22 March 2014 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION |  March  | Issue 6588 | $1.50

Growing

Great

Leaders FIREZONE

Beyond Bunny?

What’s

the

PUT DOWN YOUR STONES

OLLIE’S

SECOND CHANCE

THE FIVE LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP

LEARNING STARTS AT BOOTH COLLEGE OF MISSION

PRAYING IN THE BATHROOM?

WHAT TO DO WHEN FRIENDSHIPS GO BAD

02 WarCry©22 March 2014

Kia ora It takes a village 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, Martin Barratt, Jon Hoyle, Vanessa Singh PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford COVER PHOTO

Sarah George BACK COVER PHOTO

Joel Knight

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 SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0740 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

Three young leaders feature on our War Cry cover this week.

Philip White, Joel Knight and Daniel Buttar attend the same Salvation Army church and youth group, and this year they’re all head students at their respective high schools. That’s pretty impressive!

Each of these young men is privileged to come from stable homes with loving parents who have set them on a good path for life. In their extended families, Philip, Joel and Daniel are also blessed with other strong role models.

But, as the proverb says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’

It takes more than one person—or one family—to teach a child how to live. Over many years, these three boys have had the advantage of being part of a church fellowship that has nurtured their faith, reinforced the values they’ve learnt at home, provided them with useful formative experiences, and that has also given them the opportunity to develop as leaders and mentors of others.

The last census shows that Christians are no longer the majority religion in New Zealand and that four out of 10 Kiwis consider themselves ‘non religious’. It’s true that Christianity has lost some of its appeal, which is sad, because the Christian Church has so much to offer. Many of the things people are looking for in life—answers to the deepest questions of human existence, a sense of community, strong role models for young people, pastoral support and caring, opportunities to learn, grow, serve and lead—are available from their local church. And for young people that don’t have such a great home life, church can help fill in some of the gaps.

We’re not always aware of the great benefits that church involvement offers because these are the sort of benefits we reap over time, not just from one or two quick visits. If you’ve given church a wide berth because you’ve believed some of its bad press, or if you’ve been just an occasional church attender, I’d encourage you to take a closer and longer look. Take it from me, the local church is a great ‘village’ to be a part of.

Christina Tyson Editor

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

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BIBLE VERSE Philippians 2:3–4

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

Publishing for 130 years

ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6588 Please pass on or recycle this magazine

‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’

Piripai 2:4

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‘Kaua tēnā o koutou nā e titiro ki ōna mea anake, engari me titiro anō tēnā, tēnā o koutou ki ngā mea a ētahi atu.’

WISE WORDS

salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft

salvationarmy.org.nz

The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.

John Buchan

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Let’s Talk | 03

W

riter Anne Lamott says, ‘It doesn’t matter how you pray—with your head bowed in silence, or crying out in grief, or dancing. Churches are good for prayer, but so are garages and cars and mountains and showers and dance floors.’

Years ago, she wrote an essay that began, ‘Some people think that God is in the details, but I have come to believe that God is in the bathroom.’

So, where’s your favourite place to pray?

When I was a teenager, I went through an especially earnest stage in which I took Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:6 literally: ‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray’.

I shoved all the clothes in my wardrobe to one side, piled up some pillows, threw in a nice soft blanket (no reason to be uncomfortable) and rigged a clever little fabric anchor around the door handle so I could pull the door shut from inside.

‘What could be better,’ I reasoned, ‘than a dark room with no distractions in which to totally focus my thoughts on God?’ The King James Version of Matthew 6:6 actually says, ‘when thou prayest, enter thy closet’, so I figured I was being a super obedient Christian. God was bound to be impressed!

Anyway, immediately I pulled the door shut … and you guessed it … although there was a door handle outside the wardrobe, there wasn’t one inside. After pounding on the door and calling for help for a while, my mother eventually came downstairs and opened the door.

Mum didn’t say anything; she just opened the door, raised an eyebrow and then left me to it.

Since then, I’ve learnt there’s no right or wrong, no best or worst place to pray. But there is an instinctive desire in each of us to reach out to God. And contrary to what some religious faiths might have us believe, we don’t have to be doing anything especially mystical to connect with our creator.

Sometimes we put specific requests to God—including those rapid-fire ‘help me!’ prayers. At other times we pray to capture a stronger sense of God’s existence, to remind ourselves that God is near to help and comfort. Sometimes our prayers are for those we care about, or for people and situations we’ve heard about in the news.

Our prayers can, of course, simply be part of an ongoing chat with God: ‘Did you see that?’ ‘‘Have I told you about …?’ ‘Thanks for …’ ‘I’m going to need your help with …’.

We certainly don’t have to stress about getting the words right when we pray. God knows our thoughts, and before a word is even on our tongue, God knows that, too (see Psalm 139). The Bible reassures us that when we can’t find the words or perhaps feel too weak to pray, even our ‘groans’ count as prayers so far as God’s concerned (see Romans 8:26).

The lie of this world is that we’re here alone and have to muddle through life by ourselves. But greater resources are available. And prayer is the way to access these resources. As God promises, ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know’ (Jeremiah 33:3).

The urge to pray will catch us in all sorts of times and all sorts of places.

And when it does, God is always listening.

CHRISTINA TYSON

04 WarCry©22 March 2014

Bookshelf Bible Stories 99 Stories From The Bible Juliet David, illustrated by Elina Ellis Ninety-nine of the best-loved Bible stories—from creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Joseph, Samuel and Daniel, through to Jesus’ birth, his miracles, and events from the first Easter. Clearly written and elegantly illustrated stories in vibrant colours.

Each story is told across a doublepage spread, with a mixture of full page and spot illustrations throughout. The hard cover format makes for a book that should last many years. Suitable to read to pre-schoolersm, or a great gift for younger readers. (Lion Hudson)

Playlist

Bible Study In The Balance Allen Satterlee In this study, subtitled ‘Christ Weighs the Hearts of Seven Churches’, Allen Satterlee, Editorin-chief for The Salvation Army in the USA, explores the struggles of the early Church following Jesus in a time of heresies, polytheism and syncretism. These letters were not just written for first-century Christians, and Satterlee helps readers glean wisdom for today.

Clearly written, well illustrated and a larger-than-usual font makes for a very accessible book. Discussion questions and insightful personal reflection questions will help readers and small groups apply each study’s principles to their lives. (Crest Books)

Biography The A–Z of C.S. Lewis Colin Duriez Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Lewis’s death, this volume brings together all aspects of his life and thought. Arranged in alphabetical order, this definitive guide goes from The Abolition of Man, a book Lewis wrote in 1943, through to Wormwood, a character in The Screwtape Letters. Many Lewis enthusiasts are often only aware of one part of his work: his children’s stories, perhaps, but not his science fiction or literary criticism; his popular theology, but not his work for the BBC during WWII. A delight for anyone who wants to learn more about an influential literary and theological figure. (Lion Hudson)

Reel News

Singer-Songwriter Borderlands John Mark McMillan This is John Mark McMillan’s fourth studio album. Funded through Kickstarter and released on his own label, it’s tight and polished.

A dense album, with thick layers of strings, harmony and orchestral elements that delivers an exciting and engaging listen. Like its name, this record walks the line between corporate and personal worship.

It’s lyrically complex and reflects the heart of the artist in favour of servicing corporate worship.

There’s a real spark of creativity running through the 11 tracks, with highlights including ‘Future/ Past’ and ‘Tongues of Fire’. If you’re looking for a complex and weighty album to explore, Borderlands is a great pick.

Worship Lent to Maundy Thursday Page CXVI This seven-track release by Page CXVI is a collection of songs focusing on the Lent period. As part of the band’s mission to make hymns accessible and known again, Lent to Maundy Thursday comprises some well-worn church hymns. The great flipside to this album is that it eschews the dark, almost mournful tone that seems to permeate Lent, focusing on the feasting, rather than the fasting. It’s a celebration of what is gained spiritually, just as much as a reflection on Easter, and the contrast works well.

Piano driven, with a rich, warm and organic production. Highly recommended for Lent and beyond.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of The A–Z of C.S. Lewis send us a C.S. Lewis quote that inspires you.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 7 April.

Shouting into the Silence winner is S Millar.

Drama/Historical The Monuments Men George Clooney / M (violence) George Clooney directs and stars in this true drama set in the last three years of WWII. While Hitler was ravaging Europe, a small group of historians tried to rescue and return to their rightful owners the art and artefacts stolen from museums, churches and individuals by the Third Reich. This group was the ‘Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Programme’, aka ‘The Monuments Men’.

When Germany occupied Europe at the height of its powers, they stole or confiscated 20 per cent of the continent’s art treasures. As the Allies drew closer, as the war ended, art was buried or destroyed to prevent it being returned to the original owners.

This little known true story, adapted by Clooney from the book by Robert M. Edsel, is a solid adventure story that seldom lags. While the film has not been that well received in the USA, it could be that it’s been marketed as an action film, which it’s patently not.

The cast is stellar. As well as Clooney, it boasts Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville and Cate Blanchett. As well as great acting performances, the sets, European cinematography and excellent score are also strong points for the movie.

Although five million artefacts were recovered by the Allies, looted art still turns up in Germany even today, thus making this movie still relevant.

Years from now, will anyone remember the accomplishments of those saviours of five-million works of art? Thanks to George Clooney, they will now.

This is still a well-played story, so ignore the reviews and go see it!

Go to

salvationarmy.org.nz/saresources

Feature | 05

Ollie Seumanufagai, service manager at The Salvation Army Hope Centre in Wellington, made news for transforming his health and completing the 160 km Lake Taupo Challenge. But here, Ollie tells a transformation story that began years earlier, when he was ‘either going to kill, or be killed’.

AS TOLD TO INGRID BARRATT

J

Photography: Ingrid Barratt

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hen I think about what God has done in my life, I can’t help but break down in tears. In all my troubles and wrong doings, God still embraced me and didn’t let go.

God gave me chance after chance after chance.

My parents were pioneers at the Newtown Pacific Island Church in Wellington, where I grew up. Although we had loving parents who wanted the best for us, in our Samoan culture ‘children should be seen and not heard’. Aiga (family), respect and discipline were strong virtues in our family. I grew up with a Samoan parenting model in a palagi world. Growing up as a New Zealand-born Samoan, I struggled with our differing customs, values and belief systems.

I was an introvert, lacking in social and communication skills.

But from an early age, the one thing that I found I was good at was fighting. If I couldn’t respond to a challenge or joke, anger and frustration would set in and I would ‘let my hands do the talking’.

I got unwanted attention from authorities and teachers, but I also got attention from people I could call friends—even if it was based on fear.

Growing up in church I understood God as an authority figure.

I had knowledge of God as someone to be revered and feared. Then, at the age of 16, I went to a youth camp and my heart was moved. I finally understood that knowing Jesus is about having a relationship with him, and I gave my life to him.

Doing battle I was leading a double life, attending youth group on Friday and church on Sunday, but then going out with friends drinking, smoking pot and creating havoc. I tried to be staunch and make a rep for myself as someone you don’t mess with.

I met my wife Penny and at an early age became a father. But I continued my double life. Fighting became a habit fuelled by alcohol and drugs, and it was a cocktail leading to self-destruction.

Through all my personal struggles and despair, God was with me, holding me tight. I understood about prayer, salvation and God’s forgiveness, but I was held back by my guilt, shame and feelings of unworthiness. This played on my mind time and time again.

I remember sitting in a bar, quite drunk and stoned off my face, when it dawned on me. I knew I had one more chance, because my next conviction would land me in jail. I clearly remember thinking: ‘If I carry on with this life, I am either going to kill someone, or I am going to be killed.’ I had three children by now, and I couldn’t bear to think of them having to carry on without me. I knew I had to change my life or I would lose everything.

It was during Christmas 1992, that I made a re-commitment to serving Jesus, and it has been a journey of transformation ever since.

A second chance at life I look back at that troubled young man of many years ago, and I know one of the biggest things God has transformed in me is my mind.

For years, I felt tormented by guilt and shame, but God has given me freedom and liberation from that bondage. I would love to say it has been a sweet bed of roses, but on the contrary it has been a time of rebuke, learning, forgiveness, growth and learning to trust God.

God has done a lot of work with me, unpacking and bringing healing to my rage and bad habits over the years. God placed good people around me, particularly my wife and my kids, and my mum who helped me through difficult times.

God has shown me how to be a better husband, to love and cherish my wife, and we have now been together for 28 years. God has blessed me with seven children: Jermaine, Tasia, Ollie, John, Mona, Viena and Adrian, aged from 15 to 26. I am so proud of them all, and I thank God for trusting me with his children. God is teaching me to be a good father, leader and role model to them.

For someone who didn’t do well in school and lacked communication skills, I praise God that I’ve had the opportunity to go back to school and do a Bachelor in Social Work, along with other qualifications and some theology papers.

I could go on and on about how God has changed my life, so I don’t say these things out of arrogance, but to tell of God’s goodness and love. I have a simple philosophy in life, and that is to ‘be a blessing to others’, because God has helped me so much, and I want to pass that on.

Through all my personal struggles and despair, God was with me, holding me tight.

There is always hope For 17 years I worked for various social service organisations. Then, five years ago, I became the service manager for The Salvation Army Hope Centre in Newtown. It feels more like a ministry than work, and I absolutely love it.

I oversee all our services—which include a drop-in centre, food bank, seniors programme, emergency housing, counselling and budget advice—ensuring best practice in all our operations. But I love to get stuck in too. If the toilets need to be cleaned or the rubbish taken out, that’s just as much part of my job.

What I love most is to walk with people and give them as many ‘second chances’ as they need. It’s not going to take a couple of weeks—they may come with 30 to 40 years of baggage, and that can’t be unpacked in a short time.

People may come in for emergency housing, but we may also help them with immigration, internal affairs, putting them in touch with other social services like Plunket, and working with Housing New Zealand so they can get a long-term home. We can help them with food, budgeting, and maybe address underlying family issues. They come to us for eight weeks of emergency housing, but we may work with them for a couple of years.

People come in with a sense of hopelessness, inadequacy and insignificance. But we feed them, clothe them and support them. And they go out with a sense of significance.

In the social service sector, there’s a lot of cynicism. We get asked, ‘Why do you keep supporting these people?’ I say, ‘Well, these are individuals, and from a spiritual perspective there will always be hope.’ These people are God’s children. That’s why we do what we do.

Feature | 07

At the drop-in centre, lots of people make commitments to Jesus, just by getting to know others. But that doesn’t mean we’ll always be able to help them change their lives. My thing is that in the Christian Kingdom, we can do our part, and trust that God will put others around them.

Success, for me, is helping people along a part of their journey.

People are very vulnerable when they come to us, and not always grateful. Change is difficult. If they make one change, that’s a huge success. And I know I can entrust them to God.

A second second chance A few years ago, I got my second ‘second chance’ at life. In my late 30s, I hit a low point when was very unwell and bedridden with gout—a type of arthritis—for weeks on end. I knew my diet and lifestyle had to change. My own dad died of heart complications and diabetes when he was 56. But what really made me think was when two of my friends, who were my own age, had heart attacks.

The thing I’m most proud of in my life is being a father to my seven children, and I realised that I needed to be a role model to them. In the Pacific Island community longevity is not a common thing. When you’re 50 to 55, you’re considered retired. But I decided that wasn’t for me. I’m 46, and I want to be around for my children, grandchildren to come—and even great-grandchildren in the future.

Since 2010, I have gone from 130 kg to 98 kg. I never went on a ‘diet’, but tried to make small, consistent changes. Before, I would go hard at the gym for a couple of months, but soon give up.

This time, I tried to encourage my whole family to adopt new habits. We started eating more healthy food—I think I’ve eaten more vegetables in the past few years than I had my whole life before that!

As a father, I have always tried to speak to my children in love, but I also know that young people respond to action, not just words. So we all re-educated ourselves. Instead of feasting, we learnt that one plate of food is enough, and that three meals a day is the right amount.

Brothers on bikes Although we have been always been a rugby league family, over the past year I’ve discovered a new passion for road cycling. I’m part of a Pacific Island group called ‘Uso Bike Ride’—uso being Samoan for ‘brothers’. We’re used to seeing Pacific Islanders on the rugby field, but it’s a rare thing to see a pack of big Island guys on these little road bikes. Everyone asks us how we sit on those small seats!

The group began three years ago when two of my brothers-inlaw lost their father to prostate cancer. They decided to ride from Auckland to Wellington, promoting health and wellbeing to the Pacific Island community as they went. I was on their support crew in 2012, when they rode from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

I really wanted to join them on the road, but road bikes are expensive. Then, someone on the team practically gave me their $3500 bike for only $500, so that’s when I got the cycling bug. I was able to be on the riding team last year, when Uso Bike Ride went to Samoa in collaboration with the Cancer Society. We rode between villages, spreading our wellbeing message.

Then, last November, I competed in the Lake Taupo Cycle

Photography: Fairfax Media/Dominion Post

Ollie says that the key to making real lifestyle changes is to find your passion. ‘One of the key things is consistency, and you have to find that thing you enjoy. Each and every one of us has our own passions. For me, it’s being able to cycle with the team and loving and enjoying what we’re doing.’

Challenge, riding 160 km around the lake. I was so humbled that The Dominion Post wanted to do a story on me, as I have never pushed myself forward. They took a photo of me lifting up my bike, and all the guys were joking that the next photo was going to be me, getting a lift on the support bus, which made me laugh. Well, it took me over seven hours and I came in 3668th out of 9000, but I was really proud of myself that I finished. I am my only competitor.

I was always putting limits on myself, but now I think, ‘Wow, there are so many more things I can do!’ I am hoping to go to Hawaii this year with Uso Bike Ride, I am working with the Arthritis Foundation to spread the message of good health, and I’m training for a 200 km cycling race.

I pay homage to what God is doing because I could never do this on my own strength, but it is Christ who strengthens me. God has taught me that I am a winner, not a loser. God has shown me who I really am and given me a new identity. Now, I’m like, ‘What’s next God?’

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HEALTH

LIFESTYLE

Why Do We Sleep?

How to Fix Stuff

New technology may have answered the age-old mystery of why we need to sleep.

Last year, new brain-imaging technology allowed scientists for the first time to really examine what happens when we sleep, and they discovered something remarkable. During sleep, our brain cells shrink by 60 per cent, allowing fluids to clean and flush out toxins.

By ‘we’, the research team was referring to specially-trained mice used for the trials. But this imaging technique can also be applied to humans, and in may lead to a better understanding of risks like Alzheimer’s disease.

We live in a throw-away culture, but more people are bucking the trend by going back to fixing their stuff. It takes just a little DIY magic and some feelgoodery to fix it, rather than flick it.

This brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘sleep hygiene’. A good night’s sleep literally helps clean up our brain. It’s a vital part of our day, but one that many people struggle to achieve. These steps will help you to gain better sleep hygiene:

Have you ever noticed that your stuff keeps breaking down every few years, when your mum has had the same mixer and washing machine for decades? This has been dubbed ‘planned obsolescence’, which means stuff is designed with a limited lifespan so you’ll have to buy another one.

Stay regular: Make a regular time to go to sleep and get up every day, choosing a time when you would normally feel tired. In the weekends, get up at the same time, but take a nap if you need more sleep—this will help maintain your body clock.

Sometimes ‘planned obsolescence’ is a marketing trick to make consumers (that’s us) think we need a new one, when we don’t. In 1924, General Motors adopted this strategy when they were the first to bring out a yearly model for their motor vehicles. And thanks to the unrealistically low price of some stuff—because they’ve been produced at rock bottom prices overseas—it often costs more to fix something, than to simply buy a newer, shinier one.

Work with your natural sleep-wake cycle: If you’re getting enough sleep, you should wake up without an alarm (well, that’s the theory). If you find you’re snoozing through, try making your bedtime earlier.

Get the right light: The sleep hormone melatonin increases in the dark, but can be interrupted by artificial light from your TV or computer, so avoid these before bedtime and dim the lights. During the day, make sure you get enough sunlight: get out of the office, take off your sunglasses and let natural light into your workplace.

But there is a growing trend to buck those planned obsolescence baddies by getting back to fixing our own stuff. Here are a couple of ideas to get started: Get the manual: Our biggest problem is that we don’t have the know-how.

At www.ifixit.com you can download repair manuals for just about anything, ask questions and even order parts.

Eat right and exercise: Do moderate exercise that makes you feel good —not worn out—and avoid big meals before bed. If you’re hungry at bedtime, eat a combo of carbs and the amino acid tryptophan, which can help promote sleep —such as a banana, ham sandwich, or muesli.

Darn it: Try darning your sock or some clothing that needs repairing. You just need a needle and thread, and the ability to go loop-loop-loop. It doesn’t need to be perfect.

Clean it: Clean out the filter of your washing machine. Put a couple of tablespoons of vinegar at the bottom of your dishwasher and put through a cycle. Put a cleaning tablet in your kettle.

Vroom it: If your computer is sluggish, try vacuuming the air vents, as trapped dust may be slowing it down.

It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.

Just give it a go: You’ll never be able to fix it yourself unless you give it a go—if you fail, no harm done, since it was already broken! And each time you succeed, you’ll boost your DIY confidence.

Baltasar Gracian

Boiled Fruit Loaf This is easy to make and keeps really well. It will last for a week or more stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in a cool place.

1 cup water ¾ cup sugar 1 cup sultanas or dried fruit 25g (2 Tbsp) butter 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice ½ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp salt 1½ cups flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda

Heat oven to 180°C (170° fan forced).

Put the first eight ingredients in medium saucepan.

Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally, then simmer gently, uncovered, for 5 mins. Stand pot in sink of cold water to cool to room temp, stirring now and then.

(This step is important!)

While you wait, sift the remaining ingredients together, and line the long sides and bottom of a loaf tine with a strip of baking paper.

When mixture is cold, carefully stir in the mixed ingredients—do not over-mix!

Bake for 45–60 mins, or until centre springs back when pressed and a skewer pushed into centre comes out clean.

Cook’s tip: If you can, leave 24 hours before cutting, so loaf is firmer and easier to cut in thin slices.

From Meals for 1 or 2 by Simon & Alison Holst. www.holst.co.nz

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A What is Lent?

We might already know that Lent is about giving something up in the weeks before Easter. But we may know little about why we do this, or the other aspects of ‘walking with Jesus’ to the cross at Easter.

Catholic tradition sees the 40 days of fasting at Lent as a two-fold journey: firstly, it is part of penance, prayer and asking forgiveness for sins. Secondly, it is a symbolic way of journeying with Jesus, from his 40 days of fasting in the desert, right through to the cross.

‘It is in these dark and still nights, these desert-times, that the soul experiences its greatest growth,’ says the website Catholic Culture.

Lent is a modern-day lament.

We humbly bring to God our shortcomings, and spend time experiencing his grace. At Lent, ‘our attention shifts from light to shadows: [Jesus’] increasingly hostile opponents, his growing heaviness of spirit, and his ominous talk of betrayal and death,’ says Bobby Gross in Living the Christian Year. This is experienced in the light of Jesus’ coming resurrection from death and the great hope to come.

In fact, the origins of the word ‘Lent’ means ‘spring’, symbolising the joy of new life.

Testify!

Misi Vemoa and his wife Sheree have just started training to become Salvation Army officers (ministers).

I was born into a church-going family, but as a child I didn’t understand why it was important to go to church. Whenever I asked, I was told, ‘Just because!’ And so long as I was quiet in church and didn’t complain, I avoided a clip around the ears.

When The Salvation Army came to Glen Eden to start a new church, I got involved. Through the soldiers that were part of this mission, David and Ester Rankin, I saw and learnt that Jesus is a real person.

It was through music that my connection with The Salvation Army and my faith grew stronger.

I’d been playing the euphonium since intermediate school and was asked to join the music team at The Salvation Army. Later, I was asked to try for a scholarship to attend a National Development Youth Band camp. I applied and was accepted.

I met and made friends with people from around the country and from Fiji and Tonga. That weekend, everything I’d heard about God and having a real and growing relationship with God came together to make sense. I gave my life to God that weekend, even though it took a while for me to understand what that really meant.

I had the chance to join the National Youth Band, but I had to be a Salvation Army soldier (member) to qualify. So I became a

soldier. But I confess I only made that decision to get into the band.

At this time, I wasn’t honouring God in every part of my life. My girlfriend Sheree became pregnant with our first child and we couldn’t afford to get married. I was no longer allowed to be a soldier because of our situation, but it was important to me to look after my family.

I understood the decision about not remaining a soldier, because I hadn’t set a good example to others, but I did feel rejected for a while. I became very bitter toward God and The Salvation Army and started to investigate other religions. This was a real ‘wilderness’ time, but eventually my bitterness diminished, and my love for God and the purposes of why The Salvation Army exists became clearer.

Our second child was born and I was more aware of my need for God than ever. I started to attend church again, and soon after, Sheree became pregnant with twins. The preaching I was hearing at church was really hitting the mark in my life and I started applying it at home and work.

Sheree saw the love of Jesus in action through our church family, and this helped her turn to God. We were married before our twins were born and both became soldiers as well. Later, I became the

Fasting is part of this lament, but it’s not so much what we give up, it’s about creating space in our lives for contemplation and a closer intimacy with Jesus. If we make it about what we’re giving up, Lent becomes nothing more than a ‘diet’ disguised as spirituality. Although, if we do fall into this temptation, we can see this as another opportunity to recognise our self-centredness and ask for God’s help.

Originally, Lent was a two-day fast: on Friday to mark Jesus’ death, and Saturday, to remember his burial.

So, even if you aren’t doing Lent, there is still time to meditate in the Lent tradition.

And, of course, Lent is really the foreword to the real story of Easter: the new life, friendship and deep, unstoppable love of God available to all of us through Jesus. We mourn Jesus’ death, but ultimately, we celebrate his resurrection and life. The lament of Lent makes the feast of Easter all the sweeter.

children’s worker at our church.

I kept learning to trust God more, handing over everything I was worried about.

When I look back, I see that my calling to serve God as a Salvation Army officer started at a young age. There is great need in our communities and no amount of ‘government bandages’ can cover that up.

What I like about The Salvation Army is that we’re willing to get off our bums and help. Being active to win souls for God is our business, and I want to be part of it!

We’re willing to get off our bums and help

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:

‘Everyone is “called” by God for some kind of mission. But sometimes the “called” are “called out” for leadership,’ says Leonard Sweet in Summoned to Lead.

Is God calling you to Salvation Army officership?

Contact your Divisional Candidates Secretary for more information and assistance with the application process.

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/officership

NAME: ADDRESS:

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

10 | WarCry©22 March 2014

Defriending

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Online you just push a button, but what happens in real life when a friendship becomes too hard?

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Homes on wheels Take on Linguistic process Seaboard Has a hunch Wood coal Different Flying vehicle Took Guards Vacation spots Yield Drawing One-quarter

Let’s get quizzical …

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What is New Zealand’s largest native beetle?

What gas has the atomic number of 8?

Which movie won this year’s ‘Best Picture’ Oscar?

From which animal is cashmere obtained?

What did Peter find with a coin in its mouth?

Go to salvationarmy. org.nz/MASIC for resources to help you engage with the MORAL, SOCIAL and ETHICAL ISSUES facing our world today

Unlike romantic relationships, you can’t just agree to break-up with a friend. But what happens when a friendship has become unbalanced, demanding … or even toxic?

First, honestly ask yourself this question: is the problem all theirs? (It rarely is.) What part have you played? For example, Kayla no longer wanted to spend time with her strong-willed friend Trista, because Trista was always the one who chose their activities.

The problem was not entirely Trista’s bossiness, but Kayla’s inability to state her desires. The resentment could have dissolved if Kayla could simply say, ‘I know you like to choose, but actually I want to do this today.’

Many friendship conflicts can be resolved by simply saying something. In our culture we prefer to avoid conflict, which often leads to unspoken resentment. This will eventually overflow, and we find ourselves blurting out hurtful and angry words. Or we just freeze them out. At best this is ineffective, and at worst it is cruel.

Instead, think about your boundaries and state them kindly.

Penny became burned out, in part because she found it hard to say ‘no’—especially when she didn’t have a real ‘excuse’. She had to learn that it was okay to say, ‘No thanks, I just I need some time out.’ And Penny also learnt that her friends’ reactions were their responsibility, not hers. Her circle of friends became smaller, but more uplifting.

In a healthy friendship, there is a balance of give and take, an ability to state your needs, and room

for the nature of the relationship to change over time—all this is natural and healthy.

But if a relationship becomes imbalanced, you need to consider what you’re expecting of the friendship. Are you able to set your boundaries so that there is more equal give and take? Or are you expecting too much of your friend, and finding yourself disappointed?

The Bible sums up the nature of friendship perfectly is these few words: ‘… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity’ (Colossians 3:12-14).

True friendships are a gift from God—they are uplifting, nourishing to our soul, and they encourage us to grow. But you may also need to wrestle with the friendship, to make it positive and kind for you both. If your friend chooses to reject your boundaries, let them walk away.

But almost any friendship can become better when it is bound with love.

‘A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.’

Unknown

Close Up | 11

Looking Beyond the Bunny We’re almost half-way through the season of Lent, but there’s still time to gain something meaningful from this season—and perhaps to give a little, too.

BY HEATHER RODWELL The Dominion Post headline on 16 of January declared: ‘Easter Hot Cross Bunny Arrives Early’.

‘Santa has just departed but the Easter Bunny has already arrived, with the season of chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already in full swing for retailers,’ said the paper, noting, ‘Many Wellington shops and supermarkets started selling hot cross buns on January 3, despite Easter Sunday falling late this year, on April 20.’

There’s evidently a strong commercial incentive to leverage off something that’s at the core of the Christian faith: Easter. What I’m asking myself is, ‘How can we, as disciples of Jesus, capitalise on this season to gain deeper roots in our faith, and not just expanded waistlines from over-consumption of the aforementioned goodies?’

We’re already part-way through the period of Lent on the Christian calendar. Lent is a period of 40 days (omitting Sundays) leading up to Easter. The purpose of this season of weeks is to offer us an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to the Jesus way of life. As we reflect on our patterns of life, we may decide to make conscious change and bring into greater alignment our lifestyle choices and habits, resulting in personal spiritual renewal.

Lent is a time for deeper prayer, and a time to reflect upon Christ’s sorrow over humanity. We may find ourselves becoming more aware of the things that cause Christ sorrow and become compelled to respond to this heightened awareness. Our pathway of increased spiritual growth and renewal is never intended to be an end in itself. Rather, we hear a call to action that sees us seeking ways to serve the poor and those most in need. This is what we see in the life of Christ.

Maybe the retailers got a head start in actively embracing the opportunities presented by the approaching Easter. But there’s still time for you to have a ‘bumper Easter’ if you explore practices that will deepen your spiritual life, seeking to know in a fresh way the extent of Christ’s sorrow for this world.

Simply listening to the evening news on any night of the week informs us about situations of extreme gravity, locally and globally. But knowing about situations is not necessarily enough to bring us into a deeper place of prayer or identification with Christ’s sorrow about it.

Tragically, it’s possible to become so accustomed to violence, homicide, corruption and abuse that we may initially feel little sense of need to respond, act or pray. We may simply feel sad or unable to help.

But praying can take many forms. How would it be if in this season approaching Easter you chose to intentionally reflect on the current-event situations? This may mean deliberately going off by yourself to spend some time in God’s presence—asking God to help you see the poor as he does, to increase your understanding of the violated and the victims, to deepen your awareness of them as people whom he loves. You may find a solidarity with them that surprises you. It was this same solidarity with the poor, the marginalised and the violated that sent Jesus to the cross.

How can we capitalise on this season to gain deeper roots in our faith, and not just expanded waistlines?

Beyond simply reflecting on these situations, you may find yourself wanting to become even better informed about the background to what lies behind the news, whether this be corruption, ongoing racial tension or political tensions. Your prayer might then take the form of delving into the facts, seeking background knowledge and information to increase your understanding. You may even seek to contact individuals or organisations that are motivated to action, which can suggest new ways of participating in solutions.

To make the most of the remaining days leading up to Easter, you can choose to make an intentional spiritual journey that is not dissimilar to the one that Jesus took when he set his face steadfastly towards Jerusalem. You may choose to commit to a regular time in the morning, midday or evening, with the expressed desire to pray for the world or your community. You may choose to have times of fasting (from food, technology, television or something else) so that you can seek to know God more. There may be some project you want to do by yourself or with others as a means of serving the poor or relieving another’s suffering.

Retailers are leveraging Easter by extending it from just a few days after Christmas until the actual week in April for their own gain.

The question is: ‘What will we have gained when we celebrate Easter this year?’

Major Heather Rodwell is Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development for The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.

12 | WarCry 22 March 2014

Put Down Your Stones Darren Elkington asks why we are so quick to judge people who sin differently to ourselves.

In the gospel of Matthew (9:9–13), there is a story about Jesus and a tax collector. It’s said that in Jesus’ day, tax collectors were frowned upon (more so than today). They were thought to be corrupt and were therefore treated as social outcasts.

Seeing the tax collector, Jesus says to the man, ‘Come, follow me.’

And the tax collector, who we know today to be Matthew, gets up and starts following Jesus.

How crazy is that?

And then one thing leads to another, and it’s not long before Jesus is having dinner with Matthew at his home.

While there, Matthew’s friends turn up, and they too end up sharing a meal with Jesus. But when the Pharisees (the religious leaders of the day) see what’s going on, they ask this question: ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

When Jesus hears this complaint, he says to them, ‘Healthy people do not need a doctor—sick people do. Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners’ (Matthew 9:12–13).

You can’t argue with that!

Caught in adultery At another time, a woman caught ‘in the act of adultery’ was brought to Jesus.

John’s gospel (8:1–11) tells us that the woman (not the man!) is made to stand in front of Jesus. Imagine just how uncomfortable and afraid she must have felt!

The men who had brought her there then ask Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’ Jesus doesn’t answer. He just stoops down and writes in the dust with his finger. (We don’t know what he writes—John doesn’t feel it was important enough to tell us that particular detail.)

While Jesus was writing, they kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, stone her! Have it your way, stone her! But let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.’

And so the story concludes, with no one throwing stones.

Now, if you were a stone thrower gearing up for a good throw, just imagine your disappointment, ‘I’m not allowed to judge people anymore? What’s that about?!’ (Good question, what is that about?

Why are we so quick to judge people who sin differently to us?)

Anyway, when the woman’s accusers hear Jesus’ words, the Bible tells us ‘they slipped away one by one’, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus is left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.

Then Jesus stands up again and says to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she says. ‘Neither do I,’ says Jesus.

Incredible! Neither do I condemn you.

Sin no more We are not to dismiss sin. Jesus doesn’t dismiss the woman’s sin.

The story finishes with Jesus saying to her, ‘You have been set free, now go and live a life (of freedom)—a life without sin.’

So, ‘sin no more!’ is not a terrible thing to hear. There is a sinful way to live that will tear you down and bring to you (and maybe all those around you) a death of sorts. To be rescued from such a life and from the poor choices we sometimes make truly is life-giving.

But I also want to suggest that jumping straight to the words, ‘sin no more’ (or variations on the ‘sin no more’ theme) without first offering these other words of Jesus—‘I’m here because I do not condemn’—is neither life-giving, nor very helpful.

When we read through the gospels, you cannot help but be struck by who Jesus hung out with. People from all sorts of walks and all sorts of lifestyles seemed to be attracted to him.

Yes, Jesus went out and met with people, but people also seemed to make a huge effort in coming to him.

I wonder why.

Scandalous!

At another time, a Pharisee asked Jesus to have dinner with him.

Jesus, who shows no discrimination, went to the man’s home and sat down to eat. But when a ‘certain immoral woman’ (the gospel writer’s words) heard that Jesus was eating there, she turns up, unannounced and uninvited. The ‘immoral woman’ brings with her an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. She kneels before Jesus, weeping, and her tears fall on Jesus’ feet, so she starts to wipe them off with her hair. And then she starts to kiss Jesus’ feet, and then she pours her perfume all over them.

When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus (but not the woman) saw all this, he said to himself, ‘If this man was a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!’

How dare this woman (my words now) who needs Jesus, who needs freedom, who needs to be set free, how dare she touch the one who can give her what she needs, how dare she burst into my home, and ruin my meal, how dare she assume such familiarity. Is she not a sinner, after all?

But Jesus answers his host’s thoughts, ‘Simon,’ he says to the Pharisee, ‘I have something to say to you.’ ‘Go ahead, Teacher,’ Simon replies.

Then Jesus tells him this story: ‘A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other.

But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, cancelling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?’

Simon answers, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the larger debt.’

‘That’s right,’ Jesus said. Then he turns to the woman and says to Simon, ‘Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

Soul Food | 13

You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.’ (I love how Jesus turns the table on those who claim to be righteous; but boy, I’m also challenged by it!)

‘I tell you,’ Jesus continues, ‘her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.’ Then Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’

Go in peace.

Something for everyone Have you ever thought about this being Jesus’ plan for the whole world. That all find peace, that all find freedom, that all are set free and that all are cared for? And it’s like Jesus has this expectation that we who are well—we who have been rescued, we who have been set free—will care for those who are not.

And that’s impossible to do, if all we have in our arsenal is a stone.

So, coming back to the story about the woman caught in adultery, does she then live the remainder of her life ‘sin’ free? We do not know, but what we do know—what the Bible writers really want us to understand—is that Jesus’ forgiveness is being offered to everyone.

Eugene Peterson puts it this way: ‘God gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.’ (John 3:16-17, The Message) Maybe this then is the better way to live: not in judgment of people who sin differently to us, or in a manner that minimises or dismisses sin, but with a forgiving heart and a generous spirit that seeks first to understand and then helps to set others free.

‘Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticise their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment.

That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbour’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, “Let me wash your face for you”, when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole travelling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbour.’

Matthew 7:1-5 The Message

Woman Taken in Adultery From the angry crunch of their sandaled feet as they left the courtyard, Jesus knew, without looking up from his writing on the ground, that the Pharisees and scribes still carried their stones.

The woman stood where they’d shoved her, her hair hanging loose over neck and face, her hands still shielding her head from the stones she awaited.

‘Woman,’ he asked, ‘has no one condemned you?’

The heap of woman shuddered, unfolded.

She viewed the courtyard—empty now— with wild, glazed eyes and turned back to him.

‘No one, Sir,’ she said, unsurely.

Compassion flooded him like a wadi after rain.

He thought of his own mother—had she known such fear?— and of the gentle man whom he had called Abba.

Only when Joseph lay dying had he confided his secret anguish on seeing his betrothed swelling up with seed not his own.

‘Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus said.

‘Go your way and sin no more.’

Black eyes looked out from an ashen face, empty, uncomprehending.

Then life rushed back.

She stood before him like a blossoming tree.

‘Go in peace and sin no more,’ Jesus called again as she left the courtyard.

He had bought her at a price, he knew.

The stony hearts of her judges would soon hurl their hatred at him.

His own death was a mere stone’s throw away. © Irene Zimmerman from Incarnation: New and Selected Poems for Spiritual Reflection (Cowley Publications, 2004).

Used with permission.

14 WarCry©22 March 2014

Multi-Cultural Session Welcomed into Officer Training

Cadets of the Messengers of Light (Kaikarere O Te Māramatanga) officer training session were welcomed in a public worship service at Wellington Citadel Corps on 9 March. In the same service, LieutColonels Andy and Yvonne Westrupp were farewelled ahead of taking up their new roles as leaders of The Salvation Army’s work in Papua New Guinea.

Twenty-one cadets were welcomed into the first year of their two-year officer training at Booth College of Mission in Upper Hutt.

They joined nine other cadets who began their training in Suva, Fiji.

With 30 cadets in training, this is the largest session since 1974.

Four cadets from Tonga will train in New Zealand, along with two from Fiji. Cadet Faleata Leha from Tonga and Cadet Saimoni Gataurua responded to the bi-cultural welcome they were given as part of the opening Mihi Whakatau. Cadet Faleata Leha noted that the session had been ‘called to be lights to those who are still slaves to darkness’.

Speaking in her capacity as Territorial Candidates Secretary, Lieut-Colonel Yvonne Westrupp quoted from The Message translation of Psalm 18, which says: ‘God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.’ The new cadets had finished the ‘candidate chapter’ of their lives, she said. This was a time that included lots of paperwork and interviews, along with seeking God in prayer. ‘Throughout this chapter, God has confirmed this calling on your lives, and so you’ve moved on in faith to the “Booth College of Mission chapter”.’ She asked the congregation to pray for and support the cadets.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson, a past training principal at Booth College of Mission, asked the cadets to give equal concern to the areas of their head (knowledge), their heart (in spiritual formation) and their hands (their skills) during their training. God would build on their skills and past experiences, stretching and developing them. ‘Your training is not just something to be endured on the way to officership—so enjoy it,’ he said. ‘You will get out of it, what you put in.’ As officer training was very costly, the Territorial Commander urged the cadets to take seriously the trust that had been placed in them to learn and develop themselves as Salvation Army leaders.

Representative speaker Cadet Jessica Londhe pledged that the session would keep Christ as their focus throughout their training.

‘We Messengers of Light humbly accept the challenge of training not in our own strength, but in the strength of Christ,’ she said.

In farewelling Lieut-Colonels Andy and Yvonne Westrupp for Papua New Guinea, Commissioner Robert Donaldson described the couple as exceptional leaders who had been strong influences in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. He asked the congregation to pray for God’s blessing over the Westrupps’ new ministries. ‘These

are good leaders, Lord,’ he prayed, ‘and we have every confidence in them. But with you at their side we have total confidence as they go out in obedience to your call.’

Commissioner Janine Donaldson preached from the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ words to Christians: You are the light of the world.’ Earlier, the first-year cadets had sung the old Sunday school chorus ‘This Little Light of Mine (I’m Gonna Let It Shine)’.

As a seven-year-old girl, Commissioner Janine Donaldson said she had understood what this chorus meant: that it was about being enthusiastic in letting the light of Jesus shine out of her life and for her community. ‘The whole Sermon on the Mount is about our relationship with the world around us,’ she explained. ‘We are to be light to this world.’

Commissioner Janine Donaldson reminded the congregation that they were not called to be ‘the light of the church’, but to let their Christianity be visible to people outside of the church in what they said and did. ‘How strong is the light of Jesus in your life?’ she asked.

‘Do others see Jesus in you because of the way you speak and act? Let your light shine!’

In drawing the joyous evening to a close, Commissioner Robert Donaldson prayed that God would help everyone to live honest lives before their neighbours. ‘With your light in us,’ he prayed, ‘we can change the world. Let us burn brightly by the power of your Spirit.’

Our Community | 15

Farewelled for Papua New Guinea

(l-r): Comm Robert Donaldson, Lt-Cols Yvonne and Andy Westrupp

On 5 March, Territorial Headquarters staff bid a fond farewell to Lieut-Colonels Andy and Yvonne Westrupp ahead of the couple taking up new roles as leaders of The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea on 1 April.

Andy and Yvonne have been officers for 34 years, serving in local Salvation Army churches and senior leadership positions. Andy said, ‘God has been with us in each one of our appointments and we’re going to look for the way he is going to use us in this one. We’re going in faith to Papua New Guinea.’

Yvonne echoed those sentiments. While admitting some apprehension about going to a new culture, she said, ‘However, we know that God has been with us in every other situation so far, and this will be no different. We also know that many of you will be praying for us and we thank you for that.’

Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson said that the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory had an incredible reputation of people that have served all over the world that was disproportionate to the territory’s size. He was confident that God would use the Westrupps’ approach to servant leadership to bring hope and love to God’s people in Papua New Guinea.

Chryseis Santos, who worked with the Westrupps in Hamilton and Wellington, said, ‘We feel sad, but by letting you go, we are letting you be the people God wants you to be. And we know that ties cannot be broken by something as trivial as time and distance.’

Memories Flow at Blood and Fire Sessional Reunion

Back row (l-r): Shirley (Smith) and Gerald Thorner, Col Graeme Reddish, Joan Niederer (Rundle), David and Carol Major; front (l–r): Janne Sergison, Mjr Ailsie Roulston (Bennett), Mjrs Christine and Graham Rattray, Mjr Lynne Thomson Mjr Paul Jarvis hosts a visit to the Plowman Resource Centre at Booth College of Mission At Booth College of Mission, the evening of Friday 31 January was a very happy time of meeting and greeting each other as if it were days rather than 40 years since the Blood and Fire Session of cadets had been commissioned.

We were sorry that five were not able to make it, and took time to remember and record special thoughts of two session mates promoted to Glory: Lieut Kevin Mellsop and Major Nola Reddish.

After tea together, the evening was spent reminiscing with song and by sharing photos from college days and of our families.

Major Paul Jarvis (Director, Archives and Heritage Centre) visited on Saturday morning to give us an interesting and informative tour of the Plowman Resource Centre. What an amazing archive this is, and there were more than a few laughs as great memories flooded in.

Saturday afternoon, thanks to the generosity of present owners Philosophy House, we were able to tour 33 Aro Street, where we spent our two years of officer training. This year is the 100th anniversary of that building and restoration work is underway to maintain the integrity of its past. What an exciting time of exploring we had! We took time to sing and pray in the chapel, before sharing

afternoon tea and hearing about the work being carried out today in that lovely old building.

We then took some time to visit the Salvation Army section of the Karori Cemetery and Nola’s memorial at the Rose Garden there.

Another special time.

Next on the programme was a visit to Major Betty Hales, a much loved member of the college staff during our training. She remembered us all and had long since forgiven us for some of the stresses we put her through.

After sharing a lovely restaurant dinner, we returned to Booth College of Mission and another evening reminiscent of our Friday evenings in training college, when we met, sang and prayed. We remembered this as the reason why we have always had a such a strong sense of unity within our session.

On Sunday morning, we met in the chapel and spent a wonderful two hours singing, sharing and giving our thanks to God for the past 40 years, committing the remaining years to him.

Major Graham Rattray

16 WarCry©22 March 2014

Thanks, Warehouse Stationery!

TRIBUTE

Lieut-Colonel Vera Williamson MBE Lieut-Colonel Vera Williamson was promoted to Glory on 28 December 2013, aged 96. A celebration service was held at The Salvation Army Feilding Corps on 3 January 2014, led by Captain Deane Goldsack.

Vera was born on 5 July 1917.

She entered officer training from Balclutha Corps in the Valiant Session and was commissioned on 24 October 1943.

(l-r) Public Relations Director Shane Chisholm, Comm Janine Donaldson, Warehouse Stationery Executive Officer Pejman Okhovat and Comm Robert Donaldson Warehouse Stationery has again supported The Salvation Army by raising funds for families struggling to pay for children’s school supplies. Salvation Army Secretary for Social Services Major Pam Waugh says the post-Christmas period is a particularly hard time for clients with school-age children. With the payment of school fees, uniforms and books required soon after Christmas, parents on a subsistence income are under immense pressure to meet the costs of school stationery supplies.

Until 31 January, customers at Warehouse Stationery stores around the country could add $1 to their purchase at the checkout to donate to the company’s Back to School Appeal.

The Warehouse Group General Manager, Community and Environment, Paul Walsh says Warehouse Stationery’s community programme is centred around supporting families and young people that are struggling in many ways. ‘Our partnership with The Salvation Army is focused on providing financial assistance to families for back-to-school costs.’

The funds raised from Warehouse Stationery’s Back to School Appeal go toward stationery vouchers for Salvation Army centres to distribute to families as children go back to school. The Salvation Army very much appreciates Warehouse Stationery’s continued support of Kiwi families in need.

I have fond memories of LieutColonel Vera Williamson, as my parents, Majors Ivan and Betsy Hay, were missionary officers in India for 20 years, starting their service at Catherine Booth Hospital in Nagercoil in the 1950s. Vera was already in India when they arrived, and was still there when they left.

My first link with ‘Aunty Vera’ came in 1955—she was with my mother at my birth at Catherine Booth Hospital.

As I attended the celebration service of Aunty Vera’s life, warm memories of our life together in India and beyond came to mind. It was good to hear mention of my parents’ names in the India tribute written by Major Janee Sawyer, who also served in India. Stronger memories were evoked with the bandsmen’s lovely rendition of music (as requested by Aunty Vera) for the words ‘As the Varied Way of Life We Journey’.

These words were penned by Brigadier Lily Sampson, an Australian missionary officer. As I understand it, she wrote the song at a Salvation Army holiday home at Surrenden, Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills, and it was first sung by a group of officers holidaying there.

The words ‘As the varied way of life we journey / Come the plains and then the mountainside’ spoke of these missionaries coming from their varied places of work on the ‘plains’ to the ‘mountainside’ for refreshment and renewal. To get up the Nilgiri Hills (6000 feet above sea level), people caught the ‘hill train’, where carriages are aligned on a ratchet through the middle of the tracks and pushed by two engines from behind.

Our family returned to New Zealand in 1974 and Aunty Vera came back in May 1980. By this time, I was in my first year of training at The Salvation Army Officer Training College in Aro Street, Wellington, prior to becoming a Salvation Army officer myself.

When Aunty Vera’s retirement service was conducted in Wellington in July 1980 by Commissioners Dean and Marjorie Goffin, I received permission to attend, along with (the late) Carolyne Frazer, who was Vera’s niece and in my training session.

Aunty Vera was a great spiritual encourager, a shining example of living for Jesus and of caring and praying for others. She was an outstanding nurse, administrator, author—her memoirs are entitled The Inside Story—and servant of God. Even as her health failed, she continued as a prayer warrior and cared for people. But as Aunty Vera would say, ‘All glory goes to God.’ My thoughts and prayers are with her informally adopted daughter Nesam, grandchildren Isabel and Rajan and their families.

Bev Baxter (nee Hay)

England Flood Crisis GAZETTE

The Salvation Army has been assisting hundreds of people affected by ongoing floods across the south of England. Persistent rain since before Christmas left large areas of farmland and countryside under several inches of water, with storm-force winds and torrential downpours making a bad situation worse. People were flooded out of their homes, and thousands left without power.

In many parts, The Salvation Army has been on hand 24/7 to offer a listening ear to people affected by the severe weather.

Salvation Army mobile canteens have been deployed, providing food and hot drinks to emergency responders.

International Promotion to Glory Mrs General Maude Tillsley (Rtd), wife of General Bramwell Tillsley (Rtd), was promoted to Glory from the Toronto Grace Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, Canada, on 19 Feb, aged 81. She was well known for her leadership qualities, her effective platform and speaking ministry, her graciousness in her personal relations, and her efficiency and practicality in her daily work and ministry. Mrs General Maude Tillsley retired with her husband in 1994. We thank God for her life and for the impact of her ministry in the name of Christ on so many people throughout the world.

Bereaved Lieut Ralph Suckling of his father, Mr Clive Mortan Suckling, on 1 March from Tauranga. The funeral was on 5 March at Omakoroa Community Church. Capt Susanne Prattley of her mother, Mrs Ivy Reed, on 28 Feb from Motueka. The funeral was on 4 March at the Uniting Church in Motueka, led by Capt Charles Prattley. Cadet Ralph Overbye of his

father, Mr Jon Overbye, on 26 Feb from Gisborne. The funeral was on 1 March at Evan’s Funeral Chapel in Gisborne.

Please pray for those that have been bereaved.

Retirement Capt Moses Chan entered retirement on 28 Feb after nine years’ active service.

He entered training with his wife, Capt Linda Chan, from Napier Corps in 2003 and was appointed on 13 Jan 2005 as Corps Officer at Foxton Corps. From 2006 to 2010, Moses served within the Public Relations Department in the Northern and Central Divisions and at Territorial Headquarters. He was then appointed to Booth College of Mission as Mission Training Officer before being appointed in 2012 to the Plowman Resource Centre as Assistant Director of the Archives and Heritage Centre.

In January this year, the Chans were appointed to Mosgiel Corps. Linda will continue as Corps Officer at Mosgiel, while Moses will serve in retirement as Independent Living Units Referral Officer. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that we acknowledge Moses’s service.

Noticeboard | 17

CALENDAR MARCH 22: Moral and Social Issues Council / Wellington 22: Youth and Children’s Leaders Training (North) / Fiji Division 24: Otago Anniversary 26: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 29: Raft Race / Southern Division 30: International Day of Prayer for Children 30: Blaze Event (Upper Hutt) / Central Division

APRIL 4–6: Delve Weekend / Totara Springs, Matamata 5: Safe to Serve Training (North) / Fiji Division 7–8: National Chaplains Workshop / Wellington 8–10: Twelve Steps Workshop (Part 2) / Auckland 9: Women’s Ministries Rally (Levin) / Central Division 9–11: Regional Music Camp / Tonga Region 11: Women’s Prayer Night / Fiji Division 12: Safe to Serve Training / Fiji Division 13: Women Officers Connect / Northern Division 14: Officers Councils (North) / Fiji Division 16: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 19: Junior Soldiers Big Day Out / Northern Division 17–20: Easter Camps 18: Good Friday 20: Easter Sunday 22: Southland Anniversary

Prevent People Trafficking Conference 5–6 June / New Zealand Police College, Porirua

This year’s conference is hosted by The Salvation Army, Immigration New Zealand and the New Zealand Police. ‘Exploitation: A Fair Go for Everyone’ is the conference theme, and working together to prevent people trafficking and exploitation in New Zealand is our aim. We invite you to join with us. Together we can make a difference.

For more information e: chris_frazer@nzf.salvationarmy.org, p: (04) 802 6269, ext 24661.

Celebrate 120 Years with Wellington South Band 24–27 October

Over Labour Day Weekend, the Wellington South Corps Band is celebrating 120 years of ministry and service. Guest leaders are Majors Steve and Chris Black, former corps officers from Melbourne, Australia. Musical guests for the weekend are David Fiu of the NZ Army Band and Matthew Stein of the NZ Navy Band.

For a registration form and info, e: wsbonetwenty@gmail.com, or p: (04) 389 3530. www.facebook.com/WSB120

Counsellor/Ministry Positions (for a Couple)

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Gore, Grandview, Greymouth, Hamilton City and Hastings Corps, Addiction Services, The Salvation Army Malawi Territory.

FreedomLife @ Te Nikau is a Christian residential programme for people with addictions and compulsive behaviours, based in Paraparaumu. The centre seeks a Christian couple able to express their faith in the workplace—one with general or addiction counselling qualifications, and the other with caring, ministry, administration or support skills. More information on www.freedomlife.org.nz.

Contact the director, p: (04) 902 5828 or e: xroads@xtra.co.nz

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 24 March: Tauranga and Tokoroa Corps 4–6 April: Delve Conference 21–23 March: Northern Division (TC) 8 April: National Chaplains Workshop Colonels Graeme (Chief Secretary) and Wynne Reddish (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 5 April: Aro Street Training College Centennial Celebration Crossword Answers: Across: 8 Canada, 9 Elephant, 10 Packages, 11 Strain, 12 Camera, 13 Discover, 14 Escapes, 16 Useless, 20 Tourists, 23 Lifted, 25 Starve, 26 Accounts, 27 Surfaced, 28 Enters. Down: 1 Caravans, 2 Tackle, 3 Language, 4 Seaside, 5 Senses, 6 Charcoal, 7 Unlike, 15 Aircraft, 17 Selected, 18 Shelters, 19 Islands, 21 Output, 22 Sketch, 24 Fourth. Quiz Answers: 1 Huhu beetle, 2 Oxygen, 3 12 Years a Slave, 4 The goat, 5 A fish (Matthew 17:27)

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

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25–28 April 2014 | Wellington City Corps for info and registration form go to salvationarmy.org.nz/cmd

18 WarCry©22 March 2014

LEADERSHIP LINKS

4.

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We need to pass responsibility and authority to younger people I read somewhere once—when I was young—that the harshest critics of each generation of young people are to be found in the generation immediately preceding it. I venture they’re incensed because the young’uns are just not doing things the way they did!

It seems so ironic that we Baby Boomers, having witnessed first-hand an era when many of our contemporaries were harried out of the Army by the intransigence of some leaders 20 to 35 years ago, have now picked up the same baton and are using it to beat up the generations that are succeeding us! Yes, we like things done in ways that are familiar to us, but I’m more and more aware that so long as we insist on having everything our way we will lose the next generations in the same way that many of our contemporaries were lost from our movement.

Curiously, we have now become the guardians of the status quo, a stubbornness we know doesn’t work for those who are following. We urgently need to strategically empower the new generations, before it is too late. We need to let our children and, by now, possibly our grandchildren take more of a lead!

We really should get out of the way, within an investing and releasing succession plan, because we are in danger of repeating the same tired mistakes of the generation preceding us made.

My observation is not a new one. The apostle Paul, after picking up a similar underlying current in the early church, wrote to a young disciple named Timothy and prompted him to ‘not allow anyone to look down’ on him just because he was young (1 Timothy 4:12).

We have so many magnificent resources at our disposal in The Salvation Army—there should be no stopping us and our mission! But we need to pass responsibility and authority to younger people and allow them to bring in their new methods and ideas. They are the best people to impact their generation with the gospel. They are not going to think like us, approach things like us or use the same tools we had at our disposal, but I predict they will bring a passion for the mission of our Army that will amaze us.

While we unthinkingly criticise the younger generation’s lack of maturity, their dress sense, their use of technology, their disregard (in our minds) for norms, their doublethink—where they appear to be able to believe in two contradictory thoughts at once—and their supposed ‘lack of depth’, we have become critical and stuck, to a point that once would have appalled us.

The Territorial Strategic Mission Plan has proved to be the prompt we needed to focus on mission. Right now we need to empower new leaders, at all levels of our Army, who are full of fresh ideas and passion. They should be encouraged by us to step up and to take a lead in the action.

Lieut-Colonel Andy Westrupp Territorial Secretary for Personnel

The Five Levels of Leadership Holding a leadership position is only the start of becoming a great leader.

BY ALASTAIR KENDREW Why is it that some leaders seem to get the best out of those around them, while others bring out the worst? According to leadership expert John Maxwell, it’s because some people think leadership is all about position. But Maxwell believes holding a position is only the start of leadership, where people follow a person because they have to. True leaders see their role as one of influence, and so aim to increase their influence by investing in their greatest asset: their people.

Maxwell ought to know. He has trained leaders for more than 30 years across 120 countries and sold more than 20 million books on leadership. What he has taught about the various stages of leadership has now been distilled in his book The Five Levels of Leadership.

According to Maxwell’s ‘Five Levels’ model, leadership of any kind usually begins with a position. For example, you’re asked to be the captain of your sports team, offered a new job, you take on a role in church, or you become a parent (because, when you think about it, that’s a ‘leadership’ role, too). Having a position is what Maxwell calls Level 1 in leadership.

On the upside, someone has seen your potential and offered you an opportunity. You’ve been provided with some authority and therefore a great chance to develop your leadership.

More than a position Having a position is helpful, but you don’t want to rely only on that to lead. Leaders stuck at Level 1 tend to be concerned primarily about themselves and protecting their position, rather than getting the most out of others. They tend to make the people around them feel small and undervalued, so morale and results tend to be low.

There are at least two types of positional leaders: some want to be in charge so they can feel important. We see it with children—they love being the one in charge so they can get their own way. Unfortunately, some adults stay like that. They go to great lengths to be in charge and to control as much as they can.

We call this ‘empire building’ and it is very damaging because the leader does what’s best for them, not the organisation (they’re rarely connected or streamlined, for instance).

Mission Matters Matters 19 19

5. Pinnacle (Respect)

People follow because of who you are

4. People Development (Reproduction) People follow because of what you have done for them

3. Production (Results)

People follow because of what you have done for the organisation

2. Permission (Relationships) People follow you becasue they want to

1. Position (Rights)

People follow you because they have to Other positional leaders feel the opposite. They’re struggling —and desperate to make sure no one finds out. They feel threatened, so try to control anyone and anything that might expose them.

‘Positional parents’ worry about their children’s behaviour because they’re focused on protecting their image as ‘good parents’.

But true leadership is about getting the best out of others. People want to serve in an environment where they are being developed and can make a worthwhile contribution.

Children of positional parents will comply only while they have to. In the same way, positional leaders will find that their best people will put up a fight for a while, but then leave. And those that remain will do just the minimum to get by. Nothing great ever comes from people doing the minimum. That’s why leaders need to progress through the levels.

your team, giving feedback, and challenging everyone to be the best they can be.

At Level 4, leaders now become great leaders, says Maxwell, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.

Level 4 leaders invest in their followers and develop them until those followers become leaders in their own right. Level 4 leaders reproduce themselves by spending as much as 80 per cent of their time on developing others. Level 4 leaders change the lives of the people they lead. Accordingly, their people follow them because of what their leaders have done for them personally. And their relationships are often life-long.

The highest and the most difficult level to reach is Level 5.

Level 5 leaders are those people who develop level 4 leaders. They have considerable influence, and use it to create a lasting change.

Maximising relationships How do you move up from Level 1? By realising that people are your greatest asset and that your role is to help them maximise their potential so that together you can achieve something great.

But how do you actually do this? Start by trading in your rights, says Maxwell. Leadership is not a right; it’s a privilege that must be continually earned. Good leaders look to serve their people, not to have their people serve them.

Secondly, aim for impact rather than a position. Instead of saying you’d like to be the kids church leader, decide to impact the children in your community. A goal of becoming the kids church leader is all about you. But having a goal of impacting children will make you keen to hear ideas from others and to enthuse them to get on board.

Don’t think you want to be a great parent; instead, think about how you can raise great, God-loving children.

Finally, be prepared to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Positional leaders often believe they need to have all the answers, otherwise how will they stay on top of the hill? But this ‘fake it till you make it’ approach never works in the long run. Good leaders don’t have all the answers, but they do enlist and empower people who find the answers needed.

According to Maxwell, moving from Level 1 to Level 2 requires the greatest personal change from a leader. But once you decide to include others in the journey, you are well on the way to achieving success at the other levels.

Moving up Level 2 is based on relationships. Now, people follow you because they want to. When you like people and treat them like individuals who have value, you begin to develop influence. And the whole environment that you’re working in becomes a lot more positive.

But you needn’t stop here. Good leaders don’t just create a good environment; they get things done! People stuck at Level 2 are often people pleasers, not wanting to make hard calls for fear of upsetting others. At Level 3, you set the example, working hard, developing

What Level Are You? Identify an area in which you’re leading, such as a ministry at church or work, or in your role as a parent, and take this quick self-assessment to see which levels you’ve mastered: Level 1: I desire to become a better leader; one of my primary objectives is to assist the people who work for me.

Level 2: I have developed solid relationships with all of the people who work for me.

Level 3: Good people always want to work with me and my team; others watch how I perform and follow my example.

Level 4: I spend a significant amount of time mentoring upand-coming leaders; I spend the most time with the people who have the highest capacity and potential.

Level 5: I can name several specific people whom I have developed to become developers of leaders; people outside my role/organisation seek me for leadership advice.

What’s the next step for you as a leader? Is it to be less concerned about your position, to get to know your team, to become more productive, to invest more time developing others, to leave a legacy ... or all of these?

Out soon! Material from John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership is part of a new Salvation Army Leadership Development Programme from the Corps Growth and Mission Resources Department. Available mid-way through 2014. To learn more now, read Maxwell’s book.

GOD & FAITH

Strive hard for your goals in life and pray about everything.

Photo: (l–r) Philip White, Joel Knight, Daniel Buttar; Photography: Sarah George

22 MARCH 2014 | 21

FIREZONE.CO.NZ

Leading the Way We love it when young people are leading the way, and we’re stoked that we are totally doing that when it comes to the new Goal 4—develop leaders—in our Territorial Strategic Mission Plan!

We reckon young people make some of the best leaders. So we were super pumped to hear that three high schools students from Johnsonville Corps have been appointed head boys and deputy head boy of their schools. We chatted to them about their faith, why leadership matters and how God fits into the picture.

Philip White (17) Head Boy, Aotea College, Porirua Favourite subject: Drama.

How did you react when you found you were head boy? Three of the four head students were huddled together as we listened to hear if our names were called for prefects.

When we weren’t called, we knew we had made it and started getting real excited and pumped, and slapping each other on the back. When they called my name, I had the biggest grin and was overwhelmed by my fellow students doing the school haka for us. And I let the boys from church know as soon as I got home.

Why do you think you were chosen? Because I was confident and stood up for my beliefs. I also think it helped that my speech was funny, especially ending it with the legendary quote from Winston Churchill that ‘a speech should be like a woman’s skirt: long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest’.

What are some of your responsibilities? My main responsibilities are to be the face of the school and a representative at events, but also to set an example for the students around me.

Do you get any special privileges?

I got a head boy badge, but I was hoping for discounts at the canteen, which sadly I didn’t get.

Any embarrassing moments so far? Yeah! My first full school assembly I had lost my voice from doing the haka at the pōwhiri the day before, so I walked on stage and

Vanessa Singh

cracked some mean highs and was shaking so much that I couldn’t read the paper … so I winged it.

How do you think your faith and your church upbringing prepared you? It’s going to be awesome at Aotea, because it’s not just me who is a Christian but three out of four of us, which is crazy! But I think my faith has made me a stronger person.

It has given me confidence, and my amazing family and friends and church family love and support me.

They have provided me with all sorts of opportunities to build my skills.

How do you maintain your faith with such a busy schedule? It is hard, but it’s just remembering God is always with you, and talking to him while these things go on.

Why do you think it’s important for Christians to be in leadership? To spread the Word of God and the love.

Because God is awesome!

How can you use your influence for God’s glory? By not being afraid to speak the truth, without ramming it down people’s throats. Just being kind and caring, and making people feel comfortable around you. Also being someone they can come to.

One piece of advice for other young leaders? Be true to yourself.

Take every opportunity that comes and do the best you can with it.

Joel Knight (17) Head Boy, Newlands College Favourite subjects: Graphics and technology.

How did you react …? I felt really chuffed and honoured. I couldn’t quite believe it when I was told.

Why were you chosen? For having shown important leadership qualities in previous years and as a good role model to young people.

Your responsibilities? I am on the student executive, where I input my ideas on behalf of students at school.

I represent the school at formal

events and occasions, and am to be a good influence on youth.

that they can come to me for advice makes it all worth it.

Special privileges? A head boy badge, blazer and opportunities to represent the school.

Special privileges? I get a badge with my name on it. I also get to go up on stage for assembly every week, which was always a dream of mine as a Year 9 kid—but it’s not that great because you can’t talk at all!

Embarrassing moments? While trying not to lose any handshakes (it’s a boy thing!), I accidentally crushed a student’s hand.

Faith and church upbringing? I’ve learnt to lead by example and accept everyone as equal. And to show leadership qualities to other youth.

How do you maintain your faith?

Take the opportunities you get, and don’t waste time with laziness. Try to stay on top of things.

Christians in leadership? We can lead with a good example of strong, faithful morals and attitudes.

Using your influence for God? Take time to focus on the students that often get left out or left behind and make a connection with them, as you never know where it may lead.

One piece of advice? Always communicate with your team and leave no surprises. Stay on top of things, but also give time for yourself and God.

Daniel Buttar (17) Deputy Head Boy, St Patricks College, Kilbirnie Favourite subject: Outdoor education.

How did you react …? I was pretty shocked, to be honest! I was relieved, but really excited at the same time!

Why were you chosen? I think it’s because the boys at my school look up to me for leadership and they look to me for decisions that seem hard to make. I also think that God chose me for the position to show Christian leadership within the college.

Your responsibilities? Having to organise all the school events is a big thing. On top of school work, it can get pretty stressful, but having all the boys look up to me and know

Embarrassing moments? At a chant practice, I cracked a massive high in my voice while leading the chant. Everyone laughed, of course.

I’m sure there will be many more embarrassing moments to come.

Faith and church upbringing?

The only reason I am the person I am at school is because of God’s grace through my Lord Jesus Christ. Without him in all this, I can guarantee you that I would not be the man I am today.

How do you maintain your faith?

You just have to make time for God. Even with such a busy schedule at school, I still find time for Facebook and all the social networking. So I thought that if I cut down some of that Facebook time and made it God time, then that would be the best way of maintaining my faith.

Christians in leadership? Leaders are people others look up to and follow. So, if we have Christian leaders who actually know Jesus Christ, others will want to find out more. And that’s just one way of helping people get to know God. Using your influence for God? Lead the boys with the Christian leadership I’ve been taught, so they know they’re not just a random kid in the college who goes unseen. I want to let them know that I care about them—and that Jesus does, too!

One piece of advice? Strive hard for your goals in life and pray about everything. If you are given a leadership position, know it’s not just a coincidence; you were picked for a reason by God. So give it your all and give 100 per cent in whatever you’re doing, for God.

FIREZONE.CO.NZ

EVENTS | 22

Te Ope Whakaora

An Awesome Start to 2014 Youth Work From 3–5 February, all the youth work apprentices, LAB (Living And Breathing) facilitators, divisional youth secretaries and members of the Youth Work Training Committee met together for a three-day retreat.

We couldn’t have been trapped in a more beautiful surrounding than Huia Lodge, out in the Waitakerei Ranges in Auckland.

I say’ trapped’ because there was no cell phone reception, which did leave us with frantic texts from loved ones after the retreat, but it was nice to step away from that world to just breathe in God’s creation!

We welcomed into our LAB whānau a new Territorial Youth Secretary, all new divisional youth secretaries, a new LAB facilitator and two awesome new apprentices.

There was time for networking and bonding over the three days, as well as some fantastic and well thought through classes run for us apprentices, and even some for the facilitators and officers, too! We also caught up with our LAB facilitators about the upcoming year, which was helpful for all.

and played a competitive game of touch rugby.

The party didn’t stop when the sun went down either, no no! Night time is when it got crazy; people going fishing for a few hours, people huddled outside with their phones barely managing to have found reception, guys videoing themselves rapping, people inside playing a card game involving cutlery that probably shouldn’t be played at a LAB retreat (I am reigning champion, however).

We got some downtime to hang out and refresh ourselves—we even got to spend some of our free time at the beach! Some of us took this opportunity to go kayaking, others preferred dry land (I wish I did …)

Night Church was hands-down a highlight for everyone there.

Apprentices James and Renae led us in some awesome worship that had everyone praising God’s name 110 per cent! Clapping, stomping, chairs banging and all.

Then, after worship, we had a time when people could come up and share their testimonies from the past year of youth work. This drew us closer to God and each other—it was a powerful thing to experience.

What a great three days away refreshing and preparing ourselves for the year ahead!

SO LONG, SEE YOU TOMORROW

Indie Rock

Bombay Bicycle Club

So Long, See You Tomorrow is the fourth record from indie outfit Bombay Bicycle Club. Coming almost two years after their previous album, So Long sees the band expand their sound, integrating electronic beats into their thickly layered, atmospheric core sound. These new influences can be attributed to frontman Jack Steadman, who wrote the album during his travels through Japan, India and Europe. ‘Feel’ shows this expansion well, with a looping Bollywood groove, while ‘Luna’ builds to a massive anthemic chorus on top of a syncopated Middle Eastern hook. KS

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

ALBUM REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

Nigel Tong

THE WHITE ALBUM

Worship/Remix

Hillsong United

Hillsong United’s latest release is as bold and audacious as its title. While naming your album after one of the most revered and respected records of all time might seem like hubris to some, for United it signifies the creativity and challenges that confront artists when staring at a blank white canvas. United have taken their more popular worship tunes and remixed them, running the full range of house, dubstep, glitch and noise. It’s a noble effort considering the notoriety of the songs, but United has crafted this album with excellence, which makes it a must-listen for electronica fans. KS

MUSIC

LYRIC

GOD CONTENT

Fun4Kids | 23

HERE’S A MISSION FOR YOU! Can you find 8 differences in this picture?

MATCH THE FLAGS TO THEIR COUNTRY Jesus loves the children of EVERY country. Which countries these flags are from?

UNITED KINGDOM RUSSIAN FEDERATION SPAIN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA GERMANY

ITALY

ARGENTINA BRAZIL

TURNING, TURNING Gear 1 rotates clockwise. What direction do gears 4, 6, 9 and 12 go?

Answers: United States of America, Russian Federation, Italy, United Kingdom, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Germany; 4, 6, and 12 counter-clockwise, 9 clockwise.

CAN YOU DECODE JUNIOR’S MISSION FROM JESUS?

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c +m and Matthew 28:19

PRAY IT

TALK IT

Junior

Junior is excited … because he has a mission! It’s not a secret mission— Junior wants everyone to know about it. It’s a mission he heard about at the Salvation Army church he goes to, but really it’s a mission from Jesus: to be a disciple and help others follow Jesus.

What is a ‘disciple’? It’s person who learns from someone else and who then follows their example.

And that’s Junior’s mission! So he’s reading his Bible and praying lots—to spend time with God and learn about what God says is important. And then, wherever he goes—school, sports practice, home—Junior either tells people about Jesus or he does his best to live so people will see that he knows Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for giving me the mission of telling people about how to be your disciple. I want to learn more about you and show people how to live life your way. Amen.

Success is: knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.

John C. Maxwell