FAITH IN ACTION  22 AUGUST 2020 | Issue 6749 | $1.50
Hold Fast,
My Friends She Speaks: The Missing Women 99 Random Acts of Kindness Governance in 2020
A New Man: From Party Peter to Just Peter Installation of Colonel Gerry Walker
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS William
& Catherine Booth
The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission. EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major
Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,
PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT www.makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset
is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.
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A Cup of Water We live in uncertain times; people are vulnerable and feel like they have no control over their futures, the borders are closed and we are fluctuating through various levels of lockdown. Our communities are adapting to constant change and uncertainty. As Christians, we are called to not only react in a different way, but to think in a different way. It says in Isaiah 60:1–2, ‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you’. We have the threat of a pandemic and a global depression at our doors, but God calls us to ‘arise’, to ‘shine’. How do we ‘shine’ when we are facing the same trials as our neighbour? How do we ‘arise’ when jobs are uncertain and the supermarket lines are long? The verse goes on to tell us that it is the Lord who rises upon us and his glory appears over us. The Salvation Army is very good at looking after other people, but let us not forget to look after ourselves, our families and the household of God. In Matthew 10:42 it says, ‘And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward’. In this issue we have suggestions for ‘99 Random Acts of Kindness’. How appropriate for these times. Let us prioritise the people of God so together we can arise and shine. Vivienne Hill Editor
Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.
SalvationArmyNZFTS
When we pray ‘in the Name of Jesus’ the answers are in accordance with His nature, and if we think our prayers are unanswered it is because we are not interpreting the answer along this line.
@SalvationArmyNZ
Oswald Chambers
Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 137 years | Issue 6749 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
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John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Hoani 17:3 Ko te ora tonu hoki tēnei, kia mātau rātou ki a koe, ko koe anake te Atua pono, ki a Īhu Karaiti āno hoki i tonoa mai nei e koe.
O
ne year ago today, I arrived in Wellington from South Australia. Since that day, plenty has happened that I could not have seen coming—headlined by a global pandemic, but also the car which knocked me off of my bike (drivers, please look out for indicating cyclists!). While I have had the joy of exploring a new country, there have also been moments of acute homesickness, made tougher by the closed international borders. Before I flew into New Zealand, I was understandably nervous about crossing the Tasman with no family, friends or even somewhere to live waiting on the other side. My apprehension was frequently brushed away. ‘It’s okay, moving to New Zealand is basically like moving to Perth,’ they said, and I felt somewhat comforted because the measured distance wasn’t too far. To be fair, none of us could have predicted that within months international flights would shut down—there is an ocean in between which cannot be crossed without a plane. So much for ‘moving to New Zealand is basically like moving to Perth’, where I could have travelled home right now without worrying about how I would get back to work! This year has been a wake-up call for all of us, that we have no control over what the world will look like in another 365 days. I love to plan ahead, so I have been challenged by the realisation that only God knows what August 2021 will look like. Worrying about when the travel bubble will come into effect won’t make it happen any faster.
Instead, I am making an effort to convert worry into gratitude. Gratitude that, unlike many others, my pantry is stocked, and my power is still on. Gratitude for faith which has given me hope throughout this uneasy year. Gratitude for everything I have seen and learned in New Zealand so far. I have had the privilege of hearing remarkable stories of faith and putting them onto paper. I am slowly adding to my te reo Māori vocabulary (although my pronunciation still needs significant work). I have learned more about Fiji, Tonga and Samoa than I would have the opportunity to elsewhere. I am part of a wonderful life group; last month, on a cold but sunny morning at Titahi Bay, we celebrated as one of our members committed her life to Jesus. I have visited Queenstown and Christchurch. My phone storage is at capacity with attempts to capture the beauty of a Wellington sunset. I even completed my first coffee punch card— okay, with chai lattes, but I still think that counts. One year ago today, I had no more idea what the future held than I do now, but I felt encouraged to take that leap anyway. Whenever I miss my family—and the warmer weather—I have to remind myself that God has planned for me to be here in this season (literally). He set my footprint in New Zealand long before I packed my suitcase. And whatever awaits us in the coming year, he has that mapped out too. BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
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WARCRYINHISTORY
Saving Christianity?: Danger in Undermining Our Faith and What You In 1990, Samoan Salvationists held a Can Do About It fundraising concert in Porirua to raise By Michael Youssef, Published by money for the Territorial Headquarters Tyndale Momentum (2020) (THQ) building in Wellington. The concert Dr Michael Youssef, in his book Saving Christianity?, writes in response to appeared on the front page of the 25 August those within the faith who are calling War Cry. Thirty years later, we are writing for Christianity to be reimagined and designing the or reinvented in order to ‘save it’. War Cry magazines He states that since the Garden of in that same THQ Eden, the same old satanic strategy building they of ‘Did God really say…?’ has been supported! repackaged as a viable option to cast doubt on God’s word and God’s Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives character. He warns against those who at the Ploughman wish to repackage the gospel into a Resource Centre, Booth more palatable form so it can be easily College of Mission digested by the current culture. His challenge is to not ‘…cherry-pick from the teachings of Jesus, selecting the Five feel-good television theme ones that fit our political and social songs that are near impossible biases while ignoring his claim to to skip. be saviour and the only way to God the Father’. 5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine main Available at theme, composed by Dan Manna Christian Marocco—Okay, there might not be any lyrics, Stores. (Reviewed On Friday 31 July, Wellington band End of an Empire launched but the moment those by Vivienne Hill) trumpets start blaring, their debut album Within, Without at Capital Vineyard Church. they’ll be stuck in your head for days; short, sharp and The band members are: drummer Lyle Jasper, bassist Rowan Miller, guitarist Hamish unskippable. Dobbie and vocalist Sam Coates—who happens to be one of War Cry’s graphic designers.
TOPFIVE
End of an Empire Release Debut Album
4. ‘I Don’t Want To Be’ by Gavin DeGraw—One Tree Hill: Bonus points to the show for finding a way for Gavin DeGraw to appear on the show and perform this song not once, but twice!
3. ‘ Yo Home To Bel-Air’, by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince—The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Singing along with this catchy rap is arguably as much fun as watching reruns of each episode.
Sam describes the band’s style as hardcore punk; however, their influences also come from various bands of different genres. ‘We’ve taken inspiration from everywhere, from Aerosmith to post-hardcore bands, like early mewithoutYou.’ The album was recorded in the Creative Ministries Department’s studio at Territorial Headquarters, with fellow hardcore musician Joram Adams (from local band ColdxWar) recording, mixing and mastering. Photo by ‘Kris Singh [Creative Resource Developer] gave us the rental price of making a donation to The Foodbank Project,’ Sam says, ‘So we got to contribute to the mission of The Salvation Army’.
2. ‘ Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?’, by Joe Raposo—Sesame Street: Composed in 1969, this simple theme has stood the test of time and, whether as a kid or parent, most of us have sung along to it at least once.
He hopes Within, Without will encourage listeners to apply a theological perspective to issues like xenophobia and the treatment of asylum seekers, while also challenging their preconceived notions of hardcore music.
1. ‘ I’ll Be There For You’, by The Rembrandts—Friends: The test of a true Friends fan is, of course, whether you can time those four, fast claps.
‘Rather than lyrics being nihilistic, there is an anger at injustice but also a calling forward into what is hopefully a new creation.’
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‘At the heart, the music is a critique of society because there’s a genuine belief in a lot of people that the world could look better,’ Sam says.
Within, Without is available on Spotify and iTunes/Apple Music, and can be purchased at EoaENZ.bandcamp.com/releases
Leah Vincent.
SALLIE OFTHE WEEK
Lisa Gatward (Upper Hutt Corps/Central Youth Services) Originally from Pakuranga in East Auckland, Lisa first connected with East City Salvation Army while at school in intermediate. She found Jesus and a faith community that loved her. In 2019, Lisa started as an intern at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre and loved working with young people so much that she’s now a first year Salvation Army LAB (Living and Breathing) student with Central Youth Services. Lisa attends Upper Hutt Corps where she leads a youth group and loves it. In her spare time, Lisa can be found either surfing or skateboarding. ‘Lisa is passionate about empowering young people and providing the kind of encouragement and support that enables them to flourish,’ says Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Mat Badger. And that’s why Lisa is our Sallie of the Week!
Weird of the Week: V is the only letter in the English language which is never silent, according to MerriamWebster Dictionary.
Yellow Lentil and Cauliflower Curry 1 Tbsp Canola oil 1 diced onion 2 cloves crushed garlic
Heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 minutes.
3 Tbsp yellow curry paste
Stir in the curry paste. Cook for one minute, then add the lentils and stock.
¾ cup split yellow lentils, rinsed
Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
4 cups vegetable stock
Add the cauliflower florets and continue cooking until the lentils and cauliflower are soft. Stir in the coconut milk and reheat.
1 tsp finely grated ginger
4 cups cauliflower, chopped ½ cup coconut milk
Tip: Serve topped with coriander or mint and chutney, alongside naan bread or rice. Source: Jan Bilton/eatwell.co.nz
QUIKQUIZ
1 In a game of English draughts, how many pieces are on the board at the start of play? 2 Which country won the Eurovision Song Contest three years in succession between 1992 and 1994? 3 What type of clothing is a Glengarry? 4 Llyn Tegid is the largest lake in which nation? 5 What caused Saul’s ‘evil spirit’ to leave him? Answers on page 22 22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 5
A new man
When Peter Bailey started attending Recovery Church as part of The Salvation Army’s Christchurch Bridge programme requirements, he was resistant at first, but that soon changed. BY JULES BADGER
‘R
ecovery Church really started to help me in my recovery as I listened to people sharing their stories—people in similar situations as me. I got interested pretty quick. When I finished the Bridge programme, I kept going back to Recovery Church.’
A new man
At 49 years of age, Peter’s greatest regret is that he waited so long to do something about his drinking. ‘At the Bridge I ended up having deep therapy and started to understand what sort of person I’d become because of my drinking. The outcome wasn’t good to begin with, because such a deep hatred for myself rose up when I realised what I’d put my family through for all those years. But that realisation motivated me to change.’ Peter’s life is now profoundly different. ‘My partner Shula and my two sons are still getting their heads around the new me because of the person I used to be. For so long, I was known as a pisshead and a druggie. My family only knew “Party-Peter”. They’d never met just Peter before. Peter is different and they’re still getting to know me like this.’ Mission Director for the Christchurch Bridge, Captain Ralph Hargest says, ‘I’m so glad Peter has found something that is helping him to become who he was meant to be all along, and that others who are close to him are seeing that change in his actions as well’.
Party-Peter Peter grew up in Papakura, South Auckland. His two older brothers picked on him, resulting in violent outbursts from Peter. ‘My family wasn’t violent—just me. I was violent. Counselling has helped me understand that I was always trying to one-up my brothers. Sort of a third-child thing—asserting and defending myself all the time. I became the sort of kid who couldn’t resist a fight. If I saw a fight happening, I was all in, even if it had nothing to do with me. I took that behaviour into adulthood and added addiction to it.’ Peter’s behaviour escalated, and at 14 he was asked to leave the family home because he’d become uncontrollable. ‘I was working on a farm after school, and the guys there wouldn’t let anyone who was still at school drink alcohol or partake in any way. The day after my fifteenth birthday, I left school, meaning I was able to sit down with the men after milking. That’s when I started drinking and smoking. Life was one big party from then on.’ Ten years later, Peter decided to try and stop drinking, but soon realised he couldn’t. Time passed, and by his late thirties Peter’s life was dominated by alcohol and other drugs, and violence.
A better man Peter’s life changed in his late thirties when he met Shula. ‘Shula told me what sort of man she was looking for, and even though I knew I was definitely not the 22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 7
sort of man she was looking for, I wanted to change. I was a different person when I was with Shula.’ Despite wanting to be a better man for Shula, Peter couldn’t give up his addictions, which led to a heart attack—he was only 39. ‘That was the wake-up call. Our first son had just been born and we moved to Christchurch for a new life. It was a new place, but I was the same old me. I managed to stop smoking cigarettes, but I just couldn’t stop drinking and drugging. My doctor told me I was at the extreme end of being an alcoholic and that I had to give up drinking. I thought he was talking rubbish.’
Rock bottom Ten years later, in 2018, Peter hit rock bottom. ‘I was drinking a bottle of whiskey every day. I would get up in the morning and if I didn’t have a coffee cup full of whiskey first thing I would start throwing up. By lunch time I would start shaking and sweating and need to go out to the car and have another drink. After work it was drink, drink, drink. People used to ask me how I could drink so much and get up for work in the morning. I was just used to it. That was my life.’ Peter’s drinking was affecting his work, and his boss was concerned about the repetition of bad decisions he was making. Peter resigned before he was fired, and amazingly walked straight into a new job as a supervisor at a sawmill company. ‘Every day was a party—until I had an accident. I broke my wrist, elbow and shoulder. It happened at 8am on a Monday morning, and of course I was way over the limit. I didn’t tell anyone—I hid the injury—but by the next morning I couldn’t move my arm. At the hospital the seriousness of my injuries meant I would need a lot of time off work, and of course my alcohol problem showed up in the blood tests—my liver count was off the charts.’ Doctors encouraged Peter to get help for his drinking, but more months passed. ‘I was constantly throwing up in the mornings if I didn’t have a drink—all this while I was trying to get my kids up and ready for school. I had so much hate for myself and decided I couldn’t go on. I decided to take my own life, so I cut my wrists. That was my rock bottom. Shula was so upset—as you can imagine. I knew I had to do something because I wasn’t just ruining my life, I was ruining the lives of everyone around me.’
A place to belong Peter was determined to stop drinking but didn’t understand 8 WarCry 22 AUGUST 2020
how important it was for him to do that in a medically supervised detox centre, given the severity of his addiction. ‘I didn’t listen. While I was waiting to go into Thorpe House (detox) I decided to give not drinking a go. I woke up in the back of an ambulance.’ Peter made it through detox and was admitted to the Bridge programme. There were many significant moments for Peter during his stay, but it was the people he was surrounded with that made all the difference. ‘There were so many good people like Ruth at the Bridge encouraging me to keep going and telling me I would get there. Major Nicola Rodgers from Recovery Church encouraged me to come back to Recovery Church and keep working at it. Like everything in recovery, I knew that if I didn’t work at it and keep going it wouldn’t help. So, I kept going. They have this saying: “Recovery Church is a place to belong before you believe”. I thought to myself, well, I’m never going to believe, but belonging’s helping my recovery, so I’ll just stick to belonging.’
‘...IT’S THE CONNECTION WITH GOOD PEOPLE AND JESUS THAT KEEPS ME ON THE RIGHT TRACK.’ When Captains Ralph and Nicky Hargest took over running Recovery Church, Peter connected with them—Ralph especially. ‘Ralph started having me on about saying stuff about the Bible when I’d never read it. How could I say anything about what the Bible did or didn’t say if I’d never read it? Which was a good point! So, I started reading the Recovery Bible and there was some really good stuff in it that made so much sense to me—for me and the journey I was on.’ Before long Peter was reading the ‘normal Bible,’ as he calls it, and thinking about becoming a Christian. ‘I talked to Shula about it and she was really supportive because it was helping my recovery—she could see it. So, I became a Christian!’
Jesus makes the difference Having Jesus in his life produced some definitive examples of transformation in Peter.
‘I’D ENCOURAGE ANYONE LIVING WITH ADDICTION TO TRY AND GO DOWN THE PATH I HAVE, AND TO TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME.’ ‘I had an incident here in Rolleston one day. I was being abused by some guys. One of them threw a piece of pizza at my car. In the past, I would’ve lost it—it would have got violent fast. But I took a lot of deep breaths, closed my eyes, cleaned it off and drove home. Shula was concerned that I would go out looking for those guys later—the old me would’ve. That night I felt so good that I hadn’t retaliated. When I woke up the next day—it’s so hard to describe—I felt so excited that I’d walked away and done nothing. I felt so great for just doing nothing! I put that down to Jesus giving me his strength in that moment and the courage not to do what I would’ve normally done without any thought.’ Ralph agrees, saying, ‘I’ve so admired Peter’s willingness to open himself up to a connection with God. On the occasions when life has come at him from “left field” you can really see him digging deep into his faith. It can be a real battle to stay in recovery at times, but Peter’s commitment to attending Recovery Church over the past couple of years has played a big part in his ongoing recovery and growing faith. I really admire his determination to keep to a routine and know what’s keeping him afloat—connection with God and with others.’ ‘People say that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connection’, says Peter. ‘That’s been true for me because it’s the connection with good people and Jesus that keeps me on the right track.’ Of course, Peter is adamant that he wouldn’t be where he is today without Shula. ‘I can’t believe she stayed with me given everything I’ve put her through over the years. When you’re stuck in addiction you don’t see it. She’s put up with a hell of a lot. I’ve now asked her to marry me and she said yes! We’re getting married in September. I’ve got so much to live for now. I don’t want to lose my family—I nearly did. Every night for the past six months my boys have called out, “Dad, I want a hug”. That’s new. They never used to do that. I stunk of alcohol and they didn’t want me near them. But I want to be a good role model for my kids and a good dad. They’re the reason I’ve kept going and I’m determined to stay sober for them.
Peter Bailey (centre), with Captains Ralph & Nicky Hargest.
‘It was most definitely going to Recovery Church and meeting Jesus that made the biggest difference to my life. I go every week. I’m also volunteering at Generation House with the team at Rolleston Corps Plant because I had to give up work. Helping others is a great space to be in, and Lieutenants Stu and Grace Duxfield are supporting me in my recovery—I can call them anytime when or if I’m struggling. Stu and Grace are also doing our wedding which I’m stoked about. ‘To someone reading this who’s living with addiction, you’ve got to want to change. I’d encourage anyone living with addiction to try and go down the path I have, and to take it one day at a time.’
Someone said recently that Recovery Church doesn’t feel like a church, but that it was a great place because it’s real and it’s raw. Recovery Church continues to be a vibrant place where people explore God in a relevant, safe and non-threatening way. It features people sharing their stories, celebrations of achievements, graduations, singing, a short message and heartfelt prayer. People are finding hope and lives are being transformed as they surrender to something greater than themselves. If you have a Recovery Church near you, I encourage you to check it out! Major Bronwyn Aldersley, Addictions, Suportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services (ASARS) National Mission Co-ordinator
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Listen Up—How to Become a Better Listener No matter how sharp our hearing is or how good our intentions are, listening intently is not a skill which comes naturally. Even when we think that we are paying attention, sometimes we are only working out what we are going to say next. In 2003, researcher Faye Doell identified two types of listening, and noted the importance of ‘listening to understand’ rather than ‘listening to respond’. Does this ring true for you? There are lots of opportunities to practise better, more active listening, whether it is chit-chat at a work party or helping a friend to verbally process a problem. Here are some tips on how to let your own words take a backseat and engage with what others are saying to you. • Pay attention to their body language and changes in tone and inflection— clue into the things unsaid. • Look into their eyes (and keep your phone in your pocket).
ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT WHEN HAVING TOUGH CONVERSATIONS AND CRUCIAL TO MAINTAINING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, ESPECIALLY WITH OUR LOVED ONES.
• Nod, smile or use neutral expressions such as ‘uh huh’, ‘I see’, ‘go on’, or ‘okay’ to show you are responsive. This does not necessarily mean that you agree with them, but you are acknowledging that you are engaged and encouraging them to keep sharing.
• Do not interrupt or derail the speaker. Know when it is wise to add your input and when not. Do not offer unsolicited advice. • Echo or rephrase what they tell you. Summarise their thoughts into your own words to confirm you have understood. • Ask them to repeat something if you are confused or have missed a part of their story (they will not think you are dumb or inconsiderate for asking—on the contrary, it shows you truly are listening). • Ask open-ended questions which require them to elaborate beyond ‘yes’ and ‘no’—but do not simply ask ‘why?’ Be specific. • Look out for the feelings beneath their words. • Put yourself in their shoes. Empathise. • Do not make assumptions or judgments; open your ears and heart to what they are trying to say.
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Active listening skills are important when having tough conversations and crucial to maintaining healthy relationships, especially with our loved ones. Be prepared to hear their opinion or experience without interruption, then reflect back to them what you have heard, rather than becoming critical or defensive. Being there for someone does not mean you have to fix their problems, come up with solutions, justify yourself or make things better. The job of the listener is simply to listen. Show them you care. Validate their feelings. Understand their emotions and where they are coming from; that way you can think before you speak and actually give them the right response— whether that is advice, harsh truths or a big hug. TIP: If you have the gift of the gab, it can be tough to practise your listening skills when the person you are conversing with is shy or less inclined to speak. Make sure to ask them open-ended questions to bring them into the conversation. Source: psychologytoday.com
TESTIFY! To belong to a community where you are accepted for who you were, who you are, and who you will become was transforming for Jess Grey from East City Corps. I grew up in Ōtāhuhu in a family of six. When I was ten, I got hit by a car and suffered damage to my orbital frontal lobe. I was in hospital for two and a half weeks, and off school for a year. As a teenager I lived with my grandparents, and they became the mentors of my faith. They encouraged me to get involved with youth group and I started going to Scripture Union camps. It was at a camp in 2003 where I made my decision to become a Christian. During worship everyone felt something. Those of us who had chosen to follow Jesus all knew instinctively that it was the Holy Spirit. Those who hadn’t chosen to follow Jesus felt something too, but they couldn’t name it or understand it. That was very significant for me, recognising the presence of the Holy Spirit—it made my faith real. Over the years, I have struggled a lot with my mental health. There’s been self-harm and a few suicide attempts. I’ve also struggled with addiction to weed, synthetics and meth. But, even so, there have always been people in my life who’ve shown me there’s a better way— and they’ve all been people from church. The Salvation Army East City is like a family. I think church should be a home away from home. No one judges how you look or what you’re wearing. Everyone’s just glad you came along—they want you to be there. Despite my background, Rosemarie (pictured on left) gave me a chance to serve at the Foodbank. If she hadn’t done that, I would never have met Jo (Major Jo Wardle). If I hadn’t met Jo, I wouldn’t have got serious about my recovery journey and attending NA (Narcotics Anonymous). I’ve been clean for 17 months.
...THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WHO’VE SHOWN ME THERE’S A BETTER WAY—AND THEY’VE ALL BEEN PEOPLE FROM CHURCH. Everyone at NA has the same goal—to stop using and be in recovery. Everyone just wants to get better—no one has any ulterior motive. It’s so good to walk into a room and know that there’s someone to support you who has livedexperience of addiction. Having that understanding of what it’s like is so important for recovery—it’s massive. Recovery has had a positive effect on my mental health. After struggling to find the right medication, my doctor was prompted to discuss ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) with me. I wouldn’t have had the courage to try it before. But it’s made all the difference. They give you a muscle relaxant and a general anaesthetic, so you don’t feel a thing—just the benefits afterwards. I didn’t realise just how bad the depression had become until it was gone. God’s given us psychiatrists for a reason. People used to notice the scars on my arms first, but now they notice my smile.
I was cheeky at one point along the way. I said to God: ‘If you’re real, give me a verse to prove it’. What came to mind was the reference, 1 Peter 2:25. I didn’t even realise Peter was a book of the Bible at the time. It says, ‘For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to your Shepherd and the Overseer of your souls’. It was so relevant because I had gone astray. I was ignoring the promptings of God. But the fact that the verse said, ‘...Overseer of your soul’—I liked that. The concept that someone wanted to look after my soul and make sure it was on the right path was pretty out of it! It took a while but, because of that, I got myself back to church. To anyone reading this, when you’re seriously ready to make a change, there will be someone waiting to listen and help—God will sort that side of things out. I’m living proof of that. 22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 11
99 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
RAK Day is next week! In Luke 21:1–4, we read about a widow who had nothing to give at the temple but two copper coins. Her gift was all she had, and that’s what made it special to Jesus. One small act in the spirit of true generosity can have a huge impact, so we’ve compiled 99 Random Acts of Kindness to love God, love your neighbour and love yourself.
FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURS
1 Give extra meal servings to a neighbour rather than your freezer. 2 Offer to babysit. 3 Leave flowers at your front gate with a note for people to take one. 4 Rake your street or a neighbour’s driveway. 5 Hold the elevator. 6 Leave a container of detergent at your laundromat for the next person. 7 Mow/weed a neighbour’s garden. 8 Help them unload their shopping. 9 Use your craft or creative talents to make a gift. 10 Give up your bus seat. 11 Leave sweet treats for the postie. 12 Find a local book box and leave good condition books inside. Write a note in the front pages of the books from your family and encourage the next reader to do the same when they pass it on.
FOR YOUR LOCAL AREA
13 Donate good-quality clothes and items to Family Stores. 14 Volunteer at a local charity. 15 Pay for the car behind you at the drive-thru. 16 Compliment a stranger about something other than their appearance. 17 Place non-perishable food into the purple bins at Countdown or donate online to The Foodbank Project. 18 Let the person behind you in the queue go first. 19 Put unwanted items at the store back where you found them. 20 Buy local from small businesses. 21 Give away or sell good-quality, second-hand goods cheap on TradeMe. 22 Donate towels/blankets to an animal shelter. 23 Let that car merge. 24 Pick some flowers for memorials at your local cemetery. 25 Don’t ask for change at your local market.
12 firezone.co.nz 22 AUGUST 2020
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
26 Leave an encouraging note on a stranger’s windshield. 27 Thank your library volunteers and ask them for book recommendations.
FOR YOUR FRIENDS
28 Pass on an encouraging Bible verse. 29 Be a listening ear. 30 High-fives and hugs! 31 Reconnect with somebody you haven’t messaged recently. 32 Encourage a friend to pursue their dream and ask if they need help getting started. 33 Make them laugh! 34 Invite a friend over for dinner. 35 Compile a playlist of music from important times you’ve shared together, songs that remind you of them, or just good ol’ tunes to motivate them through exams. 36 Fill out their online research survey which they’ve asked people to complete. 37 Send handwritten letters or cards. 38 Organise a picnic. 39 Watch their pet over the holidays. 40 Give them a lift (carpooling benefits the environment too!). 41 Be their exam study buddy. 42 Offer your last piece of gum. 43 Reach out in person or private message to that Facebook friend who is always posting. 44 Give your kids extra (healthy) snacks to share with the schoolkid whose lunchbox isn’t full. 45 Create an email address for a friend. Over time, send emails to this address about their achievements, fun moments together and other positive vibes. If you want, get other people to contribute too. One day, pass on the email address and password to them.
FOR YOUR FAMILY
46 Get up first to make coffee/breakfast. 47 Draw or write a message in your sibling’s workbook for them to find at school. 48 On a hot day, pop jugs or bottles of water into the fridge for everyone. 49 Wash their cars on the weekend. 50 Offer to run an errand for them while you’re out and about. 51 Leave sticky notes around the house with fun quotes, jokes and encouragements. 52 If they ask you for help, teach a family member something—patiently. 53 Restock the tea bags or coffee. 54 Help with chores during a busy week. 55 Write a list of things you love about your parents. 56 Do the dishes without being asked. 57 Don’t interrupt. 58 Walk the dog—but also make time to play or cuddle with them. 59 Clean out the fridge/pantry and throw away expired goods. 60 Put your phone away when you’re eating or hanging out together.
FOR YOUR WORKPLACE
61 Bring in baked goods to share. 62 Take five minutes to share a funny story. 63 If you hear workplace gossip, break it up by saying something nice. 64 Leave a positive recommendation for your co-worker on LinkedIn. 65 Buy a puzzle (tip: check your local Family Store!) for your team to complete. 66 Leave coloured pencils and a colouring book in the staff room for stress relief. 67 Send anonymous flowers to your receptionist. 68 Bring in surplus herbs or veggies from your garden. 69 Help with time-consuming tasks, like filing or admin. 70 Tidy up the stationery cupboard, scrub the deep fryer or organise the cabinets—whatever is your workplace’s equivalent dreaded task. 71 Keep a cheap, spare umbrella handy to lend someone on a rainy day. 72 Tell your boss when one of your co-workers goes the extra mile. 73 Leave sticky notes with positive messages on your workplace’s fridge or bathroom mirrors. 74 Thank your cleaning crew… 75 …and keep your workspace tidy!
FOR THE WORLD
76 Clean up litter. 77 Buy a Just Gifts Baby Bundle for new mothers in Papua New Guinea (justgifts.co.nz/products/ baby-bundle). 78 Write to a person in need (you’ll find plenty of opportunities online, like More Love Letters). 79 Register for The Salvation Army’s Senior Services Programme. 80 Donate blood. 81 Lift up your loved ones and the world in prayer. 82 Register as an organ donor. 83 Email or leave a message on social media for an author whose book you’ve enjoyed. 84 Take a photograph for families or tourists… 85 …and if they ask you for directions, help them and share local tips. 86 At Christmas-time, put together an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. 87 Stop and listen to a busker—appreciate their talent and give them a few coins. 88 Research a topic—like climate change, slavery or indigenous rights—to be more informed so that your actions can have a better impact. 89 Knit toys, clothing or blankets for hospitals, hospices or shelters. 90 Smile—it’s contagious. 91 Don’t write that negative social media comment.
FOR YOURSELF
92 Take a 15 minute break. 93 Let go of a long-time grudge. 94 Get a good night’s sleep. 95 Pursue a new hobby. 96 Don’t complain—this will lift your spirit. 97 Write yourself an encouraging letter. Put it away or get someone to hide it. You can re-read it on a bad day for a positive boost. 98 Write down three to five things you are grateful for each day. 99 When that nasty voice in your head weighs you down, reimagine it speaking in a silly voice.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
MORE INFO | rak.co.nz 22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 13
Photography: Rosy Keane.
Missing: Young Adult Women BY ROSY KEANE
I am passionate about women being connected to each other and Christ. Through the work I do with The Salvation Army Women’s Ministries in our territory, I seek to identify the needs and opportunities for women throughout our community and advocate for creative resources that will effect positive change. Over the past five years as I have travelled in New Zealand for my role, I have begun to notice that from ‘women’s nights’ to Sunday morning meetings, the young adult women (17–35 year olds) are largely missing from our gatherings. We know that each generation has their own patterns of behaviour, pressing concerns and ways of ‘doing church’ that energise them when connecting into their community. Pew Research Centre has tracked the trend of young adults establishing their life, future and families in a completely different manner to previous generations. Young adults’ living situations are different, they’re having fewer children, changing careers more often, pursuing higher education and, if they’re getting married at all, then it’s later in life. This means that models of church life from years gone by don’t connect with young adults in the same way. They’re globally connected, justice-minded and, through the advent of social media, they’re used to having a voice. So how will The Salvation Army meet the needs and opportunities represented by these young adults? ‘She Speaks’ is a night for young adult women to get mobilised in their life and faith. It is one vital avenue in connecting with young adult women, and we’d love to bring it to your division or region. 14 WarCry 22 AUGUST 2020
‘She Speaks’ The mission of ‘She Speaks’ is to platform and connect young adult women in relevant, like-minded and empowering communities. ‘She Speaks’ are hosted in a local café, at night from 7pm to 8:30pm, with an expert speaker on a subject that young adult women want to hear more about, and two local Salvationist artists. These nights are intimate and filled with prayer and conversation. A café is both neutral and familiar territory, as many women bring friends who aren’t connected to The Salvation Army. A platter of food is provided, to get the conversation flowing, and coffee is available to purchase (some divisions have chosen to make the coffee free). Each speaker and artist is promoted with a bio and a custom ‘She Speaks’ poster, which has become a recognisable brand to our target audience on social media. ‘She Speaks’ is an intentionally all-female event, as statistics and research show women don’t get the opportunity to speak as experts, serve in leadership roles or talk in groups as often as men do. We value developing women’s voices and platforms in this short-form supportive environment, with the view of women gaining confidence to contribute to the wider community.
with the added exposure and encouragement. Something special happens as we all become part of supporting a woman’s emerging talent. From spoken word, to painters, to dancers, to musicians, ‘She Speaks’ shows we value the creative expressions of community and what they teach us about ourselves and God. At one of Wellington’s ‘She Speaks’ meetings, young artist Brooke Carpenter spoke about her lifelong love of dancing being challenged by members of the church as ‘not really worship’, and how she had to fight hard to see her training and performance as an expression of love toward God and her community. Members of the crowd were able to affirm her in all they’d seen and witnessed of her craft and character in their own lives.
‘She Speaks’ Zoom
THE MISSION OF ‘SHE SPEAKS’ IS TO PLATFORM AND CONNECT YOUNG ADULT WOMEN IN RELEVANT, LIKE-MINDED AND EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.
In June 2020 we hosted our first-ever ‘She Speaks’ via Zoom, with advocate, artist and activist Jean Nangwala from Zambia. Jean is currently interning with the International Social Justice Commission, and her passion to help survivors of sexual assault process their trauma and find Christ in the pain, made for an intense, healing night. We had 65 young adult women from around the world tune in. (You can view the recording on our Facebook Page Salvation Army Women’s Ministries). Our guest artists were illustrator Charlie Robinson from Westgate Corps, and musicians Robin, Deane and Chantelle from Hamilton City Corps. Their artistry and interviews filled us with inspiration to begin our own creative projects, and understand the healing and hope that these forms of art provide. The Zoom Breakout Rooms provided an extra level of connection and intimacy, and people were able to discuss this complicated topic at their own level of comfort. We look forward to hosting more Zoom ‘She Speaks’ on intense subjects like this, open worldwide to all young adult women. Videos of the postonline events will be available to view on our Facebook Page. ‘She Speaks’ has proved to be a powerful way to connect with young adult women in the ways that mean most to them, while platforming the women of The Salvation Army and developing their voice.
‘She Speaks’ speakers The speakers have the opportunity to share in two parts, with a break in the middle for conversation. Our first-ever ‘She Speaks’ speaker was Commissioner Janine Donaldson, who spoke on ‘Holy Courage’ and what it takes to be a joyful, thoughtful leader in an environment that is often male-dominated and highly pressurised. Janine also shared insight into overcoming imposter syndrome and sexism, when people constantly underestimate your ability as a leader because you are a woman. Kaitlyn Bunz was a guest speaker at ‘She Speaks’ Christchurch last year. Kaitlyn shared about her role as an International Youth Abolitionist, fundraising for the international justice organisation Hagar New Zealand and her upcoming trip to Cambodia to see first-hand the change that her work was making in that community.
Artists ‘She Speaks’ has two debuting local artists who perform and then engage in a question and answer time, and space is given for the attendees to ask them about their craft. We intentionally seek to develop and platform young women who will thrive
Host ‘She Speaks’ Territorial Women’s Ministries would love to partner with your division to host a ‘She Speaks’ night. Please contact your Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries to discuss if ‘She Speaks’ could be what your young adult women are waiting for.
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Colonel Gerry Walker Installed as Territorial Chief Secretary Territorial Headquarters (THQ) staff gathered on August 3 to witness the installation of Colonel Gerry Walker into the role of Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. Representatives from Booth College of Mission, Porirua Corps, Central Division, Māori Ministries and Tonga were also present. Territorial Commander Commissioner Mark Campbell and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Julie Campbell attended the service via livestream. ‘I always talk about character and competency, and you have both, Gerry,’ Mark said. ‘God’s given you many gifts.’ After the formalities, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Colonel Heather Rodwell led prayers for Gerry and his family as he takes up this new role. The service was also an opportunity to welcome Captains Denise and David Daly and Majors Brenda and Nigel Luscombe into their new roles. Denise takes up the role of Secretary for Officer Resources and Territorial Silver Star Secretary in the Personnel department. As she opened the service, Lt-Colonel Sheryl Jarvis commended Denise’s character and suitability for the role. The Territorial Leaders paid tribute to David (who could not be present on the day) as he takes up the role of Territorial Secretary for Mission. Brenda steps into the role of Divisional Commander (Central, and will be welcomed by DHQ separately). Nigel becomes the Territorial Audit and Risk Manager and was commended in his new role by Major Allan Clark. The Territorial Leaders welcomed them, reaffirming that leadership is not for our benefit as The Salvation Army, but to see God’s kingdom amongst our territory. Julie closed the service in prayer, with attendees then celebrating these new appointments over shared morning tea.
All Systems Go for Recovery Church in Hawke’s Bay After a three-month delay, Recovery Church began its journey in Hawke’s Bay on July 26, at Napier Corps. According to Recovery Church Leader, David Blackley, ‘The whole place was electric’. They started the gathering with mihi whakatau. Envoy Anihera Carroll, Ngamihi Timu, Major Tim Malton and Mark Hawkins all spoke during the service, which was followed by food prepared by their emergency services team and a celebratory cake made by Sue Campbell. 16 WarCry 22 AUGUST 2020
Approximately three-quarters of the 121 people in attendance came from outside The Salvation Army. The launch was postponed earlier this year—the week before its scheduled starting date of April 5, New Zealand entered lockdown. With services finally up and running, David is celebrating the beginning of something that has been a long time coming in Hawke’s Bay. Given the strong presence of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in the local area, Recovery Church will run on Sunday nights to
avoid a time clash and enable these groups to join in. ‘As time goes on, I see that Recovery Church will be the place where all will come. They want to hear about this God– Jesus guy, but don’t know how to ask,’ David says. ‘As Recovery camps happen more people will feel the love, and as some of the people move from one town to another, they will find the same love and support from us all.’ David thanks Captains Brenton and Sammy Millar (Napier Corps), Captains Beth and Stephen Campkin (Hastings
Major Coral Nicolson turns 100!
On 11 May 2020, during lockdown, Major Coral Nicolson turned 100 years old. On Monday 13 July, everyone was
finally able to celebrate with Coral, at Waimarie Rest Home where she resides. Major Janee Sawyer, Northern Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers, with support from Major Gloria Hobbs, invited other retired officers, friends and extended family to celebrate. Sadly, Coral’s immediate family were unable to attend, although her 98-year-old sister was well enough to have a photo taken at the conclusion of the day. A lovely afternoon tea with a beautiful cake was enjoyed. Major Jack Harris gave musical support on his cornet. Territorial Secretary for Retired Officers Major Joanne Jellyman shared Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell’s letter of congratulations. She then thanked Coral for the influence she had been, seeking God first in her life, speaking out faithfully for her Lord, showing true beauty with her smile, blessing people with her piano playing and remaining humble in service as she
had set her mind on eternal things so very many years ago. These comments were cushioned with Scripture that spoke of Coral’s life. Messages from the Queen, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and other dignitaries were read and a quiz was shared, where those present learned, among other details, that Coral’s sessional name was ‘Steadfast’ (very appropriate) and that she had 24 appointments, the longest being 48 months (Ōamaru) and the shortest two months (Dannevirke). Coral officially retired in May 1980. A folder was presented to Coral with many cards and messages from officer colleagues around the territory. During the afternoon we sang, ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’, and became very aware of God’s precious provision to his children, as the last verse holds renewed meaning for Coral with current health challenges: ‘In his arms he’ll take and shield thee, [soul and spirit] thou wilt find a solace there’.
GAZETTE Warranting and Appointment: Effective 16 August 2020, Auxiliary Captain Amiria Te Whiu. The Territorial Commander is pleased to announce the acceptance and warranting of Amiria Te Whiu as an Auxiliary Captain. Amiria is appointed to Territorial Headquarters
Mission Section—Community Ministries, as National Māori Ministry Development Coordinator for Community Ministries. We pray God’s blessing on Amiria Te Whiu as she commences her ministry in Community Ministries as an Auxiliary Captain.
Corps) and Majors Tim and Zelma Malton (Flaxmere Corps) for their support, along with the volunteers and musicians. As Hawke’s Bay Recovery Church grows, David hopes people will find the freedom to be themselves and explore a power stronger than addiction. ‘We say it’s a place to belong before you believe, so when they come, there are no expectations on who or what or how they believe,’ David says. ‘Recovery Church is the Soup, Soap and Salvation that the Booths spoke about.’
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Team-First Territories: Implementing Governance around the Army in 2020 Principal Advisor for International Headquarters Governance Team Major Seth Le Leu provides an update on the process of implementing Governance around the world’s Salvation Army systems in 2020. The travel implications of Covid-19 have been both a blessing and a curse for Major Seth Le Leu in his role as Principal Advisor for International Headquarters Governance Team. ‘It’s a curse because it is so much easier to be sitting around a table in a territory discussing with people faceto-face the work that we are doing. But because we can’t do that … we end up doing lots of meetings online, and every night I’m basically working from about six until ten, talking with people overseas on dodgy Wi-Fi systems,’ Seth explains. However, it has also enabled great individual training conversations. ‘Working one-on-one with each of the staff members and helping them to understand what this new role means for them, that’s the exciting thing.’ New Zealand was one of the pioneer territories in the move to implement governance boards around The Salvation Army world, which began five years ago. Governance seeks to expand the leadership model, moving from the Territorial Commander controlling all decision-making to a Territorial Governance Board (TGB), with Salvation Army officers as well as independent board members who can bring relevant skills to the table. ‘International Governance is looking at how our organisation is led, not how it 18 WarCry 22 AUGUST 2020
is managed. Management is the day-today operations … Governance is more saying, “What is happening to the mission, is the mission advancing and how is it advancing?”’ Seth says. ‘When you think about how big and complex we are, and you think about how officers are primarily trained as pastors and preachers and teachers— and yet they are managing these vast complex organisations—bringing in some people who have actually got skills in those areas to assist us, adds a whole new level to the organisation.’ They want this team-first approach to filter through to all levels of The Salvation Army, ‘Whether it’s at the TGB or whether it’s at your local church or your local community centre’. Seth, whose primary area of responsibility is Africa, has been part of setting up governance boards in all of the territories. He says that encouraging the board members, who have traditionally deferred to the Territorial Commander, to each view themselves as members with an equal voice is the trickiest part.
‘Structures are quite easy to establish. The long process is cultural,’ he says, ‘and sometimes we don’t even see the cultural ramifications of what we are doing, but those cultural ramifications actually impact the whole of the way we work. ‘If the Army is to really succeed, every single person at every level in the organisation has to clearly understand their level of accountability and responsibility in their role and feel that leaders are thoroughly confident in them.’ They also hope that this system will create a simpler channel for members of The Salvation Army to express their views to leadership and enable the TGB to listen and engage. A factor which distinguishes The Salvation Army from well-governed businesses and companies is the consideration of the voice of God amongst all levels of the organisation. ‘This is based on a really simple philosophy that God is actually imminently present in our community,’ Seth explains, ‘that God is working in Aotearoa, that God has plans for
‘WE CAN RUN AROUND … BUSY AS ANYTHING, OR WE CAN PARTNER WITH GOD AND ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.’
Aotearoa and God is looking for partners to partner with him in his plans, and the role of leadership at all levels is to discern what God is saying. ‘We can run around like frenetic bumblebees in a milk bottle, busy as anything, or we can partner with God and actually make a difference.’ Seth wants everyone to remember, particularly as the New Zealand election draws closer, how lucky Kiwi are to live in Aotearoa, particularly when compared with the Army’s colleagues in Africa who are starving under the current prescribed lockdown conditions.
NEW ZEALAND WAS ONE OF THE PIONEER TERRITORIES IN THE MOVE TO IMPLEMENT GOVERNANCE BOARDS AROUND THE SALVATION ARMY WORLD, WHICH BEGAN FIVE YEARS AGO. ‘All the trash talk that our politicians are saying at the moment has to be put against the framework that we live in the most favoured country in the world right now.’ As the world has been forced to adapt with the catastrophe of Covid-19, to Seth it proves the importance of these governance structures and constantly reviewing their strategies to improve the Army’s leadership. ‘The best strategic thinking recognises that the world that we’re in is rapidly changing,’ he says. ‘It’s like when you use a sat-nav in a car. You set the address, but every now and then you have got to keep checking, “are we still on track?”’
I CAN TESTIFY THAT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO ME AND TO THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF HIS ARMY. Our family held a genuine excitement and anticipation for all that 2020 would hold. After all, we had a sixtieth, a fiftieth and a twenty-first birthday to celebrate all in the same year. This year was shaping up to be a great year as we prepared to commemorate some significant milestones. Sufficient to say that the year so far hasn’t panned out as we planned. I can imagine that you’re probably agreeing with me right now. A little virus called Covid-19 has had a lot to do with it, yet those significant milestones have come and gone and we found new and creative ways to include family and friends in our important life events. Significant milestones are important—graduating from high school, completing our tertiary studies, starting our first job, meeting that special person, falling in love, getting married, welcoming a new life into the world. There are many significant milestones in life, I’m sure you can think of a list twice the length of mine. Spiritual milestones are also important and represent sacred times of encounter, times of spiritual wrestling, breakthrough and a new personal resolve, times and places of dedication that will impact and influence everything as we step forward in tune with God and his calling on our lives. Abram knew this well. He was called by God to step out in faith, to leave the familiar and to go to a distant country where he would be a foreigner, an alien and an outsider. In faith Abram went and God appeared to him and honoured his faithfulness. ‘The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him’ (Genesis 12:7). Abram built an altar to the Lord in that sacred place, the place of encounter. It was that altar and its memory that helped him recall the promise that God had made to him as he went through the dark times, through the challenges and trials of his life. God blessed Abram and gave him a new name: he would be Abraham the patriarch of his people and the spiritual father of all the faithful men and women of God who were to follow. Recently, our territory celebrated Covenant Renewal Sunday. I found this year especially meaningful. This time of reflection, of remembrance, of thanksgiving and of recommitment was a timely reminder that God is still God and this is still God’s world, his plans and purposes will come to pass. God is good, he is faithful. The only remaining question is: Will we—you and I— trust him with our lives, lay our will down daily, to pick up our cross and to follow the Lord of life? Lt-Colonel Sheryl Jarvis Territorial Secretary for Personnel 22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 19
S ACR I FI CIAL GI VI N G It’s that time of the year again! Self Denial Altar Sunday—our annual invitation to give generously and sacrificially to the work of the International Salvation Army. It’s an opportunity to be part of something amazing, something life-changing—and I’m not just talking about life-changing for the recipients of the appeal—it can be life-changing for you and for me because giving changes us. BY JULES BADGER
When we contemplate giving, we’re forced to take a long hard look at ourselves—our desires, motives and the things that are important to us. But it’s our wallets that reveal the cold hard facts about what’s truly important to us. 20 WarCry 22 AUGUST 2020
Have you ever tried to track your spouse’s movements via internet banking? I can go out shopping and when I get home my husband will ask me where I’ve been and I might say, ‘Oh just to Countdown and Kmart’. And then he’ll say, ‘Oh really? You didn’t stop in at Starbucks, Everlast Nails and Briscoes then?! Or was that someone else using the credit card?’ There’s no hiding. I leave a pretty clear trail—it’s all there in my transaction history. We may delude ourselves and
say something isn’t important to us, but the reality is our spending is an excellent barometer for measuring what we love most. Even as Christ followers who are called to love God and others first, sometimes our spending tells a different story. Sometimes our first love is self— my needs and wants. Some of those needs and wants are real and legitimate and appropriate in terms of self-care and life balance, but sometimes they’re completely out of whack with what we say is important to us.
HISTORY RECORDS THAT IT WAS COMMONPLACE FOR SOLDIERS AND OFFICERS TO GO WITHOUT THE LUXURY OF DESSERT FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS, TO GIVE TO THE APPEAL.
The invitation to give money away to those in need provides a clean lens through which we can see the areas of our lives that contradict our values and beliefs. Giving is a loving invitation from God to take a long hard look at our lives and perhaps acknowledge that there are things to which we cling and depend on for happiness and fulfilment, things we have allowed to sit on the throne of our lives and crowd out the Lordship of Christ. Things that, if we’re honest, we could in fact deny ourselves so that we can give more generously to benefit those in real need. The beautiful thing about any invitation to give is that as we consider the needs of others, the focus on ourselves shifts a little, and the grace of God and His goodness to us comes alive again in our hearts and minds. And this shift in focus is what’s at the heart of the Self Denial Appeal. For over 150 years, Salvationists have gone without so that others don’t have to. As the work of The Salvation Army spread from London out into the world and into places where resources and funding were not just stretched but non-existent, Salvationists ‘back home’ started a practice of denying themselves something and putting aside the money they would have spent towards overseas missions instead. History records that it was commonplace for soldiers and officers to go without the luxury of dessert for up to six months to give to the appeal. Some chose other things, but the principle of ‘self-denial’ took root. As time went on, more and more Salvationists began the very practical discipline of saving in preparation to give and so the practice of OWSOMS—One Week’s Salary On Missionary Service—was born. Many still do this, and it’s a big beautiful goal. It doesn’t matter how or what you give, the point is when God issues us with an invitation to give, he’s providing us with an opportunity to reflect and review spending that may actually be superfluous to requirement. It’s a win-win! Simultaneously we can refine our habits while making a positive contribution to the lives of those in need through the global network of The Salvation Army. We can change lives— including our own—as we give.
WE MAY DELUDE OURSELVES AND SAY SOMETHING ISN’T IMPORTANT TO US, BUT THE REALITY IS OUR SPENDING IS AN EXCELLENT BAROMETER FOR MEASURING WHAT WE LOVE MOST. As disciples of Christ privileged to live in Aotearoa New Zealand, we can choose to freely deny ourselves so that those in real and dire need don’t have to. We need to acknowledge our ‘First World thinking’ by considering that while we may not like the wallpaper in our living room or the colour of the carpet in the bedroom, we live in houses with access to running water. We may complain about the cost of light bulbs and heating, but we have access to electricity. We may complain that our house only has one bathroom, but we have a toilet that flushes and an effective sewage system. We are comparatively rich, and yet bad haircuts, mushy apples and unreliable television remotes have been named among New Zealander’s top ten pet peeves in a survey run by Unicef New Zealand. We live in relative luxury and it’s easy to take it all for granted and complain about ‘problems’ that those in the developing world would love to have! What’s the antidote for ‘first-world problems’? According to the experts, the antidote is regular giving and/or serving those less fortunate than ourselves. The Self Denial Appeal provides us with an annual opportunity to do just that. None of this is to ignore the serious issues faced by Kiwi here in New Zealand. We live in a country where some soft drinks are cheaper than milk, and some alcohol is cheaper than bottled water. It’s not right. In the past decade, analysts have coined the phrase ‘the working poor’. Once that would have been an oxymoron—a contradiction. How could anyone be working and still poor? But this is the New Zealand we live in. And this is also Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as unemployment takes hold in the wake of Covid-19. This is the work of The Salvation Army across our territory, and we cannot ignore the need that exists right in front of us. There are lots of opportunities to give—lots of
opportunities to take a long hard look at our spending habits. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus watched the crowds giving their offerings in the temple. Rich people threw in large amounts and made sure everyone saw the size of their offering. A poor widow came and put in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to himself and he said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more money into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on’. It’s not that Jesus wasn’t very good at maths as he thought the widow gave more than the rich! But the maths of faith is different. Jesus is zeroing in on her sacrificial giving. The rich gave and they gave a lot, but they remained rich even after they had given. This poor widow gave everything she had, and in doing so she expressed her trust in God’s provision. The woman in the story has no name. She could be anyone. She could be me. She could be you. And so, the question before us is this: Am I giving in response to God’s love for me and as an expression of my trust in him to provide for my needs? Or am I giving out of a list of ‘shoulds’, or comparing myself with others and wondering if my offering will stack up? The maths of faith says that an offering made in trust equals something ‘immeasurably more than we could ask for or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us’. And this is a great way to think of the opportunity we have, to give generously and sacrificially to this year’s Self Denial Appeal.
22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 30 August: Wellington South Corps 05 September: Māori Ministry Council Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 22-23 August: Napier Corps 07 October: Spiritual Day, Fiji School for Officer Training (via Teams)
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‘Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.’ Proverbs 12.25
Lollipop Flowers
Here’s a sweet ;) gift idea that you can make to say ‘thanks’ to the people in your life. You will need … • Red, yellow and green paper* • Craft glue • Double-sided tape (optional) • Scissors
HEY THERE! If you have a friend from your local corps who you’d like to nominate as our ‘Sallie of the Week’ then please send us 100–150 words about why they are special—along with a nice photograph of them (make sure you get their permission!)—to warcry@salvationarmy.co.nz
• Lollipops • Scallop-shaped paper punch (optional) *You can replace the red and yellow paper with whichever two colours you want your flowers to be.
Think about the people in your own life. Maybe you have a friend who is going through a tough time. Perhaps your Sunday school teacher has been a great leader for you this year. And even though it is not Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it is always a good time to thank your parents for the hard work they do looking after you.
Step by Step … 1. Using the paper punch, cut scallopshaped circles out of the yellow paper (if you do not have a paper punch, cut out these circles with scissors). 2. Find a round object, which is bigger than the yellow circles, and trace it onto the red paper. Draw a flower shape within this circle. Fold the red paper underneath, then cut out the flower shape to create multiple red flowers. 3. Glue the yellow circles into the centre of the red flowers. 4. Cut a strip of green paper which is the same width as the lollipop, and wrap it around the stick, adding the glue as you go. 5. Cut a leaf shape from the green paper and glue it onto the paper-wrapped stick. 6. Now glue or tape the lollipop head onto the yellow circle, and you’re ready to spread the love! Source: easypeasyandfun.com
Has anyone in your family ever received a bunch of flowers? These might have been a birthday gift, a token of sympathy when a loved one passed away or a way to say, ‘thank you’. Unless you are allergic to pollen, most people are pleased to receive flowers, because they are a sign that someone went out of their way to show that they care.
FUN FACT Not all flowers smell lovely—the frighteningly named ‘corpse flower’ is one of the world’s rarest and largest flowers, but it smells like a rotting dead body and people have been known to pass out from the smell. Yuck!
Is there a way this week that you could show people you care, through a random act of kindness? You don’t have to go and buy them an expensive bouquet— you could pick a posy of wildflowers or make paper blooms if you want to give them flowers. Otherwise, you could write them a letter, make them a card, bake something or simply tell them in person how much you appreciate and care about them. Kindness is the best gift of all, whatever shape it comes in. THINK ABOUT...
How you can show someone this week that they are special to you. 22 AUGUST 2020 WarCry 23
General William Booth launched the first Self Denial Appeal in 1886. This year, we are asking you to give as much as you are able in support of this worldwide appeal. Catch up on videos and give your Altar Service gift at: SE LFD E N I A L .I N F O / N Z F T S
LOVE S E LF
B E YO N D
D E N I A L
A PPE A L
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