16 May 2015 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION | 16 May 2015 | Issue 6617 | $1.50

Celebrating 150 YEARS Internationally

GOD IN EVERYTHING … INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK? IS EUTHANASIA DEATH WITH DIGNITY? KEEP YOUR COOL ON THE SIDELINES SPONSOR A FIJI FAMILY CARE CENTRE FIREZONE: FEELING FAT

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Kia ora Light still shines in darkness WAR CRY

The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Robert Donaldson 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

Lauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson STAFF WRITERS

Ingrid Barratt, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Singh (music reviewer)

PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford COVER

Matt Cardy / Gettyimages.co.nz 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 MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

The photo on our cover is of Iraqi Christian Heleen Dawood from December 2014. Heleen is posing in a tented refugee centre in the grounds of Mazar Mar Eillia Catholic Church, which became home to hundreds of Iraqi Christians forced to flee their homes—many with less than an hour’s warning—as the Islamic State (ISIL) advanced in Erbil, Iraq. Asked (after her family) what was the one thing she could not leave behind as ISIL drew near, Heleen said it would have to be her Bible.

Although we sometimes complain about the challenges of living as people of faith in secular New Zealand, we cannot deny that we still have so much religious freedom and that there remains a great deal of respect for the right of people to hold different faith views. We openly travel to our church activities, hopefully never thinking of hiding where we are going or why. In other countries, this type of freedom of association would never be taken for granted.

As you read our excerpt from Killing Christians by Tom Doyle, let’s strengthen our resolve to pray and act on their behalf. We certainly don’t want to be ignorant or bigoted about other faiths, but we also want to be passionate advocates on behalf of those who are following Jesus in places where that is an exceedingly dangerous thing to do.

When we hear of the bravery, sacrifice and dedication of Jesus-followers in countries where Christianity is under attack, our thoughts are perhaps drawn to our own lifestyles and witness. What are we doing with the religious freedom we enjoy? How easily and how often do we talk about the Jesus we love and follow with those we meet? How often do we invite people to church—not just to worship, but also to other groups and activities.

Jesus said his followers are meant to be ‘the light of the world’. That light shines brightest in places of great darkness and suffering. Pray for the strength and resilience of persecuted Christians. But pray too that we would be motivated to turn up the light closer to home, in our far safer communities.

Christina Tyson Editor

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

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BIBLE VERSE Psalm 9:9 New International Version

‘The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.’

Ngā Waiata 9:9

‘Hei pā teko anō a Ihowā mō te tangata e tūkinotia ana, hei pā teko i ngā wā o te hē.’

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WISE WORDS

When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know It is well, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Gates Spafford Salvation Army Song Book

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Let’s Talk | 03

Photography: Monique Fleet

BY CHRISTINA TYSON

W

inter is coming … which means that my husband and I are back on the sidelines. We’re seasoned football supporters, so we know the drill: cheer for your child, and don’t be too vocal in your criticism of his team mates, his coach, the officials or the opposition (at least, not until you get home).

I still remember the rapture of our then five-yearold son when he brought home his first Player of the Day certificate. He was so pleased with himself. These days, our now 21-year-old plays in his club’s senior men’s side, and he’s become used to the highs and lows of competition.

Last year, his team was pushing promotion and only just missed out. So, this year, there’s heightened endeavour to make it across the line by season’s end. New footballers have been called into the squad, players are trying different positions, and some are warming the bench when they used to be in the starting line-up. The coach is having to make some difficult calls.

Three games in, the stress is already exerting a toll on us parents. Kids really don’t have a clue how hard it is for Mum and Dad. We’re the ones that should be getting the certificates and trophies!

Game one was an easy victory. Already we could see our team winning the competition. Game two was another win—harder than it needed to be, but the three points were in the bag. One of our players was red carded, but that’s always a risk in a competitive game.

Reality check. Game three was a miserable defeat to the bottom placed team. And with two red cards. Going into half

time a player down was not ideal. Finishing the game with just nine men was a disaster.

The muttering on the sideline grew louder and louder during that third game. Words your mother wouldn’t let you say were being hurled around. The coach was under attack, the players were not getting it right, the ref was ‘the worst we’ve ever seen’.

Did any of this criticism change the outcome of the game? Of course not. Did it make us supporters feel any better? Maybe for a few moments as we experienced the solidarity of shared adversity, but there was no lasting glory in it. Did it do much for the self-esteem or skills of the players?

It probably had the opposite effect—our shouting was more likely to divide and conquer, than unify any team except the opposition.

As a parent, I want to do better as a football supporter.

I’ve been mulling over what the Bible says in the book of James, ‘The tongue is like a spark that can get out of control … It can speak both praises and curses.’ Or, as Proverbs 18:21 says, ‘Words can bring death or life.’

With this in mind, here’s a prayer from the Old Testament book of Psalms that I’ve decided to pray as I rug up for the rest of my son’s games this year: Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Perhaps that’s a prayer that you, your children and their team would be helped by you praying, too, before you stand sentinel on the sidelines this season?

Postscript: Game four, a three-nil win against the top of the table team—with notably improved sideline behaviour.

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Bookshelf Memoir No Turning Back Lorna Hennessey The title comes from the promise Lorna and Don Hennessey made to God as young Salvation Army officers that they would never say ‘no’ to any appointment. The couple served for 17 years in Brazil, two in Nigeria, five in Portugal and three in Fiji. Lorna is understated in her recounting of the many adventures her family experienced, including being robbed at gunpoint in Brazil. In this moment she had an undeniable sense of God’s warm and calming presence. It is this deep connection with God that shines through a book primarily written for her four children, but that others are also ‘welcome to read’. (See page 17 for details.)

Playlist

Christian Living Killing Christians Tom Doyle To many Christians in the Middle East today, the ‘momentary, light affliction’ of 2 Corinthians 4:17 means enduring ‘only’ torture instead of martyrdom. Oppression is an everyday reality for those who follow Jesus in countries that are hostile to the Christian message.

In Killing Christians, eight stories introduce readers to courageous believers who share the richness gained through their trials. As author Tom Doyle says, it would be easy to conclude from the increase in Christian persecution that followers of Christ are on the run, but the opposite is true: persecution cannot stop the spread of Jesus’ love. (Thomas Nelson)

Christian Living Never Go Back Dr Henry Cloud Psychologist Dr Henry Cloud is well known for co-authoring the popular Boundaries series. Here, he argues that successful people have certain ‘key awakenings’ that change the course of their lives forever—and that others can learn to make similar major shifts in the way they live. Cloud offers 10 principles as ‘doorways of change’. These include ways to never again … return to what hasn’t worked … believe you can please everyone … choose short-term comfort over long-term benefit. This is for anyone who doesn’t want to do things the same old way. God can help, but only if we first agree there is a problem and own what it is. (Howard Books)

Reel News

Rock Carry the Fire Dustin Kensrue Carry the Fire is the third solo record from Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue. Like much of his work, this record is hallmarked by excellent and thought-provoking lyrics, and is a great example of polished and passionate song writing. Opening with Cold War Kids-influenced ‘Ruby’, the album’s 10 tracks vary in style, but never in substance. ‘Of Crows and Crowns’ is a beautifully poetic love song, while ‘Gallows’ channels the best of ‘Beggars’-era Thrice. ‘Carry the Fire’ is subtly autobiographical—there’s a lot of Kensrue’s life in these songs.

However, its universal themes and subtle Christian undertones make this a highly accessible and highly recommended listen.

Pop Rock Mumford & Sons Wilder Mind Wilder Mind is the third record from ex-folk giants Mumford & Sons. This sees the band walking away from their foot-stomping folk roots, breaking up with the banjo and embracing the electric guitar.

Wilder Minds takes no revolutionary strides forward in the band’s new indie pop rock genre, but it’s an enjoyable and energetic album.

‘Ditmas’ and ‘Only Love’ especially represent the style of song writing the band is trying, but it does feel like the band is testing the waters rather than jumping in. There’s a great record here for sure, but the follow-up to Wilder Mind is where the real magic will be.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of Killing Christians, send us an encourgaing Bible verse.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 01 June.

Action The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2D & 3D) Joss Whedon / M (contains violence) No time to explain—it’s another Marvel movie and you’ve got to keep up, as director Joss Whedon throws us straight into the action with the Avengers storming the base of the evil Nazi organisation Hydra.

Ten minutes in, they’ve encountered ‘the twins’, a pair of creepy superpowered teens intent on killing Ironman creator Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and captured the alien sceptre used by the villain Loki in the first Avengers film, which Stark and fellow brilliant scientist, Bruce Banner (the Hulk, Mark Ruffalo) use to create Artificial Intelligence.

Of course, the AI robot creation ‘Ultron’ does what all AI movie characters do, and immediately decides to destroy humanity. Cue massive action sequence, followed by witty banter, leading to redemptive moments, and broken up by people making witty banter during massive action sequences. (It’s a Marvel movie!)

Age of Ultron is packed with characters from previous Marvel movies, all doing a great job as they jostle for screen time. As in the previous films, Ruffalo and Downey Jr often steal the show, but it’s newcomer James Spader who stands out in a brilliant turn as the villainous Ultron.

It’s also jammed with references to past and future Marvel movies, which can be confusing if you’re not a big Marvel fan. Oh, and it’s ridiculous! But it also has the familiar Marvel trick of not taking itself seriously and is huge, huge fun.

Perhaps the line that sums up the film best comes from the character Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner): ‘The city’s flying; we’re fighting an army of robots; I have a bow and arrow; none of it makes sense.’ Or, as British film critic Mark Kermode put it, it’s entertaining nonsense.

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Author Tom Doyle has travelled extensively, collecting real stories of Christians living under oppressive regimes. In this extract from his book Killing Christians, he takes us to Baghdad where two lives are changed after Jesus appears to them.

Just a warning, this story has graphic content—but it is real, and we tell it in honour of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Photo: Displaced Christians take refuge In Erbil, Iraq. Photography: Matt Cardy / Gettyimages.co.nz

asyir Awad curled into a foetal position under the covers. At 2:00 am, he felt no closer to sleep than he had when he crawled in bed three hours earlier. Is today the day my family will finally kill me? The thought wouldn’t leave him.

The dreamer Tasyir had been ‘Tassie’ since he was born, but the family didn’t call him by such an affectionate name anymore. Now he was known only as ‘Infidel’. From their perspective, he understood, the name suited him perfectly.

Tassie had seen more killings first-hand at age 22 than most see in a lifetime of watching movies. Always in the crosshairs, Fallujah was the battlefield for Saddam Hussein against the Shiites, against the Americans, against other ‘coalition’ soldiers. Now it hosted daily shootouts between al-Qaeda and ISIS. One conflict after

another turned the city into a perennial bloodbath. That was the only life Tassie knew or could even imagine. Until Jesus paid him a visit.

His path to becoming an infidel and receiving visits from Jesus started at the hand of another infidel. While in high school, Tassie met an American soldier on a house-sweeping mission through the teenager’s neighbourhood. One ‘evil American occupier’ treated Tassie with such respect and kindness during the hunt that the young man remembered him well.

Days later, Tassie ran into Joe America, as he called him, and although Joe didn’t have much time to talk, he told Tassie that he had prayed for him and the safety of his family. ‘Your family was gracious to us, and they are good people,’ he had said. ‘I pray that the Lord of heaven watches out for you and them.’ My enemy prays for me? Tassie couldn’t shake the strange thought. I’m not sure that anyone prays for me except my mother.

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During their brief encounter, Joe also gave Tassie a pocketsized Arabic Bible. The boy felt as if he’d been given a poisonous snake, and barely managed a ‘thank you’. He decided to trash it in the morning, but read a little that night to relieve his boredom. He randomly opened the Bible to a part called ‘John’. The first words he saw astounded him: ‘I am the light of the world.’

That night, the dreams started. A man approached Tassie in a darkened room. The visitor called the boy by name, and instantly light flooded the chamber. ‘Tassie, I am the light of the world. I will show you the way. Will you follow me?’

Tassie secretly committed himself to faith in Jesus, and joined those who gathered in late-night meetings. But his secret had not remained hidden. Now, three years later, it seemed certain that saying yes to Jesus would soon mean saying no to his own life.

After several minutes, Tassie Awad stood abruptly and spoke softly. ‘Shukran, Father,’ he said, expressing deep gratitude.

Tassie disappeared into the adjacent family room. His mother, brother and two sisters rose sombrely from their seats as Tassie entered. Goodbyes would be swift. The departing son embraced his mother, then his brother and sisters.

Finally, he turned toward his father, who had followed him into the room and bowed slightly in his direction. ‘Shukran, Father.

Shukran,’ he repeated softly as he opened the back door and stepped outside.

The seeker

Confessions

Fifty miles east, Layla Jabour also lay awake. Agony in the left side of her face prevented sleep. She feared her cheekbone was fractured from the evening’s assault by her husband.

Cruel. Surely there was a stronger word for Abdullah Jabour than that. Twenty-five years her senior, the former soldier tortured his wife more thoroughly than guards abuse inmates in Baghdad Central Prison. A father who took pleasure in searing his five-yearold’s flesh with the tip of a cigarette. A pervert who numbed his own pain by inflicting it on others.

Tonight, though, had been the worst yet. Abdullah had turned his wrath once again toward Abdul, and Layla had had enough. She offered herself—for even more abuse—in place of her son. ‘Abdul is only five years old, Abdullah, and he barely talks,’ she said. ‘He makes animal sounds because you treat him like an animal. You can beat me. Kill me if you want to, but please, stay away from Abdul. I will take his beatings.’

Abdullah obliged his wife, and Layla Jabour went to bed that night with no hearing in one of her ears. She had felt the eardrum rupture and now heard nothing on that side. She closed her eyes, ‘God, where are you? Where are you! Every night, I plead with you to rescue me. Do you ignore me because I’m a woman? Do you not hear my prayers because of that?’ She stopped and opened her eyes.

Now, as she stared toward the ceiling, a new thought formed in her mind. ‘Perhaps I’ve been asking the wrong thing.’ She paused, strangely aware that she felt the need for courage to say the next words. ‘God, who are you? Maybe I’ve been praying to the wrong God all these years. Is that why you’re silent?’ Who … are … you?’

As she breathed out the three last words, exhaustion engulfed Layla’s body. But in the middle of the night … Layla! I am Jesus.

I’m here now, and I will defend you and Abdul. Your days of weeping will soon be over. That’s all the man said, and then he was gone. But Layla would never forget the dream.

For two hours, a flood of hurt, confession, anger, and newfound hope poured from Layla. Between sips of tea in her best friend’s living room, the broken woman told Maha the real reason for cigarette burns on Abdul’s arm, why she so often sported bruises, or limped or grimaced in pain when touched.

Nevertheless, Layla’s monologue stalled when she reached the part about her unusual dream the night before. She looked up at Maha with a half smile. ‘I had a revelation last night.’

Maha leaned back on the couch. ‘A revelation?’

‘I believe that’s what you would call it. I guess with all that I’ve told you so far, I might as well explain this, too.’ She paused. ‘Jesus came to me last night in my dreams.’

‘Jesus?’

‘Yes. The prophet—or whatever I should call him.’

‘I see.’

Maha stood up and took two steps to the centre of the room. She turned to look at her friend on the couch. ‘That’s very significant. I think it also means that it’s my turn to tell you a few things.’

Layla’s eyes followed Maha as she began slowly pacing.

‘I’ve never lied to you, Layla. But like you, I’ve had my secrets.

Layla, I follow Jesus now.’ She let the words settle. ‘In fact, my whole family does. We’re all Jesus followers. Christians.’

She continued, ‘You must come with me tonight. Our group of followers meets at 1 am. You can sneak out of the house and come with me. Abdullah will be asleep by then, and that means Abdul will be safe.’

Do I die today?

‘We’ve already announced your death, Taysir. You must leave.’ By 5 am Tassie had finally dozed. Now, sitting at breakfast across the table from his father, he struggled to absorb the words. The older man sat straight, left hand spread flat on the table next to his coffee cup. His eyes narrowed.

‘Tassie, my son, leave Fallujah. Please.’ Anger and sorrow battled in the man’s voice. ‘You can never come back, or we will likely all be killed. His eyes searched for a place to look. ‘We may never see you again,’ he said at last. ‘But go now, before our relatives arrive to celebrate your execution.’

Jesus’ power cannot be hindered or stopped—Jesus is the greatest force.

The Jesus followers After his taxi ride from Fallujah, Tassie mingled with the crowds around the great mosque of Umm al-Qura, constructed by Sadam Hussein. He had heard rumours that others like him—infidels —could be found here. By early afternoon, he confirmed those allegations. The Jesus follower he met quickly accepted Tassie’s story of conversion and now flight for his life. Such fleeing was not uncommon.

An hour after midnight, 20 people crammed into the basement of a house within sight of the Umm al-Qura’s weapon-like minarets. Welcoming eyes encouraged the newcomer to begin.

‘Tonight, I’m grateful for this chance to speak to you,’ said Tassie as he pulled a New Testament from his hip pocket and gingerly separated its ragged pages. Jesus has called us to live in this difficult place. Now, look at what he says in John 17: “May they be one, just as I and the Father are one.” ’ Layla Jabour stared at Tassie’s face, her mouth open,

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mesmerised by this man from Fallujah.

‘Each one of you is a miracle. I’m sure you didn’t go looking for Jesus. Neither did I,’ said Tassie. ‘He came looking for me. Jesus was willing to die for us, now we must be willing to die for him.’

Layla turned to her friend Maha, ‘I’ve never been so inspired in my life by someone’s words. Each word from the Bible pierced my heart!’ For the next three nights, Layla sneaked out of the house to meet Maha and listen to more of Tassie’s teachings. At prayer time on the third night, Layla wrapped her hands around Maha’s and said, ‘I’m ready to follow Jesus.’

Killing Christians The next night, Abdullah beat her mercilessly. And the next one after that. ‘Where have you been at night? With another man? I should kill you now!’

‘Abdullah, please. It’s not what you think.’ Through his rage, the man heard only the word ‘dream’. Layla leaned against the wall, her back to Abdullah, and sobbed out her story about falling in love with Jesus. Abdullah grabbed an iron skillet from the top of the stove and slammed it against the back of Layla’s head.

The beatings continued mercilessly for the next week. On the eighth day, Layla managed to escape and ran the several blocks to Maha’s house. Maha will know how to help, she reasoned.

As Layla reached Maha’s yard, she slowed to a walk. Breathing heavily, she puzzled over the scene and slowly approached a group of people lounging in plastic chairs in front of the house. She vaguely recognized a dozen or so of Maha’s uncles, cousins, and other extended family members.

Layla felt she had intruded on something. ‘Forgive me. Have I interrupted a family event? Someone’s birthday party?’

‘So you didn’t hear the news? I thought perhaps that’s why you were here.’

‘What news?’ Now worried, Layla scanned the sombre faces looking at her. ‘Where’s Maha?’

The cousin blinked and said without emotion, ‘In here.’ He pointed to the house, then motioned her to follow him. As the man opened the front door, Layla smelled blood. ‘Maha, her husband, and their children were given a death sentence for converting to Christianity, and it was carried out last night.’ Five corpses, arranged in size from large to small, lay on the floor.

Layla bolted out the door and ran two blocks before she collapsed onto the sidewalk against a retaining wall and groaned,

I am thankful to the Lord to be alive. Since he allowed me to leave Iraq, my days of deep sorrow are over, and I feel his joy all the time now.

Maha’s family remains a model of courage for me. Since I have not heard anything about Tassie, I think he is still alive.

My sweet Abdul has suffered much and now receives counselling.

The hurt buried deep inside made him extremely aggressive when we first came to Amman—much like his father. Now, though, he plays with other children without hitting them. Abdul even prays out loud to Jesus.

When Abdullah found out I was safe in Jordan, he vowed to come here, but so far he has not fulfilled that threat.

‘How could my life get any worse?’ She leaned her head against the bricks behind her and sobbed.

After several minutes, a single word entered her thoughts, a name: Tassie. A fast-paced, 15-minute walk took her to the Umm al-Qura. As she had hoped, the zealous young preacher was there.

She found him alone, standing at the edge of the lake, in the shadow of a Kalashnikov minaret. ‘Tassie! You have to leave!’

Tassie startled at the abrupt greeting. ‘I know you’ve been sent from God,’ Layla continued, ‘But you’re not out of danger!’ Over her friend’s shoulder, she saw a handful of clerics marching toward them. Layla dashed into the sunlight and disappeared in a crowd of people walking toward the street.

That night, dinner came and went without any explosions from Abdullah. Once sleep came to Layla, so did a visitor. Layla! Tonight is the night for you and Abdul to leave! Though she heard the voice in her dream, she also knew she should obey. Go to Jordan. I have people waiting for you there. Head straight for Amman.

Waking with the dream voice still in her ears, Layla grabbed as many Iraqi dinars as she could find in Abdullah’s stashes around the house. She wrapped her arms around Abdul and carried the sleeping child downstairs and out the front door. She was astounded to find a lone taxi idling at the street corner near her house, almost as if it were waiting for her.

‘How close can you take me to the Jordan border?’

The cab driver shrugged. ‘How much money do you have?’

Her cash offer satisfied the man behind the wheel, and five wearisome hours in the taxi led to five additional aggravating hours in line at the Al-Karama checkpoint. The Jordanian border guard offered only a terse interview when Layla reached his station.

‘What is your reason for visiting Jordan?’ He shifted his eyes lazily toward Abdul. ‘And why is your son crying? Is he sick?’

‘Yes.’ Layla straightened her shoulders and continued energetically. ‘He needs medical care, and we need a break from the chaos in Baghdad. I also hope to see some friends on our visit.’

‘Hmmm. I see.’ The man handed the passport back to Layla.

‘Well, Layla Jabour, welcome to Jordan.’

Abridged excerpt from Killing Christians, by Tom Doyle (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2015). Names have been changed to protect people. Used with permission.

Through all the difficulties of my life—the wars in the streets and the wars in my home—I have learned something from Jesus that has shaped my life. His power cannot be hindered or stopped. Nations may be at war, and ISIS may want to rule the world. Evil is called good, and good evil. But Jesus is the greatest force in the universe.

Over and over, I see Jesus reach down to the hurting, the desperate, and the forgotten, when they cry out to him. He’s called me to work among refugees in Jordan who have come from Syria, and it’s a difficult calling, but I can relate to their pain because of my own. My suffering was not wasted.

And, I still have Jesus dreams from time to time.

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BUDGET

LIFESTYLE

I went poo-free

Lifehacks

Last year, we introduced readers to a new book

by Lucy AitkenRead called Happy Hair, which gained worldwide attention for its advice on going free of shampoo and conditioner. Ingrid Barratt was so inspired that she decided to embrace the ‘poo-free’ lifestyle. Six months on, she reflects on a life without ‘poo’.

I have nothing against hippies, but I admit my personal style has probably been more influenced by those ‘just stepped out of the salon’ ads on TV. I quite like clean hair. So I’d never seriously thought of going poo-free.

Seven answers to life’s annoying little problems.

1 My pasta always boils over! Place a wooden spoon across the boiling pot of water once your pasta is in. The foam from the bubbles will hit the spoon and burst. This works because the wooden spoon is cold and dissipates the bubbles into steam (due to some physics that we frankly don’t understand). Of course, once the spoon heats, this will stop working, but at least you’ll get a warning before culinary disaster strikes!

But when I read Happy Hair, one thing stood out to me: Lucy made the eyeopening point that shampoo was only invented about 100 years ago. Back then, it was recommended you only ‘poo’ every couple of months. It struck me that shampoo is an early example of a beauty industry making us think we need things we really don’t need. And it’s an outrageously expensive beauty industry.

2 My gadget isn’t working—is it the batteries? If you’re trying to tell whether your batteries are the issue, drop them from about 15 cm. If they bounce once, they’re full. If they bounce more than once, they’re goners.

Shampoo has been a phenomenal marketing success. And because shampoo strips out natural oils, they invented conditioner to solve the problem that they invented. I started to feel a little insulted. I refuse to use anti-wrinkle creams for the same reason—I don’t like being sucked in by an expensive lie.

3 Love ’em but loath peeling eggs: First, cook with about 5 cm of water above the eggs and a tsp of baking soda. This changes the PH in the egg white so they’re easier to peel. Next, cool completely before peeling.

Crack the egg at each end. Begin at the base where there is an air hole, and use the inside of your thumb to peel away the sides. Some people swear by shaking them vigorously in a glass of water, or the pot first.

So I tried it. Lucy suggests using a cup of cool water with 1 tbsp of baking soda in a squeezy bottle. I can say hand-on-heart that using this simple alternative, I had absolutely no greasy transition periods. I still use this method because it does a great job of getting rid of hair product, without stripping my hair. The few times I have used shampoo since, I have noticed how much more quickly my hair feels dirty.

4 I can’t find the end of the sticky tape! Seconds, nay minutes, have been spent on this universally distressing problem! Use an unneeded ‘tab’ from a loaf of bread to mark your place. Easier still, fold over the end of the tape.

For a long time, I used Lucy’s suggestion of lemon squeezed into water for a conditioner. To my surprise, it worked beautifully—however, my hair went so blonde I started to feel like something out of The Bachelor NZ. I eventually found my own solution, doing a DIY hot oil treatment using coconut oil, every couple of weeks.

5 My phone needs rapid recharging: Put it in ‘flight mode’ or turn it off to recharge your phone and it will take half the time!

6 I can’t open the plastic packaging: They’re called blister packets— you know the ones, with hard moulded plastic and impossible to open.

Instead of using scissors, use a can opener.

I’m not going to make great claims about how brilliant my hair looks—I think it looks pretty much the same. But it’s wonderfully satisfying knowing that in a small way I am saving money, using natural products, and saying ‘no’ to the beauty industry giants.

7 Messy paint cans: Put a rubber band across the middle of a can of paint, and use that to wipe your brush. This means you won’t end up with paint dribbling down the outside of your can.

Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs can be cooked in different ways. Microwaving is the easiest, but overcooking or cooking on too high a heat can cause splitting, no matter which method you use. | Serves 4 4 hard-boiled eggs 2 thick slices stale bread, crumbed 1 Tbsp tomato sauce 2 tsp dark soy sauce ½ tsp curry powder 400–500g sausage-meat 1 cup dry breadcrumbs

Microwave: Shell hard-boiled eggs. Mix together next five ingredients thoroughly. Then, working with wet hands, divide the mixture into four portions. Wrap each portion around an egg, pinching together the joins. Coat with breadcrumbs. Place prepared eggs, one at a time, on a folded paper towel and microwave on High (100% power) for 1 minute. Turn over and cook for 1 minute more or until coating feels firm.

Bake: Make as above, then bake, uncovered, in a shallow baking dish at 180°C for 20–30 mins until sausage-meat is firm.

Deep-fry: Make as above. Heat a small pot with enough oil to cover the eggs, then carefully place eggs, one at a time, in the hot oil and cook without letting the oil smoke for about 10 mins or until coating is firm right through.

From Marvellous Mince & Sensational Sausages by Alison Holst. Go to www.holst.co.nz

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A How can I help persecuted Christians?

An estimated 322 Christians are killed each month around the world. It may seem overwhelming, but you can make a difference.

According to Open Doors, 75 per cent of the world’s population live in areas with religious restriction. Around 772 Christians are victims of violence each month. Christians experience the greatest levels of persecution in North Korea, Somalia and Iraq —although 50 countries are on the World Watch List. Yet Jesus is calling followers in these countries.

Research shows more people are coming to Christ in these countries than ever in history.

Hebrews 13:3 says, ‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’

The apostle Paul, who suffered extreme persecution himself, urged other believers to pray. If you want to stand with persecuted Christians, pray as Paul prayed: For boldness: ‘[that] words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel’ (Ephesians 6:19, 20).

For opportunity and clarity: ‘that God may open a door for our message’ (Colossians 4:4).

For protection: ‘that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men’ (2 Thessalonians 3:2, 3).

For their spiritual walk: ‘… that the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him’ (Romans 15:13).

Testify ‘Duncan is an 18-year-old with a huge future ahead of him’, says his Education and Employment tutor.

This time last year, Canterbury teen Duncan was a high school dropout whose ambition in life was to get a job at Video Ezy. Today, he has a job as a machine maintenance man at an international company that plans on sending him to Italy to study for two years.

Ashburton-based Salvation Army Education and Employment (E&E) tutor Heather Daly said Duncan is her biggest success story from three years as a tutor.

Duncan joined E&E in June last year, doing the Careers and Computing course with a view to completing his NCEA Level 2.

‘When his parents brought him in none of them were confident he’d turn up every day or get his Level 2,’ Heather said. ‘They said, “He will probably be alright for the first few weeks then start making excuses not to come.” ’ At the start, Heather says the fears proved well founded. Duncan struggled with having to come in to town with his mother at 7:30 am and having to wait long after course finished for a ride home. ‘He was coming on average three days a week and making silly excuses why he couldn’t come. When he was here he would work so hard and then say he was tired. He didn’t want to talk to anybody and felt he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.’

Duncan’s background didn’t help. He faced learning difficulties, making it hard to write, and was

picked on at school and often absent. However, Heather says she was not willing to give up on Duncan or let him skip classes.

‘I don’t lower my goalposts for different students. I expect them to reach them with different help.’

To help Duncan overcome his learning difficulties, Heather began highlighting sections of his work book in different colours, doing practical, hands-on learning, and encouraging him to see the value in getting his NCEA Level 2. Duncan soon began working harder and Heather even began to get him to teach parts of the course he was good at, to help him with his selfconfidence.

He became talkative and friendly, as well as doing well on the course. Then, last month, Heather read in the Ashburton Guardian about a sock factory in Ashburton making socks that sell

With thanks ‘… with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’ (Philippians 4:6).

There are many ways you can make a difference to Christians living under persecution. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) provides practical help for Christians. For example, from South Korea, their teams place Bibles and basic food items into helium balloons that float across the border into North Korea.

VOM is currently providing ‘life emergency packs’ for Iraqi Christians escaping ISIS, which contains a Bible, emergency supplies and food—for $30. Or, for $7 you can buy a Bible.

We are one worldwide Church, and when one part suffers, we all suffer.

Yet when one rejoices, we can all rejoice.

For more info, go to www. persecution.co.nz

around the world. After reading that the factory was looking for staff, Heather organised for the students to go on a visit. She bought Duncan a shirt for the visit and at the factory Duncan impressed the manager so much that the manager asked him to go home and fill out and application form for a job repairing and maintaining the factory’s delicate machines. Two weeks later, Duncan had an interview and was offered a job. He went on to complete his NCEA Level 2 six weeks earlier than expected.

Duncan’s new job involves two years’ working in the factory and in the third year, he will go to Italy for two years to learn about the machines and the parts. ‘Duncan is an 18-year-old with a huge future ahead of him,’ Heather says. ‘To see where he’s come from and where he’s going is so, so exciting!’

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10 | WarCry 16 May 2015

SUDOKU

Difficulty Hard

2

1 4 7

1 3

5

6

2 6 5 2

1

8 3 9

6

5 4 6 1 9 8

8 3

BY ROSS WARDLE

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

DIFFICULT ISSUES

The Bible, the Church and Dignity

QUICK QUIZ 1 Where do Chow Chow dogs originate from?

2 Who gave her name to a dish consisting of meringue topped with whipped cream and fruit?

3 Who is the director of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens?

4 In which NZ town is Tararua College?

5 Where in the body is the trapezius muscle?

6 Which film contained the line, ‘You’re gonna need a bigger boat”?

7 What country does the shrub known as protea come from?

8 What does the Māori word ‘whakama’ mean?

9 Which character in the Peanuts comic strip is always covered in dirt?

10 What New Testament woman was married to a priest named Zacharias?

8 1 3 4 6 5 2 9 7

2 6 7 8 9 1 4 3 5

9 5 4 2 3 7 8 1 6

7 3 2 9 1 8 6 5 4

6 9 5 7 2 4 1 8 3

4 8 1 6 5 3 9 7 2

3 2 6 5 8 9 7 4 1

1 4 8 3 7 2 5 6 9

5 7 9 1 4 6 3 2 8

Find more Cartoons by McKerrow on www.facebook.com/cartoonsbymckerrow

Part of a series of occasional articles from The Salvation Army’s Moral and Social Issues Council There’s nothing worse than embarrassing yourself, is there?

Well, there probably is, but it doesn’t usually feel like it at the time. On the other hand, watching someone else do something embarrassing can be pretty funny. That’s if our viewing habits are anything to go by. If you search YouTube for ‘fail’ videos you get about 25,000,000 hits! On weekday television you can watch America’s Funniest Home Videos, Life’s Funniest Moments and It Only Hurts When I Laugh, and that’s just between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

People falling off bikes, skateboards and trampolines, people falling into rivers, swimming pools and holes in the ground, people falling from roofs, hammocks and horses seem to be quite popular forms of entertainment, as long as nobody gets seriously hurt. Then it’s not funny at all … or, at least, it shouldn’t be. As soon as embarrassment turns to pain and suffering, our entertainment turns to concern and empathy. A line has been crossed and we begin to feel sympathy and start to think about how that person’s suffering might be relieved.

When I was at university, one of my grandmothers, who was coming to the end of her capacity to live independently, moved in with my parents. I remember coming home during a semester break and, because I used a bedroom that was next to hers, hearing her groaning in pain through the night. It was hard to listen to.

When I thought of her, I thought of her suffering. To be honest, some of my thoughts were about relieving her suffering and some were probably about relieving my discomfort at her suffering.

However, her thoughts were not about herself. She seemed more interested in how other people were doing. I may have defined her by her suffering, but she didn’t seem to be interested in doing that. She was a relatively unsophisticated woman whose life could perhaps be described as humble and yet she single-

Quick quiz answers: 1 Northern China, 2 Ballerina Anna Pavlova, 3 J.J. Abrams, 4 Pahiatua, 5 The back, 6 Jaws, 7 South Africa, 8 Shame, 9 Pigpen, 10 Elizabeth (Luke 1:5)

Close Up | 11

handedly redefined my concept of dignity.

Most people seem to define dignity as an absence of embarrassment, showing no sign of weakness, a straight-backed and sometimes stiff-necked refusal to need anything from anyone or show any buckling under the weight of the realities of life. To be embarrassed or to show weakness seems to mean a loss of dignity. My grandmother knew both toward the end of her life: the embarrassment of having other people do for her what she could no longer do for herself, and having to let the reality of her physical decay become obvious to everyone. Despite this, she seemed to grow in dignity rather than lose it. I would not, and could not, criticise her if she had wanted to end her life. I’m glad she didn’t want to.

The issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide is fraught with emotion—and understandably so. No one wants to experience pain and suffering, and no one in their right mind wants others to experience it. People may hold firmly to doctrines or principles about life and death, but real and personal situations of pain and suffering have a way of loosening their grip on those beliefs.

The Salvation Army has an official position on Euthanasia and Assisted suicide. This territory of New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga uses The Salvation Army’s International position statement (available on www. salvationarmy.org/isjc/ipseuthanasia). Position statements are not binding on members of The Salvation Army and every person will come to their own conclusions, but there are some questions that are helpful to consider before final conclusions are drawn.

I want to raise these questions by reference to the three features of western culture that I mentioned in the first of these occasional articles: Individualism, Secularism and Economic Materialism. Those who identify as followers of Christ seek to introduce him to others. But they must not forget the surrounding culture also exerts its own influence.

Individualism says, ‘What I do is none of your business’, ‘You do your thing and I’ll do mine’ and ‘My life—my choice’. The Bible reveals that every human being has an identity that is God given and important to maintain. The biblical view of individual identity is that we are both responsible individuals and community members. So: • Do you think whatever someone does has no effect on others?

• If not, when has another’s actions had significant effect on you?

• What would you think of someone who was persevering through

pain and suffering? Would you think they were embarrassing, or would you think they had dignity?

Would they seem tragic, or inspirational?

• If euthanasia was available, what effect do you think that might have on vulnerable people? For example, elderly, disabled or depressed people, or even young people trying to make sense of the world.

Secularism means matters of faith are not often included in public discussion about issues like euthanasia. Dutch Doctor Rob Jonquiere is described as the architect of euthanasia legislation in Holland. On a recent trip to New Zealand he spoke at several public meetings.

When a person in one meeting declared life to be ‘God’s sacred gift’, the doctor was applauded when he agreed ‘that life is indeed a gift, and that a gift may be graciously returned with thanks’. This is an unfortunate comment, as the issue of euthanasia deserves more than flippancy and light-heartedness, but it does illustrate how irrelevant Christian doctrine is for many. So: • What is the Church’s role in this issue?

• If the Church believes all people are made in God’s image and life is God given, how does it show that in its relationship with those New Zealanders who don’t see the Christian faith as relevant?

• If some matters of Christian faith don’t mean anything to large parts of New Zealand, are there matters that do? Does society want to protect vulnerable people? Is it concerned about youth suicide, and how would it align that with proposing to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide? Are these things that New Zealanders would be concerned about?

Economic Materialism has the tendency to reduce human life to a monetary value. Society starts to ask how much we should spend on someone before he or she is no longer ‘worth it’. But what happens to our society’s obligation to protect the vulnerable if it starts to question whether that protection is ‘good value for money’? If euthanasia was legally available: • What happens if an elderly person begins to feel guilty about their estate being eaten up by the cost of their care? What happens if family members play on that guilt?

• Who decides whether the life of a severely disabled person is worth spending money on?

• Are adequate safeguards possible?

These questions are not academic. The issue of the legalisation of euthanasia is very much alive in New Zealand and we will hear much more public debate in the coming months. If you haven’t thought much about this topic before, now would be a good time to start.

One final question: euthanasia may be death that could be seen to end embarrassment, pain and suffering, but is it death with dignity?

What do you think?

Captain Ross Wardle is chair of The Salvation Army’s Moral and Social Issues (Ethics) Council.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/our-community/church-life/ masic/euthanasia for more information.

12 | WarCry 16 May 2015

eating eggs in paradise We experience God in inspiring, jaw-dropping moments, but we can also experience God in the kitchen, says Jeremy Suisted.

As I sat eating two perfectly poached eggs, accompanied by three of the fluffiest hotcakes ever concocted, I thought to myself, ‘This must be close to Paradise.’

Across the street, the Pacific Ocean lapped gently at the shore, while a warm island breeze ushered in the day ahead. Sharing the table with me were my best friend and two education professors from Chicago. They were hilarious, interesting and brilliant breakfast companions. All was well.

Except, it seemed, at the table across the aisle. Here—experiencing the same food and environment—sat four girls, all in their early 20s.

They were dressed for a day of exploring and relaxation at the beach and, by their proximity to one another, were clearly close friends.

Yet, instead of enjoying the morning cuisine, the natural beauty of the outdoors, or even the joys of face-to-face conversation each was engrossed in the screen of their smartphone. Thumbs were tapping and fingers were swiping as they engaged with a social reality far removed from their embodied existence.

I recognise there is a glut of blogs and articles raging about the impact of phone and cyber-addiction on our human relationships, and I don’t plan to enter the cyclone with this one. Yet I wonder if the impact of an ever-present social media has not only transformed our understanding of our own presence, but also our engagement with the presence of God.

Loving like Banksy and Baudrillard British graffiti artist Banksy painted a powerful message on the transformation of presence in our society. His work titled ‘Mobile Lovers’ depicts a stylish 21st century couple, wrapped in each other’s arms in a tender embrace. Upon closer inspection, however, we see that their gaze is fixated not on the other, but on the illuminating glow of their digital devices. Although they are physically close, relationally they are separate, alone and bleak.

Later that day, as I sat on a plane heading back home to New Zealand, cruising the skies at 32,000 feet, surrounded by crying children and sniffling strangers, I began to think: ‘Is God here? In this speeding, metal cylinder—is God’s presence here?’

I know that any good Sunday school student will be able to quickly parrot back the answer: ‘Yes, God is everywhere!’ But when I am sitting in a cafe, or awkwardly rammed into a 747, what does God’s presence mean? Is God present like a Banksy lover—spatially near, but for all intents and purposes, relationally absent?

Jean Baudrillard, the French philosopher and social critic, first travelled to the United States in 1970 and reflected on his experience in the culture of video and technology. As he wrote about his travels,

he described a collective people and nation that end up ‘emphasising their surface intensity and deeper meaningless’. The country was full of lights, hype, utopian dreams and spectacle, but when you scratched beneath the surface, there was no deeper meaning.

The failed quest for purpose from the modern era resulted in a never-ending attempt to mask over the reality of life, with visceral distractions and continual movement. Yet, upon pause and selfreflection—beneath the neon glow—there was nothing.

Perhaps our understanding of God’s presence is similar to Baudrillard’s experience of life in America. We seek and experience God in the awe inspiring, jaw-dropping moments, often involving large collectives and euphoric experiences of music and rhetoric.

We never expect that a true encounter may occur from the small voice of God as we wash dishes.

The church of the kitchen Caught up in the charm, such times feel transformative and powerful, but when we are back into our mundane existence—when the glam is gone—God’s presence feels absent. We never expect that a true encounter may occur from the small voice of God as we wash dishes.

In contrast to our approach, a young French monk by the name of Brother Lawrence joined the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Paris in the 1630s. There, he was assigned the job of being a cook and spent the next 60 years of his life cooking food and cleaning pots. Despite the lowly nature of his role, Brother Lawrence decided to turn every moment of his day into an act for God. He turned cakes in the pan out of love for God, picked up straw and scrubbed pots as an act of worship to his king.

After 30 years of practicing this, he commented, ‘[In the kitchen], I possess God in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees before the Blessed Sacrament.’

Brother Lawrence understood that not only is God near, but he is here. He is present in a fully focused way, with his very being directed towards humanity. Only this truth could transform a lowly kitchen in a small monastery into a space of transformation that pilgrims from all around would venture to. This little cook, Brother Lawrence— described as ‘an awkward fellow who broke things’—became one who leaders would travel to visit, to experience what a life lived in the presence of God looked and felt like.

Deep down, most of us would admit we want to experience the full presence of another. When we are stood up—or worse, ignored by someone who is physically present with us—our heart aches. We desire focus and attention, and the reciprocity of a deep love. For most Christians, this is something they desire of God, too. We notice it in

Soul Food | 13

our language: we talk of God ‘showing up’ in those moments when we encounter the presence of God in a powerful, soul-satisfying way.

But, the presence of God also seems like a lie at times. God doesn’t ‘show up’ as much as we’d like him too. He doesn’t seem to be everywhere. God’s presence seems to be limited to camps, conferences and churches—with the odd encounter inspired by some grandiose mountain vista. We’d love God to turn up more, but we get used to the occasional grand encounter.

Hide and Seek In Genesis, we read of Jacob, a young man fleeing from his twin brother who seeks to kill him. Jacob has been deceptive and cruel, and runs into the middle of the desert on his quest for freedom. There, with a simple rock as his pillow, he rests for the night, where he has a jaw-dropping experience of God’s presence that shapes his future.

Here, in the middle of a desert—devoid of life, beauty and substance —Jacob encounters God. Jacob’s first words after this moment are telling, and are words we would do well to remember. Jacob does not say, ‘God showed up.’ He doesn’t Tweet his experience or Instagram the location.

Instead, Jacob says, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it.’ Jacob realises that God was not the one who had to show up—Jacob was. We are the ones who are hiding, who flee from presence and raw encounters with reality. Jacob realised that we turn a blind eye to the presence of God, and prefer to live in our own world.

Just as the girls at the cafe were neglecting the presence of the others who were near, do we do the same to God? Do our lives aim to cultivate an awareness of God’s imminent presence in our world, or do we live only looking for him in the big and the grand?

May our lives be open to the possibility of encountering God in the small and insignificant, in the bland and mundane, in the normal and everyday—and discovering deeper relationship with a God who is not only near, but is also here.

He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for his grace, sometimes to offer him your sufferings, at other times to thank him for the graces, past and present, he has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to him. One need not cry out very loudly; he is nearer to us than we think.

Brother Lawrence The Practice of the Presence of God

Practicing the Presence of God Brother Lawrence was born Nicholas Herman around 1610 in Herimenil, Lorraine, a Duchy of France. His birth records were destroyed in a fire at his parish church during the Thirty Years War, a war in which he fought as a young soldier. In this war, Nicholas received a near fatal injury to his sciatic nerve that left him quite crippled and in chronic pain for the rest of his life.

In the middle years of his life, Nicholas joined a new monastery in Paris where he took the name ‘Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection’. He became cook for a community that grew to over 100 members. After 15 years, his duties were shifted to the sandal repair shop but, even then, he often returned to the busy kitchen to help out.

During decades of doing seemingly menial jobs, Brother Lawrence discovered a profound truth about having a relationship with God: experiencing God’s presence can happen everywhere. He explained this by saying, ‘My King is full of mercy and goodness. Far from chastising me, he embraces me with love. He makes me eat at his table. He serves me with his own hands and gives me the key to his treasures. He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly, in a thousand and a thousand ways. And he treats me in all respects as his favourite.

In this way I consider myself continually in His holy presence.

‘My most usual method is this simple attention, an affectionate regard for God to whom I find myself often attached with greater sweetness and delight than that of an infant at the mother’s breast … If, at any time, my thoughts wander from it, from necessity or infirmity, I am presently recalled by inward emotions so charming and delicious that I cannot find words to describe them … As for my set hours of prayer, they are simply a continuation of the same exercise. Sometimes I consider myself as a stone before a carver, whereof he is to make a statue.

Presenting myself thus before God, I desire him to make his perfect image in my soul and render me entirely like himself.

At other times, when I apply myself to prayer, I feel all my spirit lifted up without any care or effort on my part. This often continues as if it was suspended yet firmly fixed in God like a centre or place of rest.’

It was not until after his death in 1691 that Brother Lawrence’s letters and the content of four conversations were collected and published in The Practice of the Presence of God.

14 | WarCry 16 May 2015

Businesses Stand with the Sallies

It was a great way to start the day as 460 people met for three Red Shield Appeal Breakfasts focused on the business community in Wellington (22 April), Auckland (24 April) and Dunedin (1 May).

‘The Red Shield breakfasts provide a great opportunity for our business partners to meet collectively with us, to celebrate and recognise the support they have provided, to provide an update on how The Salvation Army has effectively used this resource to meet need, and to ask for their continued support,’ said Shane Chisholm, Territorial Public Relations Director.

In 2014, over 35,000 clients and 68,320 dependent children were helped by Salvation Army Community Ministries centres, which are largely dependent on funding from the Red Shield Appeal.

Phillip Meyer, Chair of the Red Shield Appeal Committee, said that although the Global Financial Crisis was over for some, it was not over for all. ‘Financial distress is a reality for many—a rising tide does not lift all boats. The Sallies are an army of compassion and community support, and you can help them do what they do so well!’

‘You might say business is looking up,’ said MC Simon Marsh, ‘but around New Zealand, 314 families a week are seeking help from the Sallies for the first time.’ Introducing the theme of this year’s Red Shield Appeal—that a donation to The Salvation Army would help catch people falling into desperate need—he emphasised that people were often just one event away from catastrophe.

Keynote speaker Gregory Fortuin, national director of The Salvation Army’s Education and Employment service, addressed the Wellington and Auckland breakfasts. He introduced himself as ‘a justice campaigner and a follower of Jesus Christ’—someone who understood that ‘I have to love my neighbour’. Talking about how much ‘people matter’, Gregory reminisced first on his upbringing in Apartheid South Africa and then his experiences helping his teenage son break free from addiction after the family relocated to New Zealand. ‘That’s why I’m so proud to work for The Salvation Army, because we realise there are young people who drop out of school, who get addicted, who don’t fit the mould,’ he said.

In Wellington and Auckland, a former Salvation Army client shared her moving account of how the Sallies had helped change her life.

Growing up in a violent home, she followed in her mother’s footsteps, heading into her own abusive relationships. By the time her sons were born, she was addicted to methamphetamine and had dug herself such a hole that there was no way out.

‘I reached out to The Salvation Army for a food parcel and was signed up for a Family Breakthrough Programme and given a mentor,’ she said. This gave her the skills and motivation she so desperately needed. She then moved on to another popular Salvation Army life skills course, the Positive Lifestyle Programme. Today, she is studying for a social work degree and hopes to one day work with vulnerable people, including those experiencing abuse and addiction. ‘The Salvation Army helped me to believe in myself. They helped me to achieve in my life and my sons’ lives,’ she said. ‘I now have dreams, goals and a vision for myself and my sons. I thank God for the Sallies, who helped me break that cycle of poverty, drugs and abuse.’

This was the first year a Red Shield Appeal Breakfast had been held in Dunedin. Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago, addressed Dunedin guests, as did Territorial

Comms Janine and Robert Donaldson with Phillip Meyer. enjoying the Wellington breakfast.

Guests

Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson—proudly born and bred in Dunedin. Commissioner Donaldson was delighted to thank members of the business community for partnering with The Salvation Army. ‘It’s a simple maths equation,’ he said. ‘Our wonderful Salvation Army team plus our wonderful team of supporters and donors help us to help people.’

At the Wellington breakfast, Colonel Willis Howell took the opportunity to publically acknowledge the longstanding commitment of Phillip Meyer (10 years) and Simon Marsh (nine years) to spearheading the Army’s Red Shield Appeal. ‘We thank you for the difference you’ve made,’ he said. ‘We’re a better Army because of people like you who stand with us.’

The three breakfasts raised $46,000 through pledged donations for the Red Shield Appeal. Almost $70,000 was raised in additional sponsorship. The Salvation Army is grateful for the support of event sponsors JBWere (Gold Sponsor), Vodafone, Toyota Financial Services, Arrow International, Fuji Xerox, Southern Cross Health Society, Marsh, Deloitte, Forsyth Barr, Clark Fortune McDonald, and Cutlers Real Estate.

One Family at Kilbirnie Corps Camp Guided by the theme ‘One Family@KB’, 100 members of The Salvation Army Kilbirnie Corps spent two days together at the El Rancho centre in Waikanae from 13 to 15 March.

‘Our camp theme was based on 1 Corinthians 12:17–20, which reflects the diversity of our corps family,’ said Emma Dunlop-Bennett.

‘We have different abilities, gifts, and talents that may vary in function and strength, but are all vital and very much needed. The theme also affirmed the mutuality of our family, where each of us is dependent on one another.’

The aims of the camps were to strengthen the corps’ ministry so that it can better serve Jesus in the Kilbirnie community, to develop the next generation of leaders by building on the corps’ solid foundations, and to worship Jesus together as one family. Campers were also called to renew their commitment to the vision of Kilbirnie Corps, which is ‘Kingdom Builders: where we love God, love others, grow spiritually, and serve our community in Jesus’ name’.

Emma said, ‘We were blessed by the ministry of Commissioner Janine Donaldson, who delivered powerful devotions about not being afraid to be a light for Jesus, particularly in the midst of darkness. We were reminded that we are precious to Jesus just the way we are and of the importance of remaining in fellowship with each other. We were also reminded of God’s love as we reflected on Psalm 139.’ These messages were explored in separate sessions for young people at the camp.

In between reflections on the Word of God, there was a lot of laughter as people fought it out in team challenges that required strategic thinking, agility and a sense of humour. Campers also took part in a Talent Showdown that featured items from the Salvation

Our Community | 15

Sponsors Needed for Fiji Family Care Centres The Salvation Army Child Sponsorship programme has been a wellestablished and important aspect of Salvation Army ministry to the less fortunate around the globe for many years. In the Fiji Division, a further development of this programme is being introduced with the opportunity to help women and children through the Army’s three Family Care Centres in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.

Each Family Care Centre offers shelter, safety, training and support in reintegration into society for women and their families who are victims of domestic violence, have experienced relationship breakdowns, or are in need of shelter and protection because of homelessness, mental health issues and partner suicide.

Women are referred by Police, Women’s Refuge and other NGOs. Without these centres, their only other option is to live on the streets.

The issue of people trafficking has gained attention in Fiji over recent months and the centres are also expected to be involved as safe houses for women who are trafficking victims.

Major Vyvyenne Noakes, who is the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries in Fiji and responsible for the centres, is hoping to identify individuals from inside and outside The Salvation Army who would like to support these centres for a year at a time.

‘The women who come through our doors are escaping situations of violence, homelessness and other hardships. They and their children are often afraid and traumatised. We provide a safe temporary shelter, along with the support these families need to achieve a more promising future,’ said Major Noakes.

Sponsors can sign up by contacting Major Helen Knowles (Territorial Child Sponsorship Secretary) at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters in Wellington. ‘We’re looking for 160 sponsors who will donate $25 a month,’ said Major Knowles.

Everyone who signs up to become a Fiji Family Care Centre sponsor will receive updates on the Army’s work, says Major Knowles.

Help Women and Children in Fiji BECOME A FAMILY CARE CENTRE SPONSOR Our Family Care Centres are safe houses for women escaping domestic violence, homelessness and human trafficking.

For $25 a month, you can help support this work.

Become a sponsor today.

Suva Family Care Centre Manager Lt Varea Rika and case worker Thias Bott with a new addition to the centre, a prematurely born baby. The baby’s mother entered the centre with her other children following ongoing relationship issues with her husband and financial difficulties.

Army musical Hosea, hip hop to ‘Uptown Funk’ and Little Einsteins, and a dash of Boney M. Captains Jeannine and Joe Serevi are very grateful to the excellent organising committee of Livi Ah Hoi, Antony Carter, David Burns and Emma Dunlop-Bennett, along with the worship team of Liz Faalogo,

Contact Major Helen Knowles (Child Sponsorship Secretary), e: helen_knowles@nzf.salvationarmy.org, p: (04) 384 5649 or download a form from our website

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/FijiFamilyCentreSponsor

Cary and Winnie Baxter, Antony Carter and Livi Ah Hoi, and young leaders Wesley Sialavaa, Rebekkah Carter and Sarah Vaa.

By Emma Dunlop-Bennett

16 | WarCry 16 May 2015

Myanmar Centenary Celebrations Myanmar officers and territorial leaders.

The Salvation Army has marked 100 years in the south-east Asian country of Myanmar (Burma).

International leaders General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries), making their first visit to Myanmar, were warmly welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham, leaders of The Salvation Army’s Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory.

Also present were Majors Bo and Christina Jeppsson (regional leaders, Myanmar).

Under the theme ‘Great Is Your Faithfulness’, the centenary weekend included participation from Salvation Army officers from around the world who had helped develop the Army’s mission in Myanmar over the years, including Colonel Cedric

Sharp, Major Violet Ovenden, Major Amaro Periera, and New Zealanders Major Jan Smithies and Commissioners David and Grace Bringans.

Mirroring the unwavering commitment of pioneers, throngs of Salvationists and friends streamed into the Franc Auditorium in the country’s former capital Yangon (Rangoon).

For some, this was at least a three-day journey. Their motivation: to worship God and to return home sharing new hope and new life.

‘Togetherness’ was a word picture of the weekend, with worshippers from diverse regions and ethnicities uniting to encounter the living God. All came with thankful hearts, reflecting on what God has done in the country—the church in Myanmar is growing and relishes

the opportunity to march toward new endeavours.

The General drew on the events of Palm Sunday, saying that following Jesus Christ was not a fanfare of waving palm leaves or the shouting of ‘Hosanna’. ‘No short-lived terms of engagements,’ the General admonished. ‘Followers of the Lord must be radical disciples who commit themselves to the mission and purpose of Christ.’

A Friday evening United Prayer Rally entitled ‘We Will Fight’ saw the General testify to the power of prayer. With stark reminders in the international media that people were being killed because of their Christian faith, Burmese Salvationists prayed for all those persecuted due to their beliefs.

A series of meetings on Saturday began with

International Appeal for Nepal Earthquake A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April, devastating parts of the country. Please donate to The Salvation Army’s emergency response.

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/Nepal

Commissioner Cox offering words of encouragement. She exhorted Myanmar Salvationists to ‘seize the opportunity to do good, to be careful how to live, to act on what has called believers to do and to witness for Christ’.

The Myanmar Council of Churches and Bible Society congratulated Salvationists for their partnership in Myanmar to promote the gospel and bless the disadvantaged. More than 100 Bibles were given away at a youth and children’s meeting on Saturday evening. Many young people dedicated themselves to God at the mercy seat. It was a night of victory!

The Palm Sunday holiness meeting included the commissioning of three new Salvation Army officers: Lieutenants Joshua, D. Par Shein and Tun Lin. The General challenged the lieutenants—and all those gathered—to abandon all ambitions and remember that Jesus said ‘let them daily take up the Cross and follow me’. The new officers were then formally ‘sent out’ to their new appointments and cadets of the Messengers of Light Session were covenanted.

With a deeply moving weekend firmly imprinted in attendees’ hearts and minds, The Salvation Army in Myanmar looks forward to serving with renewed vitality and enthusiasm in the days ahead.

GAZETTE Bereaved Mjr Iliesa Cola of his brother, Mr Timothy Cola, in Fiji. The funeral was held on 22 April at the family home. Please uphold Majors Iliesa and Litiana Cola and family in prayer at this time of grief and loss.

We’d love to hear your news Send 400–600 words with one or two clear and captioned photos. Promotion to Glory tributes are usually around 300 words. Please send large, high-quality digital images in .jpg format.

Email news reports to warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

Noticeboard | 17

CALENDAR MAY 15–17: Delve Weekend / Totara Springs 15–17: Family Weekend / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 17: Father’s Day / Tonga Region 18: Personnel Section Roadshow / Dunedin 19: Personnel Section Roadshow / Invercargill 20: Personnel Section Roadshow / Queenstown 22–24: 40-Hour Famine 23: Women’s Rally & Training (North) / Fiji Division 25–28: Five-year Officer Review / Booth College of Mission 29: Kneedrill Youth Event / Northern Division 29–31: Women’s Camp / Tonga Region 29–31: Divisional Māori Hui / Northern Division 30: Moral and Social Issues Council / Wellington 30–1 June: Brengle Holiness Institute for Soldiers / Booth College of Mission

JUNE 1: Tonga Emancipation Day 1: Queen’s Birthday 1: Divisional Māori Hui / Northern Division

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 17 May: Masterton Corps 18 May: Central Division Review 19 May: Education and Employment Review 23–24 May: Glen Eden Corps Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 22 May: Jeff Farm Board Meeting 24 May: Northern Division and Addiction Reviews 27 May: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 28 May–1 June: Tonga Region

The most important part of a leader’s life is the part nobody sees. What lies beneath the surface really counts. Tim Hawkins

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Savusavu, Saweni, Sigatoka, Suva Central and Sydenham Corps, HomeCare Service and Blenheim Hospice, The Salvation Army in Angola.

Seeds of Faith Seeds of Faith, a history of The Salvation Army in Myanmar (Burma) by Commissioner Grace Bringans, was launched at the Myanmar centenary celebrations. General André Cox says, ‘This book is an amazing testimony to what God can do through those who faithfully love and serve him with all their heart in difficult circumstances.’

A significant number of New Zealanders have had a connection with the Army’s work in Myanmar over the years, including: Major Jan Smithies (Regional Officer, 1999–2001); Margaret and Peter Green (visit regularly to teach English, 1999 to present); Miramar Corps Mission Team (2004); Commissioners David and Grace Bringans (General Secretaries, 1995–97, and Territorial Leaders, 2003–09); Colonels Gordon and Susan Daly (Regional Officers, 2009–2010); Majors Ian and Colleen Marshall (Regional Officers, 2010–2011); and Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham (Territorial Commanders in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, 2013 to present).

International Bible Reading Challenge WEEK 18 Acts 7–11 | WEEK 19 Acts 12–16 Go to www.salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge for daily reading guides and more.

No Turning Back Major Lorna Hennessy has penned recollections of her and husband Don’s calling to be missionaries and the outworking of that call.

The couple’s missionary journey began in 1968.

Lorna and Don served for 17 years in Brazil, two years in Nigeria, five years in Portugal and then three years in Fiji, before returning to New Zealand to retire.

Lorna shares their joys and sorrows of that time, including situations that tested their faith. There were robberies, riots, a military coup, health cares and culture shocks. Yet through it all, Lorna and Don proved God’s faithfulness.

Limited copies available, $28 plus p&p. To order, p: (06) 367 3119 or e: donhennessey@kinect.co.nz

New Zealanders currently sponsor 72 children in Myanmar through the Cherish a Child sponsorship programme.

Order your copy from Salvationist Resources—e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org or p: (04) 382 0768

To advertise your event, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES online:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/employment

Subscribe today!

War Cry … DIRECT to your door Annual subscription (including p&p) $75 (within NZ). To subscribe, contact Salvationist Resources, p: (04) 382 0740, e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org

18 | WarCry 16 May 2015

LEADERSHIP LINKS

The Army will only be what you and I decide it will be …

The movie Rocky III opens after the main character, Rocky Balboa, has won the heavyweight boxing title. He has successfully defended his title several times, and still reigns as undisputed heavyweight champion. But success has changed him. Little by little, Rocky has left more and more of his hardscrabble past behind him. Success has led Rocky to embrace a far more comfortable and refined lifestyle.

As the story continues, we learn Rocky is about to retire from boxing. But before that can happen, he has to deal with a final challenge for his title that comes from his main up-andcoming contender. Rocky turns to Mickey, his crusty, gravelvoiced, long-time trainer, to get him into fighting trim for one last bout. Mickey initially rejects his friend’s request in a conversation that leads to this exchange: Rocky: ‘You really don’t think I got nothing left, do you?’

Mickey: ‘Well, Rock, let’s put it this way … Three years ago you was supernatural. You was hard and you was nasty, and you had this cast-iron jaw. But then the worst thing happened to you that could happen to any fighter. You got civilised …’

Salvation Army history tells us that, like Rocky, we were once a scrappy bunch of fighters. Our founders fuelled this fighting spirit with articles and books carrying titles such as Aggressive Christianity, The War Spirit, and Raising a Fighting Force. Our regularly sung songs included hundreds of lyrics that reminded Salvationists: ‘We’re an Army fighting for a glorious King …,’ ‘We’re in God’s Army and we fight wherever wrong is found …,’ ‘March on salvation soldiers, march forward to the fight …’.

Not content to sit inside their halls waiting for the unsaved to show up on their doorsteps, Salvationists intentionally marched away from the relative comfort and safety of their buildings. They purposefully went to bars, pubs, and burlesque theatres—places no other respectable church would dare go—and employed highly unconventional methods. Methods like the Salvationist ‘funeral’ procession that sombrely marched down a town’s main street where, to everyone’s complete surprise, a Salvationist suddenly popped out of the coffin to preach a sermon on the dangers of hell. All this was done to ‘fight’ against the devil and sin.

Is that spirit still alive in our Army, I wonder? Are we still a scrappy ‘go-and-seek-the-lost’ Army? A ‘do-whatever-we-canto-save-whoever-we-can’ Army? Or, as Mickey told Rocky, has the worst thing happened to us that could happen to any fighter —we got civilised?

The answer to that question isn’t decided by the General, the Territorial Commander, the Doctrine Council, or even your Corps Officer. You have to answer it! You see, the Army will only be what you and I decide it will be by our actions.

Decide carefully, but quickly. Because the bell has rung, the opponent is in the ring, and the fight is on!

Colonel Willis Howell Chief Secretary

BY ROBERT DONALDSON

Providing Safety to Vulnerable People Territorial Commander, Commisioner Robert Donaldson, asks people to be more intentional in protecting people from abuse.

No church can allow itself to be naïve about the reality that sexual predators may exist in its midst. All we have to do is a Google-search for ‘sex abuse in the church’ to see the damage experienced by people who thought they’d be safe among those proclaiming God’s love and care. Too many people have had their trust in the church and in God’s people violated. They have been hurt emotionally, physically and spiritually—with far-reaching consequences.

The Salvation Army has had its own abuse cases. This is to the shame of our movement. Some allegations have been examined by the court, and appropriate justice meted out when an offender has been found guilty. Where victims have not wanted to pursue the court process (for whatever reason), we have worked with them confidentially, offering counselling and support and, where appropriate, have compensated them for the suffering they have experienced.

To all who have suffered at the hands of anyone connected with The Salvation Army, I want to offer my deepest apology. Such abuse is without defence.

Jesus calls us to love and serve, to bring healing and not harm.

In Jesus’ ministry we see him call the ‘little children’ to himself (Luke 18:16). To me, these ‘little children’ include those especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. In Mark 9:42, Jesus issues a stern warning, saying: ‘If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.’ Let there be no doubt in our minds that there is no tolerance in God’s Kingdom for anyone who causes harm to his children.

Over recent years, this territory has focused on strengthening our processes around the protection of vulnerable people. This includes those who provide pastoral/ministry services to or interact with the following groups: • children and young people • Community Ministries clients • Family Store customers • addiction or accommodation service clients

Mission Matters | 19

• •

those with mental or physical disabilities the elderly.

‘Safe to Serve’ training and accreditation is required for all those working with people under 18 years of age. This includes agreeing to a strict Code of Conduct. Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics also exist for those working in other areas of the Army’s work, including in our Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Service, along with HomeCare, and Education and Employment.

Additionally, everyone applying to become an employed or volunteer staff member of The Salvation Army who will work with vulnerable people is required to undergo a Police Check.

Police Checks screen for all past criminal convictions, including sexual offences. They are reviewed every three years, but it is important officers and managers remain vigilant in this area. If someone at your corps or centre started in a role that didn’t require a Police Check, but moves into a role that has contact with vulnerable people or has new responsibilities that requires such contact, they need to undergo a Police Check. We do not want anyone to slip through the cracks, because this could expose people to the risk of harm.

The promise to ‘care for people’ is at the heart of our mission.

Those who come to The Salvation Army need to feel confident that the people they are dealing with are trustworthy and don’t present a risk to them or other members of their family. Consider those looking for in-home assistance for an aging parent through our HomeCare service, for example. If we were to put ourselves in their shoes, we would want to know that every reasonable precaution is being taken to make sure that our mum or dad is safe.

I understand the reluctance of some to undergo Police Checks, particularly for a role or service in which they have given faithful service for years. Let me reassure you: this request is not usually made because someone has a concern about a particular individual; it is because as an organisation we have made a promise to the community.

It’s important for us to have consistency and integrity across our entire organisation, and we just cannot make exceptions. Please do not be offended if you are asked to fill in the forms for a Police Check. You are helping us keep our promise that the Army is a safe place to be.

In March, an updated Salvation Army policy Minute on the ‘Management of Sex Offenders (Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour) in Salvation Army Fellowships’ was released. This is designed to protect all those who come into contact with The Salvation Army from the risk of sexual offending. It is used in conjunction with ‘The Salvation Army Sexual Misconduct Policies and Complaints Procedures Manual’.

I cannot overemphasise to officers and centre managers the

importance of being familiar with this Minute and the related manual.

It is always stressful when an incident or accusation of abuse occurs.

The Personnel Section at Territorial Headquarters has worked hard to provide steps that you can follow in an objective and thorough manner at such times. We don’t want anyone to feel that they need to use their own best judgement to make decisions; we want to follow best practice to minimise the risk of any errors of judgement and to protect local people from pressure.

The deceptive nature of those who seek to abuse children and adults leads them to disguise their activities. Sometimes this has caused people within The Salvation Army to disbelieve those who have expressed concerns about what has happened to them, or to ignore their own suspicions about another’s actions. Whenever there are concerns, these are to be investigated properly.

Of course, given the terrible stigma that unfounded accusations of abuse can cause, it is essential that the reporting of concerns and any subsequent investigation is done in a highly confidential manner that doesn’t perpetuate gossip or defamation. There are times when people, for whatever reasons, make spurious and damaging allegations that are later proved to be untrue. We need to ensure protection for our people in this regard as well.

As a Christian community, The Salvation Army wants to be a place of grace and forgiveness, allowing space for those who have offended to be rehabilitated and eventually restored. The updated Minute provides guidelines for how to manage those who have engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour and those exhibiting concerning behaviour so their wellbeing is supported—but not in such a way that causes further harm to anyone else or to the Army’s reputation. When someone has offended against another person, there are consequences to their actions, and we do not want to extend a cheap and easy grace that overlooks the damage experienced by victims.

In this territory, the promise to ‘care for people’ is at the heart of our mission. I want to emphasise the need to honour this promise to everyone associated with The Salvation Army: our officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers and all who call The Salvation Army their spiritual home. While we will never be able to say with 100 per cent certainty that abuse cannot happen in The Salvation Army, I believe that as we cooperate with one another to become more careful and more aware, we will continue to create a culture that better protects people.

If you have concerns about sexual misconduct or criminal sexual behaviour in The Salvation Army, go to www salvationarmy. org.nz/complaints for advice on how to report this.

HOT TOPICS

BY INGRID BARRATT

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? It’s a question that spoken-word poet Shane Koyczan has been asked all his life: ‘not really understanding the question, I’d say, “I’d have tentacles for arms, so I could climb up tall buildings really quickly.” And they’d be, “No, you idiot, if you could be thin …” ’ You’ve probably already thought about this question, too: if you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? And you probably already know the answer. Sadly, in our culture, it’s normal to hate-on yourself.

Imagine you’re hanging with your besties and someone’s got themselves some cool new jeans, so you say, ‘Wow, you look hot!’ She’ll probably say something like, ‘Oh my thighs look really big—I hate my thighs.’ Stink, but pretty normal.

Now imagine she said, ‘I know, I totally love these jeans on me, don’t I look amazing?’ To be honest, we’d probably be like, ‘Vain, much?’ It’s so unusual to love-on yourself in our culture that it’s, like, awkward.

THE PERFECT LIFE

FEELING FAT

We already know that models are Photoshopped. We know that only four per cent of the population have the tall, skinny body shape of models, and the other 96 per cent of us just don’t have the DNA to look like that.

The war we’ve waged against ourselves is most viciously fought against our bodies. At the extreme end of self-hatred are eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

But depicting ‘perfect’ people and ‘perfect’ lifestyles is one of the basics of advertising —they even have a word for it: ‘aspirational’.

Their message is that we should aspire to be like the four per cent. It’s not in their interests to show the rich variety of human body shapes and faces. Their job is to make us spend heaps of money ‘aspiring’ to something we were not created to be.

And nowadays guys are being targeted just as much as girls, says psychologist Dr Rick Kausman: ‘It’s as if all the marketing people suddenly realised that they had been missing half the market they could make feel badly about their bodies.’

The lies we’re told—and tell ourselves—affect how we judge each other, how we talk to each other, how we see ourselves and what we value.

Most people think an anorexic person doesn’t eat, and a bulimic person binges and purges.

But actually, they may have a whole bunch of behaviours that includes binging, restricting foods, starving, obsessive thoughts, lies and secrets, and over-exercising … among others.

That’s why experts now talk about the ‘eating disorder spectrum’. As well as anorexia and bulimia, other types of recognised eating disorders include: • Binge eating: eating large amounts regularly, even though you’re not hungry.

• Anorexia athletic: over-exercising to the point of exhaustion or obsession.

• Orthorexia: an obsession with eating healthy or ‘good’ foods.

• Night-eating: eating at night to the point of disrupting your sleep or waking up to eat.

16 MAY 2015 | 21

FIREZONE.CO.NZ

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? To be a modern woman is to feel fat, a famous writer once said. Most people aren’t at the extreme ends of these diseases, but many, many of us have some dis-ordered thinking about food. We thinking dieting or detoxing is normal. We put food groups into ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Overeating is often encouraged. So is exercising and obsessing about our bodies. It’s normal to feel fat.

It’s normal to want to change our bodies.

And we don’t even realise that none of these beliefs come from God.

DOES GOD CARE ABOUT MY BODY? When I was a teen, I used to diet a lot and I often asked God to help me with the way I hated my body. I felt guilty about those prayers because I thought I should be caring about ‘spiritual’ stuff, not something as shallow as the skin I was in.

But then, God gave me a vision of who he is as our creator: the same power that created the wonders of waterfalls and rainbows, created me. I felt God say to my spirit, ‘When you hate your body, you are hating God’s creation.’ It was the first time that I realised God created all of me—mind, body and soul—and he cares about all of me too. When I insult my body, I am insulting God.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?’ Jesus was talking to people who may not have known where their next meal was coming from. But in our culture, it’s a reminder that allowing anxiety over food or our bodies to dominate our thinking is not God’s best for us.

‘For pagans run after these things,’ continues Jesus. Our culture idolises the body beautiful, is obsessed with the latest food or exercise fad, and spends millions on fashion. But Jesus tells us we don’t need to run after these things. Our culture may be all about beating our bodies into submission, but Jesus calls us to rest.

And what’s really amazing is that Jesus doesn’t say that food and fashion and body image don’t matter to God. Instead, he says, ‘your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:25-33, emphasis added).

Our loving God knows our bodies are an important part of our whole selves. But when anxiety about our bodies begins to take over, we are no longer so focused on God. He asks us to seek his ways first, and trust him with the rest.

WHEN YOU HATE YOUR BODY, YOU ARE HATING GOD’S CREATION. DARE TO BE DIFFERENT When you look at creation, one of the reasons it’s so awesome is because it’s so diverse.

There is not one leaf alike. But when it comes to each other, we don’t accept diversity. Yet, God created us all as individuals and made each one of us different.

God only ever, ever, ever says loving things to us. That good ole question, ‘What would you change about yourself?’ doesn’t come from God. In fact, think about every single negative thought you’ve ever about your body and your looks. None of them come from God.

God is a fan of anything that makes you truly you. So, if you love to be creative with fashion, wear clothes in a way that celebrates who you are, not conceals who you are. If you love to be healthy and exercise, do it out of love for yourself, not loathing.

But God does have plenty to say about how we think about our bodies. Jesus said, ‘Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Next time you look in the mirror, instead of focusing on the stuff you don’t like, ask God what he thinks of you. Listen to his answer speaking to your spirit. God’s voice is the

‘All the things we call each other in the name of beauty are ugly … we forget that muscles don’t mean strength of character and pretty doesn’t always mean nice,’ spoken-word poet Shane Koyczan.

one to listen to. Keep practising doing this whenever you look in the mirror. Refuse to listen to the voice of Satan (who pretty much has the whole beauty industry operating from his lies).

In a culture that tries to fit us into one mould, dare to be different. When we realise that everyone is a unique creation, we can learn to celebrate each other without comparison.

Another girl’s or guy’s beauty doesn’t make you less beautiful. Their body is not better than yours; it’s just different. God didn’t make a mistake when he created you, so love the you he made you to be.

Next Time: Guys and Body Image

DEVELOPING A HEALTHY BODY IMAGE Here are some guidelines that can help you work towards a positive body image: • Listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry.

• Be realistic about the size you are likely to be, which is based on your genetics and environment.

• Exercise regularly in an enjoyable way, regardless of size.

• Expect normal weekly and monthly changes in weight and shape.

• Work toward self-acceptance and selfforgiveness—be gentle with yourself.

• Ask for support and encouragement from friends and family when life is stressful.

• Decide how you wish to spend your energy—pursuing the ‘perfect body’ or enjoying family, friends, school and, most importantly, life.

THE BIG THREE • Attention—listen for and respond to the cues your body gives you, such as hunger, fullness and tiredness. These are the tools God has given you to know how to respond to your body.

• Appreciation—appreciate the pleasures your body can provide. Write out the good things your body can do.

• Acceptance—accept yourself for who you are, instead of longing for what you are not.

Source: Judy Lightstone, psychologist. Adapted from BodyLove by Rita Freeman.

EVENTS | 22

This year’s Territorial Youth and Children’s Ministries Conference is going to be an awesome weekend of teaching, networking and refreshment.

It’s focused on training, supporting and equipping our ministry leaders to go the long haul. We have the legendary Tim Hawkins from Australia joining us for the weekend, so we caught up with him about how to last as a leader.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am the husband of one wife. Karen and I have been married for 35 years. We have two children.

Carly, aged 33, attends Hillsong Church at their city campus here in Sydney. Although at the moment she is in the middle of an 18-month stint as a volunteer in a school in Tanzania.

Josh, aged 30, recently graduated from Bible college, and is now the full-time Young Adults Pastor at St. Paul’s Castle Hill.

I love watching mindless TV and eating chocolate. Apart from that, I love bringing young people to Jesus and then seeing them make a difference in the world.

What exactly do you ‘do’? I have been at my current church, St.Paul’s Anglican Church, Castle Hill, for 27 years. I served 18 years as full-time youth pastor, and for the past nine years, I have held the title of ‘Youth Pastor Emeritus’. This means I no longer direct the day-in-day-out youth ministry at my church.

I am more in an advisory role, and my church has released me to go and wreak havoc in the youth ministry world. That means I get to do things like coming to New Zealand to invest into what The Salvation Army is doing.

I recently concluded my time at Castle Hill and Karen and I are getting ready for the next chapter of our ministry. We believe God is calling us to Africa, where we will be hosted

by Hillsong Cape Town. We are going to work with them—and other churches in Africa—to help raise up the next generation of African leadership. This is the scariest thing that Karen and I have ever done. Please pray for us!

How long have you been in youth ministry?

Why do you think you have lasted? I have been a full-time youth pastor in a local church for 37 years. How have I lasted so long? I guess one of the keys is making sure I am being spiritually fed myself. One of the dangers of engaging a young youth pastor is that they might throw themselves headlong into their task—and maybe nobody is making sure they are being spiritually refreshed and held accountable for their walk with Jesus. The second thing that helped me last this long is knowing how to pace myself. This means I’ve had to learn how to say ‘no’. The only way I can keep saying ‘yes’ to absolutely crucial ministry, is to say ‘no’ to the opportunities that will side track me from where God wants me to go.

I guess the overwhelming reason why I have lasted so long is having a biblical plan for reaching the emerging generation. When you discover that there is a biblical purpose, mission and strategy for doing youth ministry, it means you can be very focussed on getting the essentials right. Many young youth leaders simply burn themselves out because they throw themselves into trying to make things happen that God never expects them to achieve. Having a biblical purpose, mission and strategy has enabled to me to grow in passion for youth ministry as every year passes.

What has been your most embarrassing moment throughout your ministry? I find it very hard to remember people’s names

—and I find it hard to recognise people’s faces when I’ve only met them once. This has led to some embarrassing situations where I have been carefully introducing myself to a ‘new’ person, only to have them say, ‘But I met you yesterday.’ Very embarrassing!

Why do you see youth and children’s ministry as important? It is absolutely crucial that we keep investing in the emerging generation.

Every Christian church is only one generation away from withering and dying. I know of many congregations who are full of faithful godly people, but they are almost entirely aged 60 and over. They might be on fire for Jesus, but if they don’t keep investing in the emerging generation, they are signing their own death warrant. That church will simply cease to exist, as all its faithful members get old and die.

If we want to see people being brought to Christ across the 21st century—and beyond —then we must pour enormous resources into discipling the emerging generation. This is simply not negotiable.

What has been your biggest discovery/ learning from being in ministry so long?

I am one of those really task-oriented people.

Unfortunately, in my haste to get spectacular ministry accomplished, I often overlooked the people who were part of that journey. I think my greatest learning curve has been to realise that every ministry is about PEOPLE. It is people whom Jesus came for; it is people who have real needs; it is people whom Salvation Army founders William and Catherine went into the streets to reclaim. Yes, it’s important to get the job done. But it is people who matter to God and people who should matter to us as well.

Territorial Youth and Children’s Ministries Conference 17–19 July | Living Springs, Christchurch Register you and your crew on Firezone. co.nz today

Count the number of letters in each animal name, and then fit them into the crossword.

Bear, Dog, Frog, Kitten, Parakeet, Octopus, Snail, Tiger, Whale, Zebra.

how many dogs can you see?

Fun4Kids | 23

crazy story

Ask a friend to give you words for each of these, then read them the story you’ve created together. You’ll need to use some of these words a few times.

ANIMAL:

VERB:

FRIEND’S NAME:

ADVERB:

COLOUR:

NOISE:

VERB:

BODY PART:

VERB:

ANOTHER BODY PART:

PLACE:

ADJECTIVE:

FOOD:

NOUN:

HOUSEHOLD ROOM:

PLACE:

ANOTHER COLOUR:

ADJECTIVE:

LIQUID:

NUMBER:

How to Clean Your Pet My pet [ANIMAL] is called [FRIEND’S NAME]. He is [COLOUR]. He loves to [VERB] and [VERB], especially when we go to [PLACE]. But sometimes [FRIEND’S NAME] gets dirty and smells like [FOOD]. That’s when he needs a wash.

To clean [FRIEND’S NAME], I take it to the [HOUSEHOLD ROOM] and wash it with [ANOTHER COLOUR] [LIQUID]. [FRIEND’S NAME] doesn’t like to be washed and will usually [VERB] [ADVERB]. He growls, ‘[NOISE]’ at me for a few minutes, especially when the [LIQUID] gets in his [BODY PART].

Last time I cleaned [FRIEND’S NAME], I got [LIQUID] all over my [ANOTHER BODY PART]. I knew that Mum would be really [ADJECTIVE], so I grabbed a [NOUN] and wiped the [PLACE] with it.

It’s a lot of [ADJECTIVE] work looking after a pet, but we have so much fun together. Next week I’m going to ask Mum if I can get [NUMBER] more!

*

need some help? check out these definitions …

ADJECTIVE describes something or someone: soft, tall, messy …

ADVeRB tells how something is done. It modifies a verb and usually ends in ‘ly’: greedily, carefully, angrily …

NOUN is the name of a person, place or thing: Peter, kitchen, nose … verb is an action word: run, throw, jump … place means any sort of place—a country or city or a room: Fiji, Winton, lounge …

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enjoy going to the zoo to see some of the incredible animals there.

Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs.

(Proverbs 12:10, GNT)

When we have pets at home, we feed them regularly—but not too much or they’ll get fat and unhealthy. We change their water every day. And we make sure they get plenty of exercise.

Let’s Talk We all have favourite animals. Some of us like tiny animals, like mice. Others like cats, especially watching them play.

Some people like dogs, especially when they are well trained. And most of us

If we have animals that live in hutches, like rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens, we want to keep those places clean.

When God created all the animals in the world, he gave us job of ‘ruling’ over them. That didn’t mean bossing them

around or being mean—it meant looking after the animals. Animals help us in lots of ways, so it’s only fair to help them by being kind and thoughful!

Let’s Pray Dear Jesus, thank you for the amazing creatures in our world, especially the animals that some of us keep in our homes. Help us to care for these animals so that they stay safe and healthy. Amen.

I AM I was regretting the past and fearing the future.

Suddenly, my Lord was speaking: My name is I AM. He paused.

I waited. He continued, When you live in the past, with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there.

My name is not I Was. When you live in the future, With its problems and fears, it is hard, I am not there.

My name is not I Will Be. When you live in this moment, It is not hard. I am here.

My name is I AM. H ELEN M A LLICOAT