20 August 2016 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION | 20 August 2016 | Issue 6649 | $1.50

PARK UP FOR HOMES FIREZONE: TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE CHEERING ON ‘TEAM REFUGEES’ AT THE OLYMPICS CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP FOR THE SALVATION ARMY CALL TO DONATE WOMEN’S HYGIENE PRODUCTS

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02 WarCry 20 August 2016

Kia ora Part of a winning team WAR CRY

The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory FOUNDERS William & Catherine 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 CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Singh

PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford COVER

Photography: Duncan Brown/The Hawke’s Bay Today 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

These days you wouldn’t believe it to look at me, but I once had a short-lived athletic career as a sprinter! As a distance runner at intermediate school I was one of the dawdlers, always bringing up the rear, but when it came to sprints I seemed to have some talent. So much so that in my last year at intermediate I was chosen for the prestigious final spot in our syndicate’s relay team. Even if our team was a little bit behind, our teacher was confident that I’d have that final burst of speed that might prove the crucial difference in coming across the line first.

Well, that was the theory. In reality, in the final, I fumbled the handover, dropped the baton, desperately snatched it off the ground, dropped it again … and so we came a pitiful last.

I already felt dreadful, but that only got worse when the first runner in our team came up and gave me a horrendous tongue lashing just moments later.

There are times in life when we have the opportunity to be part of something significant, but if we ‘drop the baton’, the end result will fall short.

Those of us who attend church in The Salvation Army are currently prayerfully preparing ourselves to give to our annual Self Denial Appeal. This is an important opportunity to support the amazing work of the Army in very poor countries and where The Salvation Army is small and without the resources we perhaps take for granted—especially in New Zealand.

If you’d like to remind yourself of some of the work that this appeal supports, visit www.selfdenial.info and watch the videos.

Be warned, many will bring tears to your eyes!

Thank you to all who are preparing to give—those who understand that, with God on our side, we are part of a winning team, but one that still needs each of us to play our part to achieve God’s purposes. Let’s not drop the baton!

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

Publishing for 133 years

ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6649

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Christina Tyson Editor

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15 BIBLE VERSE Hebrews 12:11 New Living Translation

‘No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.’

Ngā Hiperu 12:11

‘Ko ngā pakinga katoa, e kore e kīia ināianei hei whakahari, engari hei whakapōuri: muri iho ia ka puta mai te hua rangimārie o te tika, ki te hunga e whakamahia ana ki taua mea.’

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WISE WORDS

Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.

Muhammad Ali

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BY CHRISTINA TYSON

‘F

emale sanitary products are not a luxury, but for young Kiwi women on tight budgets they’re an expense that’s hard to afford,’ says Manurewa MP and Labour Youth Affairs spokesperson Louisa Wall.

The MP has joined forces with Countdown and The Salvation Army to champion the cause of female students on low incomes.

‘A lack of sanitary products has been identified as an obstacle to regular school attendance,’ says Wall. ‘Some girls stay home when it’s their period because they cannot afford sanitary products. Others resort to makeshift and unhygienic measures such as recycling used pads or improvising pads from old clothes, rags, newspapers and other materials—putting them at risk of infection and sickness.’

This is not only a problem for high school students, but also for university students who typically don’t have much money. ‘Some university students can’t afford to take public transport or have to skip meals when it’s their period so they have money to buy pads and tampons.’

Nevada Lee-Mariu, President of Young Labour and a student at Victoria University of Wellington, shares Mrs Wall’s concerns. ‘Female sanitary products are essential healthcare items, yet there are young women in New Zealand who stay home for one week every month because they can’t afford these products. This should not be happening anywhere in the world and certainly should not be happening in New Zealand.’

Wall and Lee-Mariu are encouraging people to donate female sanitary products to The Foodbank Project so these can be provided to women in poorer New Zealand households.

The Foodbank Project (www.foodbank.org.nz)—an online foodbank collaboration between The Salvation Army, Countdown supermarkets and web developer Lucid—has

Supporters at the Wellington campaign launch.

introduced a ‘Women’s Hygiene Bundle’ for $15 that will be distributed to The Salvation Army’s foodbanks. This can be set up as a recurring monthly donation.

Countdown supplier Kimberley Clark kickstarted the campaign with $2,500 worth of sanitary products as a donation, and Countdown has added a further $1000.

Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs James Walker says, ‘Women’s sanitary products are a necessity item that can become hard to afford when young people are under financial pressure. We hope this collaboration between Louisa Wall, Countdown and The Salvation will allow us to fulfil an important community need.’

Within just a week of the initiative’s launch, $9264 of sanitary products had been donated through The Foodbank Project, with 83 recurring subscriptions.

‘We don’t want any of our young women to miss out on learning opportunities,’ says Major Pam Waugh, head of Salvation Army Community Ministries. ‘We know poverty can follow people throughout their lifetime, so it’s essential students who are making every effort to improve their future prospects are not held back because it’s “that time of the month”.’

A recent survey by Wateraid reported that three-quarters of UK women feared the embarrassment of blood leaking onto their clothes while out in public during their period. Just over half feared smelling bad. Only six per cent of women reported experiencing no anxiety around their periods.

‘There is the risk of embarrassment for anyone during their period—but poverty increases a woman’s vulnerability even more,’ says Wall. ‘We need to establish interventions that will empower our girls and young women so they are not marginalised simply because they are menstruating.’

04 WarCry 20 August 2016

Bookshelf Social Entrepreneurship Live Like You Give a Damn!

Tom Sine Tom Sine celebrates those from Gen Y and Gen Z who are aware of the world’s social, economic and environmental challenges and determined to do something about them. But he also points out that under-35s are leaving the church as never before, which he suggests is because they are concerned about a lack of authenticity, a lack of involvement in working for social and environmental change, and a preoccupation with institutional maintenance. Sine gives examples of those making a difference, and urges older churchgoers to solicit ideas from under-35s. Links to an online study guide and forum.

(Morningstarpublishing.net.au)

Playlist

Ethics/Euthanasia Your Final Choice Kenneth Ralph This Australian book takes readers through eight questions that may be considered by terminally ill people in relation to hastening their death. The author operates from the premise that it is not his role to provide answers, but to raise some pastoral and ethical dimensions.

This is not a book to help anyone hasten their death. Neither does it adopt a Christian view. Even for those with a strong view against euthanasia and assisted suicide (which is The Salvation Army’s stance), there is helpful material here that gives additional insight and empathy with the very pressing concerns of the terminally ill.

(Morningstarpublishing.net.au)

Children’s Fiction Grandad’s Wheelies Jack Lasenby When Jack visits his grandparents, there’s no television, no internet, no mobile phones, no tablets. But Jack still loves to visit, because Grandad and Granny tell him stories—each trying to outdo the other with a tale taller and wilder than the last. Read about Grandad bringing home a wheelbarrow full of eels, about Grandma driving the first train from Nelson to Invercargill, about Grandad digging a tunnel to Australia and coming up in the desert, and a pumpkin the size of the carshed. A hilarious New Zealand tale, wonderfully illustrated and suitable for ages six and up.

Captivating bedtime reading.

(Penguin Random House NZ)

Reel News

Nu Metal/Rock Unleashed Skillet Skillet delivers a predictable set of songs on their 10th studio record.

Following 2013’s Rise, Unleashed combines dense, distorted guitar riffs, soaring power choruses and a vocal ping pong between frontman John Cooper and drummer Jen Ledger. Opener ‘Feel Invincible’ typifies Skillet’s power anthem style of nu metal, while ‘Stars’ takes cues from the band’s industrial influences in its driving synth bass line. ‘I Want to Live’ introduces Red-style cinematic strings, while ‘Out of Hell’ leans heavily towards a thrash metal sound. Covering the metal spectrum means Unleashed isn’t as consistent as it could be, but its musical interest helps deflect from less than stellar lyrics. One for the fans.

Alt Rock Where the Light Shines Through Switchfoot Where The Light Shines Through is Switchfoot’s 10th studio album.

Its 12 tracks are characterised by organic and natural production, making each song feel authentic and real. The album also benefits from strong, directed song writing.

‘Holy Water’ combines Eastern influences with big, open chord choruses to create a signature Switchfoot soundscape. There’s a good dose of groove in tracks like ‘Bull in a China Shop’ and ‘Float’, which play well against the poprock anthems ‘Live It Well’ and ‘I Won’t Let You Go’. A lot of musical interest on offer here—definitely worth a second listen.

GIVEAWAY To win a review copy of Grandad’s Wheelies, tell the name of someone you’d like to share this story with.

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

Glimpses of Te Omanga winner is W. Dekarski

Documentary Poi E: The Story of Our Song Tearepa Kahi / G In his second feature length film, up-and-coming Kiwi director Tearepa Kahi tells the story of the Kiwi hit ‘Poi E’, performed by the Pātea Māori club, and the man behind the music, Dalvanius Prime. The story covers the history of Pātea, Prime’s career, and the writing and legacy of the song.

Visually, it’s a treat, mixing quirky graphics, archive footage that invests a real feel of ’80s New Zealand, and interviews from those behind the song and impacted by it. The cast ranges from Pātea freezing workers to film director Taika Waititi and musician Stan Walker. (Waititi explaining life in the ’80s to Walker is among the highlights of some very funny moments.)

At times, Poi E is a poignant tale of a small Kiwi town and of a man coming of age. At times, it’s a moving commentary on race relations and the efforts of a small group for their culture and reo.

And, at its heart, Poi E is a triumphant Kiwi underdog story. It touches on the story of lyricist Ngoi Pēwhairangi, her musical accomplishments and her fight for Te Reo. And, of course, there’s the larger than life Dalvanius, chihuahuas under both arms, taking on the world—mixing modern and traditional despite the doubters, beating the recording studios and radio and TV stations that wouldn’t play a song in Māori, and a government that would not support a Māori group to represent New Zealand internationally even with a personal invitation from the Queen.

Most of all, this is a joyous, fun tribute to some amazing Kiwis, and the power of music to impact a nation.

War Cry does not endorse or condone all the content in the films, albums and books we review. Our reviewers endeavour to inform readers of helpful and harmful components of the items under review.

Running in his fourth Olympics, Nick Willis is well accustomed to carrying the identity of one of the world’s best. But unlike most sporting celebrities, he’s also brutally honest about his shortcomings and struggles.

Photography: Neil Mackenzie/Getty Images

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Earlier this year, Nick opened up on Facebook about a porn addiction that he only recently overcame. The news went viral in New Zealand, because no one opens up about this stuff, especially not on social media.

In an environment dominated by Photoshopped portraits and tropical holidays, Nick touched many people’s hearts by exposing his own, and talking about this silent assassin that is porn. He ruffled feathers and was even criticised for being so honest. But overly worrying about what others think of him is just one of the many struggles Nick confesses to battling through. And those struggles started at a very young age.

When Nick was four, his mum got sick and died a year later, leaving his dad to parent Nick and his older brother and sister.

Seven years before, Nick’s parents had lost an older brother to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and a couple of years before that Nick’s father lost a brother after a caravan sideswiped him while changing a tyre on the motorway. ‘[My dad] has been through a huge amount of tragedy,’ says Nick. ‘And because I didn’t have a mum, a lot of my time was spent at other people’s houses. I observed how other families functioned and I played the comparison game a lot of the time. I saw they had the normal nucleus of a family and we were just getting by emotionally.’

As a teenager, Nick recalls the anger these tragedies had cemented in his heart. ‘My dad arranged for me to go to a Scripture Union snowboarding camp and one of the speakers at the camp said, “When you find Jesus, you find peace.” But in front of all the other campers I yelled out ‘Bull s***!

‘I ran out crying. One of the leaders followed me and talked to me. I asked, “What about my dad? He found Jesus but he has had all these people die in his life and he spends most nights sleepless and stressed and has anxiety!” It showed my anger towards God, rather than my unbelieving in him.’

It wasn’t until partway through a degree at the University of Michigan that Nick would peel back the layers of this anger and finally grieve his mother’s passing. But to get to Michigan he first had to find his identity as a runner.

The makings of a runner Growing up in Lower Hutt, Nick watched his older brother and sister compete in kid’s athletics. He was itching to get involved.

When finally allowed on the track he loved it and quickly discovered success. ‘I always enjoyed racing,’ remembers Nick. ‘And obviously I had a lot of success and that made me enjoy it more.’

He loved the racing so much that he’d get frustrated the races were only once every month or so, whereas his other favourite sports (rugby, cricket and golf) he could play every week. So in Year 10, his dad connected Nick with a local running coach who would pick Nick and other young athletes up from school to train.

Nick’s big breakthrough came when he turned 17. He was selected to compete at the Pacific School’s Games and he won the 800 m and just got beaten in the 1500 m. ‘It launched me to completely own the identity as a runner,’ he says. ‘Up until that point I was just a skater who also ran and played rugby and golf.

‘That helped me naturally embrace training. For example, the previous year I finished 83rd in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Champs, because I didn’t really like to go for runs and it wasn’t cool.

‘I finally embraced the identity of [running] as something I could get a scholarship for and do full time. I trained as much as I

Feature | 07

could and enjoyed it and, from that, the results came. You’ve got to put in the work to get the real results. And that was when my times suddenly dropped in leaps and bounds.’

Later that year, Nick ran 4:01 in the mile and 1:48 in the 800m, effectively opening the entire running world to this blossoming talent.

The makings of an Olympian A series of events led to Nick attending what was at the time the top university running team in the States. There he met University of Michigan head coach Ron Warhurst. They’ve been an inseparable duo ever since.

Nick explains how this new training environment propelled him to the next level: ‘The big break for me was at the end of my first year when I ran a relay leg over 1200 m at the Penn Relays. I ran 2:49, which suggested potential to run 3:32 for the 1500 m.

‘Afterwards, everyone told me how good this was. I had no idea. But once they started calculating, they explained to me my potential—I could not only make the Olympics but actually be a contender! That changed my mind-set from that point on.’

The next year, Nick ran that predicted 3:32 and qualified for his first Olympics (2004 Athens). ‘In the first round I felt effortless,’ he recounts, ‘and finished across the line first equal with my heroes at the time. I thought, “Maybe I’m ready to turn pro!”

‘Then, in the semi-final, I was strutting confidently but had nothing in the last 50 m and just missed out by agonising inches from making the final. That humbled me a little and made me think, “Maybe I’m not ready to race the big dogs yet.” ’ After receiving offers to leave university and turn professional, Nick decided he needed to study for one more year to repay his university and coach for investing in him. But another series of hurdles awaited him back in Michigan.

The money, the girl and now my health—all taken out from under me in the space of six weeks.

Hitting a wall ‘I’d become a Christian a year earlier, but hadn’t really grown much, so I made the decision to turn down all the money and opportunities. Then my girlfriend and I broke up a month later when we realised we were heading in different directions, because I was leaning more towards learning how to be a Christian.

‘I let go of the money and the girl, but I still had my running.

Then suddenly, boom, I was training hard core, running 100 miles a week … and I got a stress fracture in my femur. It was a pretty serious injury.

‘The money, the girl and now my health—all taken out from under me in the space of six weeks. That was in October and the Athens Olympics were in August. I said, “Wow! What now?’’ ’ Would Nick flip out and get angry with God again? Or was there a way God could be using these circumstances to draw Nick closer? God’s timing is uncanny, for it was as though everything in Nick’s life had been preparing him to make the right steps at this crucial crossroads.

Joining the crowd Nick had grown up attending Petone Baptist, but didn’t really connect with church. In fact, as a teenager, Nick explains, ‘My

Sunday mornings were spent in Wellington city skateboarding around the empty concrete jungle. Church just seemed this really boring place where everyone was happy—and I was this grumpy teenager who wasn’t very happy at all. I felt that everything was against me. I blamed a lot of that on God for allowing my mum to die.’

I realised I was becoming an adult and had to choose who I was going to be in this world.

Alcohol had also become a crutch in his teenaged years.

‘A couple of weeks before finishing intermediate school, with no prompting from teachers or parents, a bunch of us were just hanging out one day and made a pact to never do drugs or alcohol.

It wasn’t religious or anything. We were just ambitious.

‘The empowerment that intermediate school gave us to experience responsibilities was awesome, but suddenly I got to high school and the dynamics changed. You’re the youngest and at the bottom of the heap and you’ve got no responsibilities. Kids start looking for opportunities to feel older again and to feel important.

‘For the first couple of months we’d go to “coke and chippie” parties. But one night I turn up slightly late and everybody was totally blitzed. So I went round trying to take it out of everyone’s hands, saying, “What are you doing? You’re going to ruin your life!”

‘Only two of us, me and my best friend, weren’t drinking, so we walked home that night, heads down, thinking, “What are we going to do now that our friends have dived into this totally different world that we don’t agree with?”

‘We had to decide: do we make new friends or do we join in with what they’re doing? So the next weekend, we stole a bottle of wine and got drunk ourselves. I wasn’t even 13 yet.’

For the next eight years, Nick says he figures he made a fool of himself every other weekend because of his drinking. ‘I became known as the guy who did stupid but funny things at parties. That became something of an identity as a teenager.’

Once the running training increased, Nick would use his Sunday morning long run to burn off the excesses of Saturday night. But this was reinforcing a personality type completely different to the person he is today. ‘I was so reserved and had no confidence when I was sober. I relied purely on alcohol to get me to talk to girls and to speak up in a crowd.’

This reserved and withdrawn character was a far cry from the public figure Nick has become, personified as the uber-confident sportsperson who carried the New Zealand flag at the 2012 Olympics. So, what changed?

Good grief ‘It all came out after my first year at university,’ explains Nick, referring to that simmering anger he held towards God. ‘I realised I was becoming an adult and had to choose who I was going to be in this world.

‘That’s when I started reflecting on my mum. I had never grieved for her, so I started that grieving process. I realised that if I think she’s genuinely up there in Heaven then there must be a God who created that Heaven.’

Nick started wrestling with what that meant, and says that if someone had come up to him at this point and explained the

Christian gospel, he would have committed himself then and there.

A few months later, he connected with Athletes in Action (the sports ministry for Campus Crusade for Christ) and had a lot of his questions explained.

‘It got to the point where I pulled out old photos, and I actually enjoyed the crying and reflecting on my mum. That was a really healthy release from years and years of not processing it. Now I have this genuine understanding and peace that eternity is the real deal.’

Meeting a mentor Through Athletes in Action Nick grew close to a mentor who took him through the Bible one-on-one. ‘He led me to understand Christ’s forgiveness and what it actually meant to have the price [for my salvation] paid by Christ’s blood on the cross,’ says Nick.

Amidst finding a new faith in Jesus, Nick was still rationalising that it was okay to have four or five beers if he wasn’t getting wasted.

Then his mentor challenged him that although the drinking age in New Zealand was 18, in America it was 21. Nick was 20 at the time.

‘I sort of laughed him off at first,’ says Nick. ‘Then I thought, “He’s probably right, it’s better to abide by the law.” From then on it became easier to not have any drinks, than to have several.’

That was the end of Nick’s drinking, but also the end of his source of confidence in social settings. However, his mentor had a plan for that, too. He arranged for Nick, as a well-known local athlete, to give talks—firstly in front of small school groups, then in front of entire schools and finally in front of churches of several thousand. Not being thrown in the deep end allowed Nick to develop in confidence gradually. He now also had a reason to be outgoing that was much bigger than himself.

‘It was never about performing,’ explains Nick, ‘it was about sharing how my life had changed and believing that would help encourage other people.

‘The more I thought about how I could help others, the more it would take away all the nerves. I wasn’t getting graded, and you get positively reinforced by people who come up to you and say, “That really spoke to me.’’ ’

Letting go Nick had done all the ‘right things’—sobered up, found faith, grieved his mother and gained a new source of confidence—but back from his first Olympics and he lost everything: the money, the girl and the running. So, what was his response?

‘This was when I hastily let go of holding on and said to God, “Okay.” It was then that God really moulded me into who I am today. Letting go of all those other things allowed God to break me down first—and then he re-shaped me.’

Nick got involved in non-sporting life with Campus Crusade—a group of regular Christian students. ‘I got to see what it was like to live a life as a Christian first and not worry about sport. Not being able to train, I focused on this for three months. Running wasn’t even a second thought.’

He bounced back from injury to win the gold medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games two years later and went on to win silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and two more Commonwealth medals.

Nick is now consistently the best performing non-African middle distance runner. At the Rio Olympics he heads a team of three Kiwi 1500 m guys—the most New Zealand has ever sent to the Games. He is happily married to Sierra and the couple have a three-year-old son, Lachlan.

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Lifestyle | 09

HEALTH

LIFESTYLE

Find Your Weight-Loss Muscle

Don’t Leave Home Without …

Lasting weight loss is about discovering the resources you already have. Dr Ryan M. Niemiec says there is one question he always asks his weight-loss clients: What are you willing to do for the rest of your life?

We’ve gone internationalé for this issue of War Cry, so we’ve come up with some top travel hacks. Don’t leave home without checking these out.

Health is a long-term issue. And good health is created over years, not days or months. ‘What are you willing to keep up with? Are you really going to eat that many vegetables the rest of your life? Avoid desserts forever? Exercise rigorously day after day? The reality is people eventually wear their muscles of self-control thin and return to their previous patterns,’ says Niemiec.

When booking online: Booking flights and hotels online is super handy, but don’t you hate all those related pop-up ads? You’ve already bought your ‘anti-deep-vein-thrombosis-compression-Pokémon-onesie’ for the plane, how many more do you need? In addition, some travel sites will put prices up if they know you have visited the site before—sneaky! To avoid these hassles, enable private browsing by setting your account to ‘incognito’.

When you go incognito, your computer will still track your searches, but the website won’t know who has visited. For example, to go incognito in Chrome, simply press CTL+SHIFT+N.

That’s why the real answer to weight loss is in the maintenance. You don’t hear much about this from diet or ‘health companies’. That’s because maintenance relies on your own resources—not what they can sell you.

But that is good news for us! Weight maintenance is about tapping into the inner strengths you already have—and that doesn’t cost anything.

Niemiec gets his clients to take a simple online survey to learn about their own character strengths—check out www.viacharacter.org to do a free strengths-finder survey.

The travel drawer: If you’re a frequent traveller, this is priceless.

Create a ‘travel drawer’ where you keep all your travel needs in one place —documents, passport, money belts, small size toiletries, travel adaptors, neck pillow, airpoints card, and so on. It makes it so much easier to remember everything. And it’s especially handy if you’re Jason Bourne and often need to pack in a hurry.

Once you’ve recognised your own strengths, think about how you can use these resources to help with your weight goals. Engaging one character strength tends to lead to the discovery of other related strengths. And as we exercise our inner strengths, they grow and become life-time habits.

Stop the static: It’s so simple, but put a piece of anti-static drying paper in your suitcase, to keep your clothes smelling fresh and prevent pesky static.

Clever storage for chargers: Old glasses cases make great storage for chargers—it will keep your phone, device or toothbrush charger safe, tidy, and stop the wires getting all tangled up in your luggage. I know, first world problems …

‘Becoming mindful of your naturally-occurring strengths can help you stick with the changes you wish to make,’ says Niemiec. The most important strengths to foster when it comes to weight management are ‘prudence, self-regulation or perseverance’.

Carry on essentials: When we’re flying, we usually take way too much.

You won’t really read The Luminaires. And why work when you could be watching movies? What you really need is: an empty water bottle that you can ask to be filled up (as many times as you want), moisturiser, cosy sock/ slippers, and a warm layer.

But another important strength is kindness: ‘Many people who struggle with weight management do not take a caring and gentle approach to themselves. Their inner critic becomes fierce … When you make a mistake or “slip” from your diet or exercise plan, treat yourself with compassion,’ adds Niemiec.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake A delicious, moist and rich cake with green flecks through it. One of our favourite cakes! | Makes one 23 cm square cake 125g butter 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 3 large eggs 2½ cups flour 1 tsp vanilla ½ cup yoghurt ¼ cup cocoa 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp mixed spice ½–1 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 170°C (160°C fan bake). Prepare 23 cm square pan by lining it with two crosswise strips of baking paper.

Beat butter with sugars until light and creamy. Do not hurry this step. Add eggs one at a time, with a spoonful of measured flour to prevent mixture from curdling. Add vanilla and yoghurt and mix well.

Sieve remaining dry ingredients into mixture. Stir gently to partly combine with egg mixture, then gently mix in grated zucchini. Do not overmix.

Turn mixture into prepared tin and sprinkle the surface with chocolate chips. Bake for about 45 mins, or until centre feels firm and skewer comes out clean.

Serve warm or cold, preferably within two days.

From Best baking by Simon and Alison Holst www.holst.co.nz

Q&A Too anxious to date?

I’m a bit of a loner. After work I go home and play video games. I’d love to meet someone, but get very anxious when I have to socialise —how can I overcome this?

Many people prefer their own company and may be somewhat reclusive. But what you’re describing sounds like more than an introverted nature. Most of us have a longing for human connection, but our fears can get in the way.

You may be suffering from social anxiety—this makes any social situation very debilitating. You may feel panicky and have physical symptoms (such as muscle tension, dizziness, shortness of breath, and so on). You may also be plagued by negative thoughts.

But it is not my place to diagnose or label. You will really need the help of professional people trained in treating anxiety. Your first reaction will be ‘no’—that’s part of the anxiety. But I suggest your first step to wellness will be going to see a doctor—they are on your side and will want to help. Then, find a good counsellor who can work with you to move forward.

Meanwhile, practising some positive self-talk can help you make your first steps towards overcoming anxiety.

Dr Barbara Markway suggests memorising helpful statements that you can recite when you feel anxious.

She says these statements should be in your own words—so they are meaningful to you—and should also be realistic. Don’t say, ‘I’m not going to feel anxious’, which is not helpful when you are, in fact, feeling anxious.

Instead, think of the specific thoughts that trigger anxiety, and come up with counter statements.

For example, if you feel selfconscious about blushing, memorise something like: ‘Most people don’t mind blushing, and it feels worse than it looks,’ Or, if you worry about starting a conversation, say, ‘No one is perfect, and most people don’t mind if you fumble your words.’

In social situations, prepare questions you can ask during a conversation.

These are difficult first steps to make, but imagine the reward of connecting with someone and maybe even meeting someone special.

Testify An early morning epiphany saw Bryan Edwards change the course of his life, ending up helping ex-prisoners through The Salvation Army’s Reintegration Service.

I’m a first-generation Salvationist, all my growing-up years were at The Salvation Army Miramar Corps (church). I think I was the youngest Corps Sergeant Major to be appointed, when I was 18 or 19 years old. But in my everyday working life, I worked in the electronics industry.

In 1994, I moved to Christchurch. I ended up buying a business that I ran for 12 years, and then in early 2010 we had to make the hard decision to close it.

I was doing some soul searching, thinking, ‘Why has this happened to me?’ Then I had an epiphany on 1 April 2010, about 3 am. Our company motto had been ‘fixing things for people’ and it was like God said to me, ‘Bryan, I’m going to take you away from that business, to helping people fix things in their lives that count for eternity.’

I started a social work degree and did some work for The Salvation Army’s Christchurch City Community and Family Services.

God kept bringing me people who had come out of prison. They’d come in saying, ‘I’ve run out of my Steps to Freedom money, I’m living in the park and I’ve had all my stuff stolen, can you help?’ And I thought, ‘There’s got to be a better way than this.’

I also did some work for the Army’s Addington Bridge addiction rehabilitation service, and again

I was working with guys released from jail. In 2011, a job became available at the Army’s post-prison Reintegration Service. Here I am still, almost six years later and I really believe this is where God wants me.

I go to the prison to interview clients, prepare a plan with them for when they join our service, and pick them up on the day they’re released.

We support the guys with Work and Income applications, doctors’ appointments, getting settled into a property with us for 13 weeks and then getting their own property. And we work with Probation.

Some clients come to our Wednesday Bible study. Some came to a course run through our doctor called Steps to Freedom in Christ and a few have given their lives to the Lord. And that can be the difference for them. A privilege of this job is to pray with guys and support them when they say, ‘I’ve made a mess, but I’m going to give God a chance in my life.’

We’re very concerned about mitigating any risk to the community. If we sense they’re getting into behaviours that might be a risk to the community we get Probation and the Police involved.

My guys are very clear: if they go back to their offending, the only support I can offer is going with them to the police station to hand themselves in.

Help The Salvation Army feed Kiwis in need

THE

Foodbank PROJECT

It can be challenging, but we have a high success rate. I worked with a guy who did 21 years in prison and is on life parole. I got a text from him a couple of weeks ago saying, ‘I thought I’d let you know this is my fourth anniversary of being out and I’m still going well—thanks for your part in my journey.’

There’s no magic formula, it’s just caring for people and you see lives transformed, and because their lives are transformed society is reformed as well.

Let’s Talk 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:

Quickly, easily and securely donate food at foodbank.org.nz

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

10 | WarCry 20 August 2016

Close Up | 11

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BY ROSS WARDLE

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A Necessary Conversation

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QUICK QUIZ 1 2 3 4 5

What film wanted Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone or Russell Crowe as lead?

What is the collective noun for a group of ferrets?

Who is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

What European city has a mini Statue of Liberty?

What king had 700 wives and 300 concubines?

Registrations close 31 August REGISTER AT

salvationarmy.org.nz/now/kids

Part of a series of occasional articles from The Salvation Army’s Moral and Social Issues Council.

The idea of ‘doing theology’ can be unappealing for Christians.

Some find their eyes glazing over at the very mention, and I experience this regularly while reading some theological textbooks. Please don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for the work of these writers, but one of the downsides is a set of words and ideas that can be very difficult to understand, let alone actually use.

Some see theology as an ongoing argument between people intent on proving themselves right and others wrong. I don’t believe it’s ever just about winning an argument. The subject matter is to do with faith and belief and identity, topics important to Christians, but we are human and subject to the temptation to win arguments because winning feels good. Arguments are tiring and destructive and, in the end, people understandably lose interest.

Some view theology with a sense of unease and suspicion about what other people are trying to achieve. Do they have a conservative agenda, or a liberal agenda, or a personal agenda?

Are they trying to build faith, knock it down or rebuild it to be something else?

But while boredom, the desire to be right and suspicion about other people’s agendas can all be detected in doing theology, they are not there because the matter under discussion is ‘theology’; they are simply there because they are all elements of human conversation. Doing theology is really just that, joining a conversation.

This is a conversation that began a long time ago and will continue for as long as God wants it to. It is not up to us to control it, win it, deny it or do anything else with it, except to do the best we can, given who and where we are and what we have. This is a conversation all Christians join when they become Christians. If I’m going to do anything with my faith, I will have to think and talk about what has been revealed to me.

It has been said that Christian faith is personal but not private. That is correct. We share our faith and belief with everyone—other Christians included! I can have my own thoughts about something, but joining the conversation with

others keeps everyone honest. I am kept honest about what I think, and others are kept honest about what they think. The thinking of each Christian needs the supervision and support of other Christians.

We need to be open to God in the voices of others and to the possibility of transformational ideas coming out of the conversation.

However, the conversation is only helpful and healthy if we are open to changing the way we think about some things. Thinking that no one has a better understanding of something than I do is prideful. Openmindedness encourages us not to be defensive of our own thinking or dismissive of other people’s. Open-ended responses are helpful. For example, ‘I think we have different ideas about this. I would like to hear more of your thinking on it.’ However, open-mindedness does not require us to accept that every position can be correct. Theology looks for the truth and scripture places a premium on it (Acts 17:10–11, 1 Thessalonians 5: 19–22). Being open-minded is acknowledging that finding the best understanding of that truth is ongoing.

It may be useful to have some ‘ground rules’ for our theological conversations.

So, what resources do we have to help us with this conversation?

Our most important resource is the Bible. Virtually all that is known of the origins, birth and early development of Christianity is recorded in the Bible. One of the amazing things about the Bible is that it is a genuine partnership project between God and human authors. Its content is a completed project. That is, the Bible doesn’t get rewritten. But finding the best understandings of the Bible is an ongoing project. That is what doing theology is about. That God is triune—three persons in one—is a truth established centuries ago, but we continue to look for better ways to explain what that means.

Tradition is a resource for the conversation. Tradition is largely the history of Christians looking for the best understanding of God and what it is to be a Christian disciple. We don’t have to (and shouldn’t) start from scratch. The Salvation Army didn’t come up with its doctrines all by itself. It drew on the result of centuries of the conversation within the church about what are, and what are not, the fundamentals of Christian faith. God is creator, preserver and governor of God’s creation, so we consider conservation and stewardship when we talk about how we are to treat it. God is triune—a community of three in one, so we think about what genuine community is and how to build it.

Reason is a resource for the conversation. We have brains. God intends for us to use them. We use our mental processes to interpret scripture, tradition and our own experience of Jesus Christ. We

interpret science in the light of the Bible, Christian tradition and our Christian experience. The Holy Spirit helps us, but doesn’t do everything for us. God’s creation has always been able to provide useable electricity, but science made it available to us. God’s creation has always been able to provide medicines, but medical science made antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, antiretroviral drugs, anaesthetics and painkillers available to us.

Experience is a resource for the conversation. Christianity is primarily an experience of Jesus Christ, and this ongoing experience is an important part of the conversation. For a long time, the church understood several Bible passages in letters written by Paul to mean women should not speak in church or lead in ministry. Most Protestant churches no longer have that understanding. The Salvation Army certainly doesn’t. What do I make of that? I ask myself, ‘Has God spoken to me through a message preached by a woman? Has a ministry led by a woman made a real difference in my life?’ My answers to these questions are part of my contribution to the conversation. For the record, the answer is yes!

The conversation is a necessary one, but it can be a fraught one.

That is, it can be emotional, threatening, unsettling and frustrating.

That is because the truth is important to us and we want to get it right. That is a good thing. But it is not a good thing if it derails the conversation by making it bitter, defensive and mean-spirited, or one we simply avoid.

For this reason, it may be useful to have some ‘ground rules’ for the conversation. The rules are for the participants to agree on, but the following are some suggestions: • we recognise the need for confidentiality, trust and mutual respect • we acknowledge we are all disciples who are seeking to follow Jesus • we are encouraged to speak freely and to try to understand people with different views • we don’t exclude or victimise people with different views • we allow people to speak without interruption and allow time for everyone to speak and participate • we recognise that faithful Christians can come to different conclusions • doubt, unresolved questions and uncertainties are okay • scientific research is respected • we acknowledge and celebrate areas of shared interest and common agreement and avoid the sense that there are ‘winners’ and ‘losers’.

Give it a go. Be part of the conversation.

Captain Ross Wardle is chair of The Salvation Army’s Moral and Social Issues (Ethics) Council. Go to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/masic for more information.

20 August 2016 WarCry | 13

TraWveITlH Purpose ‘Not all those who wander are lost,’ wrote J.R.R. Tolkien. And when Sarah Bridle decided to see the world as a teenager, she found true life.

When Sarah Bridle sat in ‘just another church service’ as a teenager, she didn’t imagine that her world was about to change—literally.

It was the Self-Denial Appeal in 2013, and a video interview was shown of a woman living and working in Malawi. ‘I was really inspired by her willingness to walk into the unknown and into someone else’s world. It was giving up what you think you need—whether that be a comfortable bed or shower—being willing to let that go in order to honour God and love someone else. That was so powerful and meaningful to me. People following what God asked them to do, no matter what.’

Sarah grew up in The Salvation Army as a Christian, but this was the unforgettable moment when she decided she wanted her relationship with God to change. ‘In my teenage years I don’t think I was very intentional about faith. I had it, but I didn’t make use of it.’

But as a result of that Self Denial Video, Sarah decided to spend two months visiting a Salvation Army children’s home in Ipoh, Malaysia—a place that cares for children who are either orphaned or can’t be cared for by their own family.

‘When I got on the plane and sat down, right then my world shattered. I thought about what I was doing and how stupid it was, and how I was all alone,’ remembers

Sarah. ‘But in the same exact moment I realised I wasn’t alone. I realised there was never a time that I was ever alone.

‘In that moment, when I felt completely by myself, it’s never been clearer to me that God was right there with me. That was the moment everything changed. My relationship with God changed and my faith became something I relied on.’

IMMERSED IN MALAYSIAN CULTURE Sarah is hesitant to call her time a ‘mission trip’, instead describing it as an opportunity to be totally immersed in someone else’s world and learn from them. She immersed herself in Malaysian culture, eating rice three times a day and joining in with their activities. ‘Taking time to breathe and being in their space was a privilege. It was a quiet and slow time, and I had time to myself in reflection.’

But it was the lives of the children that stayed with Sarah, long after her trip had finished. ‘Every child had a different story, for some of them their parents had died or their living space wasn’t safe anymore.

‘The children impacted me and taught me things. There was one little girl and she frustrated me, because for six weeks I found her rude and angry, and I didn’t like spending time with her. We went to visit a water park and I could tell she was really scared. I realised I had to love her no matter how she treated me, so I took her down the water slide with me. After that she clung to me for the rest of the time I was there. This taught me that some people use anger as a shield, but that everyone needs compassion.’

Another youngster Sarah remembers was a girl she affectionately nicknamed ‘Giggles’, because she was always full of laughter.

‘Then one day I saw her on the phone to her family, she was crying so hard that just watching her made me cry. When she got off the phone she joined the kids and started laughing again. She taught me a lot about coming from pain, but not staying in the darkness, and still smiling.’

As well as experiencing the buzzing night markets of Malaysia, the crazy traffic, and the 40 degree heat, one of Sarah’s standout memories is of the way Malaysian Christians worship. ‘When they engaged in music, they cared very little for timing or singing well, or anything we take seriously. They don’t care because they’re worshipping God. It challenged me, and I really discovered the fundamentals of worship through hearing them sing “badly”,’ she laughs.

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A RETURN VISIT

Coming back from Malaysia, Sarah had caught the travelling bug. She headed off to Camp America, again working with children. Then, Sarah and her friend Kate Geddes went on an O.E. to New York and Europe. There were lots of good times, but one memory stands out for Sarah:

‘Kate and I were in Germany when they took in 40,000 Syrian refugees, and we were at the train station when the refugees arrived.

It was a sad moment, with us on one side of the barrier enjoying a holiday and the displaced Syrians on the other side of the barrier holding just plastic bags or one suitcase between a whole family.’

But the hands-down highlight of this second trip for Sarah was three days spent revisiting the children in Malaysia that she had met the year before.

‘It was harder to leave Malaysia after three days than after two months. Most of the girls were still there—it was amazing to show them that I still remembered them, and that whenever I could I would go and see them.’

Now aged 21, Sarah is in her first year studying counselling at Laidlaw College in Auckland. She says her experience in Malaysia softened her heart and showed her the power of a simple conversation and accepting people as they are.

‘Counselling is not a field that young people typically go into, but I think it’s a field young people should consider because— especially in your teenage years—someone having intentional conversations and building relationships with you is a very powerful tool.’

As Self Denial Sunday comes around again on 28 August, Sarah reflects back on the moment in a Self Denial service that changed her direction. ‘It’s a great reminder of how other people live, and that we can give time and give love. The Self Denial Appeal is a reminder of much more than just financial issues. One person in New Zealand can go out and love someone, and that will be great for the Kingdom of God.’

to walk

into the

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someone else’ s world.

Looking for an outdoor activity for the kids or for your youth group?

Check out geocaching.com

When Geocaching Meets The Salvation Army

BY MAT BADGER Sixteen years before Pokémon Go inserted itself so prominently into the ‘location based’ gaming world, there was Geocaching! (And somewhere on the timeline in between Geocaching and Pokémon Go there was also Munzee and Ingress). But thanks to Pokémon Go, people who have never played locationbased games are now doing so en masse.

In the words of YouTuber Lisa Foiles, ‘Every Geocacher in the world is now looking at excited Pokémon Go players and yelling, “This is what we have been trying to explain to you for all this time!” ’ Some of you reading this will be familiar with Geocaching, but others won’t. For those of you who have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, here is a brief explanation …

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game that uses GPS-enabled devices.

Players navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the cache (container) hidden at that particular location.

Upon finding the container, you simply extract the logbook, sign it to prove you were there, and then on the same day register your find on the website or through your smart phone app. Upon doing so, you get credited with another ‘find’ and you continue to climb the international caching scoreboard of greatness.

Of course, that sounds simple, until you realise upon arrival at the GPS coordinates that some of these containers are about the size of your smallest fingernail, and many are designed to blend in with their surroundings. And if the

cache is hidden in an urban area, stealth or the cover of darkness may be required. This can lead to finding yourself in all sorts of humorous situations, such as explaining to onlookers that you’re a park bench inspector, when in fact you are really looking for a cache. Or you might be out geocaching with friends in the early hours of the morning, only to have one of them (who shall remain nameless) accidently pull the top off a high-pressure water valve. And yes, after helping this particular individual repair his blunder, needing to disappear as a group quickly on foot amid the barking of all of the neighbourhood dogs and with household lights coming on. Classic!

On top of this there is the competitive ‘first to find’ aspect to the game. When a new cache has been placed somewhere, a notification is sent out to players … and the race is on. I’ve seen a grown man run through a graveyard.

I’ve seen a group of teenagers descend like a swarm of locusts around a monument. And I’ve known people to drive for over two hours for the honour of being the first to find a particular cache.

So, if the whole aim of geocaching is to get people outdoors discovering places they would not normally go, geocaching works really well. There are over 15 million players worldwide, and close to 30,000 caches hidden in New Zealand alone. Globally, caches have been hidden from the highest of mountains to the ocean floor. There is even one located on the International Space Station!

In geocaching, I believe we’re presented with a unique mission opportunity. Firstly, geocaching presents a fantastic teambuilding opportunity structured around an experience that embodies an illustration Jesus used to describe the kingdom of God: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field’ (Matthew 13:44). It doesn’t take too much imagination to use Geocaching as a bridge to present the Gospel, and it’s a fantastic tool when working with groups.

Secondly, geocaching is a novel way to attract people to places where Christian mission is happening. We have had people come to our Sunday morning meetings at East City Corps wanting to check us out simply because we have a well-constructed, good quality cache in our car park. The cache is called ‘The Birdhouse’ (GC6KEYX), and it’s a puzzle cache based on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. While it breaks protocol to reveal the specifics of our cache, it is worth saying that we have had people from all over the world come to our car park because of it.

So … are you looking for an outdoor activity for the kids or for your youth group? Do you have some time to spare and need a destination?

Then check out geocaching.com. But a friendly warning … to certain personality types (like some of us at East City Corps), it is really addictive!

Captain Mat Badger is corps officer (pastor) of The Salvation Army East City Corps (church) with his wife Jules.

Our Community | 15

Change of Leadership Ahead for New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory

(l–r) Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson, Colonels Andy and Yvonne Westrupp.

The Salvation Army’s General has appointed the territorial leaders of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson, to new appointments at International Headquarters in London. The territory’s new leaders will be Colonels Andy and Yvonne Westrupp, who currently lead the Army’s work in Papua New Guinea. Both couples will take up their new appointments on 1 January 2017.

Commissioner Robert Donaldson is appointed International Secretary for Accountability and Governance. He will coordinate The Salvation Army’s global Accountability Movement, which aims to improve some of the Army’s systems and develop a stronger culture of accountability across the 127 countries in which The Salvation Army is at work. Commissioner Donaldson will direct the overall work of the Accountability Movement’s four key areas: governance, child protection, finance, and impact measurement. He will also continue to lead the governance stream.

Commissioner Janine Donaldson will take up the appointment of Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries for the South Pacific and East Asia Zone. She will work within the administrative hub for Salvation Army operations across Australia, Hong Kong and Macau, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, and Taiwan.

The Salvation Army has a proud heritage of internationalism and it is usual for the leaders of its various territories and commands to come from other parts of the world, so this is the first time that New Zealand territorial leaders will be succeeded by New Zealanders. Colonel Andy Westrupp is appointed Territorial Commander and Colonel Yvonne Westrupp Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. The Westrupps are only the sixth New Zealanders to lead the territory in its 133-year

history. They will take up their new roles with the rank of commissioner.

‘Although humbled and excited by the opportunities presented by these new appointments, we are naturally sad to be leaving New Zealand’s shores,’ say the Donaldsons, who most recently served in South Africa.

‘We have loved being in our home territory. It’s been an incredible privilege to serve as leaders here and to see all that God is doing through the lives of dedicated people—including many nonSalvationists who help to advance our mission as staff and volunteers.

It’s tremendous that Kiwis are following us and we are very excited about that. Andy and Yvonne are so well respected in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, and they have a tremendous track record of effective ministry in the territory.

‘We ask all Salvationists to pray for this transition, but to also be very much aware that God is preparing to bless the Army’s ministry in new and exciting ways in the future.’

Colonels Andy and Yvonne Westrupp say they are looking forward to reconnecting with people and supporting the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory’s mission. ‘We honour Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson for their leadership in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga and feel privileged to be following their dynamic leadership.

‘We have loved our time in Papua New Guinea. The warmth and spiritual passion of Salvationists in this land and the spontaneous growth in Army mission is always energising. However, New Zealand Fiji and Tonga have remained in our hearts so we are delighted to return to home shores. We believe that the Holy Spirit is wanting to once again breathe new life into Salvationists to help us minister together to make a difference for eternity in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.’

The Donaldsons and the Westrupps will be at The Salvation Army’s Now is the Time congress in Wellington from 29 September to 2 October, when the territory will launch its new Mission Plan for the next three years.

Pray Now for Congress Salvationists are being urged to unite in prayer ahead of the territorial congress.

People are being encouraged to join in a new prayer plan, called Pray Now, which is being launched on 29 August. It will see people around the territory taking part in a month of prayer building up to the ‘Now is the Time’ congress with daily scripture-themed prayer topics being made available through Facebook on the NZFT 24/7 Prayer group, the NZFT Congress Event Group and the ‘Now is the Time’ website.

The prayer month is themed around Matthew 18:18–20, which says: ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’

Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Heather Rodwell said prayer was an essential part of the planning for congress

for the territory and for individuals attending. ‘There’s something that happens in the prayer room that changes our heart and our lives. We open ourselves in anticipation of what God will be doing. Unless we’re open to God we just go through the mechanics of having a conference, and then go home.’

Although people were asked to commit to praying daily as individuals, home groups, life groups and corps could also take part.

One aim of working through the NZFT 24/7 prayer group was that people could add their own prayer requests or share that they were praying, helping build a prayer community online as well as offline.

‘There’s unity in praying, that even though we’re geographically separate our hearts are already joined,’ Heather said.

Congress will also see the restart of the territory’s commitment to the 24/7 Prayer movement. Corps will be encouraged to refresh and recommit to this long-running international prayer movement.

16 | WarCry 20 August 2016

Our Community | 17

New Push to Cope with Winter Need

The Salvation Army launched its first winter appeal as front-line staff face one of their busiest times of the year.

Salvation Army head of social services Major Pam Waugh says the current depth of poverty in New Zealand—driven primarily by rising housing costs—now appears deeply entrenched as the Army continues to focus on helping people move beyond poverty.

‘In winter, people’s needs are worsened by the additional costs of seasonal illnesses, cold homes, inadequate bedding and clothing, and

Role Reversal for Army Leaders compounded by overcrowded and substandard living conditions,’ she said. ‘Parents are trying hard, but many cannot see light at the end of the tunnel, only despair. In response to this reality, we have launched a winter appeal, with funds raised helping meet seasonal demand for the basics of food, warmth and shelter.’

At this time of the year, Salvation Army social service staff are noticing: • Client families using pay-as-you-go electricity payment schemes going without lighting or hot water for several days or longer.

• Heating the home is no longer considered a priority by many parents, leading to cold-related illnesses.

• More time being spent negotiating with clients’ creditors to avoid power disconnections or eviction.

• Some families are so impoverished they have no warm clothes or bedding.

• Many clients can no longer afford public transport to collect food parcels or visit the doctor.

• Doctor’s fees, transport costs and pharmaceutical co-payments prohibit parents seeking medical care for their children and themselves until it becomes a medical emergency. Some won’t approach a practice because they owe money or credit is not provided.

• Overcrowding and homelessness increases unabated in some areas.

In response, social workers, budgeters and other personnel are spending increasing time attempting to help solve the most acute problems clients face. Some centres are intensifying home visits, which often reveal disturbing levels of overcrowding and physical illness, with clients showing worrying degrees of anxiety and depression.

‘Our winter appeal launched on 18 July. We’re hoping Kiwis will realise that winter is harder for those already in need—and do their part to help,’ says Major Waugh.

Donations can be made at www salvationarmy.org.nz/ WinterAppeal or phone 0800 53 00 00

The Salvation Army’s top brass became addicts, criminals and homeless people for a day last month.

The Territorial Governance Board, which oversees the running of the Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, transformed into clients to see the way the Army’s Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration services (ASARS) works.

The Board was visiting ASARS as part of a new round of trips it will make visiting each service the Army offers every second year, Commissioner Robert Donaldson said. The aim is to make sure each member has a close up view of how the services work day to day and to allow frontline staff to talk with the board directly.

What the members did not know when they arrived was that ASARS National Director Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Hutson had organised a paper bag for each.

Inside was their new name and a story of their life, along with a t-shirt, toothbrush and a precious item, representing all that many clients own when they come to the Army. It also held some Smarties, representing the medication of many clients who are struggling with poor health, and a family photo, emphasising others who are affected.

They were then sent with a support person for an interview at the service that would help them.

Lynette said she had the idea after serving on the Governance Board as head of Business Administration. ‘I realised it’s hard for governance to feel what it’s like on the ground. So it was a way of bridging the gap between the governance level visits and the feeling of really being part of the service and what it might be like to show up to a Salvation Army service feeling very vulnerable.’

While she was nervous about what might happen, the Board threw

Salvation Army Supporting Refugees and Rio

Oamaru Corps Volunteer Sunday Volunteers in Oamaru headed to church as their hard work was celebrated last month.

Oamaru Corps invited the volunteers from its two family stores to a church service to recognise their work. About 35 volunteers attended the service, where they received a thank-you certificate, along with flowers for the longest serving volunteers.

Corps officer Captain Russell Garbett said some of the volunteers had been loyal members of the team for over 40 years and the service was a good opportunity to show the appreciation the corps has for their work. ‘It enabled us to say a big thank you to those who give of themselves in such a sacrificial way to the ongoing work of the Army.’

The service was split into four parts to allow time to thank each of the volunteers. The volunteers were divided up based on their years of service, with those who had served up to five years being thanked together, followed by those who had volunteered for six to 10 years, then 11–15 and 16 years and up. After the service, the volunteers were also invited to join in a shared lunch.

‘It was good to be able to acknowledge the wonderful service of these people in a tangible way, and those who were not churchgoers came away saying they enjoyed the service as well,’ Russell said.

One of the volunteers, Angela, who is in a wheelchair, spoke about what being a volunteer meant for her. Angela said she was offered the opportunity to volunteer at the store 18 months ago and her work involves a variety of tasks including hanging out clothes and working with other members of the staff. Being able to help in her community was very rewarding, she said.

‘Speaking with the customers is a great way for me to interact with the public, which I so enjoy. The organisation of getting there and back makes it all worthwhile. To be accepted on my own merit, I feel as though I am a contributing member of society and I have made many new friends through this shop-work journey.’

themselves enthusiastically into their roles, Lynette said. It was also a valuable experience for her staff, who worked hard on the project and were very grateful for the way the exercise was received.

Assistant Secretary for Personnel Major Lorraine LePine visited an Oasis centre to get an exclusion order to help stop her harmful use of pokies. There a staff member helped her fill out the paper work and offered her further support. While it was a fun exercise that she enjoyed, it was also a serious and moving opportunity to see things from the client’s perspective.

‘It changes something in you, when you sit in another’s shoes.

It made me realise it takes some courage to front up to someone you don’t know and share about your story and that you need some assistance, some help.’

Afterwards, she and the staff member discussed the wider work of Oasis, helping struggling people, providing education and advocating for change in policies and laws. ‘I came to appreciate all the levels that they’re working at to care for people, transform lives and reform society.’

The visit gave Lorraine a renewed sense of the work ASARS does and the responsibility the Board has in making decisions that impact vulnerable people, but it was about more than just observing the work staff do, she said.

‘One of our intentional goals is to get out and appreciate the people on the ground, to understand the realities and the impact of their work and ministry, and to honour them by spending time with them. It’s an opportunity to value all those who serve others through The Salvation Army on a daily basis.’

The Salvation Army has been throwing its support behind Team Refugees and the people of Rio de Janeiro during the Olympic Games Because The Salvation Army meets human needs in 127 countries worldwide, it has been hard to be partisan at the Olympic Games.

But this year’s sporting showcase is a little different, with a team of 10 refugees from Africa and the Middle East competing under the Olympic flag. In recognition of this, The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission is urging people to support Team Refugees.

At a time when more than 65 million people are displaced—many of them children—the participation of a Refugee Olympic Team sends a powerful signal of hope to refugees around the world. The initiative has been developed by UNICEF and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, in partnership with many other agencies.

Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant, Director of The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission, which liaises with the United Nations in New York, said the Army was deeply concerned about

the millions of people displaced from their homes. Supporting Team Refugees would highlight a global tragedy that is not receiving enough attention, he said.

‘Amid the misery and suffering, the participation of 10 worldclass refugee athletes in the Rio 2016 Olympics is a reminder that refugees are people with abilities, skills and God-given talents. The International Social Justice Commission encourages everyone to support the all-refugee team as a small sign of our support for all the women, men, girls and boys who are refugees and asylum seekers.’

As well, more than 100 Salvation Army volunteers are in Rio undertaking mission activities across the city. With international team members representing countries as far afield as Australia, Iceland and Canada, sport will be the ‘common language’ as the life-changing message of the gospel is taken to the favelas.

Captain Ionara Tebas, the corps officer (pastor) and manager at The Salvation Army’s church and community centre in the northern Rio suburb of Méier, was working with the volunteers. ‘It’s a case of visiting the people who might need our help,’ she said. ‘We go to them and get to know the whole family.’ Some of these families have significant needs. Alcohol and drug dependency is widespread, with a serious knock-on effect on family income.

The Salvation Army’s Rio 2016 mission has been seeking to extend some of the fun and enjoyment of the sporting spectacle to these communities. Musical performances, dance events and even treasure hunts have been planned to ensure whole families can participate.

Vânia Quintão, a Salvationist from Niterói—a city opposite Rio across the Guanabara Bay—was part of similar outreach campaigns at the Pan American Games in 2007 and a number of Rio’s famous carnivals. ‘I am looking forward to the arrival of the Olympic Games and being part of this great team of volunteers. I believe [this] is a strategic way … to fulfil our mission as The Salvation Army,’ she said.

Elisa Moura, also from Niterói, agreed. ‘To the vendors, people coming in and out of sports events, and the street people, we can show Jesus.’

For more info about The Salvation Army’s Rio 2016 sports ministry and outreach, go to http://sar.my/rio2016 and follow the #SArio2016 hashtag across social media

18 | WarCry 20 August 2016

Mission Matters | 19

Photography: Brett Phibbs/The New Zealand Herald

LEADERSHIP LINKS

The internationalism of The Salvation Army is one of our strengths.

Over recent weeks I have been blessed to visit corps in various areas of the territory as part of territorial leadership visits around the territory. These visits have highlighted to me the incredible diversity we have in our congregational worship. We are blessed with a wide variety of talents with which to praise the Lord!

One such visit that stands out as a highlight was the celebration of 30 years’ service in the Kingdom of Tonga at the beginning of July. This event was reported in a recent War Cry. Tonga certainly knows how to celebrate! One highlight for me would be glory crowning the mercy seat in every gathering—with scores of young people seeking the Lord and his direction for their lives. The enrolment of 30 new senior soldiers, 30 new junior soldiers and the presentation of certificates for long and faithful service were also special moments to treasure.

The internationalism of The Salvation Army is one of our strengths. Our territory includes three countries. The Salvation Army serves in 127 countries around the world in many languages, as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the ‘whosoever’. A common thread running through all aspects of our ministry is the language of love. Slogans like ‘Heart to God, Hand to Man’ capture our culture and ethos as we seek to minister to the whole person.

Over the past several weeks, those attending a Salvation Army worship service have seen aspects of the Army’s international work through recorded cameos—stories from people from Jamaica, Myanmar, Moldova and India whose lives have been changed as Salvationists have given to the annual Self Denial Appeal. This appeal is an annual event in which we are challenged to consider what we might give to make a difference in the lives of people to which the Army ministers in other parts of the world.

Jesus’ words remind us: ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’ (Matthew 12:48–50) Our territory makes a significant contribution to the international Army every year. In addition to remitting the full proceeds from the Self Denial Appeal to International Headquarters for distribution, the territory also underwrites the Army’s work in Fiji and Tonga, provides officers for service in key roles around the world, and has a long history of other forms of assistance—including child sponsorship and practical mission support in various locations around the Army world.

May God bless you as you prayerfully consider what gift you might give in our upcoming Self Denial Appeal altar service.

Thank you so much for the important part you play in this international Army!

Lieut-Colonel David Bateman Secretary for Business Administration

BY ROBIN RAYMOND

Park Up for Homes For Salvation Army staff member Annaliese Johnston and a small group of friends, a prayer and an idea to help people in their community speak out has turned into a movement that is spreading nationwide.

Annaliese, a policy analyst with the Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU), was part of a group that organised a Park Up for Homes event in Māngere in June. They hoped the event might attract up to 100 people. They ended up with around 1000, followed by further Park Up for Homes events in Onehunga, Auckland West, Wellington, Hamilton and Napier, with plans for more.

The story started about two months ago, Annaliese says, in a morning prayer group run by her flatmates Joanne and Justin Latif for a group in their community in Māngere. Many of the group work in the Māngere community or in social services and they had been seeing and discussing the rise of overcrowding and homelessness for about two years.

‘We were praying and talking about it and getting angry with the lack of response—that the Government hadn’t said much about it. We saw a piece on [TV3’s] The Nation and we thought, what if we did something to contribute to the public pressure, some kind of peaceful protest to engage ordinary New Zealanders who cared, but didn’t have a voice?’

What they came up with was intended as a sign of solidarity, families sleeping in their cars for a night with the message that ‘everyone deserves a home. Not a car, not a garage, a home.’ The intent was to hold a peaceful protest to show that Kiwis care, but the amount people cared surprised even the organisers.

‘We thought we’d have 30 cars and maybe up to 100 people.

We talked to friends and people in the community, we set up a Facebook group, and in the next few evenings it exploded!’

The New Zealand Herald came calling and then other media as interest snowballed. The Child Poverty Action Group joined as a partner to lend their experience, and other SPPU staff also provided support and advice. However, the event remained a home-grown movement from one small prayer group and their community. On the night, they only had eight to 10 organisers on site—in charge of the hundreds at the Māngere town centre car park—which Annaliese says was ‘slightly terrifying’. But they had huge community support.

(l–r) Joanne and Justin Latif, with daughter Isobel, Annaliese Johnston and Bex Rillstone ahead of Mangere’s Park Up for Homes.

‘People were offering free security, free food. We only had to pay for the Port-a-loos in the end, because people kept saying, “I can give this, I can do this.” It was pretty grassroots stuff, so we were very thankful it all went smoothly.’

Another surprise was the sort of people who turned up. ‘We Are Family’ had become the slogan for the event, expressing solidarity with families sleeping in cars around the country. But those who came to the event also reflected the slogan, with many families with young children turning out—people who had never been involved in a protest or been politically active, but wanted to give their children the experience and show their support.

The team decided any money raised would go towards the Monte Cecilia Housing Trust, which provides emergency housing in Māngere, but Annaliese stresses the aim was not just another fundraiser; it was about raising voices.

Our leaders listen when there is a groundswell of public opinion.

‘There were questions of what the point was and people saying it was just tokenism. The big point of it was there was a big groundswell of community support. When the community is stretched so thin, a fundraiser only lasts so long—there also has to be good robust policies from our leaders to provide affordable housing. And our leaders listen when there is a groundswell of public opinion.’

In the weeks that followed, former boxer David Tua and his wife organised a Park Up in Onehunga, while another was held in West Auckland and at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington next to Parliament.

Although the original Park Up for Homes team have provided support and publicity to other events, the plan was always that if other people wanted an event in their community they should run it.

‘There’s something cool and powerful about local communities engaging and having a voice,’ Annaliese says. ‘There’s been a local flavour to each one. Each one has given to a different charity, which is cool, because at the end of the day it’s not about us; it’s about the movement.’

The event came at a time of heightened attention on the issue of homelessness and Annaliese is optimistic it has already played its part alongside other efforts in making a difference. That impact has come both on a national level by keeping pressure on politicians to make increased efforts to address the problem and on a local level for the public to do the same, she says.

‘It’s engaged people who wouldn’t normally have been engaged, to go and think about how they can make a change. It’s been interesting to

see the Government response and the opposition. I think there’s been movement in how they responded once they saw the public backlash and I’m hopeful that response will result in meaningful change.’

For Annaliese, it’s been a time of dramatic change as well.

Following an interview about Park Up Māngere on TV3’s Paul Henry, she was asked to become one of a group of regular contributors to the show. While the extra work with Park Up for Homes has been a nice addition to her work with SPPU that ‘joins all the dots in what we’re doing’, she is less certain about her TV role. However, Annaliese says the work on Park Up for Homes and the response has been a good learning curve, teaching her some important lessons about following where God leads and trusting.

‘It’s definitely out of my comfort zone, but this year has been all about being brave, following the Holy Spirit and trusting God that he can use me in taking up this opportunity.’

What is The Salvation Army’s View on NZ’s Housing Crisis?

The Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit regularly speaks to Government, opposition parties, local authorities and other agencies about homelessness, housing supply and affordability, social housing, emergency housing, and the impact of immigration. Their main advocacy is that: • cases of homelessness presenting to Salvation Army Community Ministries are extremely worrying and a clear indicator that additional emergency housing support is needed • emergency housing is a temporary solution that needs to be matched with a permanent housing supply solution • the present approach of Government is not delivering sufficient supply of houses and an additional supply of State Housing is required from Government • Government should build or make available land or capital for the construction of more affordable housing • effective housing policy must meet a diverse range of needs, including those of first home buyers, people on low incomes, young families, older people, etc.

For more information, contact The Salvation Army Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit, e: socialpolicy@nzf.salvationarmy.org, www salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

20 | WarCry 20 August 2016

Soul Food | 21

The Incomparable

CHRIST An excerpt from Amy Reardon’s devotional study in Hebrews, Holiness Revealed, in which she pulls back the curtain of ancient Jewish culture and tradition, allowing us to come face-to-face with the God-man Jesus Christ.

The book of Hebrews is complex and full of tightly argued theology.

As a literary work, it is masterful, but as a spiritual and theological guide, it can be quite challenging. My book, Holiness Revealed, is for the Christian who is looking for a personal or group Bible study or devotion that involves both intellectual thought and inward reflection.

Hebrews is not an easy read for the 21st century Christian. One often stumbles and sometimes trips over its content. But the serious Bible student is not satisfied with just glossing over the tricky parts.

A love for God and a love for his Word compels us to dig in, to try to really understand what is written. If we really care about God’s Word, we can’t be afraid of it. We must approach it with alert minds and devoted hearts.

My book does not reveal all the mysteries of Hebrews. But it is my hope that it will aid in addressing the bulk of what Hebrews contains without sweeping chunks under the rug. Let’s try to connect the dots of the themes running throughout the book. Let’s try to tackle the parts that alarm us. And even when we can’t figure it all out, let’s try to make ourselves aware of what the difficulties are, instead of turning a blind eye to them.

As commentator Donald Guthrie has noted, the book of Hebrews will help us answer the most important question of all time—a question that incorporates both the idea of knowing God and knowing ourselves: How do human beings approach God?

God’s communication before Christ / Hebrews 1:1* The Lord had been communicating with his people for centuries before the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is full of stories of this communication. The writer of Hebrews mentioned prophets as deliverers of God’s Word, and implied that angels did the same. The emphasis in Hebrews 1:1 is on the prophets.

The deeds of some of the prophets were sometimes so bizarre they might have qualified them as mentally unfit if they weren’t known to be men of God. Think of Ezekiel lying on his left side for 390 days and for 40 days on his right, all the while eating only a starving man’s rations prepared over cow dung (Ezekiel 4). Think of Hosea purposefully marrying a prostitute (Hosea 1). These were not acts of insanity. These were powerful, living metaphors that communicated God’s displeasure with Israel.

A prophet might do a spectacular thing, as when Elijah called down fire from heaven to ignite a sopping wet altar (1 Kings 18). He might see visions, as Isaiah (chapter 6) and Zechariah (chapters 1–6) did. Or

a prophet might just preach or guide, as seems to have been the case with the prophets Micah and Nahum.

Enemies ran in fear of prophets, and kings submitted to them.

If a person received the blessing of a prophet, it meant that person received the blessing of God. Although the prophets were often isolated from the rest of the population, their status in society was well established. They were God’s human mouthpieces.

God’s next communicator / Hebrews 1:2–4* Verse 2 opens with ‘in these last days’. That was written millennia ago, yet we are still waiting for the return of Christ. How does the first century qualify as ‘last days’?

Jews and early Christians, similar to ourselves, viewed all of salvation history to be in two major eras. The first era is full of prophecy and prediction about the future. The second is the fulfilment of the prophecies. The Greek term translated as ‘last days’ is more accurately translated as ‘this final age’—that is, the second of the two major eras. The writer, then, was noting that the final age had been ushered in. Ever since Jesus’ birth, prophecy had been and was being fulfilled. So even in this brief term, the writer made an important claim. The Jews had been waiting for the final age. The writer declared that it had arrived.

The writer’s first purpose in the book of Hebrews was to demonstrate to the readers how and why Jesus was and is greater than even prophets or angels. Angels are servants and companions of God, but their status cannot be compared to Christ’s. The prophets spoke the Word of God well, as did the angels, but with the advent of the new covenant, God used a far superior mouthpiece: his Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is a better spokesman for God because he is God. This must be clear from the outset of the epistle, because it is the foundation of the letter’s discourse. The deity and supremacy of Christ are primary subjects. Even in just these first four verses we find Jesus’ status outlines. We read who he is in relationship to God, the universe, human beings and angels.

Not a lesser member of the Trinity / Hebrews 1:2* At first glance, one may think that the first few verses of Hebrews portray Jesus as a lesser member of the Trinity, subservient to God the Father. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, the description given identifies Jesus’ role within the Trinity, and the intersection of his role as human with his role as God. The first complication is that Jesus is referred to as ‘heir’. When we think of an heir, we think of someone who is the recipient of someone else’s treasure. The heir didn’t earn it; he got it because he was the son of someone who had it first. But looking at the rest of verse 2, why does that situation not apply here?

Donald Guthrie writes: ‘In human affairs the eldest son is the natural heir. In the analogy [in this verse] a more profound thought is

introduced. The heir is also the creator. He is not inheriting what he has not been connected with. He inherits what he himself made.’

The verse hearkens back to Psalm 2:8, ‘Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.’ What are the similarities between the two verses? What is the key difference?

Peter O’Brien writes: ‘The oracle in the psalm echoes Genesis 17:5, where the inauguration of Abraham as heir marks a significant step in redemptive history.’ The first era began when Abraham, in covenant with God, inherited all nations. The second era is signified by Jesus Christ becoming heir to all that exists.

‘Through whom also he made the universe’ is a pretty curious statement. We’ve already discussed that Jesus is heir of what he himself has created, but it isn’t the role we usually think of for the Son of God. Saviour, not Creator, is the first thing that comes to mind.

However, it has been declared elsewhere in Scripture that Jesus is Creator. Take a moment to look up John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16. What do you think it means that God the Father made the universe through Jesus the Son? Do you think it matters?

The deity and supremacy of Christ are the book of Hebrew’s primary subjects.

Guthrie says: ‘The Christians were convinced that the same person who had lived among men was the one who created men.’

The recipients of Hebrews had not seen Jesus, but many of them had walked the earth when he did. We know that Immanuel means ‘God with us’, and that God is with us even today. But for the people of that time, God’s presence was palpable. The reader of the letter may have known people who had been with Jesus. God had been with them in such a real sense that they could reach out and touch him. And this Jesus—this man who had walked among them—was the same One who had created them!

Just as the ancient Greeks gave much consideration to wisdom, so the Jews reflected upon the wisdom of God. In fact, in passages such as Proverbs 8:22–31, divine wisdom is personified and is said to be God’s companion in the creation of the universe. It seems that some Christians began to identify Christ as the living, breathing ‘Divine Wisdom’. The author of Hebrews paws at ‘wisdom theology’ as a cat paws at a dangling string. But in wisdom theology, divine wisdom’s personification is still quite mystical, never becoming flesh, never affecting salvation. The author of Hebrews, on the other hand, emphasised that Christ is quite real, quite earthly. While he is the exalted Son of God, he is also the man who walked among us. * Please read the Bible passages referenced as you follow through this study.

Reflection Questions Within the following parallel passages, what are some prophesies that were fulfilled, indicating the final age had begun?

Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22–23 Genesis 49:10 and Luke 3:33 Psalm 34:20 and John 19:33–36 Psalm 16:10 and Matthew 28:2–7 What is Jesus’ position in the Trinity? (Hebrews 1:3) What is his relationship to the universe? (verse 2) What is his relationship to the angels? (verse 4) What is his human form? (verse 3) What is his relationship to us? What did he do for us? (verse 3) How do you think your relationship with God is different as a Christian than it would have been if you’d been an everyday Israelite in the times of the prophets? Do you think the everyday Israelites experienced intimacy with God? When you think of who Christ is, what do you think your response to him should be today?

Amy Reardon thoughtfully guides readers through 31 days of in-depth devotions, unpacking and discovering the heart of the epistle Hebrews. Holiness Revealed makes an excellent resource for personal or group Bible study, providing engaging prose for daily soul care.

Major Amy Reardon has served as assistant editor-in-chief of The Salvation Army’s USA national publications department. She holds a Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary and with her husband co-pastors a congregation in Seattle. Amy has been a member of The Salvation Army’s International Theological Council since March 2012.

To buy in paperback or as an ebook, and for additional online resources, go to www wesleyan.org/3205/holiness-revealed

22 | WarCry 20 August 2016

CALENDAR AUGUST 19–20: Central Division Youth Conference / Wellington 22–24: Lead to Grow Conference / Wellington 23–25: Re-reading the Scriptures / Booth College of Mission 28: Self Denial Appeal Sunday 30 Aug–1 Sept: Personal Leadership / Booth College of Mission SEPTEMBER 2: Regional Training Day (Rangiora) / Southern Division 7–10: Addictions Cutting Edge Conference / Rotorua 10: Regional Training Day (Dunedin City) / Southern Division 9–11: Kids Camp / Central Division 10: Moral and Social Issues Council / Wellington 14: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 14: General Change Announcement 16: International Moral and Social Issues Council / Auckland 19–21: General’s Consultative Council / Queenstown 19–22: 12 Steps Course (Part 1) / Booth College of Mission 24–25: Youth Councils / Southern Division 25: Daylight Savings Begins (NZ) 26: South Canterbury Anniversary Day 29 Sept–2 Oct: Now is the Time Congress / Wellington

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

Thought Matters 2016 FRIDAY 14 OCT, 7 PM TO SUNDAY 16 OCT, 1:30 PM MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Thought matters is an annual conference organised by The Salvation Army Tri-Territorial Theological Forum from Australia Eastern, Australia Southern, and the NZ, Fiji and Tonga territories.

This year’s conference explores the definition of ‘salvation’. Register by August 31 for early-bird rate $AUD 130 (full fee after 31 August is $AUD 150).

Meals are provided for Saturday lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch.

Registration fee does not include accommodation. Some accommodation at Catherine Booth College campus: +61 (0)3 9847 5400. Discounted rates at the Golden Pebble Hotel, Wantirna South: +61 (0)3 9837 8800. Mention ‘The Salvation Army Conference’ for special room rates. Scholarships announced: details on www.salvationarmy.org.nz/ThoughtMatters2016 Register for Thought Matters at www.trybooking.com/MBBP

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 22–24 August: General’s Consultative Council, Singapore (TC) 27–28 August: Wellington, Wellington South Corps 7–11 September: European Zonal Conference, Athens (TC) 14–16 September: IMASIC meeting, Auckland (TC)

Levin Corps 125th Anniversary 2–4 June 2017

Save the date and plan to come along as Levin Corps celebrates 125 years of mission and ministry in the Horowhenua.

Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries)

For more details and registration information email: levin_corps@nzf.salvationarmy. org, or request to join the Facebook group for this event to stay up-to-date: facebook. com/groups/774208332680743

19–20 August: Central Youth Conference 28 August: Tawa Corps 2–4 September: Rangiora Corps Celebrations

Calling All Musicians!

The Wellington South Band is currently seeking passionate past or present bandspeople to be involved with its programme of ministry and outreach in the Newtown community.

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Gisborne, Glen Eden, Glenfield, Gore, Grandview and Greymouth Corps, Salvation Army Court Services, and The Salvation Army Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory.

To advertise here, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

If you’ve got any level of prior brass experience and have a desire to strike a note for Jesus, we want to hear from you! Contact Bandmaster Trent Hamilton, email me@ trent.nz Crossword Answers: Across: 1 Tomatoes, 5 Motion, 9 Research, 10 Greeks, 12 Agree, 13 Professor, 14 Movies, 16 Several, 19 Instead, 21 Beside, 23 Important, 25 Whale, 26 Tarmac, 27 Memories, 28 Resist, 29 Internal. Down: 1 Throat, 2 Mushrooms, 3 Trade, 4 Escapes, 6 Ourselves, 7 Ideas, 8 Nostrils, 11 Rods, 15 Icecreams, 17 Radiation, 18 Minister, 20 Deal, 21 Between, 22 Vessel, 24 Purrs, 25 Wrote. Quiz Answers: 1 Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), 2 A business, 3 Theresa May, 4 Paris, 5 Solomon (1 Kings 11:3).

Find freedom and move forward in God’s blessing and power

Make your life count!

Bring friends so they can know God

Men’s Events

www.promisekeepers.nz

WELLINGTON 16-17 September | AUCKLAND 7-8 October

aBlrzi gDiinv lasFg Gsmynaicts dJou sdMlea stNnaio ePdri gRnis unnngRi ilSaign tpSosr duSaimt meSwirsm nWersin gWnrsetli

CAN YOU WIN THE RACE?

DO YOU KNOW YOUR OLYMPIC FACTS? The modern Summer Olympic Games were first held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. They are based on the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece.

The prize for event winners in the Ancient Olympics was an olive branch wreath.

G WR J M S T R S G N C S D

Since 1904, medals have been awarded in every event.

Great Britain is the only country to have won at least one gold medal at every Summer Olympics.

Because of the two World Wars there were no Olympic Games in 1916, 1940 or 1944.

Every national flag of the world has at least one of the Olympic rings colours: blue, black, green, yellow and red.

UNSCRAMBLE IT, THEN FIND IT! R U N N I N G Y MN A S T I C S G E S T L I N G K B N S U I D A T S Q Z R I W O P S I J A L I V I R O Z I M G P I A MW L S E I P D S R A R I G C S I V A M R T D I L E E V E N F D N G J A N V L I W SWD D J U D O Y U F N S C V T

Tug of war was a team event at every Summer Olympics from 1900 to 1920.

read it ‘Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way. Serving God brings you blessings in this life and in the future life, too.’ 1 Timothy 4:8–9 (International Children’s Bible)

Let’s Talk

Have you been watching the Olympics? It’s so exciting to see the competitions and to know how hard people have

trained to do such amazing things. Even the people who come last in an event are still incredible athletes and we want to celebrate them.

Hopefully all of us take time to stay fit and healthy. Perhaps you’re part of a sports team, or maybe you go running or do gymnastics. There are lots of cool ways to keep your body in shape.

It’s also important to stay in shape as followers of Jesus.

This training includes reading our Bible, praying to stay in touch with Jesus as our coach for life, and training together with other Christians by going to things like kids church, junior soldiers, Salvation Army camps, and even Christian groups at some schools.

All of this helps us stay ready to do anything that God asks of us. This way God can use us to encourage and help others.

aBlrzi Fun4Kids | 23 gDiinv lasFg Gsmynaicts dJou sdMlea stNnaio ePdri gRnis unnngRi ilSaign tpSosr duSaimt meSwirsm nWersin gWnrsetli

Let’s Pray Dear Jesus, You are the best coach that anyone could have! Help me to show up to training by reading my Bible, praying and going to church groups as much as I can.

Make me a blessing to others. Amen.

16 SELF DENIAL APPEAL 20 SHARE WHAT YOUR ‘FAMILY’ LOOKS LIKE:

#selfdenial2016

WATCH THE SERIES, VIEW EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND DONATE:

www.selfdenial.info