening to at the moment? Fela Kuti, John Givez, Jidenna, Blitz The Ambassador. Would you rather go back in time, or forward to the future? Back in time. What super power would you want? Super speed. CHECK OUT THE MUSIC | soundcloud.com/unchainedxl
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JUST HOLINESS What does it mean to live a holy life in the world today? Brengle holiness gatherings have long been a staple in the Salvationist’s faith pilgrimage—a time when the thinking of The Salvation Army’s foremost holiness prophet, American Samuel Logan Brengle, steeps delegates in some of our most potent Salvationist theological lineage. Held at Booth College of Mission during Queen’s Birthday weekend, this year’s Brengle weekend for Soldiers had a central axis around the concept of ‘Just Holiness’—understanding holiness not as a person’s singular undertaking in a separated, unspoiled environment, but the desire of God for his people to love others as he loves us. This requires a deep and abiding understanding of God’s love, and a deep and abiding desire to walk with others in a life marked by self-sacrifice and great joy—something staff and delegates modelled across the weekend. With 21 delegates, our time together began on Friday night with a mihi (introduction) from Booth College of Mission’s Centre for Leadership staff. This set the tone for us to explore the meaning of the ‘holiness movement’ mantle of Te Ope Whakaora— The Salvation Army. Each delegate also had time to introduce themselves to the group. Following dinner, our first session was facilitated by Envoy Malcolm Irwin. Starting with his own father and mother, Malcolm explored different expressions of holy people who had impacted on The Salvation Army’s whakapapa— including John Wesley, Phoebe Palmer, Catherine Booth, Amanda Berry Smith and Samuel Logan Brengle. Rosy Keane then delivered a spoken word piece entitled ‘Eve’, reflecting on releasing women into the battlefield and onto notoriety under the blood of Jesus and the urging of the Great Commission. Over the weekend, we enjoyed multiple sessions to help us build our understanding and enjoyment of spiritual disciplines. These times were led by Major Heather Rodwell, Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development. Especially helpful were the prayer maze and response times where we were encouraged to read Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to bring us fresh understanding of the nature of God. Heather also provided tools to assess our personal attitudes to fasting, praying, solitude and service, so that we could further commit to these pursuits. David Wells, Education Officer at Booth College of Mission, led Saturday and Sunday sessions that brought to life the biblical narrative of holiness and God’s command to ‘be holy as I am holy’. While holiness is often viewed as only attainable through a pious lifestyle (or perhaps by being ascetic and living as a monk), it can also be understood as ‘a long obedience in the same direction’. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have the opportunity to enter ‘through the living curtain’ and receive the Holy Spirit, who directs us in how to best please God and love others. Major Campbell Roberts shared stirring work stories from 14 WarCry 15 JULY 2017
his officership in various settings, including setting up Community Ministries in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory and the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. Delegates said the best ‘takeaway’ from Campbell’s teaching was a ‘holiness triangle’ based on Malachi 6:8. Placing God at the top point of the triangle, with ‘you’ at one point and ‘others’ on the third point, this triangle depicts the correlation between you and God (walk humbly), you and others (act justly) and others and God (love mercy). When all three relationships are in balance—God, us and others—the holiness and wholeness of God is revealed in and through us. Two special evening events were Saturday night’s ‘holiness excursion’—walking down Cuba Street in Wellington to take photos of things related to holiness and sharing a coffee afterwards. On Sunday evening, Rosy shared an extended spoken word presentation as a point of ministry and challenge. On Monday morning, those who had taken photos during the ‘holiness excursion’ spoke about their revelation of holiness in the streets. This was followed by a time of ministry and worship led by Scott Keane, a short word from Campbell, and concluded with the opportunity to sign a Holiness Covenant. Our time at Brengle was transformative for everyday Salvationists longing to take up their holiness heritage and live out the life they have been called to in Christ. The weekend’s culture of sharing, openness and connection was a real highlight for delegates and Brengle staff. While the idea of holiness may sometimes seem a far-off ideal, what we experienced over our Brengle weekend was the great reality of a shared holy life—one that has God at the heart of it and is holy community itself. We pray this will continue to manifest itself in our lives and spread like wildfire in the corps we come from. Keep an eye out for upcoming Brengle weekends, which are recommended for anyone looking for further development and a time of retreat guaranteed to refuel and refine your thinking on God, while also refocusing your sights on bringing Heaven to Earth within our Salvation Army holiness movement. BY ROSY KEANE
Kiwis Rely on Food Banks Recent research carried out by Countdown on food bank use in New Zealand shows 15 per cent of people have relied on a food bank at some point in their lives. The research also investigated public perceptions into why people use food banks. The vast majority (84 per cent) of New Zealanders believed unemployment was the most likely reason someone would need a food parcel. Having a large family to provide for (77 per cent), high debt (66 per cent) and poor budgeting skills (66 per cent) were also thought to be key factors. However, Major Pam Waugh, Territorial Secretary for Social Services, said donations to Salvation Army food banks were just as likely to go to someone who was working and experiencing a period of hardship. ‘Nearly a quarter of people seeking food assistance from The Salvation Army nationally are working and earning money,’ she said. ‘Most of our clients are budgeting down to the last cent after paying a mortgage or increasing rents, or paying for childcare so mum and dad can go to work. This research shows there’s
FEATURING
CASS LANGTON
a massive gap between the perception of food banks and the reality that we see every day.’ Of all respondents, 15 per cent said they had relied on a food bank at some point in their lives, and of these, just 33 per cent listed job loss as the reason. Large unexpected bills (such as car or house repairs) were listed as the top reason people sought food assistance (45 per cent). Almost half of respondents (47 per cent) said they would turn to friends and family for help if they were struggling, followed by Work and Income (23 per cent), before considering a food bank (11 per cent). But Pam said, ‘In most cases, friends and family are also struggling, and family dynamics and pride can get in the way. There are many complex reasons behind requiring food assistance. Some families need help with a short-term crisis, others we help with longer-term solutions to become independent and stable.’ Donate to Salvation Army Food Banks | foodbank.org.nz
22-23 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUCKLAND
(GLOBAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR)
&
RICH LANGTON (CREATIVE PASTOR) OF HILLSONG CHURCH
Register online at creativeministriesconference.com
15 JULY 2017 WarCry 15
Community Garden Amongst the Best A gardening effort that grows the whole community is in the running for a prestigious national award. The Salvation Army Alexandra Community Garden won the supreme award for the Trust Power Central Otago District Community Awards. The award means the Community Garden will be one of 24 groups in the running to be named the top community group in the country at the Trust Power National Community Awards in Queenstown in March 2018. The garden, also known as Eden Garden, has been running for 12 years, with volunteers working with garden manager Brian Seymore to grow 22 different types of vegetables. The vegetables are given away each Tuesday to people assessed by Community Ministries or other social agencies in the town as needing food help—and last year this helped 487 adults and 84 children. The garden volunteers also chop and deliver firewood during winter months to people in need. Although the great work of the team has seen it nominated and win in individual categories at the awards in previous years, Community Ministries Support Worker Deidre Snodgrass said winning the supreme award had been a huge shock. ‘They’d been through most of the categories and I was thinking, “Oh well, I think it’s almost done, just a matter of time and we will be on the way home.” I think it was when the lady beside me looked at me that I realised, “Oh, they called The Salvation Army garden project!” It was later Brian said we got a standing ovation, but I didn’t even notice.’ The award judges noted that the garden helped both the people who receive the food and firewood, and the people working at the gardens, Deidre said. ‘Some of the volunteers want to give back after being supported themselves, some are lonely, and the garden also helps through the disability sector. For some people, if they have been depressed it rebuilds their confidence. We also have community service workers onsite who come to fill their hours.’ The scheme also works to upskill the volunteers and community service workers through things like chainsaw courses or first aid courses, Brian said. ‘We’ve helped quite a few into jobs as a result of what they have learnt at the gardens. We try and help and it gives some of them a work ethic back. Half
my volunteers are ex-community service workers who stayed on.’ Their volunteers are a dedicated crew, starting at 8:30 am every day, even out working in –4 degrees Celcius when War Cry called. ‘But we don’t call it cold until it gets to –8,’ Brian said. On ‘veggie coupon day’, they also have support workers on hand so they can offer extra needs assessments to clients, to meet the whole persons needs. During this time, volunteers offer practical help, like recipes and tips for storing the vegetables so they will last into the winter months. ‘We hear people’s stories about how much difference this makes in their lives, either by having extra, healthy food, or using the money not used on food to pay ahead on their power accounts. What really resonates with me is the people on seriously low incomes who say this helps them survive.’
Souper Friday Hits the Spot Excess cans of tomatoes and a belief in the power of soup have helped grow a community in Glenfield. Souper Friday, a Friday meal run from Glenfield Corps and Community Ministries, celebrated its third birthday last month. Community Ministries Manager Claire Mushrow, who helped found the meal, said it started with the food bank trying to work out what to do with an excess of cans of tomatoes. At the same time they were approached by corps member and retired officer Major Christine Kendall, who had seen the value of giving away soup on an overseas trip and had been
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looking for a way to do the same at Glenfield. And so, Souper Friday was born, Claire said. From simple soup recipes they’ve branched out into different meals, using whatever is available as surplus from the food bank and other donations—including hams donated at Christmas for their Christmas meal. Today, they feed about 40 to 45 people, mainly over the age of 50. Many of those who come are vulnerable people or isolated and without family in the area and Souper Friday has become a safe space for people who may not ordinarily fit into
Tribute: Mary Esmae Manning Lieut-Colonel Mary Manning was promoted to Glory on Wednesday 24 May. A service celebrating her life was held on 29 May at Feilding Corps, led by Major Wayne Jellyman. The second oldest of nine siblings, Mary Esmae Dyke was born in Feilding on 24 January 1933. She grew up on the family farm and, with her brothers and sisters, attended The Salvation Army’s Sunday school outpost at Makino. From 1952 to 1957, Mary trained as a general and maternity nurse at Palmerston North Hospital. After graduation, she worked as a staff nurse and night supervisor. She was enrolled as a senior soldier at Terrace End Corps and entered officer training in 1957. Mary’s first appointment was to a Wellington day care centre. After marrying Lieutenant Ron Manning on 24 January 1959, the couple took charge of the newly opened corps in Tawa, offering themselves for missionary service the next year. On 8 February 1961, they sailed on the converted warship Seven Seas for New York. From there, a three-week journey on an oil tanker brought them and 13-month-old son Christopher to Rio de Janeiro. The couple transferred to the huge city of São Paulo, with Ron as Finance Secretary and Mary appointed to a mother and baby home as nurse. The home had capacity for 50 mums-to-be. Most were prostitutes, poorly educated and illiterate. Mary loved teaching the young mums to care for their babies and helping them to better prepare for uncertain futures. Over the next few years, Mary assisted with hospital work, leper colony visits, food distribution programme in rural areas and as child sponsorship secretary, which included sewing countless garments for children in Salvation Army children’s homes. 1972 was the beginning of a seven-year spell in cadet training in Salvation Army training colleges in three different countries: four years in Brazil, two in New Zealand and one in Argentina. The family returned from Argentina at the start of 1979 as corps officers of Christchurch City Corps. Midway through 1982, Mary was appointed to the Bridge Programme in Wellington, when Ron was appointed Finance Secretary at Territorial Headquarters. In 1986, Mary took on responsibility for Women’s Ministries in the Brazil Territory when Ron was appointed Chief Secretary. This was followed by a move to London’s International
community, Claire said. ‘There’s lots of laughter, somebody will sing, there’s definitely a feeling of community there.’ The meal has a significant impact on some, Corps Pastoral Coordinator Karl Saunders says. ‘Sadly for some, it will be the best meal they would have had in days. Along with literal nourishment, our gatherings provide opportunity to speak into people’s hardships: words of hope, practical information sharing and love.’ From the earliest days there was a strong feeling that the meal was the right thing to do, and they have seen ‘so many little miracles’, Claire said. ‘A few weeks in, we were talking about how we didn’t have enough spoons and someone phoned up from the Family Store asking if we needed some spoons
Headquarters in 1988. Ron joined the international audit team, while Mary happily received an appointment as nurse to Glebelands Rest Home for Retired Officers. Time in the South Korea Territory followed, with Ron serving as Chief Secretary and Mary as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. The Mannings returned to New Zealand in February 1992. While serving as managers of the Browns Bay Rest Home in 1993, they struggled with a strong conviction to respond to a World Vision International (WVI) call for Portuguese-speaking missionaries, experienced in financial management and with nursing qualifications, to help resettle two million refugees expected to return home to Mozambique. A peace settlement had been signed after 25 years of fighting between Government forces and Renamo, a rebel military group. The Mannings took early retirement as officers and commenced duties with WVI in January 1994. They served in Mozambique for 18 months before relocating to Angola for a further six months to set up and administrate a WVI Landmine Awareness programme. In 1996, the Mannings returned to New Zealand and officership, with brief appointments as managers of Omahanui Eventide Home and Resthaven in Christchurch before formal retirement on 31 January 1999. The following year, they coordinated a Salvation Army famine relief programme in Kenya. Son Stuart says, ‘My memories of my mother are of a vital woman, energetic, enthusiastic, positive and optimistic, a sharp mind, with a determined and unbroken spirit. She had a gift for loving and nurturing those around her, finding the absolute best in anyone … Her words of wisdom were always wrapped in love with a smile.’
because they’d just taken a big donation of them.’ Souper Friday has also provided a link between different parts of the corps, with some Community Ministries clients coming to Souper Friday, volunteers from the corps serving meals, and some Souper Friday attendees joining in church activities. This year, as part of the meal, they showed the new Alpha Course film series, with encouragement from one of their regular attendees, Karl said. This has helped create a space where big questions can be asked and open discussions can be had, and the corps is considering ways to develop and build on that for the future, he said.
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First Slovakian Officers Commissioned Any Salvation Army commissioning is a celebration of God’s amazing grace, as men and women respond to the invitation to give themselves to God as officers in The Salvation Army. But this year’s event in The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory was particularly noteworthy, as it included the commissioning of the first officers from Slovakia, Lieutenants Roman and Darina Farkašovi and Lieutenants Albín and Adriana Vágaiovi. What makes this all the more remarkable is that the Army officially ‘opened fire’ in Slovakia less than two years ago, in September 2015. Taking place two weeks after Pentecost Sunday, there was a feeling of Pentecost throughout the weekend. Not only were four languages heard in all the meetings (Dutch, Czech, Slovak and English), but the Holy Spirit clearly moved among the congregation. With 14 new lieutenants (four from Slovakia, five from the Czech Republic and five from The Netherlands), Territorial
Commander Commissioner Hans van Vliet gave a passionate challenge for people to consider the call of Christ on their lives. The mercy seat was lined several times as people of all ages responded and knelt in prayer and dedication. All four of the new officers were featured in the film about Slovakia that was produced last year by IHQ Communications. The film can be seen at sar.my/skfilm.
Alternative Reality Campaign Fights Homelessness in Finland A Salvation Army fundraising campaign in Finland has captured the public’s imagination through an innovative ‘alternative reality’ approach. Former Finnish President Tarja Halonen and Peter Vesterbacka, the entrepreneur behind numerous mobile gaming phenomena, have been photographed in evocative, monochromatic ‘what if?’ portraits that picture these very successful people as being apparently destitute and on the streets. The Salvation Army’s message is that anyone can be affected by unexpected events which can lead to poverty. Events such as accidents, illness, unemployment, assaults or the death of a loved one can start devastating chain reactions in a person’s life. The Salvation Army’s campaign seeks to highlight that poverty ‘can happen to any of us’, and that the international church and charity is here to help. Speaking about the adverts, both participants emphasise the importance of helping others. ‘It is vital to help your fellow man,’ said Tarja Halonen, explaining her rationale for taking part in the campaign. ‘This is human rights work on a daily basis.’ Peter Vesterbacka said, ‘By being a part of this Salvation Army campaign, I want to emphasise how important it is to care for everyone. Leaving nobody behind is the very essence of Finnishness.’ Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations for The Salvation Army in Finland, Anne Fredriksson, said, ‘We are delighted that Tarja Halonen and Peter Vesterbacka wanted to be a part of our campaign in such a personal and thought-provoking way. We are also very grateful for the pro bono work of our ad agency Make it Simple and the photographer Anton Sucksdorff—they really made this campaign possible. Reaction to the campaign on social media has been supportive 18 WarCry 15 JULY 2017
in Finland and beyond. Past New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke tweeted, ‘Wonderful effort by my colleague @TarjaHalonen to advocate for #homeless people: good accommodation & support needed. #BadLuckCanComeToAnyone’, as well as ‘Having a home is core to guaranteeing human dignity. It is possible to eradicate #homelessness. #BadLuckCanComeToAnyone’ Watch the campaign’s thought-provoking video | autaihmistä.fi
GAZETTE International Appointments: Cols Willis & Barbara Howell, officers of the USA Southern Territory currently serving respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory are appointed territorial leaders in the USA Southern Territory. Willis is appointed as Territorial Commander and Barbara as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They will take up their new appointment responsibilities with the rank of commissioner: Barbara on 1 November and Willis on 2 November. They succeed Commissioners Donald and Debora Bell who will be retiring from active service. Lt-Col Suzanne Fincham, an officer of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland currently serving as a divisional commander in that territory is appointed Chief Secretary, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. Lt-Col Melvin Fincham will also take up appointment responsibilities in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. Both will take up their new tasks with the rank of colonel. Mjr Heather Rodwell, an officer of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory currently serving in that territory, is appointed Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, with the rank of colonel. Appointment: Effective 3 July: Capt Ralph Hargest, Mission Director, Dunedin Community Ministries, Southern Division; and Mission Director, Bridge Dunedin, Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services. Capt Nicola Hargest will continue in her appointments as Corps Officer, Dunedin City Corps and Director, Dunedin Community Ministries. Long Service Order: Effective 1 August: Mjrs Carole & Stephen Scott for 25 years of officer service. Bereaved: Mjr Dorothy Elphick of her sister, Catherine Lois Elphick (Kitty), on 1 June from her home in Mangawhai Heads. Please uphold Dorothy, her sister Lynnette Wilson and brothers Fred and Robert Elphick in your prayers at this time. Resignation: The Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Mjr Bronwyn Malcolm, effective 28 June. Bronwyn was commissioned on 9 December 1995. She served for 21 years, six months in Corps, Divisional and Territorial appointments in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. We thank Major Bronwyn Malcolm for her service, and pray God’s blessing on her in the days ahead. Mjr Russell Malcolm is continuing his officership and in his appointment.
RENEWAL IS ONE OF GOD’S GREATEST AND MOST POWERFUL TOOLS. One of the fun things about grandparenthood is the opportunity to re-read favourite children’s books, books that became firm favourites when our own children were little. These books had to be found and re-purchased, but the re-runs with classics like Robert the Rose Horse, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Where’s Spot? are priceless. One of my all-time favourites is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. My favourite lines from Dr Suess’s ingenious rhyming narrative are: The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all, may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. I know why these words appeal to me. It’s because the craftily whimsical descriptions of the Grinch’s head, shoes—and especially his heart—are so apt. To be honest, they perfectly word-paint someone who absolutely refuses to enter into other people’s joy, celebration or happiness. Jesus once told a story about someone like this. The story is most often referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but in realty it’s a story about two sons and their farm-owner father. In the story, a gone-off-the-rails son comes to his senses and returns home to his father and begs for forgiveness. The lad’s older brother becomes consumed with rage that his father has reembraced his sibling and is throwing a welcome home party for him. It’s obvious in Jesus’ story that the older son’s heart is two sizes too small and has calcified into a state of entitled resentment. He point-blank refuses to join the party his father is throwing for his previously lost son. The older brother is firmly stuck in past rhythms of life on the farm. He is upset that the return of the younger brother is going to seriously disrupt and overturn his world and his entrenched ideas about how things should be. Change can be so difficult for us to embrace, especially when a mounting revolution threatens to transform the very thing we established or worked so hard to maintain. But renewal is one of God’s greatest and most powerful tools. He renews people, he renews communities, and he even renews nations. You could say that God is in the renewal business, yet oddly often his fiercest resistance often comes from those who rode the wave of his last renewal. Even so, I encourage you to embrace what God is doing in these days. Don’t miss what God is doing simply because you are so fixed on what he did yesterday. He’s moved on and wants you to fully enter into a renewal of joy, celebration and passion. Take a good look at your head, your shoes—and especially your heart. Commissioner Andy Westrupp Territorial Commander 15 JULY 2017 WarCry 19
The most powerful argument can be the one where we don’t talk. But what does that have to do with Brussels sprouts? BY JEREMY SUISTED
‘Speaker’s Corner’ in Hyde Park, London, is a space that celebrates free speech. Orators are welcome to speak on any subject they please. People like Karl Marx and George Orwell were frequent visitors, and riots even broke out there in 1855. So when I was in London it was on my bucket list to visit—I expected to be wowed by a rich heritage of debate. It turned out to be a deeply demoralising experience. A bunch of Christians were yelling over Muslims, while Muslims yelled over Christians. A few others ranted about their particular soapbox. I couldn’t help thinking to myself, ‘Has anyone, ever, changed their mind from listening to these guys? I recently read an article in Christianity Today by Christine Herman, who was talking about the power of arguing with 20 WarCry 15 JULY 2017
our mouths shut. Fundamentally, she highlighted the difficulty in changing someone’s mind—and the important role of listening in this process. But it was the first part of her argument that struck me. She states: ‘Both common sense and research confirm this is true: it is very hard to change a person’s strongly held beliefs—religious or otherwise.’ As I chewed this over, I thought of myself. And—in all honesty—I can’t think of too many things I’ve changed my mind about over the past decade. There’s superficial things—I now like
IT IS BOTH ARROGANT AND NAIVE TO ASSUME THAT I HAVE A MONOPOLY ON THE TRUTH.
Brussels sprouts, avocado and peanuts (just not together). I enjoy drinking coffee. I like to read fiction. But with the big things—morality, values, ethics—I can’t identify too many big changes. Now, I’m not saying this is a bad thing. It is important to have convictions and to be steadfast in belief. But as I reflect on this, two things stand out to me.
Don’t Fear Number one: I don’t need to fear other ideas and perspectives—but instead, should be able to listen to them. Jonathan Dodson, author of The Unbelievable Gospel: Say Something Worth Believing, says, ‘A big part of people feeling loved is being asked questions.’ And a great way to love is to ask questions. I love it when people ask me questions about my hobbies, experiences, career and life. But I hate it when people are doing this with a tone of comparison, or while distractedly checking their phone! Conversely, when I am listening to someone whose opinions are different from mine, I’m loving them well. And
as ‘the one who sees’. The one who hears. The story of Hagar and Sarai (in Genesis 16) is both one of the most damaged and most poignant in the Bible. It culminates in the pregnant slave Hagar running away from her owner Sarai. An ‘angel of the Lord’ finds Hagar in the desert, and Hagar gives God a new name, El Roi— ‘The God Who Sees Me’. It’s an audacious act, to name God. But he is an audacious God—one who listens to the views and beliefs of the speaker. He listens. He sees us. Often, in the Bible, God urges people to dialogue with him. And it was through speaking and listening that change would occur. Faith was deepened. New life was breathed. Repentance occurred. So why do we think that we don’t need to listen?
A BIG PART OF PEOPLE FEELING LOVED IS BEING ASKED QUESTIONS. when I am doing this from a posture of grace, I have the opportunity for one of two things to happen. Firstly, I am in a position to learn truth. It is both arrogant and naive to assume I have a monopoly on the truth. Listening to another may help serve as a nudge toward truth—and as a corrective for me. I need not fear this difference, but instead should seek to listen and understand. And secondly, I am in a position for my own beliefs to be developed. When we put a muscle under tension, it grows. It seems to be the same with ideas— when we challenge our ideas and seek to listen to others, it may place our values under tension. This isn’t a bad thing. If our perspective is true, it will be strengthened. It’s an amazing truth in the Bible that people’s faith developed in dialogue with God. They would debate with him— sometimes crying, sometimes shouting, sometimes speaking, sometimes whispering. And God would reply—in dreams, visions, words, events and through his Word. This God was named
Minds Are Tough Number two: I recognise how hard it is to have my own mind changed, so why do I sometimes assume others will change their own with ease? And why am I frustrated when they don’t? The older we get, the more stuck-in-our-ways our neurological pathways become. And changing minds is a literally God-sized task. Listening is the way we participate in change. Instead of assuming we know why an agnostic, atheist or Muslim believes what they do, we listen. We inquire. We recognise that their position appears just as logical to them, as ours does to us. We seek to understand their point of view, before we share ours. We share well, and respond honestly to any confusion and weaknesses our posture may have. This is not natural to me—and appears not to be natural to many. M. Scott Peck said, ‘You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.’ So, I encourage you to listen and listen well. Not just to the Facebook articles from those you already agree with, or
from your friends who share your point of view. But listen to the differences. Ask questions and love. Seek to understand—and when you speak, do so with love and prayer.
Travelling with Scott But if there is one thing more difficult than understanding another viewpoint, it is admitting the wrongs in our own viewpoint. After all, aren’t we supposed to be sure of what we hope for? (Hebrews 11:1) Well, we are sure of Jesus. And part of the Christian life is to grow in our understanding so we become more and more like Christ—more loving, more empathetic, more just, and more willing to listen. This can be dangerous, because when we listen, we have to be ready for the possibility that we find our own viewpoint at fault, not theirs. About a decade ago, I read M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Travelled. It was one of the most painful books I have ever read. In it, Peck proposes a profound lack of responsibility in most Westerner’s lives. He writes: Since they deep down, feel themselves to be faultless, it is inevitable that when they are in conflict with the world they will invariably perceive the conflict as the world’s fault. Since they must deny their own badness, they must perceive others as bad. They project their own evil onto the world. They never think of themselves as evil; on the other hand, they consequently see much evil in others. These chilling words reminded me of the words of Jesus: ‘Before you take the speck out of your brother’s eye, take the log out of your own.’ When we fail to take the advice of Jesus, we see a whole lot of speck-filled eyes around us. But when we heed his advice, we discover that often, the specks we see are fragments of the log sticking out of our own eyes. Therefore, listening well may be the most eloquent argument we can make for our faith. Jeremy Suisted is a Kiwi writer and speaker fascinated with exploring the intersection between faith and life. He is online at jeremysuisted.com.
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Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 15–17 July: Northern Divisional Review 18 July: Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services Review 24–26 July: Appointments Conference 29–30 July: Blenheim Corps Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 15–17 July: Northern Divisional Review 18 July: Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services Review 24–26 July: Appointments Conference
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Earlier Songwriter Hold back Wish undone Take issue Newly Pictures included Is behind Modifying
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World’s largest nation Without ceremony Kind of microscope Reserved
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Charity event ‘The Beautiful Game’ Fix Canopy Put out of mind
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BERRINGTON, Mary Ellen, born in 1953 in New Zealand (photo) LATA, Rardney Mudu (nickname Venus), born early to mid-1960s in Fiji BOOTH, Katherine Rata, born 1972 in Auckland TE RANGI, Joham Abraham, born 1967 in Wanganui SHERWOOD (nee WAAKA), Mihimera Mary, born in 1949 in Hastings
Displays Attention Above ground 100% Aggravation Overrun Bug Change
e: family_tracing@nzf.salvationarmy.org p: (04) 382 0710 | salvationarmy.org.nz/familytracing
29 Sept–01 Oct
Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt
PRAY Kapiti, Kilbirnie, Labasa, Lautoka Corps and Kolovai Corps Plant; Divisional Headquarters, Fiji; The Salvation Army in Australia.
Quiz Answers: 1 1908, 2 TrueBliss, 3 The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, 4 Yann Martel, 5 Lamb (Exodus 12:1–20). Crossword Answers: Across: 7 Before, 8 Composer, 9 Restrain, 10 Regret, 11 Disagree, 12 Lately, 13 Illustrated, 18 Trails, 20 Adapting, 22 Russia, 23 Informal, 24 Electron, 25 Colder. Down: 1 Benefit, 2 Football, 3 Repair, 4 Umbrella, 5 Forgot, 6 Reveals, 8 Concentration, 14 Upstairs, 15 Entirely, 16 Trouble, 17 Invaded, 19 Insect, 21 Affect.
Keeping Children Safe Training Mon 24 July,
Territorial Headquarters 22 WarCry 15 JULY 2017
Exploring the relationship between host and guest, and what our willingness (or otherwise) to make space and offer kindness says about our identity and practice as people of God in an increasingly extreme and self-interested world. Registrations open 1 July. Thought Matters is hosted by the Tri-Territorial Theological Forum.
Are you a Salvation Army officer or a manager in a Salvation Army social service centre? Do you work with families in The Salvation Army? Does your role involve working with under-18s alone or with primary responsibility in a group setting? This training will give you vital information about how to recognise, respond and report if you suspect a child or young person is being abused or neglected. ‘This training was really good and exceeded my expectations. I didn’t think it would be relevant to my work, but it was and is. Thanks!’ ‘Thank you for the session today—the training was thoughtful, informative and sensitive. Well done to the training team! This makes me proud to be part of a church that is taking this so seriously and with great, professional care.’ The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring that all children and youth who engage with our services are protected from abuse while in and outside our care. To register, go to ‘Training’ on keepingchildrensafe.sarmy.net.nz
can you spot 10 differences?
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So what should we say about this? If God is with us, no one can defeat us Romans 8:31 NCB
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Imagine playing the game Tug of War where it was just you against a teacher at school and two of your mates. Do you think you could win? Now … imagine having the entire All Blacks team join your side! Your team couldn’t be beaten if you had people as strong as the All Blacks helping you. It’s like Romans 8:31 says: no matter how many problems we face, God is on our side. Which means we can’t be beaten and we will always have the strength we need.
Dear God, you always give me strength when I feel weak. I am glad I don’t have to go through hard times on my own because you are always with me. Thank you! Amen.
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15 JULY 2017 WarCry 23
W Unscamble Answers: 1. golf; 2. basketball; 3. rugby; 4. swimming; 5.boxing; 6. tennis; 7. volleyball; 8. running; 9. Cricket; high jump. Quiz Answers: 1. Steve Hansen; 2. seven; 3. tennis; 4. three; 5. basketball; 6. Tokyo, Japan; 7. eighteen; 8. New Zealand!
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