22 August 2015 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION | 22 August 2015 | Issue 6624 | $1.50

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Christians Tell About ...

Sex

LIFE AS A FUNERAL DIRECTOR GAMBLEFREE DAY: 1 SEPT LOOKING FOR GOD IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER SHOWING HOSPITALITY TO THE GAY & LESBIAN COMMUNITY TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT ‘MESSY CHURCH’

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Kia ora A safe place for misfits WAR CRY

The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Robert Donaldson The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination.

War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission.

EDITOR

Major Christina Tyson GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson STAFF WRITERS

Ingrid Barratt, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Martin Barratt (movie reviewer), Kris Singh (music reviewer)

PROOF READING

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

War Cry has been highlighting hospitality, most recently in a series of articles by Coralie Bridle. In this edition, Captain Ross Wardle extends the concept to consider the hospitality churches may or may not show to gay and lesbian people. (We can read into this the hospitality shown to bisexual, transgender and intersex people as well.) Robin Raymond also touches on this in his article on Lutheran minister Nadia Bolz-Weber— highlighting the ‘dilemma’ of a very embracing congregation considering how to welcome those who don’t typically face exclusion from church.

Our own denomination was founded as a safe place for ‘misfits’ who did not fit into the church environment of the day (interestingly, the word ‘misfit’ has its origins in the period when The Salvation Army began). In an address titled ‘Compel Them to Come In’, our co-founder Catherine Booth writes, ‘There are teeming thousands who never cross the threshold of church … to whom all connected with religion is as an old song, a byword and a reproach. They need to be brought into contact with a living Christ in the characters and persons of his people’.

Jesus said, I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. This is a theme Jesus also touched on when talking about hosting a banquet not for family, friends and rich neighbours, but for society’s outcasts. I don’t see Jesus instructing his followers to establish ourselves as gatekeepers (or bouncers) at the doorway. On the contrary, Jesus sends us out to invite everyone in! I’ve found it liberating over the past few years to understand that Jesus doesn’t call me to vet people as to whether or not I believe they’re suitable for his kingdom. As the Army’s sixth doctrine reminds us: whosoever will may be saved.

Regular readers will notice some ‘spring cleaning’ in this edition, with the reordering of a few pages. Although this will make your journey through our pages different, we hope it’s just as enjoyable. After all, a little ‘different’ can be a good thing.

Christina Tyson Editor

PAPER Novatech is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under environmental management system ISO14001 using FSC® Certified, Mixed Source, ECF pulp from responsible sources and legally harvested forests.

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

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ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6624 Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read War Cry online with Issuu www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry

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BIBLE VERSE Romans 15:7 English Standard Version

‘Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.’ Roma 15:7

‘Nā, me whakahoa koutou tētahi ki tētahi, kia rite ki a te Karaiti i mea nei i a tātou hei hoa mōna, kia whai korōria ai te Atua.’

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WISE WORDS

Jesus gave his life so that persons could be welcomed into the Kingdom and in doing so linked hospitality, grace and sacrifice in the deepest and most personal way imaginable.

Christine Pohl Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition

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Let’s Talk | 03

BY ROBIN RAYMOND

S

he’s a six-foot-plus, heavily tattooed, weightlifting, ex-drug addict alcoholic, who swears and hates institutional church.

Nadia Bolz-Weber is also a Christian minister and passionate evangelist. As a Lutheran minister, she started a church in central Denver, Colorado, eight years ago called the House for All Sinners and All Saints. It was a space for people who didn’t like church and it quickly filled with outcasts and outsiders—‘queers, transgender people, alcoholics and the homeless’—the strangers of society.

The idea of welcoming strangers is something we all like, but in reality it’s hard. As War Cry contributor Coralie Bridle has challenged us recently, it’s much more than standing at the church door giving people a handshake and a newsletter, and much more than a carefully put-on smile and automatic invitation to a cup of tea or coffee after the service.

One of the things I love about my job with The Salvation Army is how often I’m talking to former addicts, former prisoners and society outsiders sitting in churches and making huge positive differences to the lives of others. To me, that sounds like true hospitality and what church should be: a space where absolutely anyone can feel comfortable as part of a community approaching God and living in relationship with him.

Yet, as much as I like the idea, in practice there’s always someone you wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting in church with. Our natural instinct as people seems to be to draw an ‘us-and-them’ line.

As the Reverend Bolz-Weber puts it, even in their church—which is specifically targeted for the outsiders of society—they still created a divide between ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’.

When a big group of supposedly ‘typical’ old, white, suburban churchgoers began coming, she describes herself as horrified. ‘What are they doing messing up my weird?’ she asked. She phoned another pastor friend to ask what the procedure was when normal people started messing up your church. His response was, ‘You guys are really good at welcoming the stranger when it’s a young transgender kid, but sometimes the stranger looks like your mum and dad.’

I wonder if Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth ever felt that way after starting a very similar ministry to congregations full of people typically rejected from church? And I wonder how Salvationists today feel, looking around their churches?

Are we prepared (to borrow the words of one of my favourite songs from the band Mutemath) to become ‘fond of broken people, as I see that I am one of them’? Do we see our differences, or do we see people made in the image of God? What gives me hope is the response Nadia BolzWeber describes from a church meeting about what to do with these strange ‘normal’ people in their midst. This response came from a young man called Asher who said, ‘As the young transgender kid who was welcomed into your community, I’d just like to say that I’m really glad there are people here who look like my mum and dad, because they love me in a way my parents can’t right now.’

Now, that’s an inspiring challenge!

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Bookshelf New Zealand Historic Churches Linda and Robert Burgess A husband and wife team travel the length of New Zealand, exploring each region by its churches. Linda writes—informed by architects, ministers and missionaries, while Robert takes the photos. As a companion to Historic Houses, this comes from a cultural, rather than Christian perspective—which makes it even more heartening to see places of worship held up as part of our heritage. It does, however, bring up the question of whether church buildings should be honoured above the body of Christ. But there is also a place to enjoy the beauty of the buildings in which we gather to worship.

(Random House)

Playlist

History Those Incredible Booths John Larsson From well-regarded Salvation Army leader and author John Larsson comes a biography with a twist. In his typical engaging style, Larsson begins with William and Catherine’s silver wedding anniversary. Their partnership began a legacy, passed down to eight children and 30 grandchildren. Despite the children being active Salvationists and leaders, Larrson doesn’t gloss over the grittier details. Like family feuds between father—perhaps more General than nurturer—and child, which led to two children resigning from the Army. Yet, the weight of history does indeed concur that the Booths were an incredible family.

(Salvation Books)

Social Issues Healing from Divorce Mary Lou Redding This mercifully concise, 70-page book is aimed directly at people hurting from divorce—either as partners or as family members. It is set out as daily readings, so anyone in the midst of dark times can take it one-day-at-a-time. Peppered throughout are stories from the author’s divorce, providing empathy and a personal touch. Redding understands from the inside-out how, for Christians, ‘divorce loads spiritual issues on top of relational ones’. Her readings are an antidote to this, with the message that God is compassionate, he sees our pain and he walks with us towards healing. (Upper Room Books, buy from Epworth Books)

Reel News

Synthpop Mobile Orchestra Owl City Adam Young’s Owl City project has morphed from humble beginnings in his parent’s basement to his now second major release, Mobile Orchestra. Even though this is a sugary-sweet electro-pop record, it still addresses mature themes like faith, loneliness and God. ‘You’re Not Alone’ directly addresses those themes, a rarity for a major label pop record.

There’s plenty of collaboration, including country artist Jake Owen and ’90s superpower Hanson.

Mobile Orchestra is a simple and fun record. If it seems at first that there’s a lack of depth, take a second listen—you might be surprised.

Worship Pocketful of Faith Tim Hughes Tim Hughes is a British worship leader whose songs have become well-worn anthems of the church.

His latest record is a fairly consistent collection that retains the mid-range, mid-tempo flow and feel of his previous efforts. The harmonies of opening track ‘Here With Me’ is a highlight, and Hughes’ vocal performance channels the best of Martin Smith in Delirious.

However, the record doesn’t take many risks—especially noticeable in the block of four-chord arena anthems that drag down the middle of the record. Still, it’s a wellproduced and enjoyable record, especially for fans of Hughes and his previous work.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of Those Incredible Booths, tell us the name of the eldest Booth child.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 07 Sept.

Bumper Book Giveaway winner: H. Stone Sounds of the Gospel Giveaway winner: D. Kerr

Drama/True Story Last Cab to Darwin Jeremy Sims / Rating: M (offensive language) Rex, a cab driver from Broken Hill, Australia, has spent his life avoiding getting close to people. One day, he discovers he is dying of stomach cancer.

Not wanting to rely on anyone for help, he decides to drive 3000kms across country to Darwin, where a recently passed euthanasia law leads him to believe he can be in control of his own death.

Along the way, Rex (Michael Caton) picks up the smart but rudderless young indigenous drifter Tilly (an excellent Mark Coles Smith) and English nurse-turned-backpacker Julie (Emma Hamilton).

Given the subject matter, Sims’ adaptation of Reg Cribb’s play, inspired by the journey of real-life cabbie Max Bell, could easily have been a harrowing story. Instead, it is a beautiful film about finding life in the face of death. Last Cab to Darwin tackles the subject of voluntary euthanasia in a sensitive way, and Rex’s ever changing emotions reflect the wide range of views on this challenging and controversial topic.

The film was shot on the road from Broken Hill to Darwin, making for a vivid portrait of outback life at an unspecified time that blends past and present. It shows an Australia that’s colourful and nostalgic, without baulking at showing the racism that also exists.

Caton is brilliant, weaving self-deprecation and resolution into a quietly commanding view on mortality, while the rapport he develops with Lawford and Coles Smith gives the film its best moments.

Rex’s journey ultimately reveals to him that before your life ends, you have to live it—and to live it, you’ve got to share it. A funny and moving film on a difficult and important subject. Highly recommended.

Go to

salvationarmy.org.nz/saresources

Feature | 05

Leaving a Legacy

Photography: Damon McCowan

BY ROBIN RAYMOND

Mike Savage spends a lot of time around death. Most days he goes to a funeral, sometimes two or three. On others he talks with grieving families and dying people. Even when he’s socialising, people will sometimes say they need to come and see him to prepare their funeral.

Mike works at Legacy Funerals in Tauranga, where he has been a funeral director for 24 years. He describes it as a mixture of event management and chaplaincy. While it seems a hard job, Mike says it’s one God’s called him to.

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eing a funeral director was not something Mike ever planned to do. That was until a friend from The Salvation Army Tauranga Corps, who worked at a funeral home, heard the company Mike was working for was closing down. He suggested to his boss that they offer Mike a job.

‘He rang my wife and said, “How do you think Mike would handle the funeral business?” She said, “He wouldn’t have a problem.” So they called me.’ That night Mike found himself doing a walk through a funeral home and was signed up with a pager and a phone to start work.

His first job (19 May 1991—the date sticks in his mind) was to transport a body to the funeral home. As he walked in, someone called his name. It turned out that the deceased man’s brother was a former work colleague and Mike was able to spend time comforting the family. That’s when Mike says he knew this was a call from God. And it has turned out to be just that.

At first, the job was hard, especially visiting the dying, learning how to talk to them and knowing it may be the last time you do.

But you get used to it, Mike says, adding that he’s developed a better use of words for such times.

Helping families with children who have died is particularly tough.

‘I’ve broken down a lot and shared tears with families when looking after their child or grandchild. I’ve always believed, even though I’m qualified as a funeral director, people will never ask, “What are your qualifications?”, but they will read your heart.

If they see you care and want to minister to them, that’s what matters. Showing empathy and compassion is vital.’

Some requests can be difficult, like the lady who asked not to have a funeral.

‘She said, “I want to be picked up from where I die, from there straight to the crematorium. There will be no service for me. I know some people will be upset, but that’s how it will be for me.” ’

A privileged task However, the job is also a privilege, meeting special people and caring for them. Mike says he’s had a lot of support, particularly from his wife Dorothy, daughters Erana and Taina, his Salvation Army church and, of course, the arms and grace of God. It’s not all sad, either. Laughing with people is also important, including chatting and joking before the ceremony and laughing at funny moments during it. There can even be humour when the worst happens, as it did at one funeral.

‘We had two people with the same initials. I was already at a funeral, so I phoned the funeral home and said, “Can you prepare this person?” I got to the hall, started handing out the service sheets, and a woman came up to me and said, “I think you’ve got the wrong name plate.”

‘I went to look and said, “We’ve got the wrong casket!” I spoke to the deceased’s grandson and said, “We haven’t got Grandad!”

[The grandson] came with me and we went racing back to the funeral home, got the deceased and raced back, just in time. I went to see the family, thinking they’d be distraught, and they were in hysterics. They said, “Grandad loved to play practical jokes on people, so it’s like this is a practical joke on him.”’

Faith and values When it comes to the business side, Mike says he’s fortunate to work for a company that reflects his faith and values. All Legacy Funerals profits go back into the community through the Legacy

Funerals Trust, helping people have an ongoing positive impact, Mike says.

When a family settles the account, and bills and wages have been paid, the profit goes to the trust and community groups apply for funds, Mike explains. People can also set up a Prepaid Funeral Fund with Legacy, putting money toward the cost of their funeral into a fund, where the interest goes to the trust.

The trust got its start after the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2002, when Tauranga funeral director Gregory Brownless travelled overseas to help repatriate bodies to their home countries.

‘He decided what he would like to do with his business was to give back to the community, so he sold the business to the community for one dollar,’ Mike says. Legacy Funerals and the Legacy Trust were launched on 1 October 2007.

The trust’s main beneficiary is Waipuna Hospice. Grants also go to schools, Kōhanga Reo, sports clubs, Riding for the Disabled, Surf Lifesaving and many others. It has given back $1.4 million in grants since 2007.

It also organises two memorial days a year at a Tauranga park, gifting families a native tree to plant in memory of their loved one.

Pre-planning funerals Mike, who has been a trust director since 2007, says giving out grants tugs on the heart strings, but it also helps him fulfil another important role—encouraging people to plan ahead for their funeral. Although it may seem a bit morbid, planning is important.

Mike tells every family before a funeral, ‘If you prepare well and I prepare well, we will have a good service.’

He often meets with people to help them pre-plan their funeral through a ‘pre-arrangement’, where notes are taken and copies kept by an executor and at the funeral home.

While some leave it late to plan, others get ready early. Mike tells the story of a friend he was chatting to one day recently, when they casually dropped into the conversation, ‘We need to come see you sometime.’ His advice, ‘Come whenever you’re ready.’

He’s seen both sides of the process, as well. ‘My wife and I have pre-arranged our funeral service. In fact, our daughter Taina, who is one of our funeral staff, sat down with us one day and we went through our funeral arrangements.’

At a time of high stress, a pre-arrangement gives the family peace of mind, Mike says.

‘For those family members who are left, it’s a whole lot easier. The family can say, “This is what Mum or Dad asked for.”

Sometimes when we’re in discussion I hear people saying, “Mum said she wanted to be buried”, and another will say, “No, she told us cremation”. [A pre-arrangement] takes that stress out of it.’

Individuality and creativity When it comes to arranging a funeral, the key is to reflect the individuality of each person and how they were created—and delivering on that is important. ‘If it’s too outrageous, we may need to change it a little, but we try to make sure what they want is what they get.’

One area that’s becoming more varied is the venue, with outdoor funerals, especially in people’s gardens, becoming more popular.

‘I did an interent of ashes on Mount Maunganui Beach, planted a pohutakawa and buried the ashes around it,’ Mike says.

‘Community halls, people’s homes, up on the farm—once upon a time, funeral services were conducted mainly in churches, but

Feature | 07

When it comes to arranging a funeral, the key is to reflect the individuality of each person and how they were created. the only people that have funerals in churches these days are Christians and people that want big venues.’

In and around the casket is a place where people also like to get creative, Mike says. Some people want to make their own casket, and he’s had all sorts of sizes and shapes.

He encourages people to put things around the casket that people will instantly recognise and associate with the person.

Anything from gumboots to cricket bats get used. If families want, Mike also invites them to write or draw on the inside of the casket lid, or on pieces of paper that can be put inside. Families choose how the body is dressed, and then there’s the huge variety of things people like to put in caskets—although there are some rules on what can go in, especially if a body is being cremated.

‘For children, people will put in soft toys. Some people like to put in golf balls or a cell phone, rugby jerseys, trophies or memorabilia they have gathered over the years. There are people who put bottles of their loved one’s favourite drink in the casket.’

Another area of creativity is in the music people want played.

Although hymns still get used, Mike says he’s heard everything from ‘Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog (Joy to the World)’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

‘Some of the [music choices] I struggle with are heavy metal, Metallica, those kinds of songs. That’s not my type of music, but everybody’s tastes are different. We have a God who created us differently—he loves diversity and within this ministry I need to be accepting.’

Faith at work When it comes to his own faith, Mike says he has never had to hide it. At times of grief or death, many people consider spiritual things and God often makes a way for Mike to talk to people.

‘I believe that I was created to be a minister and servant for God, and being a funeral director has certainly expanded my territory and allowed me to grow wings. God has opened up a very big field for me. I call it a parish that he’s given me to minister to people. The opportunities are just huge. In the time I have been in this, I have led three people to the Lord on their death bed and people have attended our church because God has sown a seed in their lives.’

While his faith is vital to his work and he prays with his staff each day, when it comes to clients Mike doesn’t set out to preach to them. Instead, he tries to let God’s Spirit work through him and to be careful in the way he conducts himself and answers people.

Mike says his aim is to practice Francis of Assisi’s famous quote to ‘preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words’.

‘When I am about to knock on someone’s door—not knowing who I am going to meet and what their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state may be—I say, “God, lead me and guide me and bless them.” When you walk into a house, spirit calls to spirit and people recognise there’s something different about you. I remember once I went into a house and I walked past this woman and she said, “Oh! You’re spiritual aren’t you?” before I’d even opened my mouth.’

After 24 years, Mike says he has found his calling and has no plans to give it up any time soon.

‘There have been moments when I thought, “Why am I doing this?”—when you get woken at early hours of the morning—but I recognise God’s call to do this. And unless he picks me up and takes me somewhere else, this is where I am!’

A quick guide to planning a funeral There’s a lot to consider for a funeral, so what does Mike say are the key things to think about?

1. Price: Funerals are expensive, costing on average $8–10,000.

That’s because of the professional service costs, which range from placing newspaper notices, filling out the legal forms and paying the florist to the costs of embalming the body and burial or cremation fees. So, plan ahead, put money aside—whether in a savings account, through funeral insurance, a trust, or a pre-payment plan—and check if you’re eligible for any welfare payments to help with costs. Being prepared will make the whole thing much easier.

2. Legal requirements. In New Zealand, every death must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages within three days of the body being buried or cremated. Make sure you’ve organised who’s going to deal with the paperwork, whether it’s a funeral director or family member.

3. Burial or cremation? Also probably a good time to consider a casket, how the body’s getting to and from the funeral, and while you’re at it, work out who are going to be pall bearers.

4. Location. Where are you going to have the funeral and who’s invited? You’ll need to consider if the venue is the right size for the numbers coming and whether it needs to be booked. (Can you really fit 150 people in your garden? Do you need a hall that seats 200 for a small family service?)

5. The service.

Speakers: Who’s going to present the eulogy? Who else is going to speak? Who’s conducting the service (friend, family member, celebrant) and would you like readings?

Music: Is there a particular song or songs that reflect the person?

Do you need musicians?

Decorations: What flowers are you having, if any? Do you want a slideshow of photos? Do you want particular items around the coffin to reflect the person (art they created, sports memorabilia, a favourite hat)? Do you want other decorations such as balloons?

Food: Are you going to cater? Have everyone home for tea? Hold a picnic in your loved one’s favourite spot and all share some kai?

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BUDGET

HEALTH

Stale Bread Rescue

Talking to Yourself

Never throw away bread again, with these five delicious makeovers for stale bread, from Lucy Aitken Read.

Talking out loud to yourself is not a sign of insanity. In fact, it’s good for your health, says psychologist Dr Linda Sapadin.

Never, ever throw away bread! You know that green furry stuff you sometimes get on it? It simply adds to the flavour! Just kidding, I’m not as frugal as your Nan. You will have to get to your bread before the mould attacks, but even if your bread is crunchystale these little tricks and recipes will make it yum again!

‘Though we live in a noisy world, many people struggle with too much silence in their lives,’ she says. ‘When you’re feeling lonely, chances are you’re neglecting to give enough attention to a very special person. One who is always there with you. Who’s that? Why, you, of course. So, talk to yourself. Not just in your head. But out loud.’

Talking out loud is important for being able to hear and clarify what you are really thinking. Have you ever had thoughts floating around in your head that, when you finally blurted them out, sounded ridiculous and untruthful?

We tend to believe what we think, so speaking our thoughts out loud gives us a chance to hear and question them. For example, if you’re always saying to yourself: ‘This is going to be a disaster’—say it out loud. Now that you’ve heard yourself say it, is that thought accurate? Is disaster really looming?

Sprinkle some water on to old stale buns and rolls, say a teaspoon per roll, and stick in a warm oven for five minutes. They will be as good as new.

Chop all your stale bread up and then whiz it in the blender into bread crumbs. These you can use in any recipe that calls for breadcrumbs, or you can put into packets and stick in the freezer for when you need them.

Croutons are my favourite way to use up stale bread! We never throw bread away, primarily due to croutons. Chop any bread you have into small cubes and then chuck in three tablespoons of hot oil in a frying pan. Keep them moving and in seven minutes you will have perfect croutons. Fry them with herbs or garlic if you have guests and want to be a bit flash!

Go even flasher by whipping up crostini with your stale bread! Slice rolls or baguettes 1 cm thick diagonally, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle on some Parmesan. Grill or bake until lightly browned.

The most Kiwi way to use up stale bread is with mouse traps! Spread a tiny bit of butter on one side of a slice of bread, turn over and spread a tiny bit of Marmite or Vegemite on the top side. Sprinkle with cheese and place, cheese side up, in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. These will turn out crunchy and scrumptious and will last in an air-tight container for up to two glorious weeks!

‘[Talking to yourself] may make you smarter. It helps you clarify your thoughts, tend to what’s important and firm up any decisions you’re contemplating,’ says Linda. There’s just one proviso: speak respectfully to yourself. Too many of us only speak to ourselves out of annoyance, saying something like ‘You idiot!’, or ‘You’re always doing that.’

Give yourself compliments when you deserve it, speak to yourself kindly (which is more motivational than selfpunishment), talk out loud about pros and cons when making a decision, and speak out your goals. ‘Begin talking to yourself like you are your own best friend. Which you are. Right?’

Hooray for stale bread!

Source: http://wonderthrift.com by Lucy Aitken Read.

If you hear a voice within you saying, ‘You are not a painter’, then by all means paint! And that voice will be silenced.

Vincent Van Gogh

Chilli Con Carne

This recipe is easily modified to suit a family group or flatmates, and may be easily stretched to feed unexpected guests | Serves 6–8 2 large onions 2 Tbsp oil 2 large cloves garlic, chopped 500–700g minced lamb or beef 2 tsp paprika 2–3 tsp ground cumin 1–2 tsp oregano ½–1 tsp chilli powder 1 x 400g can Mexican-style or chopped tomatoes Up to 3 x 425g cans baked or chilli beans 1–3 Tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar 2 or more Tbsp tomato paste Water (optional)

In a large pot or frypan, lightly brown chopped onion in oil. Add garlic, mince, paprika, cumin, oregano and chilli powder and stir over high heat until mince is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes, then cover and simmer for about 15 mins. Add as many cans of baked beans as required, plus 1 Tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar for each can of beans, and as much tomato paste as you like to intensify tomato flavour.

If necessary, thin with extra water to a pouring consistency. Cover and simmer gently for a further 10–30 mins to blend flavours, taking care not to let mixture catch on the bottom after beans are added. Taste and add extra seasonings if necessary.

Ladle over rice in bowls and serve with corn chips alongside, or use for nachos, tostadas, tacos or burritos, or as a baked potato topping.

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

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A What not to say at a funeral …

Knowing what to say at a funeral or to a grieving person is tough. There are some things it’s obvious you just shouldn’t say like, ‘Thank goodness they’re gone!’ But there are other well-intentioned things people seem to say a lot that we really shouldn’t.

For example: ΕΕ I know how you feel.

No. No, you don’t. Every situation and person is different. Plus, saying this doesn’t let the person talk or tell you what support they might need.

Try: staying silent. Bereaved people get talked to by a lot of people, so listen to them instead, and allow them space to talk if they want or just sit if they need. This may be the best thing you do for them and you. ΕΕ Is there anything I can do?

As well intentioned as this offer is, it can add pressure to someone who’s already emotionally and physically exhausted. Try: offer to do something specific like visit on Tuesday, drop a meal over on Friday, or help with the groceries. And don’t be offended if they turn you down, you might be the ninth person who’s offered to cook them dinner that week. ΕΕ God must have wanted [insert name of loved one] in Heaven … it was their time.

Suggesting that God wanted someone’s death isn’t just bad theology, it also does nothing to help the grieving person. Try: act like Jesus. Jesus cried with Lazarus’s family before raising him from the dead. Just saying you’re sorry can be enough, and be open to crying with people.

Testify Seeing students’ lives changed every day inspires former primary school teacher Heather Daly in her work as an Education and Employment (E&E) tutor.

I was working as a primary school teacher three years ago, when I saw the advert in the Ashburton Guardian. I liked the idea of working in a supportive, churchbased environment and I wanted to make a difference.

I went from teaching five-yearolds to teenagers and adults. It was a sole-charge position and was scary at first. On my first day, a young man would bang his head on the wall to get my attention, and when he got angry, he threw his things around the room.

Early on, three students stole money from my bag. Straight away I suspended them and then met with them and their families and set down the rules.

As a consequence, I had them working in gardens for six weeks during their lunch breaks. All three protested, because they were not used to consequences. I found the respect came in quite fast after that, because they realised they couldn’t push me around.

My classroom is a place where my students and I treat each other with respect, where students feel positive about learning, and where their learning is purposeful and they feel they belong. I try to help students see their potential.

What keeps me here are the kids. If I’m sick, I come in, because if I don’t no one else is going to be there for them. When they first enrol at the centre I say to them,

Do you know someone aged 15 to 19 looking for NCEA credits and practical skills? The Salvation Army Education & Employment can help.

ΕΕ They’re in a better place now.

This can be comforting for some Christians, but remember they’re also facing life without a person they loved. This comment risks implying the bereaved person should be happy and might make them feel guilty for having normal, human emotions. Try: if appropriate, share a happy memory of the deceased. ΕΕ You’ll feel better soon.

They might, they might not, but how is that helping right now? Try: a hug?

Or let them know you’re there for them if they need you.

‘Sorry, but as soon as you come in my door you’ve got me, because I care’—I can’t help but care.

I’ve got a student who’s moved here to live with her grandparents.

She’s 15, she’d been brought up in a Mongrel Mob family, so she’d done it all, drugs and everything, by the time she was 13. She said she doesn’t want to do that anymore. She was kicked out of school and told there was no point being there. Now, every day, she comes and talks to me about what she’s achieved that day. She’s great.

This year, a student succeeded in getting his NCEA level 1 and 2, where school and his parents told him he never would. He got the job of his dreams, working with machines and computers in an apprenticeship that will take him around the world.

Coming here, his world turned from bullying, hatred and failure.

His learning abilities grew, he exceeded what he thought he could do, and his views on the world changed to reflect hope and success.

From last year’s learners, one went on to further study and three are full time at Dick Smiths. One is a full-time construction worker, another a painter and one an engineer. Three ladies are full-time mums. They had all been told they had failed at school and would not succeed. They proved society wrong.

They say students learn from their teachers, but I have learned from them to persevere through any obstacle and see the positive in everything. They are resilient and an inspiration.

The students do make me cry sometimes, because of the extra effort they make to get where they’re going. This job is who I am, my passion, my calling, my place in the world.

I try to help students see their potential.

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:

0800 437 587

EducationandEmployment .org.nz

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

10 | WarCry 22 August 2015

SUDOKU

1 8

Difficulty Easy

2 7 5

8 6

4 7 9

6 4 3 3 5 2

4 3 8

9

BY ROSS WARDLE

DIFFICULT ISSUES

The Bible, the Church and Hospitality

8 7 4 5

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

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

QUICK QUIZ 1 2 3 4 5

What sport is played by the Oklahoma City Thunder?

How many feet do snails have?

Is cynophobia the fear of cats, dogs or mice?

What vitamin is found in citrus fruits?

If an isosceles triangle has two angles of 70 degrees, what does the third measure?

6 What nationality were the Brothers Grimm?

7 What material forms a shark’s skeleton?

8 The drug Ventolin is used to treat what illness?

9 Which Dunedin street is reputedly the world’s steepest?

10 Who asked God, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’

1 8 9 5 2 6 4 3 7

6 5 4 3 7 1 9 8 2

2 3 7 4 8 9 6 1 5

7 1 3 2 9 8 5 6 4

5 9 8 6 4 3 2 7 1

4 2 6 7 1 5 3 9 8

9 7 5 8 3 2 1 4 6

3 4 2 1 6 7 8 5 9

8 6 1 9 5 4 7 2 3

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

To say that offering hospitality is a fundamental part of Christian discipleship is to state the obvious. What is not always so obvious is exactly what we mean when we talk about offering hospitality.

Recent War Cry articles have made a helpful contribution to our understanding of the width and depth of this subject and I do not wish to cover the same ground. However, I would like to say a few things about hospitality as it relates to Christian ethics and morality.

The church is the body of Christ and the epicentre of his mission to redeem creation. The quality, depth and maturity of, among other things, the hospitality offered by the church is what can make or break that mission. This is important to remember when thinking about Christian morality and ethics for at least two reasons: 1. There are few things more potentially divisive than ethical and moral issues; and 2. If the church withdraws hospitality from someone it effectively shuts that person out of the opportunity for an encounter with Jesus in the way God intends; i.e. within a community of faith.

The church is also the means through which the Word of God is taught and guidance on Christian faith and practice is given.

In offering that guidance (which includes guidance on ethical and moral issues) the church draws on the teaching of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16,17), the direction of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:29; 9:10-19; 13:1-3; 16:6-8), and the consensus of the Christian community (Acts 15:1-29; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22). This guidance is the church’s responsibility and it works hard to get it right. This is because God’s mission is not a light matter and also because much of the church’s guidance touches on difficult and sensitive areas and that can impact heavily on people who are also the intended recipients of the church’s hospitality.

The church therefore formulates positions on ethical and moral issues, making its best effort to understand the leading of scripture and the Holy Spirit. It is to hold those positions with humility and sensitivity.

The church also recognises that new understandings may lead to a change in its position, while still seeking to remain faithful to the intentions of scripture and of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of changes in positions from church history include shifting beliefs around slavery being unacceptable, and the role

Quick quiz answers: 1 Basketball, 2 One, 3 Dogs, 4 C, 5 40 degrees, 6 German, 7 Cartilage, 8 Asthma, 9 Baldwin Street, 10 Cain (Genesis 4:9)

Close Up | 11

of women as leaders and preachers within the church. If the church is not open to the possibility of gaining new understandings that may result in a change of position on some issues, the risk is that it will stop communicating Christ and start communicating its own preferences, prejudices and causes. At that point, the church stops being a community of faith and becomes instead a community of the religiously like-minded.

Three issues currently on the agenda for The Salvation Army’s Moral and Social Issues Council (MASIC) in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory are abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, and same-sex relationships. It is, once again, stating the obvious to say that these areas are difficult, sensitive and that the impact of words and actions can be heavy. A lot of helpful material has been produced in relation to these issues, but this material has also provided fertile ground for inhospitable and entrenched positions on all sides of the discussion—some of these discussions offer far more heat than light.

Let me take the issue of same-sex relationships as an example.

People both inside and outside The Salvation Army hold a wide range of views on this issue, from same-sex relationships being sinful and always wrong, to committed, monogamous, samesex relationships being fully consistent with obedient Christian discipleship. The Salvation Army, as an international movement, has held the view that same-sex attraction is not a sin, but acting on this attraction in any same-sex relationship is. The Army came to this position in good faith and continues to seek out the best understandings of the intentions of scripture and the Holy Spirit in this area.

But whatever position The Salvation Army holds, its members are called to show hospitality to gay and lesbian people. The Salvation Army maintains a commitment to providing services to everyone without discrimination or judgment. Many committed officers, soldiers, staff and volunteers, regardless of their personal views, have sought to sensitively care for all kinds of people. This includes gay and lesbian people, who have been given support in their time of need.

However, it needs to be acknowledged that this has not always translated into gay and lesbian people experiencing hospitality within Salvation Army communities of faith. Why has it been so difficult for the church to offer hospitality to those who are not heterosexual?

In part, it may be because our culture tends to equate welcome and inclusion with approval. Accordingly, it tends to be assumed that if I offer hospitality to someone in a homosexual relationship, I am signalling that I approve.

But to believe that offering hospitality requires approval is a false assumption and communities of faith should not allow themselves to be tripped up by this. The church must be counter-cultural in this regard: simply offering hospitality with no strings attached, and leaving whatever needs to be accomplished in people’s lives to the Holy Spirit. In this way, the Holy Spirit is not only able to be heard by gay and lesbian people, he may also be heard more clearly by heterosexual people as well.

The church must be counter-cultural: offering hospitality with no strings attached, and leaving whatever needs to be accomplished in people’s lives to the Holy Spirit.

How can we be counter-cultural in this area? Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Ian Hutson has collated some ideas from gay and lesbian people within The Salvation Army as to how Salvation Army communities of faith might offer hospitality: • Offer a safe, non-threatening and friendly environment where people can be free to express themselves without fear of reprisal or rejection.

• Don’t make your relationship conditional: ‘You are welcome here only so long as you are celibate’ or ‘… only if you don’t bring your partner’.

• Remember that your job is to love people—no matter what. Don’t assume you need to ‘fix’ anyone.

• Avoid using sayings like ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’. When this is said, the gay or lesbian person will often only hear the word ‘hate’.

This can suggest that the church is not a safe place for them and that they are not welcome.

• Acknowledge that we can learn from each other and that everyone has something to offer a community of faith.

• Teach that God loves us and Jesus gave his life for us. Don’t focus on the few texts that refer to homosexual behaviour, they’ve heard them before. Be aware that these texts have also been interpreted in various ways.

• Be realistic. Acknowledge that people may struggle with the fact that someone is homosexual, but also acknowledge that we are all on a journey and God is helping all of us deal with all sorts of things in our lives.

• Let people walk their own journey—sometimes that might not be where we want them to go, but we are not walking their road.

God works in his own time, not ours. Never discount God’s workmanship when you think someone may be walking in the wilderness.

• Celebrate the fact that people are interested in finding out more about Christ. It’s hard enough to even walk into a church, so ensure people living examples of Christ when they get there.

In the act of offering hospitality, no one needs to feel they are compromising their personal beliefs or their understanding of Christian discipleship. We are simply asked to bring the hospitality of Jesus Christ to the creation he loves and seeks to redeem.

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.

LIE #1: THE BIBLE SAYS DON’T DO IT. END OF. You might have been told the Bible says not to have sex before marriage, and you’ve perhaps wondered in what chapter and verse. ’Cos you can’t find it, right? That’s because the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid sex before marriage.

The Bible does talk about avoiding ‘sexual immorality’ (1 Thessalonians 4:3) and tells us to ‘run away from sexual sin’ (1 Corinthians 6:18). It does talk about sex and keeping the body pure. But it doesn’t give us a helpful list of sexual sins.

THE TRUTH: There are a lot of historical and cultural reasons why the Bible might not actually say the words ‘don’t have sex before marriage’. For example, girls got married shortly after puberty, so the idea of having sex before then was thankfully not part of their thinking.

But the Bible is not a rule book. There are lots of situations it doesn’t cover—it doesn’t mention drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, crimes against fashion, and how much cheesecake is too much (answer: it’s never too much).

The purpose of the Bible is not to tell us what not to do. It’s there to tell us about God and how we can have a life-giving relationship with him. As we get to know God through Jesus, we learn to apply his character to all areas of our lives (okay … probably JC would only eat one piece of cheesecake).

When it comes to the subject of sex, let’s look at 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7, ‘God wants you to be holy and to stay away from sexual sins. He wants each of you to learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable ...

God called us to be holy and does not want us to live in sin.’

The question to ask is not: ‘So, what exactly is sexual sin?’ Paul doesn’t cover every possible situation. The question to ask ourselves is: ‘How can I best be like Jesus in this area of my life?’ What is holy and honourable to God? The verse gives us a hint: self-control honours God. ‘The goal is not to not have sex, but to have a healthy, godly view of sex,’ writes Lynelle Jellyman in her paper ‘Sexuality and Singleness’, written for last year’s Thought Matters conference.

There are lots of good reasons to wait until you’re married to have sex. But some of the reasons you’ve heard from Christians are not so great. So here’s the good, honest sex talk you’ve been waiting for …

This godly view of sex includes faithfulness, mutual respect, trustworthiness, and love that puts others first. Lynelle emphasises that love for God comes first (see Mark 12:30). ‘Our choices in relationships should flow from this.’

Preach it, sista!

22 August 2015 WarCry | 13

That includes if you’ve had sex. Another lie Christians believe is, ‘I’ve blown it now, so I might as well just keep doing it.’ But it’s never too late to start again—Jesus can fully restore you. You’re no better or worse than anyone else, and Jesus still loves you just as much.

Lynelle says it’s this love and forgiveness that helped her let go of the past: ‘I know what I did was wrong, I have repented of it, God has forgiven me, and that’s it—I’ve moved on. It didn’t ruin my life—my life is awesome.’

LIE #2: YOU SHOULDN’T THINK SEXY THOUGHTS.

LIE #3: IF YOU WAIT, THE SEX WILL BE A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

If you’re human, you’ll have had sexy thoughts.

(If you’re not human: Wow! Welcome to Planet Earth.) I’m sure anyone who has ever got married thought about having sex with their guy or gal before they said ‘I do’.

Jesus has never been about karma—where you do something good and eventually get rewarded for it. If you wait until marriage, you’ll still have to practise, a lot.

Most of us have got the idea that we should feel guilty about having any sexual thoughts because of these words from JC himself: ‘I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart’ (Matthew 5:28). But the meaning of the word ‘woman’ Jesus uses is the same as ‘wife’, so he’s saying it’s wrong to want another person’s gal or guy. But, in fact, we have no permission to lust after anyone!

THE TRUTH: God made us and knows we’re sexy! He doesn’t expect us to turn that part of us off just ’cos we’re single. But the question we should ask ourselves is ‘how can I be most like Jesus in the choices I make about sex?’

Yes, Jesus was single and celibate, but he was also human, and sexy just like us. Jesus never condemns sexuality, but he does tell us to maintain it with integrity—so don’t get into the habit of fantasising about sex.

A good rule of thumb is this: if you know it would be wrong to act in this way, it is also wrong to think this way. That may mean you don’t crush on your mate’s girl or boyfriend.

Or it could mean not perving at the Farmers catalogue. It means that you don’t degrade or objectify anyone in your thought life. It means not getting into sexually dark or explicit thoughts.

SELF-CONTROL

HONOURS GOD.

THE TRUTH: Let me tell you a secret: Lots and lots of couples who wait until marriage, can’t even work out how to make sex happen on their honeymoon. It’s a logistical nightmare, y’all. What is amazing about marriage is the incredible sense of safety and security you have with each other, while you muddle through the whole sex thing together. You’ve committed to each other now (til death do us part), so bailing because of bad sex is not an option. Marriage is built on shared values and commitment— everything else takes practise and patience, and respect for your partner. Including amazing sex.

LIE #4: YOU’LL BE USED GOODS. This is undoubtedly the most offensive lie Christians tell about sex. It’s said in various ways: ‘Guys won’t order dessert if they already have the whole buffet’, ‘Christians won’t want to marry you if you’re not a virgin’, ‘Pre-marital sex will affect your future marriage’. These comments make me think: do these people even know what being a Christian is?

THE TRUTH: Here’s the most basic belief of Christianity: Jesus came to forgive us and restore us to a relationship with God. It’s a forgiveness that sets us free—free from past mistakes, hurts and all the things that bind us. That includes forgiveness for any sexy shenanigans we might regret.

As with all our actions, there are consequences to sex. Difficult consequences that can be harder to face outside of marriage include: heartache, grief, sexually-transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. But Jesus never motivates us by fear—he motivates us by love. He wants the best for us. And because we love Jesus, we want to honour him.

LIE #5: EVERYONE’S DOING IT. This one has been around forever, but it’s starting to creep into Christian circles too.

There’s a growing attitude that since ‘all my other Christian friends are doing it, why shouldn’t I?’ THE TRUTH: First of all, not everyone is doing it! Heaps of young people who love Jesus are committed to waiting for marriage. And so are a lot of non-Christians! But even in Christian circles we can fall into the same old lie of thinking it’s cool to be sexually experienced.

it’s never too late to start again.

But you didn’t become a Christian to be cool. And let’s face it, being a Christian is never going to be cool, because it doesn’t value the things the world values—including sexual purity. Our culture doesn’t encourage us to practice self-control and restraint, yet the Bible is full of praise for people who can control their bodies and minds, who pursue purity, and who long to give all of themselves for Jesus. So, ask yourself what you love more: fitting in with the crowd, or following Jesus?

When you do fall in love, sexual purity will be a struggle. I can promise you that. I don’t know any couple who hasn’t had to fight to save themselves for marriage. But that’s the point: when we are weak, God is strong! It’s only with God’s grace that we can keep trying. It’s because of God’s forgiveness that we can pick ourselves up when we make mistakes.

It’s because Jesus gave himself for us, that we choose to give ourselves to him. Whether you’ve had sex before or not, you can still choose Jesus. You can still choose his best for your sex life. And that ain’t no lie.

VANESSA SINGH

leaders that last Ministry to children and young people is tough—but don’t give up!

From 17–19 July, youth and children’s leaders from all over New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga gathered together at Living Springs, Christchurch.

After two successful Territorial Youth and Children’s Ministries Conferences (TYCMC), The Territorial Youth and Children’s Departments joined forces again to host another conference that would equip, connect and encourage youth and children’s leaders from all over the territory.

Numbers were a little down this year (with some people still travelling after the Boundless Congress), but the 120 youth and children’s leaders that attended the conference had a great time building relationships, learning more and sharing with each other.

This year’s guest speaker was Tim Hawkins, a long-serving youth worker and youth ministry writer from Australia. Tim shared a wealth of wisdom, experience and insight that encouraged delegates to build a ministry that lasts.

Tim was honest about his own ministry journey, sharing that ministry is tough—there are plenty of ups and downs—but that youth and children’s leaders are not in an insignificant ministry; we are generation changers.

Tim spent time unpacking Psalm 71 and its insight into leadership, as well as looking in-depth at the various stages of generational ministry. He encouraged the group by emphasising that youth and children’s ministry needs leaders of all ages, especially people who will last the distance.

Along with the the keynote speaker, the weekend’s programme was jam packed

with loads of other great content. Delegates had the opportunity to participate in three workshops across a range of topics and ministry, as well as spend time networking in divisional groups. These were really cool times to get to know others with similar passions and struggles, and to discuss issues, share stories and gather knowledge in specific areas.

Youth and children’s ministry needs leaders of all ages, especially people who will last the distance.

There was plenty of fun amidst all the learning, with delegates split into smaller teams and spending Saturday afternoon completing a number of challenges. This was a great way to meet new people, be reminded of the importance of team work, and consider the adversities young people leaders face in ministry. Phil Daly of Booth College of Mission’s Centre for Leadership Development returned to run another incredible quiz night, which gave delegates space to relax and chill out.

One of the conference highlights for many was the final church service on Sunday Morning.

Major Ivan Bezzant (Southern Divisional Commander) preached from Joshua 14. He talked about what we can learn from Caleb’s leadership and encouraged delegates to follow God so that they last in ministry.

TYCMC 2015 was another great opportunity to learn together, network, be refreshed and inspired. We pray this will continue throughout the year for each delegate in their ministry!

Our Community | 15

Fijian Women Boost Territorial Fundraising Total

Fiji women set themselves a new record by raising $4635.70 for the annual Territorial Women’s Ministries Project. From the highlands, to those who came by ferry over the seas, the women of the Fiji Division held three successful rallies to collect this amount.

Major Vyvyenne Noakes, Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries, shared her gratitude and commended the women for their hard work. ‘That is a lot of money and represents a lot of hard work by you and your ladies!’ she said.

At all three rallies, Major Noakes shared the powerful message that Jesus Christ came to set us free from the bonds that keep us captive in our daily living. She challenged the women to realise there were things that happen in their daily lives that threaten to take away their joy and peace because they continue to hold on to them.

The first rally was held at the Assembly of God’s Bethany Church at Savusavu, called ‘The Hidden Paradise’ because of its quaint, picturesque and serenely beautiful setting.

Women from farthest north Taveuni Corps travelled to Savusavu a day before the event, and returned home a day after the event, because the ferry to their island only goes to and fro once a day. The 12 women enjoyed their time together and with the women from Savusavu and Labasa Corps.

At the West rally, held at Ba Corps, women from six corps and one outpost put on an energetic and entertaining display of dances amid moving testimonies. Ba Corps, which recently won a place in the region’s craft show, displayed two tables of jewellery and other artefacts. Captain Taburerei taught the women a money-saving way

to do tie dye and other women from Ba taught a class on how to use recycled paper as flowers. There was much merry-making and dancing as the day drew to a close.

Four corps attended the East rally, hosted by Suva Central Corps.

Olive Falani and the women of Suva Central Corps displayed crafts they made during the first half of the year and provided lively music.

Women from Raiwai Corps, under the leadership of Captain Litiana Lewetuitovo, also displayed their crafts.

It was a double celebration as Nasinu Corps Officer Captain Amelia Naviko celebrated her 40th birthday at the event. A special cake was made for the birthday girl, who was humbled and blessed to be celebrated.

In their beautiful and unique ‘kalavata’ (specially made garments), the women from the East sang and danced in acknowledgement of God’s goodness. Eighty women attended, bringing the total to 300 women at all three rallies!

Major Noakes was most pleased with the divisional turnout and by the women’s enthusiasm. ‘It was so good to see them all joyful and glad to be part of the rallies. The fellowship and fun was a blessing,’ she said.

Women of the Fiji Division displayed their love for and appreciation of what God is doing in their lives at this year’s fundraising rallies. They are looking forward to getting together at a national women’s camp in 2016.

By Captain Lusi Leqa

Barbara Bungees for a Great Cause Colonel Barbara Howell will take a leap of faith next month, bungy jumping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge to support Salvation Army officers in Papua New Guinea. Barbara, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, will make the jump as part of a Northern Women’s Ministries divisional fundraiser.

The fundraiser follows the highly successful annual Territorial Women’s Ministries Project, with women raising $22,099.20 to support Army projects in three countries—well over their target of $19,300. ‘We want to share our appreciation and thank everyone for their support and generous gifts. We give glory to God that we will be able to impact the lives of people in three different countries,’ Barbara said. It was inspiring to see the women giving so generously to needs that were greater than their own, she said.

The funds will support an education programme for single-parent and marginalised families in Taiwan, help increase programmes for young women and provide nutritious food for a children’s centre in Bangladesh, and support the Suva Family Care Centre in Fiji, which helps homeless women and those escaping domestic violence.

Barbara visited Fiji earlier this year and said the funds for the Family Care Centre would make a big difference. The centre desperately needed its main sewer line repaired. ‘If we can give some comforts of home and do something as simple as fix a pipe so sewage doesn’t backwash into the building every time it rains hard,that’s glorifying and honouring God,’ said Barbara.

While the territory-wide project runs every year, Barbara said

individual divisions and corps often have other projects they want to support. Projects like the Northern Division Women’s Ministries fundraiser to give each newly commissioned Salvation Army officer in Papua New Guinea a hygiene and first aid kit—providing expensive, but much needed basics.

To support the fundraiser, Barbara will bungee jump off the Harbour Bridge on 8 September. She originally thought she was jumping off the Sky Tower after a casual chat on her first Auckland visit last year, shortly after she and her husband, Chief Secretary Colonel Willis Howell, arrived from the United States. ‘They were showing us the Sky Tower. We were looking at the platform and chatting and Major Sheryl Jarvis said, “We could do a great fundraiser if you were willing to jump off.” I said, “Sure,” and somehow we’ve got from there to doing the bridge!’

Despite US friends suggesting she may have gone too far in the daring stakes, Barbara had a sense of peace about the jump, which she’s hoping will last once she reaches the platform. And she’s trying to find positives, inspired by Joshua 1:9, which says: ‘Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God your God is with you every step you take.’ (The Message) ‘I couldn’t help but think how God has told me so many times, “It’s okay, I have got you.” I feel secure doing this jump because the harness has me; it’s been tested and people do it every day. The Lord asks me to step out and do life with him like that every day because he’s got me, so hopefully my mind will be able to think about that.’

16 | WarCry 22 August 2015

Spring Celebration to Help Prevent Gambling Harm A spring celebration of the community will be part of efforts to tackle problem gambling over the next month.

Gamblefree Day will be marked on 1 September, with events nationwide around the date and on into September, encouraging communities and helping raise awareness.

As part of the awareness efforts, public health worker Stephanie St George, of Salvation Army Addiction Services—Problem Gambling, said staff would be joining the annual Greerton Village Cherry Blossom Festival in Tauranga on 26 September.

Although it was later in the month, the festival, held in the first week of school holidays, was a great opportunity to mix with the community and share a proactive community message, Stephanie said. ‘It’s about getting the message out there in a positive way that celebrates community connectedness and social inclusion, which we know helps prevent all sorts of social

harm, including gambling harm.’

The festival will include a display of 120 classic cars, market stalls, street performances and live entertainment along with fairground rides, meaning there would be something for the whole whānau.

Salvation Army staff will join with Problem Gambling Foundation staff to offer quizzes, screen people for gambling harm and give them the chance to win prizes, as well as giving out information.

Gambling was a significant issue in Tauranga, Stephanie said, with $14 million already spent in gaming machines in the first six months this year. For the year to June last year, 236 people in the area asked for help with gambling problems, but for each person the effects of their addiction usually caused harm to between five and 10 other people.

Many people didn’t think of gambling as an addiction like drug or alcohol addiction and

many also didn’t know where to go for help, which was why it was so important to get the message out through events like the fair, Stephanie said. ‘As a public health worker I’m out in the community engaging with people a lot, but it’s often in response to a concern, whereas this is more of a positive way to get our faces out there.’

Joining with the Problem Gambling Foundation was a positive way to carry on a good relationship, Stephanie said.

‘Problem Gambling Foundation and [the Army] are the only dedicated gambling service providers in Tauranga and we both work together, so we thought we’d approach them and ask if we could team up.

We are committed to working together effectively to get the best outcomes for the people who need our services.’

Go to www salvationarmy. org.nz/GamblefreeDay for details of Salvation Army activities around New Zealand.

A free and confidential gambling service Call us on 0800 530 000 salvationarmy. org.nz/gambling

New Salvation Army Report on Hard Times in West Auckland For 19 people in West Auckland, home is living and sleeping on the streets of Waitakere. Their stories are captured in the latest report from The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, Hard Times. The report details an uncomfortable story of people whose only option is to live an unhealthy, dangerous and damaging street life.

These rough sleepers form a community that provides for these homeless individuals friendship, support and camaraderie. All of those living on the street have the desire and hope to change their situation and move into accommodation. The reality in the ‘hot Auckland rental housing market’ is less optimistic. Their chances of accessing suitable and affordable housing are very slim.

The social housing needed by these people is not currently available in sufficient quantity. More social housing is required in

the West. Government actions presently are not delivering sufficient affordable homes, said Major Sue Hay, Director of the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit.

The Government must recognise shelter as a basic human right and accept a statutory obligation to provide adequate affordable housing for all New Zealanders. At present, West Auckland has the second highest number of people on the Ministry of Social Development’s waiting list for social housing. The need to provide more housing for the aged and single people was of particular concern to those rough sleepers interviewed. The voice of people living on the street needs to be heard by policy makers and planners, said report author Reina Harris.

Hard Times was launched at Waitakere Central Corps on 3 August.

It is the first of a trilogy of reports to be released this year by The Salvation Army on housing issues.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/hardtimes to read the report.

Salvation Army Moves into 127th Country General André Cox has given approval for the work of The Salvation Army to be officially commenced in Slovakia, with effect from 1 September 2015—making it the 127th country in which The Salvation Army has a recognised legal presence.

Interest was first shown in having The Salvation Army work in Slovakia in the summer of 2013 when it became evident that there was a great need for a ministry among the Roma communities—very much the marginalised people of Slovakia. Some existing Christian congregations were already undertaking extensive community programmes and expressed an interest in being aligned with the Army, as their forms of worship and doctrines are similar.

The Salvation Army was registered as a Civic Association in Slovakia in August 2014, and its work began to develop under the supervision of the Netherlands and Czech Republic Territory, with an emphasis on ministry within the Roma community and a learning programme to integrate three existing church congregations into a

Salvation Army structure.

Eleven soldiers have been enrolled already, and all three outposts have recruits undergoing preparation to be enrolled during the official opening weekend on 5-6 September, which will be conducted by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William Roberts) and Commissioner Nancy Roberts (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries). Four candidates have been accepted for officer training.

Captains Vitaly and Inna Chiriac, officers from the Eastern Europe Territory, have been identified to give leadership to the fledgling work in Slovakia. They took up residence in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, at the beginning of August.

The work in Slovakia will be given oversight from the Netherlands, and the name of the Netherlands and Czech Republic Territory will therefore be changed, from 1 September 2015, to The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory.

Our Community | 17

International Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Holds First Meeting

The first meeting of The Salvation Army’s International Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was held in London on 7 July. The task force has been appointed by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William Roberts), who defined its purpose to be ‘promoting, encouraging, supporting and coordinating an anti-human trafficking response within The Salvation Army around the world’.

All 15 members of the task force attended the first meeting, which was held following the Boundless international congress.

Responsibility for coordinating anti-human trafficking strategy across The Salvation Army rests with the International Social Justice Commission, whose deputy director—Lieut-Colonel Eirwen Pallant —has been appointed to chair the task force.

The other members are: Commissioner Nancy Roberts (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, International Headquarters), Major Heather Grinsted (Middle East Region), Lieut-Colonel Marieke Venter (Bangladesh), Commissioner Nemkhanching (IHQ), Captain Andrews Christian (India Western), Lieut-Colonel Ardis Fuge (USA National), Lieut-Colonel Sara Chagas (Mexico), Major Lenah Jwili (Southern Africa Territory), Commissioner Florence Malabi (IHQ), Commissioner Dorita Wainwright (IHQ), Major Estelle Blake (Italy and Greece), Ms Anne Gregora (United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland), Mr Ben Gilbert (IHQ) and Major Bong Salcedo (The Philippines).

Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries) gave a keynote address in which she highlighted that The Salvation Army’s response to human trafficking is faith-inspired and that—to combat this social evil—Salvationists and colleagues around the world need to work together. She told task force members, ‘Our mobilisation against this terrible evil comes because of our belief that holiness and

GAZETTE Appointment Effective 1 Nov: Capt Lindsay Andrews, Migrant Workers Chaplain, Christchurch, Southern Division.

Appointments in Retirement Effective 1 July: Capt Judith Christensen, Research and Review Project Officer, Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services.

Effective 1 Aug: Mjr Lindsay Chisholm, Budgeting Consultant (part time), Central Division (additional appointment).

Effective 4 August: Mjr Annette Garrett, Relieving Divisional Secretary for Community Ministries, Central Division (concluding 15 Oct).

Bereaved Mjr Ian Knight of his father, Mr Joe Knight, on 22 July, from Hamilton.

Capt Katherine Sonntag of her father, Mr Ettrick (Lex) Sonntag, on 29 July, from Balclutha.

Please remember these people and their extended family in prayer.

Retirement Mjr Clive Nicolson entered retirement on 31 July 2015, having completed 25 years and 7 months’ active service.

In 1988, Clive entered the Booth College of Mission with his wife Lesley from Dunedin Fortress Corps in the Ambassadors for Christ Session. After their commissioning on 20 Jan 1990, the couple was appointed to Hornby

social justice are linked—they are in our DNA as a Salvation Army movement. We have a heritage, we have the vision of the world for Christ, and we believe that salvation means restoration into the image of Christ through the blood of Jesus on the cross. All this has pushed us to “do something” about it.’

The Commissioner emphasised the importance of using all possible opportunities to raise awareness and mobilise a global Salvation Army response to human trafficking. She noted the importance of accurate collection of response data and sharing information on training, programme response and resources.

Making reference to Luke 4:18-19, Commissioner Cox concluded her address by reminding task force members that ‘the mission of Jesus—which is also our mission—is to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed and to announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people’.

The meeting heard from each member of the task force on three key areas: • In my experience, The Salvation Army is effective in anti-human trafficking work when …

• In my experience, the most useful resources in developing and sustaining anti-human trafficking work are …

• The Salvation Army can be more effective in anti-human trafficking work if …

Recurrent themes were identified. The task force will incorporate this learning into a strategy to enable The Salvation Army around the world to be more effective in the challenge of combatting human trafficking.

Corps as Corps Officers. In 1993, Clive and Lesley were appointed to Resthaven Eventide Home Christchurch, first as Assistants and then as Managers.

In 1998, they were appointed to the Ohinemuri-Paeroa Corps, where Clive was also Referral Officer for the Independent Living Units and the Ohinemuri Home and Hospital Manager. In 1999, Clive and Lesley moved to Tauranga as Corps Officers.

Clive was also Director of Community and Family Services. In 2006, Clive and Lesley moved into divisional leadership roles. Clive was appointed Secretary for Programme and Mission Director, Employment Plus in the Midland Division, and in 2007 took on the same responsibilities in the Southern

Division. Then, in 2009, Clive was appointed Divisional Commander for the Southern Division, a role he held during the major earthquakes that hit Canterbury in 2010/2011. In 2012, Clive and Lesley moved to Wellington and Clive was appointed to Territorial Headquarters as Secretary for Corps Growth and Development. In Jan 2014, the Nicolsons were appointed Corps Officers at Johnsonville. It is in this appointment that Clive will continue in an Appointment in Retirement from 1 Aug 2015. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that we honour Clive’s loyal and faithful service to God through The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. We pray God’s blessing on him and Lesley in the days ahead.

18 | WarCry 22 August 2015

LEADERSHIP LINKS

We are moving into a new and exciting space …

Like many churches, The Salvation Army is grappling with what church looks like in 2015. The world has changed and patterns of church attendance are vastly different than even 25 years ago.

Declining attendance naturally causes us to reflect about the most appropriate means of sharing the gospel in a relevant and effective way.

Jesus’ final instructions were: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), and ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone’ (Mark 16:15). But how do we achieve this in a world where traditional models of presenting the gospel are less effective?

It would be easy for us to jump to the conclusion that people no longer have an awareness of God and are so self-sufficient that there is no space for spiritual transformation through a relationship with Jesus. After all, we exist in a world where consumerism is rampant and worship of the individual seems to have replaced worship of God. We also recognise an increase in what we might describe as ‘freelance’ Christians who do not align to a denomination or who struggle to make a permanent and faithful commitment to one church. When asked, they say, ‘Yes, I believe in God, but I don’t want to be part of an organised or formal group.’

Sometimes this is because of past hurts or frustrations.

However, it does mean missing out on the value of a Christian community that encourages one another and works together to serve the wider community in Christ’s name.

Despite the shifting environment around us, we know that our God is eternal and unchanging and that the command of Jesus to share the gospel remains constant. The example we see from Jesus is that he went out into his community to meet people and share in their everyday lives. This example does not date or go out of style. Being with people in their day-to-day world is central to the Christian life today.

I do not have any quick and easy answers to the complexity of church mission in 2015. However, I do know it is important not to become discouraged and give up on sharing the love of Jesus with others. I encourage you to continue coming alongside people on their journeys and to be genuine in sharing your life and faith with them.

We could feel defeated and believe we are lacking relevance.

Or we could see we are moving into a new and exciting space, where we can go out in new ways with an unchanging God to meet Jesus in our communities. The thing we know for sure is that God is there and his purposes have not changed. Our glass is more than half full and there are exciting opportunities for us to grasp!

Lieut-Colonel Lynette Hutson Secretary for Business Administration

BY INGRID BARRATT

Talking in Church In a new concept of church, The Gathering in Hamilton is bringing children and adults together in a place where they can get chaotic, creative—and even talk in church.

The Gathering is a church congregation in its own right—but it’s probably not church as we know it. They meet at The Salvation Army in Hamilton once a month, on Saturday evening between about 5–7 pm. A typical night will include crafts, sports, plenty of running around, a small focus on teaching and singing, lots of chatting, dinner, and more chatting. It’s a complete re-think of the way we do church, making a spiritual space where children and adults can come together.

In some ways, it’s a natural extension of the Sunday school movement, which sees children as part of the church in their own right. But it would be a mistake to think The Gathering is only for kids. Instead of separating children and adults, The Gathering is where all ages can participate in the faith community together, explains team leader Paul Gower. It’s not for kids, with adults tagging along—or the other way around. The Gathering is a place where all ages are genuine participants.

The idea first took root when Hamilton Community Ministries (also known as ‘The Nest’) and Hamilton City Corps relocated to the same site. ‘We deliberately wanted to work together,’ recalls Paul, ‘We quickly identified that the area we both had in common was children’s and family work—both as a social service and as a church.’

The Gathering is a ‘corps within a corps’, with a special focus on people who may not otherwise attend church. ‘Traditional church methods will come under increasing pressure to be relevant,’ says Paul. ‘People don’t usually go and listen to a lecture in their “normal” lives. This is a way to have a community of faith that is more relevant to people outside the traditional church model.’

The concept is based on the Messy Church movement in the UK, which is ‘about being Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration’. In the past decade, the concept has grown to around 20 countries around the world —including New Zealand.

And it is proving just as popular in Hamilton. Despite only being a couple of years old, The Gathering attracts over 100

Mission Matters | 19

Photography: Hans Bouter

adults and children—many of whom are not otherwise churchgoers.

The emphasis is very much on creating a place where people feel they belong and relationship-building. ‘We deliberately have a lot of “bumping in” time where we’re talking, sitting down over a meal or doing activities—it reflects our society where we connect over a coffee,’ Paul explains.

The seemingly unstructured nature of The Gathering requires a lot of structure behind the scenes. Each night, between 7–10 activities are on offer—from crafts and woodwork, to relay races, sports and baking.

Activities are deliberately of a high quality that adults can engage with as well. Each activity requires adult help, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging as adults spend time with the kids. And, of course, there is always the chance to chat while working on a project.

Every evening is centred on a theme—such as a recent night that focused on ‘Winter Blues’. Activities were winter themed, including making hot-water bottle covers.

A 20-minute ‘celebration time’ is the one aspect that bears some resemblance to traditional church, but it is carefully considered.

‘Rather than the tradition of basing the talk on a passage of scripture, we talk about a theme and bring in spiritual elements,’ says Paul. ‘So, for “Winter Blues”, we talked about emotions—how we deal with having the blues. We said that a way to deal with anxiety is to talk to God about it, and give thanks.’

This is a way to have a community of faith that is more relevant to people outside the traditional church model.

There are a few songs, usually based around the theme of who God is—‘since we don’t know where people are at in their personal relationship with God’. And, on occasion, people are invited to get prayer if they want. ‘We don’t see it so much as imparting knowledge; it’s looking at a theme and wondering what the Bible says,’ says Paul. ‘Everyone’s got something to contribute—and we continue the discussion over dinner.’ Dinner means catering for over a 100 people, covered by a small door charge, and allows more time to get to know each other.

Following its monthly meeting, The Gathering holds a family movie night—meaning that children from split families can participate with each parent on alternating nights. Other relationship-building activities, which can be as simple as a walk, are also held regularly to keep families in touch with each other.

Making The Gathering happen is very much a team effort, Paul

We have a lot of “bumping in” time … it reflects our society where we connect over a coffee. says. ‘It takes the support and hard work of a team of about 10–12 volunteers in a team leadership approach. And it has really made faith real to us as we work together.’

Although The Gathering is centred on outreach, its success is not being measured by ‘decisions made for Christ’. ‘We’re very much wanting people to belong, and belief and faith comes from that—it can take 10 years to see the fruit of that,’ Paul says.

But this dynamic is what keeps him passionate. ‘I get excited when people from our supportive accommodation keep coming even after they are no longer receiving Salvation Army services,’ he says. ‘When our kids’ friends come with their families, that’s really cool and exciting!’

Yet, Paul reflects that The Gathering has also been transformative for his own faith journey, despite being around church all his life. ‘For my wife Rachel and me, it has made our experience more real. People who come don’t tend to have other Christian activities they go to, so it means we really have to dig in and think about spiritual things from a new perspective. We know the journey with this faith community will be a long one, but it will be a great one.’

Messy Church Messy Church was the creation of Lucy Moore, wife of the minister at St Wilfrid’s Anglican Church in Portsmouth, UK, in 2005. ‘Messy Church came out of the frustration of knowing that we had good premises, good leaders, some good ideas, but few children and families turning up on a Sunday,’ she says. ‘The realisation that we simply weren’t connecting was the starting point.’

Lucy’s solution has evolved into a once-a-month time of creativity, worship and eating together that’s estimated to be happening in thousands of churches worldwide.

Lucy and the Messy Church worldwide community have produced lots of great resources to help others try this ‘fresh expression’ of being church.

To get started on your Messy Church journey, visit www messychurch.org.uk Bible Society New Zealand sells Messy Church resources at www biblesociety.org.nz/shop/messy-church

20 | WarCry 22 August 2015

Seeing the Invisible God God is nowhere and everywhere in the Old Testament book of Esther, says Carla Lindsey.

Have you come across the ‘find the cat’ photos that have been going around social media? They’re an updated version of ‘Where’s Wally?’ pictures. They are usually an outdoor scene, in which there is a cat ... somewhere—you just have to find it. And that’s easier said than done.

It’s not that the cat is hiding; it’s right there in front of your eyes. It’s just the cat blends so well into the background that it doesn’t draw any attention to itself. But it is right there in plain sight, waiting to be found by anyone who will take the time to look hard enough.

The Old Testament book of Esther is a bit like a ‘find the cat’ photo—only it’s a book, not a photo and we’re looking for God, not a cat.

At first glance, God doesn’t appear to be in Esther at all. His name isn’t mentioned once. There is no reference to worship, sacrifice, prayer, God’s law, the temple or anything religious. In fact, if we were to take out the word ‘Jews’ and substitute another group of people, we would find nothing in this seemingly secular book to even connect it to the Bible.

This is an issue that has disturbed many people! Some think Esther should never have been included in the Bible. Martin Luther said he ‘wished it had never come to us!’ But it has. And like the cat photos, when we look at Esther for a while, if we are prepared to stare at it intently, we will find God is in fact there, right before our very eyes.

In the book of Esther, God is both nowhere and everywhere.

There is a tension between the hiddenness of God and the nearness of God. God is not obvious in the book, but he is behind everything that happens in it, weaving all of the small details together from the back to bring about his purpose.

In some biblical books, God is present in grand ways through visions and miracles. But in Esther, God is present in a quiet way. God is found in the small things, the little coincidences that go unnoticed but are actually part of something much bigger that God is doing.

Setting the scene The first of these coincidences begins to take shape in the first chapter of Esther. Here the scene is set, the character of King Xerxes is established, and the circumstances through which God opens the door for Esther to become queen are recounted.

The anonymous Jewish author, writing sometime after King Xerxes’ death (BC465) and before Persia fell to the Greeks (BC331), uses a common ancient formula to open the book. He says, ‘Now it came to pass’, or as the New International Version translates it, ‘This is what happened.’ While scholars have raised questions about the historical accuracy of some parts of the book, this opening phrase indicates that the author intends for the work to be read as a historical account.

The opening verses of chapter one indicate that the events described in Esther took place during the reign of King Xerxes. Xerxes

PART 1 OF 5

ruled the Persian Empire from BC485–65. He had four capital cities, and the book of Esther is set in one of these; the city of Susa, where Xerxes had his winter palace.

So, how does a story about the Jewish people come to be set in Persia? Well, in BC586 the people of the southern tribes of Israel were taken into exile in Babylon. A few years later, in BC539, the Babylonian Empire fell to the Persian Empire. Under the Persian king, King Cyrus, Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. But most didn’t. Esther’s family were among those who chose to remain outside of Jerusalem, in Susa to be precise.

The writer of Esther uses the first eight verses of the book to make sure readers understand Xerxes was a powerful man. He ruled a massive empire that stretched from modern Pakistan to Sudan, the largest empire in the world at that time.

But not only was Xerxes powerful, he was rich. The writer takes time to describe the curtains, the furniture, the garden, the precious stones, and the individually crafted golden drinking goblets. According to the ancient historian Herodotus, when Alexander the Great entered Susa in BC331 he found 40,000 tablets (1200 tons) of gold and silver bullion and 9000 talents (270 tons) of minted coins. Xerxes’s palace was exquisite and he liked to show it off!

Some think Esther should never have been included in the Bible … but God is there, right before our very eyes.

Come to the party!

Three years into his reign, Xerxes held a 180-day banquet. For the full 180 days of his banquet he ‘displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendour and glory of his majesty’ (Esther 1:4). It must have been quite a party!

But this banquet was more than just a party. It coincided with the council of war Xerxes held in BC483. Xerxes was keen to invade Greece, and by wining and dining important people from the empire he could show off what a great and powerful leader he was and what wealth he had behind him. The banquet was a means of gaining support for his campaign.

At the end of the 180 days, Xerxes held another party. Just a seven-day affair this time. And it was during this party that something very unusual happened.

In Esther 1:9, the scene changes and we learn that while the men partied with Xerxes, Queen Vashti was throwing a party of her own for the women of the palace. On the seventh day of the king’s party, when ‘he was in high spirits from wine … he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him … to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at’ (1:10–11).

But the queen said, ‘I ain’t going!’

Soul Food | 21

Babylon

Susa

When the Queen says ‘no’ GASP! SHOCK! HORROR! No one said ‘NO’ to Xerxes! He was a ruthless man with a bad temper. When a storm meant a bridge he needed to use couldn’t be completed, he became so enraged he had the builders beheaded. When a wealthy friend requested that his eldest son be spared from going to battle, Xerxes had the son cut in two and then had his army walk in between the halves.

It was not a good idea to make Xerxes angry.

What was going on here? Surely, Vashti must have had a good reason for refusing to go?

Ancient rabbis thought the king was asking Vashti to appear before them wearing only her crown. And while we can’t be sure that was what Xerxes meant, the text does suggest Vashti was being treated as a sex object. Women in that culture were largely covered up, so to put her beauty on display does suggest exposing herself in some way.

Given that the men had been drinking for seven days and that ‘she was lovely to look at’ (1:11), we can safely say that it wasn’t Vashti’s intellect they were interested in! Xerxes had been displaying his treasured possessions, now he wanted to bring his wife out to be admired. As his very own living trophy.

But the plan hit a snag.

When Vashti said ‘NO!’ she must have known that ‘no’ might cost her dearly.

Unsurprisingly, King Xerxes was furious. It was bad enough for his wife to disobey him, but to do so in front of important guests meant the king was publically humiliated. Xerxes had just spent six months showing off what a wealthy and powerful man he was and now, in a minute, his own wife had undermined it all. How could he be taken seriously as a great leader on the battlefield when his own wife didn’t listen to him at home?

The proud man had lost face.

So, what should he do? This was an unprecedented situation. How should it be handled?

Vashti’s defiance could not be overlooked, so Xerxes gathered his closest advisors. They concluded that since the queen hadn’t come when called, she should never be able to come to the king again. She would lose her position as queen and it would be given to someone ‘better’. (Presumably that meant someone more obedient.)

The scene is set for Esther According to tradition, Vashti was executed, but the Bible simply tells us that Vashti was out of the picture—and because of that, the way was open for Esther.

On one hand, many aspects of Esther’s story are violent; but on the other, it is a very funny story. Esther is full of wit and irony. Just in chapter one, we see the most powerful man in the world brought down a peg or two by his wife.

Add to this, what begins as a marital disagreement is ridiculously turned into a state emergency. Xerxes listens to his advisors who fear

God is found in the small things, the little coincidences that go unnoticed but are part of something bigger that God is doing. other women might follow Vashti’s example, so he sends out a royal decree to everyone in the empire and in every language proclaiming that ‘every man should be the ruler of his own household’ (1:22). Talk about blowing something out of proportion!

By doing this, Xerxes brought more shame on himself. Those who knew nothing of the queen’s disobedience and the king’s shame certainly knew all about it after the decree! And the icing on the cake is found in Xerxes’s name. ‘Xerxes’ is the Greek form of his name, but in Persian it is ‘Ahwerosh’, which sounds like the Hebrew word for ‘headache’. Fittingly, the king who was in high spirits with wine and had a wife who was being a pain, was named ‘King Headache’. I’m sure he had one!

The scene is set. The king has no queen—but God is working. God has a plan. And in time everything will fall into place.

Points to ponder How does the humour in the Bible impact your understanding of God?

Is there an area where you need to stand up for yourself and say ‘no’?

How can you allow time and space in your life this week so you can find God in the small, quiet things?

We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with him.

He walks everywhere incognito.

C.S. Lewis

22 | WarCry 22 August 2015

International Bible Reading Challenge

CALENDAR AUGUST 21–23: Kids Camp / Midland Division 23: Self Denial Sunday 24–27: North Island Officers Fellowship / Rotorua 28–30: Women’s Camp / Fiji Division 28–30: Kids Camp / Central Division 31: Business Coaching (HR) / Northern Division 31–4 Sept: Corps Administrators Roadshow / Midland Division SEPTEMBER 4–6: Thought Matters Forum / Australia Eastern Territory 4: Regional Lunch (Auckland West & North Shore) / Northern Division 5: Safe to Serve Accreditation / Northern Division 5–6: Otago Regional Weekend / Southern Division 10: General Change Announcement 11–13: Top of the South Women’s Camp / Southern Division 13: Divisional Prayer Gathering / Northern Division 18–20: Creative Ministries Conference / Silverstream 17: Crown Prince’s Birthday / Tonga Region 18: Regional Lunch (Whangarei & Far North) / Northern Division 19: Te Kete Waitua / Central Division 19–20: Children’s Camp / Tonga Region 19–20: Southland Regional Weekend / Southern Division

WEEK 34 Galatians 4–Ephesians 2 WEEK 35 Ephesians 3–Philippians 1 Go to www.salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge for daily reading guides and more.

Calling Salvation Army History Buffs Can you help Lieut-Colonel Bill Allott make sure his historical timelines of Salvation Army corps and social services work are correct? He is looking for people with knowledge of Salvation Army history in their area to check facts like dates and names.

Go to www.billallott.blogspot.co.nz—corrections, additions and additional info can be made in the ‘comments’ section, or email wjallott@gmail.com.

Porirua Corps 50th Anniversary You’re invited to celebrate with Porirua Corps from 30 October to 1 November. Guest leaders: Colonels Barbara and Willis Howell.

89 Warspite Ave, Cannons Creek, Porirua.

For an information pack, e: ebony_sushames@nzf.salvationarmy. org, p: (04) 235 6266

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 23 August: Mosgiel Corps 30 August: Whakatane Corps 2 September: NZ Christian Network (TPWM) 5 September: Queenstown and Alexandra Men’s Fellowship (TC) 6 September: Alexandra Corps 10 September: Wellington Recovery Church Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 22–26 August: North Island Officers Councils 4–6 September: Tauranga Corps 8 September: Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy Fundraiser (TSWM) 9 September: New Lynn Home League

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Winton, Woodville, Albany Bays, Alexandra and Aranui Corps, Salvationists serving overseas, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

Order Your Copy of Words of Life The September to December edition of the Salvation Army devotional guide Words of Life is now available. Throughout 2015, Words of Life has centred readers’ thoughts on the Trinity, and in the final edition for the year it focuses on the Holy Spirit.

After a short series on Heaven, writer Major Beverly Ivany looks into the Old Testament, exploring Isaiah, Daniel, Amos, Micah, Zephanaia and Haggai.

New Testament readings are from Galatians, Colossians, Titus, Philemon, and 1 and 2 Peter. Thoughts from the Christmas season come from guest writer Major Christina Tyson of New Zealand.

Order from Salvationist Resources for $9.60 (plus p&p)—e: mailorder@nzf. salvationarmy.org, p: (04) 382 0768, w:www.salvationarmy.org.nz/shop.

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES online:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/employment

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

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Go where you have never gone before!

Fun4Kids | 23

The Self Denial Appeal is being held in Salvation Army churches. We’ve been looking at places where the Army is helping people around the world, and thinking about how we can give our money to help others. We’ve heard some exciting stories from Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Cambodia and Pakistan.

Colour in the picture of the boy giving his lunch to Jesus to help hungry people.

God is using gifts of money from kids around the world to do something great! Thanks for giving to the Self Denial Appeal this year.

Place the numbers 1 to 9 in each grid so that the horizontal and vertical line adds up to the given sum. You can only use each number once.

addition fubuki

9 7 9

5

4

18

9

18

Read It ‘Jesus replied, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.” ’ Matthew 14:16

Jesus’ disciple decided it was time to send people away.

But Jesus said to them, ‘They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.’

Whoa! The disciples didn’t know what to do. They didn’t have a lot of money, so they knew they couldn’t afford to buy fish and chips for everyone!

Probably the boy thought he was just giving his food to Jesus to eat, but Jesus prayed over the boy’s gift and turned it into enough food to feed the whole crowd. Over 5000 people were fed just because one small boy was generous, not greedy.

Finally, they found a small boy with five loaves of bread

When we give our money to Jesus, Jesus works miracles!

He multiplies it so it can do amazing things in people’s

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2

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and two fish. Even better, the boy said he was okay with giving his food to Jesus!

People loved to hear Jesus talk. One day Jesus was teaching a huge crowd of people. Even though it was getting late and everyone was getting hungry, no one

5

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wanted to go home in case they missed out on something cool that Jesus said.

Let’s Talk

3

11

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lives. When our gift is added to other people’s gifts, thousands of people are helped.

Let’s Pray Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me the chance to help other people through The Salvation Army’s Self Denial Appeal. Use all the money that people give to grow your kingdom. Amen.

7

Te Ope Whakaora

SELF DENIAL APPEAL 2015 Please give sacrificially to the Self Denial Appeal.

Support the work of The Salvation Army overseas.

salvationarmy.org.nz/selfdenial