19 March 2016 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION

19 March 2016 | Issue 6638 | $1.50

KEN’S STORY: OVERCOMING ALCOHOLISM WHAT’S SO IRRESISTABLE ABOUT JESUS? FIJI CYCLONE UPDATE THE GENERAL’S EASTER MESSAGE JORDON FINDS STRENGTH IN GOD IS IT A SOCIAL TURN-OFF TO BE HOLY?

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Kia ora A world changed by Easter 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, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Singh (music reviewer) COVER Photo: Jacob Barratt, Photography: AJ Johnson PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Phone (04) 384 5649 Fax (04) 382 0716 Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0768 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

I’m sure I wasn’t the only person to mutter under their breath (and it wasn’t a quiet mutter) as the first Easter buns and chocolate eggs appeared on supermarket shelves scarcely after the Christmas crackers were removed. I tried to placate myself that this was a good thing for those on tight budgets—that it’s far easier to put a small purchase away each week than have to do a major choc and bun shop in that final payday ahead of Easter.

And yet there is something so special about the Easter weekend that I bristle at the early merchandising of its associated trappings.

Easter marks a crucial moment in human history. Before, we were eking out some pseudo-experience of intimacy with our Maker. But after the agonising death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus, the world is on a different axis altogether.

Humanity now has a guaranteed way to connect with God, and because of Easter we can live free from the power of sin and powered by God’s Holy Spirit. The flow-on effect of that is generation after generation of transformed lives—of people living with hope and purpose, and knowing freedom from guilt and fear.

If you’re not yet convinced of the resurrection power of Christ, I urge you to get along to a church service this Easter.

All Salvation Army churches will be open, and from many years’ experience I can assure you this is a certain way to catch a glimpse of the happiness and peace that Jesus brings.

If you still have questions about the intersection of Jesus with this world—and of Jesus’s relevance for your own life—then ask someone to help you find answers to those questions. I’d also recommend the Alpha Course (www.alpha.org.nz), which is for anyone curious about the Christian faith.

Of course, I will enjoy a few delicious Easter buns and a couple of Easter eggs over Easter weekend. But my greatest enjoyment will come from knowing these symbolise the richness of the life I’ve come to know through meeting and following the risen Jesus.

Christina Tyson

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Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission.

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BY INGRID BARRATT

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BIBLE VERSE 1 Peter 1:3–4 The Message

‘Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!’

Piripa 1:3

‘Kia whakapaingia te Atua, te Matua o tō tātou Ariki, o Īhu Karaiti, nāna nei, nā tāna mahi tohu e nui nei, tātou i whānau hou ai ki te tūmanako ora, i a Īhu Karaiti ka ara ake nei i te hunga mate …’

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WISE WORDS

Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.

Watchman Nee

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understand why people don’t like religion. You don’t have to look very hard to find someone that has been hurt by religion.

Or see some injustice that has been done in the name of religion.

So I understand why many people choose to see Easter not as a sacred space, but as a few days off to enjoy with your family.

Yet as we enter the Easter season I find myself yearning for that sacred space. My heart turns towards something bigger than myself. Because while religion is easy to resist, there is something utterly irresistible about Jesus.

If I am uncomfortably honest, I will admit there are times when I am tempted to free myself of the shackles of the Christian tradition. But it is the one whose name I bear who turns me back again: Jesus Christ. I am a Christian because I love that name.

Those outside my faith tradition might find this strange.

What’s so irresistible about Jesus? The answer is found at Easter. If Easter had never happened, Jesus would have simply been the most profound teacher the world ever saw. But Easter changed the axis of humanity. It changed how we can relate to God. It changed the spiritual realm and the earthly realm.

When Jesus was put to death and then resurrected, he showed the world he was God, and that God had become human to draw all humans to himself. Jesus’ death and resurrection was an act of reconciliation between a Father and his children.

But even from the start, the early Jesus followers battled the forces of religion. Two of the first leaders of the church, Peter and Paul, famously fought over this very issue. Peter was

tempted to take up religious regulations, but Paul passionately argued that anything other than Christ is meaningless. ‘We have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law’ (Galatians 2:16).

It seems that in our human nature, we’re always trying to earn acceptance—through being a ‘good person’, a high achiever, or gaining status through wealth, career, family or fame. Jesus breaks through all our strivings. His message is that we are valued just as we are—we are valuable enough to die for.

And there is nothing more we can do to earn his love.

Religion is the tendency to add extra burdens to God’s love. But where there is condemnation, Jesus brings acceptance.

Where there is turmoil, Jesus brings peace. Where there are rules, Jesus brings freedom. Where there is rejection, Jesus brings acceptance.

And total acceptance is irresistible. If you’ve been hurt by religion, try Jesus instead.

Oh, put the words in my mouth, God To tell the world what you’re really like You’re not some dead God who lives in some building You’re the father of kindness, the son of forgiveness, the spirit who helps me That’s who you are.

Kevin Prosch

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Bookshelf Theology Holy Life Series Samuel L. Brengle Samuel L. Brengle was one the greatest 19th century minds on holiness. This impressive box set brings together all nine of his books in six unabridged volumes. Each is edited for modern readers by longtime Brengle devotee Bob Hostetler.

Titles include: Helps to Holiness (a look at ‘entire sanctification’), The Heart of Holiness, The Servant’s Heart (evangelism advice and Spirit-empowered, loving servanthood), Ancient Prophets and Modern Problems, Come Holy Spirit, and Resurrection Power (holiness empowered by Christ’s death and resurrection). (Crest Books & Wesleyan Publishing)

Playlist

Church Life Already Missional Bradley T. Morrison When a church has an inward focus, the congregation’s survival becomes the mission. But how liberating to instead embrace the truth that worship, programmes, budgets and people are resources to steward for God’s mission in the world! Already Missional aims to help congregations connect with their community, covering topics of opportunity, vision, structure, culture, and the assets of property and finance. A guidebook for church leaders and consultants wanting to engage the treasure of passion, purpose and action that is already a natural part of a congregation’s everyday lives. (morningstarpublishing.net.au)

Holiness Holy!

Peter Brookshaw & Stephen Court Short, punchy and provocative, Holy! explores ‘nine lies, half-truths and outrageous misconceptions about the most radical experience you’ve never lived’, such as holiness ‘is just another word for legalism’.

Salvation Army officers Peter Brookshaw and Stephen Court have written a refreshingly relevant look at holiness for the 21st century.

Holy! would work really well for small groups, as each chapter contains a short summary section on ‘unconventional wisdom’ and ‘chapter chat’ questions. Brookshaw and Court want to get people talking and stir up ‘a desire for living wholly committed to Christ’. (Salvo Publishing)

Reel News

Worship Have It All Bethel Music Have it All is a collection of 15 songs from a variety of artists and worship leaders out of Bethel Church in Redding, California.

It carries Bethel’s now distinct sound: subtlely layered but powerfully building worship songs that articulate very introspective lyrics. There aren’t too many uptempo songs here, but this feels purposeful. Each song builds dynamically enough to maintain musical interest, while also serving to punctuate its tone and themes.

There is a lot of personalised language in the lyrics, but this doesn’t detract from the solid biblical base. A great record and definitely recommended.

Worship Edge of Heaven River Valley Worship River Valley Worship is the musical arm of the River Valley Church in Minnesota. Edge of Heaven is filled with strong, accessible worship anthems and melodies that articulate biblically solid lyrics. The title track explores the ‘holy tension’ of living here in relationship with God, yet knowing that it’s only a glimpse of what’s ahead of us on the other side of eternity. This is a great concept that permeates the record and this track is definitely a highlight of the album’s 11 tracks.

Musically, the record is guitardriven and accentuated by synth lead lines. It’s conventional, but does what it does well. Worth a listen.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of Holy!, tell us an unchangeable truth about holiness.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 04 April.

The Best of Alison Holst winner is: Violet Stevens

Sport/Biography Eddie the Eagle Dexter Fletcher / PG (coarse language & sexual references) If you are a fan of the movie Cool Runnings, you like films based on true stories, or you always root for the underdog, chances are you will enjoy Eddie the Eagle.

The film is based on the real life story of Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, a British skier who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping. Eddie had dreamed of being an Olympian since he was a boy, and after trying various sports (and despite his lack of athletic ability) he stumbled across ski jumping.

What unfolds on the screen is a heart-warming, funny, somewhat cheesy (but totally endearing) movie that has the perfect ’80s soundtrack. Aaron Egerton (of Kingsman: The Secret Service fame) is almost unrecognisable as the socially awkward, very longsighted Eddie. Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken are probably the most well-known co-stars.

This is the story of a boy with a dream who, despite all the critics along the way, chases after that dream and keeps picking himself up when he falls.

And fall he does. If you like watching a good tumble and crash, there’s plenty of that on offer. Eddie steals the hearts of the crowd and media at the 1998 Calgary Winter Olympics.

If it weren’t for the fact that the story is true, you might feel like the creators were on a sugar high when they wrote it. For me—as someone who cries every time I watch Cool Runnings—I found the movie the perfect mix of quirky, ’80s inspirational gold. In cinemas 28 April.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/saresources

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The Way

Back

Ken Hatton was a church-going man, but he had a secret. He was an alcoholic, and his lifestyle as a truck driver only made it worse. Here he tells the story of his long journey to rock bottom, and how he found his way back through Jesus.

Photography: AJ Johnston

AS TOLD TO INGRID BARRATT

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y mum raised me and my sister in the Catholic Church.

My dad was an unbeliever until the bitter end. It wasn’t a harsh upbringing, but Dad was a difficult man to live with. He was a heavy drinker—what we’d call an alcoholic nowadays.

Surprisingly, I kept up my faith right up until I was in my late teens. I have always believed in God, but I had an unhealthy picture of him. I thought he was a stern headmaster, with a cane, a threepiece suit and a book of rules. I was scared of God, actually. But I never doubted he existed.

As soon as I could leave school at the age of 15, I followed my dad’s example. I got my first proper job at the freezing works in Hastings, where I was born and raised. That set the pace for me, working with older men. I was introduced to marijuana and a heavy boozing culture. The guys would use dope before work to get through the day and drink at night. My drinking rapidly went from weekends to every day. From the age of 15, I drank to get drunk.

I also had a love for motorbikes that I still have to this day, and got myself a good bike at quite a young age. So I rode with guys on the fringes of a bike club, and went to their clubhouse and partied with them. These older guys were my role models—they had nice cars, and all the stuff a young guy looks up to. I thought that drinking hard and playing hard was what it meant to be a man.

I still went to church every Sunday, even up to 18 years old. It was mainly a guilt thing, but the Lord was touching my heart along the way.

At that time, too, I met Barbara, who would become my wife.

We met when we were 15. At 18 we started going out and at 23 we got married. To get married in the Catholic Church we had to do a series of classes. We both got a lot out of it, and the priest was a good guy who gave us great advice. My mum also died quite young, and the priest helped us through that. That had a big impact on us.

A new start Barbara and I travelled around New Zealand on our honeymoon and ended up in Tauranga. We really liked it, so decided we would make a life for ourselves there. By this time I had my heavy traffic license and was building a career as a truck driver. It was a new start for us.

When we had our first daughter, Barbara and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this gift we had been given.

That’s when we decided to look for a church that was Bible-based, so we started attending The Salvation Army Corps (church) in Tauranga. They welcomed us with open arms, and we just loved it from day one. We had two daughters by now, and got involved in children’s ministries. I drove a van around the ‘rough’ areas of Tauranga, picking up kids for Sunday school.

But I still had my vice. I took a nightshift job in trucking that gave me a lot of freedom, and my addiction got much worse. Some of the things I got away with would make your hair curl. It was part of the trucking culture. We had pubs that we called the ‘unofficial depot’, where we’d go between jobs. Sometimes you’d be waiting for five or six hours for your next job to come in—and you can imagine how much alcohol you can consume in that time! The older guys had been doing it all their lives and they set a hard pace.

Rock bottom I was still an active dad and made sure I was home for dinner every night. We became adherents at church and even did a couple of soldiership (membership) classes. But, of course, I knew what was coming if I became a soldier—promising not to drink alcohol

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again—so I never went through with it. I was involved with Recovery Church, which is for people with addictions, but I wasn’t taking it on board for my own life.

The only way I can describe it is that the drink got the better of me. One time I had been up drinking and only had two hours’ sleep.

I crashed my truck into the back of a trailer and damaged the cab quite badly. I went to my boss and said, ‘I need help.’ And he said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it, you’ll be right.’ I was back at work the next day.

I don’t know whether anger made me drink, or drink made me angry, but I became a very bitter man.

Although I always had a close relationship with my girls, I neglected my marriage. Barbara describes alcohol as my mistress. I spent weekends working on our lifestyle block, with a bottle in my hand. At night I would drink in the shed, while Barbara was inside.

On more than one occasion I woke up at 3 am, having passed out in the shed.

I was always angry. Even as a boy, I was known to have a temper. And I don’t know whether anger made me drink, or drink made me angry, but I became a very bitter man. Many times when I got pulled up by the Police while I was driving, I got so riled up I would end up in handcuffs.

The only time I didn’t drink was on Sunday morning, because I knew others would be able to smell it on my breath at church.

My rock bottom came just after I got a new job. I got a supervisor’s position and I felt pretty pleased with myself. I had more flexibility, so one Friday afternoon I decided to leave at 1 pm, and went out drinking.

It was really stormy and I had decided to take my vintage bike —because as a drunk, my rationale was that the cops weren’t as likely to pull me over. By six at night, I was staggering drunk. I tried to get some fish and chips to take home as an apology. But some members of the public wrestled my keys off me and called the Police.

I got processed and ended up spending the night in the cells.

Meanwhile, my wife and daughter were up until 2 am, desperate with worry—they knew I would be out drinking, and they knew I would be driving my vintage motorbike drunk on a stormy night. Finally they called the Police, who told them I was in the cells.

The sheer stupidity of what I had done finally hit home. And I felt horrible about how selfish I was to leave my wife and child sick with worry about me. I went home to Barbara and said, ‘This has to stop.’

The Way Back I made contact with our corps officers, Stephen and Denise Crump, and revealed the secret I had been keeping. They were completely supportive and handled our situation with total integrity. They talked to us about the next steps—I was already involved in Recovery Church, which helped—and I asked for counselling.

The next Monday, I went to my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I knew straight away that I was with people who understood what I was going through. All I could see was a long life ahead of me without drinking—I worried about my sister’s 50th birthday coming up and getting through Christmas. But AA gave me some basic tools like ‘one day at a time’ and ‘don’t pick up the

first drink’. I felt I could follow these basic rules.

It’s a journey and I’m a slow learner. But one day at a time, that’s how you do it. I could only get through the day by handing it all over to God every day, and all through the day. The Bible tells us to pray constantly—and that’s something I tried to do and still do today. My prayers changed from ‘God help me’, to ‘God, teach me how to build a relationship with you.’

That’s when God started to change my perspective of him.

In the Old Testament I read about how much God loved the Israelites, and even though they kept throwing it in his face, God was still faithful to them. I felt like the Israelites. All my life I had tested God, and in his love for me he had been faithful, and even protected me from myself.

By doing it one day at a time, I was able to get through the early challenges. I hated going out with my biker friends and not drinking, so I gave it up and kept the bike in the shed for a while.

At my sister’s 50th birthday, I didn’t drink—but I still got up and did karaoke and had a good time. No one believed that I wasn’t drunk. I offered to drive the others home, but no one would come; they didn’t trust that I hadn’t been drinking.

I heard so much sorrow in AA from people who had lost their family and ruined relationships through drink. I could have been in the same situation, but God protected me from that. I could have killed people through drink-driving, but by God’s grace I never hurt anyone.

a 40-hour-a-week job. I rock up to work and do my job, without resenting my employees. I’ve got this freedom—and the guys at work have said, ‘I want what Ken’s got.’

Not my will In May this year, I will be six years sober. I’m still a work in progress—there are still people I need to make amends to and I did a lot of damage to my family. But it’s improving every day. Barbara has helped me so much in my recovery.

I tell people at AA that you can’t get well just by following the rules. You have to surrender your life to God. For me, when I think about Jesus, I think about his complete surrender to God. The word that comes to mind is ‘obedience’. It makes me almost weep when I think of Jesus, the night before his death, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, ‘God, not my will, but yours be done.’

That kind of surrender to God is what brings life. Jesus had to die, to rise again and gain victory. It’s the same with all of us. I had to completely die to myself—my addiction, my will—to find freedom from the drink. And to find the personal relationship with Jesus that brings true freedom.

I used to try and earn brownie points with God, but now I know he’s always on my side.

All my life I had tested God, and in his love for me he had been faithful, and even protected me from myself.

Handing it over The first year of my recovery was awesome. I had climbed out of a pit. I got involved in serving others, and became more involved in Recovery Church. After six months sober, I told my story at Recovery Church for the first time.

The second year of my recovery I was really angry. I didn’t want to drink, but I was really angry that I couldn’t drink. I realised that I had been ‘white-knuckling’ it—I had been trying to stay sober by my own willpower, and it was making me angry. So I started really working the 12 Steps of AA. I started making amends and ‘keeping my side of the street swept clean’. Each night, to this day, I reflect on my day and make amends where I need to.

Most of all, I realised I could not do it in my own strength.

I always—as soon as I wake up—hand my will and my life over to God. I can only remember once not doing that, and I had a terrible day.

Whether it’s a work situation, or a customer who is unpleasant, everything has become the Lord’s, not mine, to deal with.

Consequently, life has got really good. I have found my peace, and I’m very rarely in a bad mood.

When I was finally ready to fully hand my will over to God, I signed my soldiership papers, meaning that I became part of The Salvation Army.

Barbara and I moved to Lower Hutt last year, after 29 years in Tauranga, to be closer to our daughters and two grandchildren.

We have found a vibrant church family at Upper Hutt Salvation Army Corps.

After years working long truck-driving shifts, I’ve finally got

Do you drink or take drugs more than you’d like?

Is this affecting your finances?

Is this affecting your work?

Is this affecting your relationships?

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Lifestyle | 09

HEALTH

LIFESTYLE

The Bun or the Egg?

Make Easter ‘All About You’

Q&A The Church Has Hurt Me

Wanting some ‘me time’ these holidays? Here’s why it’s okay to make Easter all about you.

For most of us, our childhood memories of Easter revolve in a rather unbalanced way around chocolate. When you’re a kid, you accept the bounty bestowed on you, and Easter is all about you.

We answer your burning health question this Easter: what should I eat more of, hot cross buns or Easter eggs?

Last year, supermarket chain Countdown estimated it sold half a million loose chocolate eggs over the Easter period. But not to be outdone, hot cross buns appear even more popular, with an estimated 11 million sold by Countdown.

So what’s healthier, the sweet-chocolatey-sensation, or the chewy-carboverload-of-goodness?

Hot cross buns have dried fruit, a natural alternative to sugar. Their biggest edge is the cinnamon content, which has many anti-oxidant properties! But all that white flour has little nutritional value, and an average hot cross bun about 1070 kilojoules—which takes over 8000 steps to burn off.

At first sight, chocolate would appear to be the bigger baddie of Easter, but in fact, because of the large variety of eggs available, it can be easier to make good choices. If you choose dark chocolate, you’ll consume less sugar and more antioxidants. And you can control your portions more easily— while a large Easter egg could be around 2928 kj, an average marshmallow egg is a relatively modest 433 kj.

There are a lot of really bad quality, mass produced Easter eggs out there that are essentially a palm oil and sugar cocktail. But you can choose a smaller portion of higher quality chocolate that will treat your tastebuds and your health nicely.

For a healthier Easter, don’t concentrate on what but how much you eat.

And you can pass on the value of moderation to your children. Use smaller eggs and non-food treats in your Easter hunt, and encourage kids to eat a little of their chocolate each day. Include ‘bunny snacks’ in your festive menu—with carrot sticks or using vegetables to make a bunny face. Use real eggs in creative ways. Or make your own chocolatey sensations.

But when you become an adult, it’s not as socially acceptable to lose your composure over chocolate. You stop hiding your Easter egg stash from your family (although, there is a good argument for maintaining this practice, but we digress), and become a little more reflective.

Many people know Easter is a sacred time in the Christian calendar. It’s a time when we remember Jesus Christ, who was God in human form. We remember that he was put to death by crucifixion. We recall the historychanging moment when Jesus miraculously came back to life. And what we find is that the deeper, truer, real meaning of Easter is still all about you.

‘Jesus lived in our challenging, abusive, hurt-filled world for me. He died a brutal death, at the hands of hateful people for me. He defeated death and lives on, for me,’ says Diane Markins of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

The deeper truth of Easter is that Jesus lived and died in order to restore our relationship with God—as a species, as his creation. But also, as you —the unique, individual ‘you’ that God knows and loves.

Here’s a wonderful way to indulge in the bounty of Easter with some ‘me time’: save a special Easter egg just for yourself. Sit somewhere quietly. Open the egg. Take a bite and enjoy it. Ask yourself: What does this symbol of new life say to me?

Take another bite. Enjoy it. Ask Jesus: Lord, what do you have to say to me?

Take another bite. Enjoy it. Sit back and allow God’s voice to speak to you. Accept the bounty God has chosen to give you—just because he loves you.

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer; Death is strong, but Life is stronger; Stronger than the dark, the light; Stronger than the wrong, the right ... Phillips Brooks

Don’t go without this Easter, simply don’t go all out.

Carrot and Mushroom Loaf Everyone likes this loaf! Team it with mashed potatoes, green beans or broccoli and cubed pumpkin or baked tomatoes | Serves 4 1 medium-sized onion 1–2 cloves garlic 2 Tbsp oil or butter 200g mushrooms 1 tsp basil ½ tsp thyme ½ tsp salt freshly ground black pepper 3 cups grated carrot (400g) ½ cup dried breadcrumbs ½ cup grated cheese ½ cup milk 2 eggs 2 Tbsp dried breadcrumbs (extra) 2 Tbsp grated cheese (extra) paprika

Finely chop onion and garlic, then cook in oil or butter until onion is soft. Add sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until these have softened.

Transfer mixture to medium-sized bowl, then add the next 9 ingredients. Mix well, then pour into a non-stick sprayed loaf tin. (Line the long sides and bottom of tin with a strip of baking paper, if you think it might stick.)

Sprinkle with the remaining measure of breadcrumbs and cheese, and dust lightly with paprika.

Cover tin with foil and bake at 180˚C for 30 mins. Then uncover and cook for a further 30 mins or until centre is firm when pressed.

From The Ultimate Vegetarian Collection by Alison & Simon Holst. Go to www.holst.co.nz

I recently found out some people at my church have been talking behind my back. I feel really disappointed and wonder, ‘Is it still worth being a Christian?’

Being hurt by people in your church community is a particularly painful betrayal. Church should be a safe place where you can be vulnerable, knowing you will still be loved and accepted. After all, our whole faith is based on the fact that we are sinners, and all need the grace of Jesus. So who of us can judge?

But, sadly, that is also the problem.

We are all sinners. We find ourselves disappointed and hurt by fellow Christians because we are imperfect.

It’s been like this since the beginning of the church. Paul, the early church leader, constantly had to rebuke the first Christians for their bad behaviour, including gossiping and lying and everything in between. As an antidote, he urged the believers to ‘be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love’ (Ephesians 4:2–3).

To ‘bear with one another’ doesn’t mean you ignore the injustice you have suffered. But it may mean you approach those who have hurt you with a spirit of forgiveness, rather than anger. In humility, let them know that you have been hurt—this will give you a chance to work through the pain, rather than walking away from it.

Testify Moving into a flat with three unknown young people changed Bobbie Farrer’s life.

I used to be one of those people that thought, ‘Being a Christian, that’s for you, but it’s not for me.’

But that changed when I moved into a flat after my marriage broke up and my mum died.

There were three people there: Mitch Campbell was 22, Jono, his brother, was 18 and Chantelle was 18. I had never met any of them before I moved in, and I met them when I was very low —not in a good space. We would talk, and Mitch and Olivia (now Mitch’s wife) really helped me.

Mitch kept inviting me to church at The Salvation Army and showed me a video about how Jesus changed his life. He and the others didn’t hassle me so much as take the time to talk to me.

It was a big transition for me, living with young people. The way I look at it, I went in and I started cleaning up the house, but they started cleaning up my life. One Saturday night Mitch invited me to church again and this time I said, ‘Okay, I’ll give it a go. I’ll come tomorrow.’ Once I was there, I thought, ‘This is not too bad.’ And I’ve never looked back. I have been going to church at The Salvation Army for about three and a half years.

But it was a service about a month and a half later that really changed my life. It was about giving your problems to God. We each had a stone representing our problems and were encouraged to

I wrote out my CV and application letter on Sunday, because it had to be in by Monday, and within two weeks I was getting ready to take up the role.

I believe this job is where I need to be. It’s very full-on managing a Family Store, demanding and challenging, but you have your rewards knowing you’re helping people.

Being a Family Store manager is like its own ministry. You’re working with paid staff and volunteers. I also work with the Kilbirnie Police, helping people going through community service.

It’s juggling retail and taking time to care for the team.

We have a board at the store showing how many people we’ve been able to help each month with the money raised. I just wanted the community to know what we do and know the money we’re making is going back into the community.

I started cleaning up the house, but they started cleaning up my life.

Let’s Talk

When you do this, something quite mysterious happens. It allows good to come out of a bad situation. You’ll become part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem—by modelling the type of love and acceptance that we all need from our church community.

Transform Lives #RunAlpha

This path will lead to a deepening and maturing of your faith. ‘Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ’ (Ephesians 4:15).

Jesus died for all sins—the sins we have committed and the sins committed against us. Instead of walking away from Christianity, choose to forgive your fellow believers as you have been forgiven.

Then you’ll truly be living like Jesus.

put it at the foot of a large wooden cross. I was thinking, ‘Legs don’t fail me now!’, because all I wanted to do was to go and do it—but I couldn’t get up.

I spoke to Mitch about it and he said, ‘We’ll do it next week.’

Mitch and Olivia and I did that and then I turned to our corps officer (pastor) and said, ‘It’s time for me to give my life to God.’ About six months after I started going to church I became an adherent at Johnsonville Corps.

That year I also did an Alpha Course. It was empowering.

Alpha weekends in particular are amazing! Since then I’ve been trained and have helped facilitate some Alpha courses.

I have worked in retail for about 20 years and one Friday night Olivia Facebooked me with a link for a job ad to become the Miramar Salvation Army Family Store Manager. She said, ‘You need to apply for this!’

I would like: to explore what it means to follow Jesus information about Salvation Army worship and activities prayer for the following needs:

NAME: ADDRESS:

#RunAlpha alpha.org.nz

Please post to: War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

10 | WarCry 05 March 2016

Close Up | 11

SUDOKU

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Advice

Difficulty Medium

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How to Stop Whining Kids

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Kids start whining from about the age of four, and it generally drives parents mad. If that high-pitched little voice is testing your patience these holidays, read on …

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BY GENERAL ANDRÉ COX

Our Victory Won at Easter

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.

An Easter message from The Salvation Army’s international leader, General André Cox

QUICK QUIZ 1 What three countries have new teams in the Super Rugby Competition?

2 Who voices the lead character in Kung Fu Panda 3?

3 What is Lee Tamahori’s first film made in NZ since Once Were Warriors?

4 In which city is the TV series Arrow set?

5 What type of bird is a kākāriki?

6 How long can the President of the USA hold office for?

7 In what sport is Rich Froning Jnr the most successful athlete?

8 How many electrons in a Hydrogen (H) atom?

9 Who won their first Oscar in 2016, nominated five times previously?

10 Who in the Bible looked out the window and was ashamed to see her husband dancing in the street?

Whining seems to be an instinctive way of communicating that starts when children are about three or four. Toddlers have tantrums, but as children develop and learn a bit more restraint their meltdowns give way to more insipid whining. The purpose is the same: to get your attention in a way you can’t avoid. We’re programmed to respond to their whining, just as we’re programmed to respond to a baby’s cry.

So that’s why they do it, and that’s why it drives us crazy. But by teaching your child more mature ways to communicate, you can alleviate the level of whining.

Try to react to the need they are expressing, rather than the whining, says clinical psychologist Dr Laura Markham.

Here are some common reasons children whine and some suggestions to counter this most annoying habit …

• Unmet needs: If you’re out shopping and your child gets hungry and tired, you’ll get a whiny child. So you may just need to stop and meet their basic needs for food, rest, down time, run-around time or connection with you.

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

• They need to connect: Pre-empt whining by giving your child enough attention so they don’t need to ask for it.

Don’t think that by giving them attention you are rewarding their whining—connection is a basic human need and your child won’t function well without it.

• They are feeling powerless: As author Lawrence Cohen writes, ‘When children whine they are feeling powerless … If we give in so they will stop whining, we reward that powerlessness. But if we playfully invite them to use a strong voice, we increase their sense of confidence and competence. And we find a bridge back to close connection.’

You can playfully say, ’You don’t sound like yourself. I wonder where your usual strong voice went? I love your strong voice!’

• They don’t know how else to communicate: You want your child to learn that they can be heard by managing their emotions, seeing things from the other person’s point of view, and setting up win/win situations. (And of course, that’s what you always try to model.)

So, allow them to negotiate with you. If they are whining because they want to go to the playground, you could say, ‘Ok, I need to go to the supermarket.

So can you help me be quick so we have time to go to the playground?’

• They need to cry: Your child might have a lot of pent-up emotions and need to let off steam. Draw them into your lap and say, ‘Do you just need to cuddle and maybe cry a bit? Everybody needs to cry sometimes. I’m right here to hold you.’

Source: www.ahaparenting.com

Around the world on Easter morning, many Christians will gather for a sunrise service in which the proclamation will be made: ‘He is risen!’

What a glorious celebration Easter Sunday represents for each one of us! God, in raising Christ, has broken the power of sin and set us free. God, in raising Christ, has established a sure eternal future for each one of us.

The chorus to Robin and Bill Wolaver’s song ‘Make His Praise Glorious’ says, Shout with joy to God all the earth, sing glory to his name.

Tell aloud his marvellous worth, his righteousness proclaim. Glory and honour and blessing and power be unto the Lord! Come and let us make his praise glorious.

As we celebrate the reality and the glory of the risen Christ, our hearts are filled with praise and worship as we gain new insight and understanding of God’s eternal purposes and his plan of salvation for the world.

For many people, religion is nothing more than an intellectual philosophy—something that we do only on special occasions or in a specific context which, sadly, has no bearing on the way that we live and act in our lives.

Sadly, too easily we can miss the point, for the whole message of Easter tells about life-changing power. It is not about philosophy or religion; it is about a personal relationship with God, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross!

Paul, writing to the Colossians, says, ‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory’ (3:1-3).

Our relationship with Christ and his life within us enables us to look at things from a different perspective. Christ has become the centre of focus for our lives. It is far more than going through the motions, observing rituals and spiritual disciplines.

Things of this world are viewed with a different perspective, and this profoundly changes the way that we think and act. Here, Paul deals with the very practical matter of how men and women who have been reconciled with God should live.

It is as our spiritual eyes are opened that we gain ever more

understanding of God’s eternal purposes and through faith we truly begin to experience triumph over darkness and despair.

Through the eyes of faith we have a greater understanding of God’s redemptive plan for the world as we find it in the gospel message: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son’ (John 3:16-18).

… the whole message of Easter tells about life-changing power …

We are destined to be people of victory, not despair.

Sadly, in this world we do experience times of sorrow, loss of faith and despair. That, however, should not be the Christian norm!

Sometimes we, like Mary, can look in the wrong place—‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’ (Luke 24:5).

Do we, at times, seek the Lord in places where he is not? We have all known what it is like to be burdened, weighed down with worry and care, not always realising that Jesus is actually with us!

We are, or should be, people with a resurrection gospel to proclaim.

We are, ourselves, resurrection people; people who have experienced life-giving transformation in a personal encounter with the risen Christ. People experiencing the power and presence of the risen Christ in our lives! We are on the winning team. Do you believe it?

We are destined to be people of victory, not despair. Christ’s death on the cross and his resurrection on that first Easter morning broke, once and for all, the power and domination of sin. Christ’s resurrection broke the chains of death and darkness. That remains true today, no matter what we may see and experience in this world.

We are called to experience for ourselves the power and victory of the resurrection in our everyday lives. Let us lift up our heads and live as people who daily experience the victory that was won for us at Calvary!

Quick quiz answers: 1 Argentina (Jaguares) Japan (Sunwolves) South Africa (Kings), 2 Jack Black (Po), 3 Mahana, 4 Starling City, 5 A New Zealand parakeet, 6 10 years/two full terms (unless through order of succession then an extra 2 years), 7 Crossfit (crowned fittest man on earth 2011-2014), 8 One (it has one electron, one proton and no neutrons), 9 Leonardo Dicaprio (The Revenant, best performance by an actor in a leading role), 10 Michal, wife of David (2 Samuel 6:16).

19 March 2016 WarCry | 13

‘officers’ kid Jordon’, but out of youth group around people who didn’t go there I was ‘the other Jordon’.

Some people tried to help, but I didn’t want help and often they only tried once. I was in the mind-set where what I was doing was okay—the people I was hanging round with all thought it was okay.

I was in Year 12 when my parents found out.

My brother’s girlfriend, now his wife, said something to them and they went through my room and found everything. It was a low moment, but it was also a relief. At the time I thought everyone hated me, but they showed they cared and still loved me and wanted to help.

Some bad choices led Jordon Malcolm down a dark road, now he’s trying to inspire others that there is a way out.

I grew up a Salvation Army officers’ kid and spent time in Upper Hutt, Masterton, Waihi, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. When I was in Year 8 we moved to Hamilton and I was there for five and a half years. Some people think being an officers’ kid means you’re going to be a Christian, but I’ve had my times when I wasn’t. When I got to the stage where I could choose about going to church and being a Christian things got interesting.

In Hamilton, I was hanging round with not the greatest sort of people. I got involved with drugs and alcohol and not the greatest sort of lifestyle. It was in Year 10 that I started with marijuana, and then I got hooked on legal highs, synthetics, when they were legal. I wouldn’t wish those on anyone—they changed me a lot. My mum said to me one day, ‘Where’s the Jordon I used to know?’

I’m a person who has a caring heart, who cared about people, and I turned into a person that no one would want to be. I turned into a person who was angry all the time.

It was a yo-yo situation. I would go to camps and say, ‘I’m going to stop’, and then I’d come back and get back into it. I would go out on Saturday night and come to church hungover.

That happened a lot—probably most Sundays.

I was quite good at hiding it at youth group.

It was like wearing a mask. They knew me as

In August 2011 I moved to Christchurch. I was always good with my hands and Mum said, ‘There’s a fitting, turning and toolmaking course down in Christchurch.’ So, I moved down here and trained as a toolmaker and then did an engineering apprenticeship. I moved to get away from it all, but it turned out I wasn’t really getting away, because going to Polytech all the people I was going to tech with were into the same stuff and it started again. This was still while I was going to church every Sunday and pretending. Going to church was just habit.

I was living with my best mate who was doing drugs as well, and I had a girlfriend who was too. Then she cheated on me with him and that sent me into a deep spiral. I got to the stage where I probably wanted to kill myself. That’s when I joined a gym, which was a release, but it didn’t solve the other things that were happening in my life.

Joining the gym started as a way for Jordon to get some relief from some of the turmoil of his life, but he ended up with a new passion as a power lifter … and new insights into body image.

At first, the gym was a way to have some me time. I didn’t have to focus on anything but picking up that weight and putting it down.

Then I stumbled across powerlifting one day on the internet and now I just want to lift crazy weights.

At school I was never the strongest. I was one of those big guys who wasn’t strong, but everyone had this view of me that because I was big I might beat them up. Throughout high school I hated the way I looked. My parents tried to get me into the gym and it worked for

One day I was in the garage yelling and screaming at God. I was having a good argument, not calling him the greatest of names. Then it was weird, I just felt this peace, like God took it all off me and I was able to start again, start afresh. I thought, ‘I’m not going to let this get me down.’

Getting off the drugs was hard, but it was worth it. Life without God was just so dark and so down. It felt like it had no purpose. With God in my life, I feel so much more alive and happy—I have something to live for.

If I hadn’t gone through all this, my faith probably wouldn’t be like it is now: knowing that God is always there, always loves me, isn’t going to judge me and will forgive me.

It was after that I put my hand up to be a leader with the youth group. I feel called to help young people who are going through what I went through. I just want to show them that you can come through this and to help people find their passion with God and their purpose.

The first time I gave my testimony in church it was hard. So often people just see other people’s highs, but if people who are having lows can identify with you and see someone who has changed, it might help them think: ‘If they can do it, I can too!’

Everyone has their own struggles and battles, but I’d say, ‘This may be hard, but there is a way to get through that. You might think this is the end of the world, but you can get through it—it will be alright.’

Without God I felt empty, but with him life is so much better.

about six months and then I stopped.

Sometimes body image is a taboo thing to discuss in church, but if we don’t talk about it then people won’t understand that it is okay to talk about. Guys can be just as bad as girls in not liking the way they look and wanting to change it.

I always wanted to be smaller and I probably did go to the gym to try and change the way I was, but I have now learnt to understand my body and my body type. When I started I was 130 kgs. I got down to 96 kgs and I’m back up to 115 kgs. I have figured out now that I will never be small—this is my body type.

I haven’t got it all figured out, I still have moments of looking in the mirror and wishing I could change, but the most important thing is

that you need to learn to love the way you are!

You learn that it’s okay to be bigger than that guy or smaller than that guy.

Doing powerlifting helps—having a sport that makes the most of my body. I made the decision that I don’t care if I’m skinny or a bit chubby, I just want to lift weights. I’m in love with it. Hopefully, one day I want to be known as one of New Zealand’s best powerlifters.

I just competed in my first competition and I came in the top 10, so that was a good start.

And I can already lift more than my dad (who’s also into powerlifting), so that’s good.

And faith definitely helps, because God doesn’t care how you look or how strong you are or how weak you are. He makes you in his image.

New Resource Aims to Connect Young People with God at Easter This year, Bible Society is distributing a cool new resource all about Easter for young people.

The five-panel handout (kinda like an accordion!) presents the Easter story in a new way through unique artwork and first person ‘stories’. It tells the Easter story from the perspectives of four lesser-known characters: the servant girl who caught out Peter in the courtyard, Pilate who conducted Jesus’ trial, the Centurion (a Roman officer) at the cross and Thomas, the disciple that doubted Jesus was resurrected.

Bible Society will distribute this handout free to more than 12,000 youth at Easter Camps—so hopefully you’ll get your hands on one!

Bible Society Programme Director Stephen Opie says, ‘Interacting with the Easter story through these creative reflections and unique pieces of art, youth will be able to develop a 360-degree view of what the biblical scenes might have looked and felt like. It will help them imagine themselves in the story, to see and feel what was going on.’

One of the four artists, Morgan Lee, shared what it was like coming up with her design for the servant girl who witnessed Peter’s denial of Christ. Although Morgan was brought up in the Christian faith, she says her experiences and situations in life led her away from God. But by working on this design she found a connection in the Bible story, and particularly her character, that relates to life today.

‘Working on this illustration for Bible Society has made me more aware on the impact of God in people’s lives, especially the younger generation. Initially, working on a Bible story was a little difficult as I found I needed to really examine something I hadn’t focused on in many years. Yet after talking to friends and family who were aware of the Bible story, I was able to reflect on and relate to how the servant girl was feeling.’

The lines emanating from the servant girl represent the ‘disarray of thoughts and emotions she would have been feeling at the time.’

Morgan believes the servant girl’s story and the confusion she felt could help young people connect the story to their own lives and to deeper inner emotions within themselves.

It’s a pretty sweet resource and a cool way to get into the Easter story this year. Each character that is explored helps bring a new perspective to a story we may all know so well, and the artwork really enhances these. Plus there’s some handy questions to ask yourself or in a group to help you dig deeper.

Bible Society’s new Easter resource will be distributed for free at the Easter camps Salvation Army youth will be attending: Baptist Northern (Mystery Creek, Hamilton), Canterbury Youth Service’s Southern (Christchurch) and Central Division Easter Camp. Check it out and get into it!

WELLINGTON ARTIST MORGAN LEE (26) USED A ‘DRIPPING ART’ TECHNIQUE WHERE THE PAINT ROLLS AND FLOWS AIMLESSLY AROUND THE PAPER. ‘IT’S A TECHNIQUE I LOVE BECAUSE IT’S UNCONTROLLED AND UNDEFINED,’ SHE SAID.

Our Community | 15

Devastation, Resilience and Service Follow Fiji Cyclone The Salvation Army has stepped up its response after Cyclone Winston devastated large parts of Fiji on 20 February. The Army has been at work in Fiji for 43 years, which aided its ability to respond. ‘Gratitude for the hard work of our people is opening doors everywhere, and our work is impacting many people’s lives,’ reports Divisional Commander Major David Noakes.

‘Salvationists are responding to the devastation of Cyclone Winston with equanimity and unshaken faith,’ he says. ‘Some have lost homes. Others have been concerned over loved ones on remote islands with which all contact was lost. Beyond the initial emotions of shock and trauma there is a strong current of wanting to help the Army’s relief effort. Fijians are very resilient people and resourceful. The words of Habbakuk ring true of the Fijian spirit: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food … yet I will rejoice in the Lord.

‘We want to do the very best we can for the 13 remote villages the Fiji Government has assigned to our care. These are very isolated villages in the Ra Province, at least five hours’ drive from Suva. We opened our newest corps at Rakiraki, in the Ra Province, in January.

We are also responding to needs from our cyclone emergency shelters in Savusavu and Ba, as well as in Tavua and on Ovalau Island. We hope to provide enough assistance for people to rebuild their homes, plant crops and regain their independence and equilibrium.’

On the island of Taveuni, the officers’ quarters was badly damaged.

Despite the trauma experienced by their children, Corps Officers Lieutenants Sekaia and Karalaini Rabuli were committed to staying and carrying on with the Army’s work. They believed journeying with and serving the people of Taveuni would build strong relationships and a solid future foundation for the corps’ future ministry.

In the Ra Province, The Salvation Army was providing food, water and tarpaulins, and distributing clothes. A group of young Salvation Army men was also helping people clean and repair their homes.

With many schools damaged and some destroyed, children were becoming bored, says Major Noakes. On 5 March, the Army started providing psycho-social support to children, with New Zealanders Alana Le Pine (Upper Hutt) and Tracey Boon (Sydenham) travelling to Fiji to assist. Teams of four officers were being sent from around Fiji to support the recovery effort, with each team replaced after five days to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. All officers in Fiji have received training in trauma counselling and empathetic listening by Empower Pacific as part of the Army’s cyclone preparedness.

In Ba, most people had moved out of the Army’s evacuation centre as they began to repair their own homes, but around 40 to 50 people were still being fed at the corps each evening. The Salvation Army was distributing tarpaulins and ropes and supplying safe drinking water.

The Salvation Army was also providing food and water in Tavua for around 100 people, using the officers’ house as its base of operations.

Local Salvationists were providing pastoral support for adults in all affected regions. There was a lot of opportunity to minister in prayer, with the Christian faith offering great comfort to many Fijiians.

‘We are very conscious of the prayers and concern of Kiwi and Tongan Salvationists for their Fijian counterparts,’ says Major Noakes.

‘The connections between our three nations run deep and we want to thank Salvationists in New Zealand and Tonga for the myriad of ways they are supporting, empathising and reaching out to us at this time.

Many parts of Fiji were not badly affected by the cyclone, but our corps at Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Saweni, Savusavu and Taveuni have all been in the direct path of the cyclone’s fury. These Salvationists in particular need our love, support and intercession.’

Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson, and Colonels Barbara and Willis Howell travelled to Fiji on 1 March. Colonel Barbara Howell then remained in Fiji to assist with the Army’s response.

‘Three impressions are vividly fixed in my mind: devastation, resilience and service,’ says Commissioner Robert Donaldson.

‘The devastation of flattened buildings, snapped trees and ruined possessions scattered, and mile upon mile of downed power poles and lines. Amongst the devastation are the resilient people of Fiji, picking up the pieces, supporting each other and expressing gratitude for survival. And, in the midst of the devastation and the people are the Salvationists of Fiji, who despite personal loss and suffering are serving, helping, caring, supporting and expressing the love of God through word and action.’

16 | WarCry 19 March 2016

Our Community | 17

Rehearsals and More at National Youth Band and Brass Academy Camp

Waitangi weekend saw members of the National Youth Band (NYB) and the Brass Academy gather at Silverstream Retreat for a weekend of fun and fellowship through brass. Opening with auditions, the standard was set high and the campers then settled in for a weekend of intense and productive brass rehearsal.

Lieut-Colonel Rod Carey (Territorial Secretary for Programme) thanked outgoing NYB executive officers Majors Graeme and Lynne Medland for their three years of service. The Medlands were acknowledged for the significant changes made to the NYB’s entry criteria during their tenure, which made the band an even more accessible avenue of ministry for young people. Captain Chris Collings was welcomed as the NYB’s new executive officer.

2016 is a big year for the NYB. The band will undertake a 10-day trip to Australia from 22 April to 1 May, where it will have the privilege of marching in the Melbourne Anzac Day parade. With this tour ahead, as well as a commitment to the upcoming Congress, the band wasted no time in getting down to work. Two full days of rehearsals saw members work through a large musical repertoire.

A highlight of the weekend camp was the inclusion of almost 40 brass academy students and tutors. These students enjoyed separate rehearsals and joined with the NYB on Saturday morning.

Fifteen academy students were from the Just Brass programme in Christchurch. Just Brass originated in Melbourne and was adopted by

Christchurch City Corps after the city’s major earthquakes. Used as a missional tool, the programme focuses on making musical education accessible to children from low-decile schools. It also aims to teach skills and discipline to benefit them in later life. The Just Brass contingent was thrilled to be at the camp. For many, it was their first time travelling out of Christchurch.

The weekend wasn’t all about rehearsing, though. Practices were interspersed with games and activities like ten-pin bowling and Laser Strike. Campers were also able to enjoy a great hangout space and take part in an intense lip-sync competition on Saturday night.

The most important focus over the rehearsal camp was on the spiritual development of campers. Ben Maxwell from the Territorial Youth Department led the campers through two ‘God Spot’ devotional sessions, and gave space for campers to consider the spiritual and missional aspects of being in an evangelical band. On Sunday morning, Captain Chris Collings spoke about the nature of worship, and campers were challenged by how expansive and varied worship to God can be— extending even to playing sports together during the morning service!

As the weekend came to an end, there was a great feeling of accomplishment and contentment. Many new friends were made, discussions of eternal significance held, and the importance of this particular form of investment into the territory’s young people was underlined.

GAZETTE Appointment Effective 25 Feb: Mjr Andrew Hay, Assistant to the National Director, Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services.

Promotions Effective 1 April: Further to notification of the promotion to Lieut-Colonel of Mjr David Bateman when he becomes Territorial Secretary for Business Administration), International Headquarters has also approved the promotion of Mjr Margaret Bateman to the rank of Lieut-Colonel. Effective 24 Feb: Capt Byoungsun Kim and Capt Yoonhee Park (Corps Officer, Auckland City Korean Corps) to the rank of major.

Retirement Comms Alistair and Astrid Herring, currently serving in Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services as National Director and National Mission Director respectively, entered retirement on 31 March, having completed 41 years and 2 months’ service as officers.

Commissioned on 23 Jan 1975 in the Followers of Christ Session, the Herrings were appointed to Westport Corps. They then held a variety of appointments, including corps planting in Alexandra

(1980–84) and Auckland East City Corps (1988–89), the Training College (1977–80), and social service appointments at Hodderville Boys’ Residence (1984–87) and Auckland South (1989–91).

In Jan 1993, after study leave in which he gained a Diploma in Social Work, Comm Alistair Herring was appointed Community and Family Services Director, Wellington, with Comm Astrid, having gained a Certificate in Social Work, appointed Liaison Officer for National Council of Women and Assistant Community and Family Services. Astrid also served as Outer Circle Home League Secretary. In Jan 1997, Comm Alistair Herring was appointed Auckland Bridge Programme Director, with Comm Astrid Herring as Assistant.

Jan 2000 saw a move to THQ, with appointments as National Manager, Addiction and Supportive Accommodation Services, and Assistant National Director. In Feb 2003, Comm Alistair Herring was appointed Territorial Secretary for Programme (until Sept 2006). Comm Astrid Herring was appointed Divisional Secretary for Personnel, Central Division, in Jan 2005, before re-joining her husband as Assistant Territorial Secretary for Programme in Jan 2006.

From Sept 2006 to June 2013, the Herrings served overseas. Firstly, in the Eastern Europe Territory as

Chief Secretary and Secretary for Programme until April 2011. Then at IHQ as International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, South Pacific and East Asia Zone, with the rank of commissioner. In June 2013, they were appointed to the Pakistan Territory, with Comm Alistair Herring serving as Territorial Commander and Comm Astrid Herring as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They returned home in May 2014 to take up their final appointments, with Comm Astrid Herring also appointed Assistant, Community Ministries, Auckland City.

Reflecting on their service, the commissioners say, ‘We are immensely grateful to God for the amazing opportunities of service that he has given us, for the privilege of working with people in different parts of the world and for his continual grace over the past 41 years.

He has proved over and over again to us that, with him as our shepherd, “goodness and mercy has followed us all the days of our lives”, and now we are looking forward to the next part of this journey with him.’

We thank the Commissioners for their faithful service and wish them many blessed and happy years of retirement. We pray God’s richest blessings upon them and their children, Mark, Jonathan and Jenny, together with their families.

Busy February for Fiji Division

Even before Cyclone Winston, it was a busy February in Fiji, and Salvationists there are grateful to God for his many blessings.

At the start of the month, a transitions seminar titled ‘Homecoming’ was held at the School for Officer Training for officers returning from overseas appointments and training. This included Captains Epironi and Sera Toloi, who had returned from the Auckland Bridge after being tasked with spearheading an addictions service in Fiji. Captains Marika and Philippa Serevi were taking up appointments at Nasinu Corps after serving as corps officers at Nuku’alofa in Tonga.

And returning after officer training at Booth College of Mission in New Zealand were Lieutenants Saimoni and Mere Gataurua.

Presentations were made by various individuals and officers from Fiji Divisional Headquarters to help these officers settle back into life and ministry in Fiji. The course was put together by Divisional Leadership Development Secretary Captain Geoffrey Miller.

A busy weekend for corps in Fiji’s eastern division then followed.

Officers Councils took place from Friday night till Saturday evening, ahead of a vibrant and Holy Spirit-led meeting on Sunday 7 February.

During the Officers Councils, Divisional Commander Major David Noakes spoked about some of the ‘wounds’ that can happen when in ministry. He encouraged Fiji’s officers to identify these wounds and to offer them to God for healing and help. A powerful time of prayer followed as officers dedicated themselves back to God in full surrender.

On Saturday afternoon, Major Geraldine Johnson (Territorial Planned Giving Secretary) introduced The Salvation Army’s Planned Giving programme to Fiji officers.

In the remaining sessions of Officers Councils, Major David Noakes reminded officers of their Officer Covenant and the importance of the Army’s doctrines. ‘We must always remind ourselves of what we believe in, of why we do what we do, and to whom we give our service—which is God,’ he said.

On Sunday morning, there wasn’t an empty seat in sight as people filled the spacious Suva Central Corps for the 10 am meeting. More seats had to be brought in and children were relocated to mats on the floor, but still there was not enough room. This meeting was an opportunity for the Fiji Division to officially welcome those taking on new appointments in 2016.

Major David Noakes challenged everyone to keep reading, keep working at understanding and, most importantly, living out the Articles of Faith they promised to uphold as Salvationists.

Lieutenant Visa Kaurasi organised a segment in which children of officers returning from overseas service and training were welcomed and given a gift. Then all the children in the congregation received a lolly and a bookmark prepared by Divisional Leadership Assistant Suwan Jit. Young people from Raiwai Corps performed a dance to Bebo Norman’s ‘God of My Everything’. Musical support for the meeting was given by Nasinu Corps Band and Suva Central Corps.

Following the weekend, several officers remained for the Fiji Division’s first pre-retirement seminar for officers, again held at the School for Officer Training. The group received advice from the Fiji National Provident Fund, the Ministry of Health and budgeting consultants, among others. Major Helen Knowles (Territorial Secretary for Child Sponsorship) was a guest speaker, encouraging the group to adopt a prepared approach toward their retirement.

Captain Lusi Leqa

Easter Art Project Launches in London

An art project that includes work hosted by The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) has been launched in London.

‘Stations of the Cross’ uses new and existing artworks at 14 iconic locations to lead viewers on a pilgrimage across central London, telling the story of Jesus’ journey through Jerusalem to the Cross. Other venues include St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the National Gallery. The exhibition, which runs until Easter Monday, tells the story of the Passion in fresh ways.

Güler Ates, who was commissioned to create the ‘Sea of Colour’ collage that now hangs in the window of IHQ, used unwanted and discarded children’s clothing to draw comparisons between Jesus’ suffering on the way to the cross and the suffering of today’s refugees across the world. Having suffered displacement from eastern Turkey herself, Güler feels an acute empathy for refugees. Organisers felt locating this artwork at IHQ was fitting because of the assistance The Salvation Army provides to refugees and other forgotten people around the world.

The collage was created in the gallery space next to IHQ’s public cafe by Güler and a team of volunteers—including refugees, and staff and officers from The Salvation Army. Güler worked closely with members of refugee women’s groups, some of whom donated clothes.

Others poured their experiences into messages written on some of the clothes, from words of hope and peace to poignant messages such as ‘Why did my son have to die?’—which has additional resonance when linked to the Crucifixion of Jesus, God’s son.

Once the work was finished, it was taken on a perilous, difficult journey over the River Thames and back across the Millennium Bridge to symbolise the loss and trauma suffered by refugees who are forced to leave their homes and travel long distances to seek safety and welcome.

Information, downloadable photos and video footage of the project, with information about The Salvation Army’s ongoing refugee response, are available online at sar.my/stations2016

18 | WarCry 19 March 2016

Mission Matters | 19

LEADERSHIP LINKS

Jesus asks us … to light the dark places and extend our hands in service to others.

It seems no time at all since we were celebrating the birth of Christ. The shopping shelves were full of chocolate Santas, heaving with decorations, Christmas trees and all that glitters.

These vestiges of Christmas are then put away and in no time at all replaced with the trappings of Easter—the chocolate eggs, bunnies and hot cross buns.

Only a few short months ago the image of gentle, perfectly formed, tiny hands of a new-born Christ. And now, those same hands nailed cruelly to a wooden cross. In between these two powerful images are beautiful scenes of Christ’s hands, teaching, beckoning, healing, comforting and loving as he revealed and exampled such perfect love, grace and humility.

Many people do not have the assurance of Christ’s daily presence or the guidance of his Holy Spirit. Today people are struggling with job losses, making ends meet, keeping a roof over the family’s heads, putting food on the table, keeping families together through sickness and hardship, and many are just trying to get through another day. It is in the everyday relationships that we have with our neighbours and colleagues that Christ entrusts us to bring the good news of salvation. To speak of it, Christ asks us, in all our imperfection and fallibility, to light the dark places and extend our hands in service to others. He reminds us in this Easter season that we are his helping hands to those close to us as well as those far away.

Of all the symbols of Easter, the bloodied torn hands of Christ are the most compelling, because with those same hands he did the everyday acts of eating, working, fixing, lifting—the daily activities we all understand—but he also did the miraculous.

He healed the leper, opened blind eyes and raised the dead. He calmed storms and multiplied bread. He was indeed both God and man and it is his example we look to at Easter.

Those work-worn hands, those wonderful hands nailed to a cross. And as Christ was lifted up that day, he split time itself. One hand extended back into the past and fulfilled all the scriptures written about the Saviour’s coming, and the other hand extended down into the future, to his ultimate victory and second coming. In these hands the message of Easter is exemplified.

The two major celebrations on the Christian calendar of Christmas and Easter encompass the message we Christ followers bring to a world that does not know Jesus Christ—one of new birth, God sending his only son Jesus to die on the cross for each of us so we may have eternal life, and walk in the power of his resurrection.

Captain Gerry Walker Territorial Secretary for Personnel

BY PETER BROOKSHAW

Holiness is Not a Social Turn-Off ‘It’s an outrageous misconception that people won’t like you if you’re holy,’ says Peter Brookshaw in Holy!, a new book by Australian officer Peter and Canadian officer Stephen Court. Read more in this extract …

Have you ever met an over-zealous, King James Bible-holding, brown-sweater-wearing Christian, speaking passionately from the soapbox on the corner of a busy street? You know the one; the one that speaks of the condemnation and disobedience of humanity, while you walk past eating your subway foot-long. Most people find this type of Christianity a social turn-off. This is not so much about the validity or otherwise of preaching from the corner of a busy street. The greater issue is whether Christianity itself is a social turn-off.

Let me be slightly provocative. At times, Christianity, as presented or lived out among some followers of Jesus, is a social turn-off. We could all name a Christian or two who make a mockery of what it means to really follow Christ. I have met Christians who argue about the smallest theological teaching. I have met some who simply do not know how to express their love for God or live out their Christian spirituality in a way that seems remotely comfortable around those who are not Christians. We at times dress weird, have weird lingo and follow obscure religious practices that create an assumption within the culture that Christians are social turn-offs.

I remember the girl back at high school who spoke about Jesus when she walked past, and was still talking about him when she passed by again 30 minutes later. She would invite you to her youth group as she strolled on by. This girl had the WWJD bands, the Christian music collection and all the pamphlets that would impress any keen evangelist. She offered to pray for students at every opportunity and she had this smile you couldn’t take away from her. Many were of the impression she was a little crazy. Now, I’m not saying she shouldn’t do those things. Far from it. All I’m suggesting is that in the process of doing those things (valid or otherwise), some, if not much, of secular Western culture will find these things socially awkward.

I think of the Christian who was seemingly so in tune with Jesus he forgot to be normal. Maybe you have met someone

similar? I was at a prayer meeting once, and we were simply chatting among ourselves when one of us made a joke that got the room laughing. Well, the whole room, except for this one gentleman. The joke wasn’t rude or demeaning, but actually rather funny. Immediately the young man chastised us for being ‘disrespectful to the Holy Spirit’.

The room went flat. Group members fell silent and people darted their eyes to avoid eye contact. Someone slurped their drink noisily and everyone felt uncomfortable. Then some wise one spoke up and said, ‘Yeah … well, ahh … maybe we should pray.’ Why do we feel the need to be so abnormal when we become a follower of Jesus?

Christianity has been, at times, a social turn-off. Christ followers have not always been good at marketing their own brand. If ‘following Jesus’ was a type of ice-cream on a stick and Christians had to market the product, I think some Christians would begin by telling you what type of wood the ice-cream is attached to. Maybe I labour the point, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We need not be social turn-offs.

Here’s the point I want to make: holiness is not a social turn-off.

Christians at times may have repelled people from following Christ, but holiness has a better track record. Holiness in its richest, purest form is inherently attractive and awe inspiring. When we consider holiness at its best, we consider a way of life that draws people to itself.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but holiness for the most part is captivating and appealing to a majority of people.

So, how do we reconcile these differences? On the one hand, we have Christians who can at times be social turn-offs; but on the other, we have the incredible righteousness of Jesus, who lives in those who are Christians.

Maybe the issue here is we have compromised a right view on holiness. We have replaced an amazing, life-giving view of holiness with something far less, and so when the world looks at particular Christians, they are turned off. They look at them, assume this is the fullness of sanctification and thus want nothing to do with it. The problem is if we look to humanity for a right view on sanctification we will be disappointed every time.

If you look at me long enough, you’ll see beyond the façade. You’ll see a scared young boy who still wonders whether anyone likes his sermons. You’ll see someone who desires to be more like Christ, but doesn’t always get it right. The sanctification work of the Holy Spirit is without a doubt working in my life, but the point is this: if you look at people for long enough for a full picture of what holiness looks like, you will fall short. You may well be turned off. You might be disappointed.

Now, in someone who is saved from sin and sanctified by the

Holy Spirit, you should see some great spiritual growth in their lives.

You should see love, joy, peace and the other fruits of the Spirit.

Sanctification should be evident by the life they live. Hopefully, the sanctified person is exhibiting a nature that would attract you to them, and thus not be a social turn-off.

Christians at times may have repelled people from following Christ, but holiness has a better track record.

You can search and search the annals of history for the most holy person to have ever lived, and you will find the name Jesus comes up every time. You see, it is in Jesus Christ of Nazareth that we witness what it means to be holy. He is one who lived out righteousness on Earth. He is the one who offered salvation to the world through his life, death and resurrection. The writer to the Hebrews mentions on different occasions, to ‘fix your thoughts on Jesus’ (Hebrews 3:1) and to ‘let us fix our eyes on Jesus’ (Hebrews 12:2). We could search for holiness within people, and we may well be surprised, encouraged, disappointed or greatly blessed, but when we look to Christ, we see holiness in all of its splendour and majesty. When we look to Christ, we are never disappointed by the picture of holiness we see.

Does this mean every follower of Jesus is a social turn-off? No way.

The dilemma is that when you seek to discover sanctification merely by imitating Christians rather than Christ, you simply fall short. You always will. May it be, on the other hand, like the comment that was made to Samuel Logan Brengle, ‘Often when I think of Christ I think of you; always when I think of you I think of Christ.’ We can have the Spirit of God working in us such that others are drawn to the Saviour.

Holy! Nine lies, half-truths and outrageous misconceptions about the most radical experience you’ve never lived by Peter Brookshaw and Stephen Court.

Available from Salvationist Resources p: (04) 382 0768, e: mailorder@nzf. salvationarmy.org

www salvationarmy.org.nz/shop

20 | WarCry 19 March 2016

Soul Food | 21

PART FOUR OF FOUR In the final part of this series on Galatians, Chick Yuill describes Paul’s final, triumphant freedom cry.

Human beings have a seemingly infinite capacity to miss what’s staring them in the face. That’s why it’s sometimes necessary to state the obvious. Which is exactly what Paul does at the beginning of Galatians chapter five. In the preceding chapters he has painstakingly set out his case that salvation comes only through the grace of God and that it is received by faith alone.

To add obedience to the Mosaic law as a further condition of belonging to the people of God, as the ‘judaizers’ want to do, is tantamount to relinquishing our freedom. It is, in effect, to exchange the unconditional love and acceptance of God for the bondage of an impossible moral struggle to make oneself good enough to be received into God’s family.

Paul’s anger with his critics and his annoyance with the ‘foolish Galatians’ have been clear from the beginning. And now we can almost hear the irritation in his voice as he dictates to his amanuensis: ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free’ (5:1). Paul is done with debating the issue—this is a call to action. It’s time for the Galatians to stand firm and refuse to ever be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

So what?

Previously we’ve ended each article in this series by trying to answer the question, ‘So what?’—so what does Paul’s stubborn refusal to allow his Gentile converts to be subjected to the regulations and rituals of Jewish law mean for us today? In chapters 4 and 5 Paul answers the question for us: what it means is this—whether you’re a first century Galatian or a 21st century Kiwi, to base your way of life on a religion centred on rules and regulations is ultimately of no value. It will lead only to legalism and result in either pride in your achievements or despair at your failures.

But faith—casting ourselves on God’s mercy and trusting entirely in his love and forgiveness—will set us free to live a life that is expressed in love (5:6). Faith means we don’t expend our energy proving ourselves to God or anyone else; we are freed to become our true selves.

So simple But be in no doubt about this: the liberty that faith brings is not licence to live as we please, indulging our sinful nature and taking advantage of God’s generosity (5:13)! In fact, it’s the very opposite to that kind of selfishness. And here is Paul’s masterstroke as he reaches to the point where faith and law finally come together: faith expresses itself in love to others. And that, when all is said and done, is what the law is all about.

Paul is in full agreement with the teaching of Jesus in the gospels (Luke 10:27,28; Matthew 7:12) when he asserts that ‘the entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself’ (5:14). Every other commandment exists to support this overarching principle and to guide us as we seek to apply it in different situations.

The mistake of the ‘judaizers’ was that they had turned the law into a daunting moral assault course, demanding effort beyond the

ability of any one of us, and resulting in frustration and failure even for the strongest. But, for Paul, the law is a vital signpost pointing us to a way of life that can only be properly understood and authentically followed when it is an expression of love.

Like all profound spiritual truths, this one is straightforward and down-to-earth in its application. The life of faith manifests itself not primarily in mystical experiences or miraculous events, not predominantly in powerful preaching or precise theological propositions, but in simple acts of love and service to others.

So Paul’s great intellect is now directed not to the precise rabbinical reasoning of the earlier chapters, but to articulating plain and unambiguous statements of how we should live: ‘Serve one another in love’ (5:13); ‘If someone is caught in a sin … restore him gently (6:1); ‘Carry each other’s burdens’ (6:2); ‘Do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers’ (6:10).

Holding up the mirror Someone once said, ‘If you think you can tell the health of your church by the number of people in the pews on a Sunday morning, you haven’t got church. You’ve got an event!’ Paul would have approved of that reasoning. We all want more people to attend church and hear the good news about Jesus. But if that church is not a company of people, however large or small, who love Jesus, who love each other, who love their community, who welcome strangers to experience that love, and who express their love in willing acts of service, it’s not the kind of church that Paul—or Jesus himself for that matter—would recognise.

People who have genuine faith should always be easy to recognise, because they should always be people who love with a love that mirrors the love of Jesus himself.

So how?

All this begs a question: honesty and experience compel us to admit that Christians are not always loving people, and churches are not always loving places, so how do we learn to love like Jesus? What’s the secret that will enable us to be the kind of people we are meant to be?

In answering that question, Paul takes us right to the heart of authentic Christian experience. The life of love becomes a glorious possibility not through obedience to the statutes of the law, but by being open to the Spirit of God. To have faith is to trust in what Jesus has done for us through his death on the cross, by which he dealt with the consequences of our sin.

But it is also to trust what Jesus is able to do in us now. The God of the New Testament, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is not a distant deity, not the Great Architect who set the world in motion and now watches from a safe distance. He is active in his world and present with his people.

This is why Christianity is a Trinitarian faith. To speak of God as Trinity isn’t an abstract theological statement; it’s a practical, working description of the God we encounter as the loving Creator of the universe, as our suffering Saviour at Calvary, and as Spirit—a living presence in our lives.

When Paul speaks of the presence of the Spirit, it’s far from being a vague and pious phrase to express a warm and cosy inner glow that

inclines us to be nice, rather than nasty. What he’s actually describing is a deep sense of the very presence and power of God, making Jesus a reality in our lives, and encouraging and empowering us to live a life of love.

And that’s where the ‘So how?’ question comes into play. There is a choice to be made—in every moment, in every thought, in every action. Either we choose to give in to the urges and desires of our own selfish nature—what the older translations call ‘the flesh’ (and there’s a very unpleasant picture of what that will look like in 5:19-21!). Or we can intentionally choose to follow the promptings of the Spirit, which will result in a very different kind of life.

one of his aides and asks, ‘What’s next?’ It’s not a bad question to ask ourselves after any encounter with the Bible. What’s next? Where do I go from here, and what will I do with what the Bible has taught me?

The answer will be different for each of us. But, as always at the end of one of Paul’s letters, we go with a blessing we can claim and a promise we can trust: ‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit’ (6:18).

GALATIANS 5

Step-by-step

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free … (v1)

Paul uses three powerful metaphors to illustrate how we can do this. First, he speaks of ‘walking in step with the Spirit’ (the literal translation of 5:16), or ‘getting in line with the Spirit’ (the literal translation of 5:25), or being ‘led by the Spirit’ (5:18). The basic idea is of a steady, step-by-step progress as we respond to the Spirit’s leadings and walk the way of love.

Then there is his analogy of the Christ-like qualities of ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol’ as being the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (5:22). But fruit will only grow where the seed has been planted.

This attractive picture is accompanied by a blunt warning that ‘a man reaps what he sows’ (6:7). So, again, the emphasis is on the importance of the choice we make. We must sow ‘to please the Spirit’, rather than to ‘please [our] sinful nature’ (6:8).

Both metaphors—walking and fruit-growing—also remind us that there is no quick fix in the life of faith. Journeys are not completed in a moment and fruit does not grow overnight. Spiritual maturity is the work of a lifetime, not the result of an instantaneous miracle!

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (v6).

A shocking choice Just in case anyone is in any doubt about the choice to be made and the cost to be paid, Paul has a third metaphor. And this one more arresting—even shocking—than those we have just considered.

Harking back to the words of Jesus himself, when he challenged his hearers to take up their cross and follow him (Mark 8:34), Paul reminds us that to ‘belong to Christ Jesus’ means that we have ‘crucified the sinful nature’ (5:24).

In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ‘When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.’ But it is a price well worth paying. For this death to self, sin and legalism becomes the precursor to a glorious resurrection that liberates us from legalism and self-righteousness to a new quality of life in the Spirit.

George Scott Railton, the Army’s first commissioner, unforgettably described the Christ-like life: ‘(It) is the grandest, merriest, strangest life on earth—the life of Jesus lived over again in us. It will cost you all, but it will be a good bargain at that.’

So what’s next?

Josiah Bartlett, the fictional American President in the TV series The West Wing has a favourite catchphrase. Whenever a situation has been dealt with or a crisis averted and he’s ready to move on, he turns to

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (v13–14).

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh ... But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (v16,18).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control …

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (v22–25).

GALATIANS 6 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (v7–10).

A FINAL CHALLENGE Is there anything in the routine of your daily life that keeps you from being loving and that needs to change?

Are there any habits to which you are captive that need to be ‘crucified’—eliminated from your life?

Do you exercise spiritual disciplines—such as prayer, Bible-reading, meditation, quietness, accountability to others—that help you to ‘sow in the Spirit’ and grow in spiritual maturity?

22 | WarCry 19 March 2016

Have we got your attention?

CALENDAR MARCH 20: Palm Sunday 21: Otago Anniversary 24–27: Divisional Easter Camps 25: Good Friday 27: Easter Sunday 28: Easter Monday (holiday) 29: Southland Anniversary

Taupo’s putting on a fantastic new festival this year and we need volunteers galore plus a crowd of people to come join in the fun.

Check us out at www.easterfest.nz or find us on Facebook!

APRIL 8: Daylight Savings Ends in NZ 5–8: Foundations for Community Ministries / Booth College of Mission 11–13: 12 Step Course (Part 2) / Booth College of Mission 12: Red Shield Breakfast / Auckland 13: Red Shield Breakfast / Wellington 13: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 15-29 April: Kids Peak Adventure / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 19–21 April: C-Squared—Connecting & Communicating / Booth College of Mission 22-1 May: National Youth Band Tour / Perth & Melbourne, Australia 23: TaupŌ 7s / TaupŌ 23: Southern 7s / Timaru 25: Anzac Day 26–28 April: Family Store Managers Training / Booth College of Mission 29: Red Shield Breakfast / Christchurch

In partnership with

MAY 2–8: Red Shield Appeal 9–11: Learning & Development Conference / Booth College of Mission 13–15: Women’s Camp (Lower South) / Southern Division 13-15: May Mother and Kids Weekend / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 15: Pentecost Sunday

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 8–23 March: UN Commission on the Status of Women, New York (TPWM) 14–22 March: International Moral and Social Issues Council, London (TC) 25, 27 March: Dunedin City and Mosgiel Corps Easter Weekend 12 April: Red Shield Breakfast / Auckland 13 April: Red Shield Breakfast / Wellington 29 April: Red Shield Breakfast and visit to Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services, Christchurch Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 25, 27 March: Johnsonville Corps Easter Services 12 April: Red Shield Breakfast / Auckland 13 April: Red Shield Breakfast / Wellington

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND 29 SEPTEMBER–02 OCTOBER

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

1–4 July 2016, Queen Salote Hall, Taufa’ahau Rd, Nuku’alofa with guest leaders General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox

To advertise here, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Rolleston Corps Plant, and Rangiora, Rotorua, South Otago, Suva Central and Talasiu Corps, Salvation Army sponsored children, continue to pray for The Salvation Army in Fiji following Cyclone Winston.

salvationarmy.org.nz/now

Fun4Kids | 23

Why do we give Easter eggs?

Easter eggs celebrate new life. Christians remember that Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the dead, defeating death and sin. Jesus offers us forgiveness and eternal life if we will trust and follow him.

The first eggs given at Easter were painted in bright colours to make them an extra-special gift. These days we enjoy brightly wrapped chocolate eggs, but the message is the same: Jesus offers us all new life.

Unjumble these Easter words 1. susje 2. rovsiau 3. steera ANSWERS: 1. Jesus, 2. Saviour, 3. Easter, 4. Sacrifice, 5. Grave, 6. Alive, 7. Forgiven, 8. Life

4. acricefsi 5. vgare

decorate the easter eggs

6. liave 7. gvinrofe 8. file

read it ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ the angel said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here —he has been raised!’ Mark 16:6 (GNT)

let’s talk

The story of Jesus’ resurrection is amazing! Someone coming back from the dead isn’t something we see every day, so when three female friends of Jesus visited where he was buried, they were really surprised to find the tomb was empty.

When they went inside an angel told them not to be worried because Jesus had been raised from the dead. But they were still confused, not sure whether to be happy or afraid.

The first time Jesus showed himself to his closest friends, they were

frightened, thinking that he was a ghost. But Jesus said to them, ‘Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I have.’ (Luke 24:39) It didn’t take long for word to get around that Jesus was alive. He showed himself to 500 people after he was resurrected and before he returned to Heaven. There’s no doubt that God raised Jesus from the dead!

let’s pray Dear Jesus, thank you that you are alive in our world and in your Church. Thank you that you live with your people and that you are with me today. Help me to live for you every day.

Amen.

Let Your God Love You Be silent.

Be still.

Alone.

Empty Before your God. Say nothing.

Ask nothing.

Be silent.

Be still.

Let your God look upon you.

That is all.

God knows.

God understands.

God loves you With an enormous love, And only wants To look upon you With that love.

Quiet.

Still.

Be. Let your God— Love you.

Š Edwina Gateley (Used With Permission) edwinagateley.com