24 January 2015 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION | 24 January 2015 | Issue 6609 | $1.50

LIVING THE DREAM

GENERAL COX MEETS POPE FRANCIS

BEWARE OF IMITATIONS

Celebrating 150 YEARS Internationally

WHAT'S YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS WORTH KEEPING

SHOPPING ON A BUDGET

02 WarCry 24 January 2015

Kia ora When I grow up ...

WAR CRY

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

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

EDITOR

Major Christina Tyson GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson STAFF WRITERS

Ingrid Barratt, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Singh (music reviewer)

PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford COVER

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

When I was at primary school, I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. When I was at high school, I wanted to be a teacher and even a dental nurse. I sort of stumbled into working in the IT industry. It was fun, but wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life.

As a Salvation Army officer, I’ve found my niche. Officership offers plenty of opportunities for personal development. Most importantly, it makes a difference—Salvation Army officers help people in times of hardship and loss, encourage people to discover their true identity as people God loves, share the story of God’s salvation mission, advocate for justice and mercy, and serve others.

When we look at New Testament teaching on ‘vocation’, its primary meaning is about the call of the Christian gospel on our lives. We are called to repentance and faith, into fellowship with Jesus, out of darkness into light, and to be holy. This is a universal call to all who follow Jesus. We don’t have to decide if we’re ‘suited’ for any of these actions; there is an expectation that when we call ourselves ‘Christian’, we naturally want to become the kind of person Jesus wants us to be.

This edition features a number of people who have answered God’s call to serve as Salvation Army officers. I hope their experiences inspire and encourage you—but know that you have an important calling to serve God just where you are, too.

As one of my favourite writers, Frederick Buechner, says when defining ‘vocation’: ‘There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work, and the problem is to find out which is the voice of God rather than of Society, say, or the Superego, or Self-Interest.’ He continues, ‘The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.’ All of us can hear God’s voice, and all of us can find that place of joy and purpose.

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.

2 Timothy 1:8,9 New Revised Standard Version

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

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Christina Tyson Editor

BIBLE VERSE

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

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‘... join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace.’

‘Nāna nei tātou i whakaora, nāna hoki tātou i karanga ki te karangatanga tapu; kīhai i rite ki ā tātou mahi, engari ki tāna ake tikanga i whakatakoto ai i mua, ki te aroha noa hoki i hōmai nei ki a tātou i roto i a Karaiti Īhu, i mua atu o te tīmatanga o te ao …’

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WISE WORDS

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

John C. Maxwell

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Let’s Talk | 03

BY SHAUN BAKER

O

n Saturday the 12th of May last year, I woke up and said to myself, ‘Today is the day!’

I caught the AJ Hackett Bungy shuttle with a group of other would-be adrenalin junkies and we arrived at the Nevis, situated about 40 minutes’ drive east of Queenstown.

At 134 metres, the Nevis is the highest bungy in New Zealand and the 11th highest in the world. Jumpers reach speeds of around 130 km/h and free fall for about eight seconds. Needless to say, on the inside, my heart rate was starting to pick up; but on the outside, I was displaying the calm and confident persona of someone who appeared to have no worries at all.

After we’d stepped onto the jump platform and gone through our final safety checks, the AJ Hackett staff member nonchalantly said, ‘Shaun, you’re up first, buddy.’

And it was at this point that I realised my false calm demeanour had perhaps worked a little too well!

As I nudged to the edge of the platform, nothing could have prepared me for the feelings associated with staring at a 134m drop seconds before taking the leap. It was at this point I thought to myself one simple word, ‘No!’ There are plenty of times in life when God wants us to step outside our comfort zones and take that leap of faith.

Many of us, to varying degrees, may appear quite confident in taking these steps of obedience, yet when we finally reach the edge of our security, we calmly and simply say to God: ‘No.’ But the thing is, it’s not until we actually take that leap that some things start to make sense.

The staff member held my harness from the back, asked me to lean forward and said, ‘On my count, 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... BUNGY!” Without having too much time to process anything, I was airborne. Eight seconds seemed like eight hours, and by the half way mark the excitement and adrenalin was starting to kick in. For some reason, my trust levels in the staff and my safety gear had intensified and a complete peace came over my body—along with a rush of excitement and exhilaration.

Many times in life, I’ve stood at the edge of the platform only to turn back. However, it’s in the times when I do take that leap—like my call to serve God as a Salvation Army officer (minister)—that I am overwhelmed with a sense of God’s protection, comforted by the understanding that God loves me too much to let me simply splat on the ground.

In Matthew chapter 14, we read about Peter putting his faith into action. Scared in a storm-tossed boat, Peter sees Jesus coming to him across the water. ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter said, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ Jesus said. Peter clambered out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to take our own leaps of faith with the same level of trust that Peter showed when he first stepped out of that boat? What excitement and adventures await us when we do! And we can take those leaps knowing there is no better safety harness than God.

04 WarCry 24 January 2015

Bookshelf Writing Everybody Writes Ann Handley Most books about writing begin with an epic prose piece about how one simply cannot live if one doesn’t write. Thankfully, this book is free from these pretensions, viewing writing as a ‘habit, not an art’. It gives practical advice on building your ‘writing’ muscles.

Almost all of us write at some level, in our work or personal lives, and this book gives good guidance on everything from writing for Twitter to annual reports. It also provides solid basics, like how to plan, write for your audience, create drafts and use words well. It’s this writer’s opinion that everyone should read this book, to help them write right.

(Wiley)

Playlist

Christian Living Passion Louie Giglio Passion is the telling of the Passion movement among young people —best symbolised by their famous gatherings, which began with a call to prayer across the US. In Giglio’s words, ‘the heartbeat of Passion is to inspire a generation to know Jesus and live for his glory’.

With reflections from John Piper, Beth Moore and other Christian leaders, this book explores what it means to be single-minded for Christ, follow God without limits and be captivated by Jesus. Like all Christian sub-cultures, the Passion movement comes with its own jargon, but don’t be put off, this is essentially a calling to discipleship.

(Thomas Nelson)

Church Growth Evangelism J. Mack Stiles At last, a book that questions the ‘evangelistic’ programmes we’re addicted to in churches, and attempts to recapture a true, biblical definition of evangelism.

Rather than focusing on catchy ways to explain the gospel, the focus of Evangelism is on creating a culture where lovingly explaining the story of salvation is woven into the fabric of the church. Stiles attempts to describe a culture of evangelism motivated by love for Jesus and confident in the gospel.

It’s a culture that pulls together, teaches each other and celebrates new life. This book is simply about keeping the main thing, the main thing. (Crossway)

Reel News

Pop/Worship Bright Side OBB OBB (Oswald Brothers Band) is a three-piece pop outfit from Atlanta, made up of brothers Zach, Jacob and Nich Oswald. Their sound is fairly stock standard pop: massive anthemic beats, catchy hooks and plenty of synths. Their first feature length record Bright Side takes the same approach—a fun album overall. While the vocals are fairly simple, the strong biblical lyrics are delivered with an infectious passion that works well. Lead single ‘All Eyes On You’ flirts with hip hop influences and auto tune, while ‘My Relief’ soars with its harmonies and catchy chorus. Bright Side isn’t breaking new ground, but it’s a solid summer album worth checking out.

Pop Four One Direction Four sees boy-band sensation One Direction expanding their musical horizons ever so slightly. While their undeniably pop roots are firmly established, the group toys with elements of folk (‘Ready To Run’), indie (‘Girl Almighty’), and highlights their vocal chops in ‘Once in a Lifetime’. This record is superbly produced and musically varied.

Each member of the band takes their share of the lead vocals, but their group vocals are the driving force. There’s a great sense of fun running through Four, particularly seen in the closing track ‘Act My Age’. Four doesn’t take itself too seriously, and makes for a great, casual listen.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of Passion, tell us something that really matters to you.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 9 Feb. Historic Places winner is: Suzanne Dale

Drama/Action Exodus Ridley Scott / M (violence) Gladiator director Ridley Scott brings us the latest in a series of biblicallybased or inspired films, with Christian Bale starring as Moses.

Raised as a brother to Pharaoh-in-waiting Ramses, Moses has no idea he is himself Hebrew, a people enslaved by the Egyptians. Despite fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with Ramses, the pair find themselves at odds after a battlefield prophecy comes to pass. Eventually, Moses finds himself banished after the conniving Hegep informs Ramses, now Pharaoh, of his true lineage.

Returning to Egypt years later, Moses tries to convince the Pharaoh to free the Hebrew people, but Ramses’ refusal and cruel response unleashes the wrath of God upon the land.

Unsurprisingly, Exodus is a visual feast. There are some absolutely breath-taking shots and the set pieces, especially the plagues, are done with relish. However, Scott plays fast and loose with the scriptures, making some huge deviations for artistic effect, which leaves the movie somewhat lacking.

He gives Moses a handy head injury to initiate a conversion experience. When Moses speaks with God, it’s clear that everyone else just sees Moses speaking to himself. A naturalistic counter-narrative is offered to the miraculous plagues, and even the parting of the Red Sea coincides with a meteor strike and a resulting tsunami.

It’s hard to know whether Scott is looking for an escape route to placate atheist critics, or wants to avoid the truth of the miraculous interventions of God and their implications.

It needs to be said that Exodus: Gods and Kings is by no means a perfect film. But it’s a solid film with exceptional devotion to craft. And if you want a movie that will stir discussion on the nature of God’s sovereignty and power, then Exodus is worth watching.

Feature | 05

Becoming a Salvation Army officer (minister) was a dream Robert Adams thought had gone, until God stepped in.

06 | WarCry 24 January 2014

ife was going well for the Adams family, and officership was still far from their minds, when Robert was made redundant from his job working in the electronics industry in 2003.

He decided to use the time off to go to Bible College, spending three years there before becoming a pastoral assistant at Napier Salvation Army Corps (church).

Susan went back to work as an accountancy clerk.

‘God’s funny like that. I knew when we got married that Robert wanted to become an officer,’ Susan says. ‘But once we got married it was like “no thanks”. Robert had to wait 14 years before things changed. He had given up on that ever happening. We were at a place where things were tracking along nicely. We were comfortable, had a nice house and three kids—it seemed we were set up, really.’

However, for Robert, working at Napier Corps confirmed a passion to help people gain a closer encounter with God—something that was first sparked in him as a young man at an Easter Camp.

‘I was responding to a call, people were praying for me, and I experienced the power of the Spirit in a way I hadn’t before. I wanted others to experience that. That became a drive for me; for others to experience all that God has for them, and to see people really connecting with God.’ It was when they went on a mission trip to Tonga in August 2009 that Susan felt God was leading her to move into full-time ministry alongside Robert.

‘I knew that if we didn’t run with it then, it would never happen.

Some people would say it was a calling; I think it was something that was planned a long time ago and confirmed by God.’ So the pair headed to Booth College of Mission in Upper Hutt for two years’ training as officers. After a busy life of ministry in various areas at Napier Corps, they say returning to student life at college was like having a welcome sabbatical.

On the other side of college From there, they were posted to the New Plymouth Corps, where they have worked for three years.

Both Susan and Robert say they arrived at New Plymouth Corps with very few expectations. But they did have a few fears about being suddenly pushed into the spotlight as leaders. ‘I was nervous about people suddenly looking at you and thinking you had to have all the answers, but of course it wasn’t like that. People were good at just journeying alongside us,’ Robert remembers.

Some aspects of the job had come as a shock, though, Susan says.

‘I probably didn’t realise how busy I would be, or the different hats that I would wear. I saw officership more as journeying with people, but there’s a lot of other things that you have to do as well.’

New Plymouth has been a great fit for them, both the corps and the town, which is a family-friendly place and good for their children, Robert says. While they were training, they were placed for work experience at two very different expressions of corps, and New Plymouth has been a happy medium for them. The people at the corps had been very receptive and welcomed the direction they wanted to go in, he says.

Journeying with people ‘I’m more charismatic and I love to see people encountering the Holy Spirit,’ continues Robert, ‘and when we arrived there was a real openness for that. We felt what we wanted to pursue in God was what the corps wanted. It was really good for our spiritual journey.’

It was fortunate, Susan says, as there was a need to balance their vision with the knowledge that they might move on to other postings

in the future, while the congregation would not.

‘We just wanted to see what the corps was like because, at the end of the day, the corps belongs to the local people and we’re just here to journey with them, empowering them in where they want to go.’

Robert is particularly inspired by the verses of Amos 9:13-14, which speak about a day when new wine will flow from the mountain and God will bring his people home. The verse feels particularly special as they work in sight of Mount Taranaki, and during their time they have seen people connected with the church in the past returning and finding a vibrant encounter with God, he says. They have also seen new families coming and inviting their friends, and recently saw two people from Taranaki Addiction Services become Christians. Those things are all highlights of the job and a ‘big buzz’, Robert says. Another buzz is seeing people set free from their past and things that held them back, Susan adds.

Both say ‘belong before you believe’ is an important slogan for the church, and they’re keen on creating a place where people can come whatever stage of life they’re in and feel like they are becoming part of the family.

That family sense is built from eight Bible study groups, which run in the city five nights a week. The corps is also part of a kapa haka class run by the Recovery Church on Wednesday nights, which is helping draw people in, Robert says. Along with being a fresh way to connect with people, the group has been a lot of fun, reconnecting him with some fond memories from college learning the Salvation Army ‘I’ll Fight Haka’ from Nan and Joe Patea for its unveiling at the Mission 2010 territorial congress.

Having the Recovery Church and Community Ministries operating out of the corps building has also been useful in integrating the community, Robert says. Although it did cause some confusion for Susan when they first arrived. ‘The first day I went into the office, I came in in my civvies and they asked me if I wanted a food parcel and I said, “No, I’m your new officer.” I still hassle them about that.’

Steep learning curve The first year was a steep learning curve, working out what they were doing and what they should be doing, and they were only saved by a great administrator, Susan says.

They also came out of college full of enthusiasm and with a desire to go ‘full speed ahead’, Robert says—and ran into a busy schedule with the corps opening a new Family Store along with a wedding and three funerals in the first six or seven months.

‘You go in all guns blazing and probably a good lesson would be to take it a bit slower and not try to fix the world in the first six months to a year.’

The amount of paperwork and administration also surprised them. The paperwork is a frustration at times for Robert, keeping him from what he would rather be doing—working with people.

Fortunately, Susan’s background has helped and she takes on much of the administration, handling the financial side for the corps and overseeing its two Family Stores.

Working as a team This is just one of the ways their skills complement, Robert says, which helps them work as a team—both say they really enjoy working together. ‘We share an office and we throw things at each other ... okay, I throw stuff at Robert,’ Susan laughs. ‘It helps for us, just with communication and stuff. You need to be constantly talking, and we like to over communicate.’

‘There are times when we disagree, but we enjoy it and work well

Feature | 07

together. It’s good … when Susan recognises I’m the one that’s right,’ Robert jokes.

Robert mostly handles the preaching and other Sunday tasks and looks after Community Ministries, while Susan looks after the children’s ministry along with mainly music. It’s a job she did not expect to end up doing, she admits.

‘When I was at college, that was the one thing I didn’t want to be doing: children’s ministry. It’s something I had to surrender to God and say, “This is what it is for now; I can sulk about it, or I can get on and do it.” And I’ve actually really enjoyed it, and we’ve seen some big growth in the number of kids coming. The other week we had 36 kids and they’re coming with their family and caregivers.’

sure one of them is home every day when the children get home from school. Having a job that allows one of them to be home after school is a privilege, says Susan.

‘I don’t want [our children] to miss out on things because of what we do because Mum and Dad have to be at church on Sunday morning.

And I want them to love coming to this place [church].’

You’re always going to have bad days, but we have more good days than bad …

We’re big on joy.

Keeping things balanced

Feeling blessed

The busy schedule of being an officer and constantly working with people who may or not like what you do can be draining, Robert admits. He finds funerals particularly hard, not knowing what to say to the family, but says it is a privilege to sit with them and try to represent God’s love at a difficult time.

There are days, Susan says, when she does miss her old job, working on end-of-year financials and tax returns, and the feeling of being in control and not having to deal with people’s issues. But mostly she has no regrets. ‘You’re always going to have bad days, but we have more good days than bad and we definitely enjoy coming to work, and feel fulfilled.’ The staff at the corps also help in making it a lot of fun to be at work, she says.

‘We’re big on joy. There’s a lot of fun that happens here in the office that attracts people to want to be here, and we’ve got a team here that will always do something crazy.’

They also have a good network of other officers willing to listen and offer advice when asked, Robert says.

While there was a good emphasis during training on protecting your day off and family time, and making sure you aren’t overworked, there are always temptations to keep working, Robert says.

Sometimes life gets in the way, though. At the start of their time in New Plymouth, they didn’t always get the balance right for their children, who began to dislike spending so much time at the corps, Susan remembers. But these days they have a better balance, making

Having had other careers before becoming officers and being used to living with two salaries, the change to being students at college had been a shock. Living on an Army wage can cause tension, but never something that couldn’t be resolved by sitting down and talking, Robert says.

‘We still feel very blessed. We never find we’re struggling; we have more than enough to live on. You realise some things are nice, but not necessary, and you learn to appreciate the blessings you do have. That’s something we often talk about, to have an attitude of thankfulness for what we have.’

Spending a lot of time in prayer is also important to handling the stresses of the job and other mundane tasks, Robert says. He tries to combine his hobbies with his ministry and is in a touch rugby team with four corps members and some friends from outside the corps.

He often takes the children with him to games and joined a group of 10 from the corps who took part in the 150 km Round the Mountain running race last year.

‘It keeps me going when I’ve had a day when maybe things didn’t go so well, and I go and play touch or have a run.’

It also helps Susan, who says she enjoys the quiet in the house to read or go to the beach—and the abundance of beaches and outdoor spaces has been great for the family. Overall, she says it was a great decision to take the step to become Salvation Army officers, even if it did take 14 years.

08 | WarCry 24 January 2015

BUDGET

HEALTH

Pricing the Grocery Budget

Breakfast of Champions

If you’re on a budget, you’ve probably wondered whether you spend too much on groceries. Family Budgeting Services has published an extensive survey of food costs, and has tips for saving on your shop.

As we head back to work and school, mornings will again become a battle to get out the door. These ‘on the run’ breakfast ideas will have you eating well, even when you’re short on time.

According to a 2014 survey of food costs, the average basic cost of food per week is $68 for men and $58 for women. This includes common fruits, vegies, meat, dairy and cereals. It doesn’t include extras such as snacks, drinks and sauces, so can only be taken as the most basic measure.

The Health Promotion agency gives five stars to both wheat biscuits and porridge as the top two healthy breakfasts. But there are ways you can eat these on the run:

It will be no surprise to parents of teenage boys that they have the highest food costs, while children under five cost from about $30-$80 per week (with the cost going up as the children get older). In addition, the average non-food costs such as cleaning and personal care products cost about $40 per week for a family with two adults and two children.

Family Budgeting Services suggest you spend the most on the food you should eat the most of, such as bread, cereal foods, fruit and veges. Spend moderately on foods you need in moderate amounts for health, such as red meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese, milk. And spend least on foods that don’t provide many nutrients—even though you like them! These include ‘extras’ such as chocolate, crisps, sweet biscuits, cordials, soft drinks, coffee. ΕΕ Where possible, make food from basic ingredients. ΕΕ Buy whole chicken rather than boned chicken meat or portions. These can be cut into portions for cooking or freezing. Or it can be cooked whole and the meat removed from the bone. ΕΕ Fish fillets are often more cost effective than whole fish. Canned fish is an excellent option. ΕΕ Buy lean cuts of meat that are cheaper but still delicious if slow cooked. ΕΕ Bulk bins are often cheaper than packaged products, so it’s worth comparing. ΕΕ Frozen or canned foods can often be as nutritious and cheaper than fresh foods, and they last much longer.

Sandwich bix: Instead of having wheat biscuits with milk, split one in half, spread with butter and marmite, or peanut butter and jam, and put back together to make a sandwich.

Summer porridge: Prepare this the night before for a no-cook porridge (also called bircher muesli)—mix together 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup low-fat milk, 1 cup plain unsweetened yoghurt, and 1 grated apple. Add flavours such as sultanas, cinnamon, berries, honey, shredded coconut, or drained canned fruit. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Add a little more milk in the morning, and enjoy.

And here are some more ideas for super healthy, super quick brekkies: Egg in a cup: Grease a microwave proof coffee mug and add a pinch of salt in the bottom of the cup. Crack an egg into the cup and pierce the yolk with a fork. Cover with cling wrap. Cook on high for 30 seconds, or 40 seconds for a hard yolk. Stand for 10 seconds, and have on toast or sandwich in a muffin split.

Monkey rolls: Wrap a piece of buttered bread around a banana. Incredibly simple, but kids will love eating their ‘monkey rolls’, and bananas are chock full of nutrients.

Beans on toast: Half a tin of baked beans only takes a minute in the microwave and makes an excellent energy food to start the day. High in fibre and protein, this is also a ‘five-star’ breakfast.

Baked potato or kumara: Scrub to remove any dirt. Pierce skin with a fork a few times. Microwave whole, unpeeled, in the microwave until soft—about 3-4 minutes each. Just grab and go, or top with baked beans, spaghetti, creamed corn, or tuna.

Source: www.breakfast-eaters.org.nz

I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast.

Queen Elizabeth II

Honey-lemon Grilled Chicken

Honey adds sweetness, while the lemon adds zing. Great cooked on the barbecue or under the grill | Serves 4 2–3 cloves garlic, peeled 2 lemons 3 Tbsp manuka honey 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme 4 large or 6–8 smaller (about 1kg total) skinless, boneless chicken breasts salt and pepper to taste

Place garlic in food processor and chop finely. Grate zest from 1 lemon into processor, then squeeze in juice from both. Add honey, oil, soy sauce and thyme, then process again until well mixed.

Place chicken in sturdy plastic bag. Pour in marinade, then squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing bag. Massage sealed bag to evenly coat chicken and leave for 20 mins or longer (refrigerate overnight if desired).

To cook, preheat barbecue grill, then brush lightly with oil. Remove chicken from marinade, season with salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat for 6–8 mins per side, brushing once or twice with remaining marinade.

Serve with a selection of salads and some good bread.

From New Zealand Barbecue Cookbook by Simon and Alison Holst. Go to www.holst.co.nz

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A

Testify Daniel Biško is following God’s call to serve in his homeland of the Czech Republic.

How can I stay motivated?

This year, we’re joining together to read the New Testament as part of The Salvation Army’s 150 year celebrations. But how can we stay motivated beyond January?

With any discipline, the more you do it, the more you want to do it. It takes commitment to begin reading the Bible, but once you have established the habit, you’ll find that you can’t do without it.

Spending time with God in this way is simply an expression of your enjoyment of him, and your desire to know God better. Dwell on what you read, savour the words and ask God to speak through them.

Follow a Bible reading plan: This will help you read with purpose, and break the Bible down into manageable portions. The Salvation Army has launched ‘Boundless: The Whole World Reading’, which leads you through a chapter of the Bible a day (with two days’ break each week). Follow the plan at www. salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge, get a booklet or download the app.

Just read: ... Or you may enjoy reading larger chunks of the Bible—such as the letters in the New Testament that were meant to be read in one sitting. Don’t worry too much if you don’t understand everything, just watch out for what the author is saying about Jesus and our relationship with him.

I grew up in the Communist country of Czechoslovakia. I was six years old when my country became democratic.

At the age of 10, I came in contact with a US evangelistic ministry. It looked a bit like a circus in a large tent. I started to hang out with these Christians. They gave me my first Bible, but it was an old Czech version, something like the King James Version, so I didn’t really understand it.

I started to share my Christian faith at school, but my mother was called in after my teacher, who was still communist, objected. I was told not to talk about Jesus anymore. There was no anchor for me, so I walked away from Christianity and drifted toward new age ideas such as horoscopes, which was more accepted.

That was my life for 17 years, but I was not happy. During this time, I also got into alcohol and mind-altering drugs.

A friend convinced me to go to New Zealand with him, but then pulled out. I’d already resigned my job, so I came here for a six-month holiday but ended up staying for nine years. I was still not happy, but I would just party harder. I was working as an electrician in Blenheim and had lots of money, so it wasn’t hard to party.

One day, though, I got talking about God with a German girl who was working in a Blenheim vineyard. She encouraged me to

read the Bible. I went home that night and read the Bible for about three hours. I was amazed—what a hero Jesus was!

The next day, it was like waking up from a nightmare. I realised what a waste I had been making of my life. From that time on, I haven’t smoked or drunk or taken drugs. I still party, but I don’t need any other substances to have fun.

God pointed me to The Salvation Army. I felt like I was at home there. They had some hard times with me, but they didn’t give up on me.

God called me to become a Salvation Army officer (minister) a month after I became a Christian, so I had to find out what officership was all about. I went through a process with my friends

God broke my heart for my people in the Czech Republic.

Let’s Talk

Find a friend: Meet regularly (whether that’s weekly or monthly) with a friend to encourage each other and talk about what you’ve been learning through the Bible. This will be enriching to you and to your friendship—and encouraging in your relationship with God. Devote your commute: Some people enjoy listening to the Bible on their commute to work, which doesn’t take a lot of effort and can be a great way to gain an overview of the whole Bible story. Or download the ‘Boundless: Whole World Reading’ app so you can follow the reading plan on your mobile device.

Be flexible: If you don’t stick to your plan, don’t worry. It shouldn’t feel like an obligation or regime. Think of it as quality time with Jesus, where you get to know him more deeply.

in Blenheim; they mentored me and opened their homes to me.

While I was doing my officer training, we were asked to think about what God’s call was for us in our officer ministry. I took this seriously, praying and fasting. God broke my heart for my people in the Czech Republic, and serving there became the desire of my heart. God has opened that door for me and I have just taken up my first appointment at Karlovy Vary Corps.

‘Bliss’ is an important word to me—it is about the heavenly joy that bubbles within you, and it only comes from salvation through Jesus Christ. I want to encourage everyone to enjoy the bliss that comes from God. I am so thankful to God for changing my life!

Worship with us

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

NAME:

For a warm welcome and a friendly, supportive community environment, come and worship with us at your local Salvation Army church.

It’s why we do all the things we do. www.salvationarmy.org.nz/centres

ADDRESS:

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

10 | WarCry 24 January 2015

SUDOKU

8 4 1 4 2

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Advice

Difficulty Medium

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7

What’s Your Leadership Style?

Whether you’re running a company, teaching Sunday school, or being a parent, you are a leader. Clinical psychologist Bob Taibbi examines the most common faces of leadership.

7 1

Drill Sergeant: These types of

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1

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leaders are very much in charge, setting high standards. They tend to micromanage and be short on praise.

This sets high standards, but will leaves workers feeling unappreciated. Nobody moves until the boss says so, leaving creative workers frustrated.

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Mother Hen: At the other end

of the spectrum, Mother Hens are nurturing, supportive and empathetic. Staff members love them, but standards can slip as these leaders don’t like confrontation and sometimes see themselves as ‘one of the team’, rather than a manager.

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

QUICK QUIZ

Up and down: You’ve probably had

1 What fraction is equal to 80%?

2 In what year did the Titanic sink?

3 What is the capital of Croatia?

4 Who wrote The Luminaries?

5 What warriors were so extravagant even their camels wore necklaces?

6 Who was the first person to break the sound barrier?

7 What is the biggest fish in the world?

8 What is the coldest ever recorded temperature?

9 Who plays Moses in the new Exodus film?

10 What is the common name for Cordyline australis?

bosses like this. One week they’re raging about billing; the next week that’s forgotten only to be replaced by angst about productivity. One week they ask for feedback; the next week, it’s no longer welcome.

These folks are reactive and often emotional, leaving them scattered and unreliable. Employees feel unsafe and untrusting—meaning staff don’t get the support they need, and managers can no longer maintain quality control.

Checked out: These leaders are

preoccupied with personal problems, are coasting or are burned out—either way, they’ve checked out. Like the up and down boss, staff realise they’re on their own and stick together. Again, quality control is lost.

2 6 9 7 4 3 8 5 1

1 7 5 6 9 8 3 4 2

3 8 4 2 5 1 7 6 9

9 1 2 5 8 6 4 3 7

6 4 3 1 2 7 9 8 5

8 5 7 9 3 4 2 1 6

4 9 6 3 7 5 1 2 8

5 2 8 4 1 9 6 7 3

7 3 1 8 6 2 5 9 4

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

Adrenalin junkies: These leaders are great in any type of crisis. This style is fine if you work in some crisis/emergency setting, but such leaders often deflate after the crisis is over. The problems here are two-fold: because they coast after a crisis, these leaders never create the infrastructure needed

to avoid a crisis, leading to more crises.

The other problem is they are training their staff to do the same: get hyped up in crisis mode, but coast the rest of the time.

Balanced: This is our ideal, our gold standard. These are the leaders who can respond to crises well, but then move forward and create that infrastructure. They have high standards, but are also nurturing.

They may change their minds from time to time, but they avoid drama, are not reactive, and are dependable and available.

Not everyone is a leader is the workplace, but these leadership styles can be found in all walks of life. Unlike much of our society, the Bible teaches that leaders should be humble, putting others needs above their own. They should be encouraging and give others the chance to develop their God-given gifts.

So, which face of leadership do you present? And is there a gap between your style, and a balanced, godly leadership style?

The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve. John Stott

Quick quiz answers: 1 4/5, 2 1912, 3 Zagreb, 4 Eleanor Catton, 5 The Midianites (Judges 8:24–26), 6 Chuck Yeager, 7 The whale shark, 8 -89.2° Celcius in Vostok, 9 Christian Bale, 10 Cabbage tree.

Commissioning 2014 | 11

BY CHRISTINA TYSON

Commissioning Weekend Celebrates Commitment to God’s Mission The Booth College of Mission graduation evening, held at Hutt City Corps on 12 December 2014, was the first of three public events in the ordination and commissioning weekend of the newest Salvation Army officers from New Zealand.

The annual Booth College of Graduation evening was a celebration of academic achievement. Transformative teaching is the goal at the college, with a focus on guiding people in their understanding of the Bible, Christian mission and personal spiritual development.

Those graduating included eight cadets with their Diploma in Biblical Studies, Diploma in Salvation Army Mission and Ministry, and Certificate of Salvation Army Training; five auxiliary captains with their Certificate of Salvation Army Training; and three youth workers with their Certificate of Salvation Army Youth Work Training.

In addition, two more Diplomas in Biblical Studies, two Graduate Diplomas in Theology, a Bachelor in a Theology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Theology were awarded.

Charles Erlam, Director of the Centre for Distance Learning at Laidlaw College, presented Laidlaw College qualifications. Mr Stephen Opie, Programme Director at Bible Society New Zealand, gave new Bibles to all graduates.

Validictory speaker Cadet Jenny Ratana-Koia was introduced by Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Colonel Barbara Howell as a ‘strong woman of God’. ‘We have grown into our sessional name “He Tukunga Tomairangi, Heralds of Grace”, said Jenny. ‘As a smaller session, we quickly learnt what things we were good at.’ The cadets also drew on help from their children and grandchildren, she said.

Jenny expressed her gratitude to training college staff and expressed their session’s joy to share the commissioning weekend with the five auxiliary captains of the Prayer Warriors session.

Major David Noakes, Principal of Booth College of Mission and Training Principal of the School for Officer Training, was the evening’s guest speaker. He and Major Vyvyenne Noakes (Senior Training Officer, Booth College of Mission and Overseas Development Officer) were concluding their time at Booth College over the weekend ahead of taking on new appointments as divisional leaders in Fiji.

In his introduction to Major David Noakes, Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson expressed the territory’s appreciation for David’s long-term commitment to education and training in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.

Major Noakes, who was converted through The Salvation Army while studying at university, said that he and his wife had a strong

commitment to social justice, something they had appreciated sharing with cadets at the college. The couple had been involved in the training of 11 New Zealand sessions and three Fiji sessions—a total of 151 cadets and auxiliary officers.

Major Noakes was particularly pleased with the stronger commitment to biculturalism that had evolved at Booth College of Mission over the years. ‘Much has been achieved, but much more is to be done,’ he said. It was also significant to see the emergence of a strong Pasifika session in the Messengers of Light (Kaikarere O te Māramatanga) Session, he said.

When it came to the future of Salvation Army training, there would be an ongoing need to adapt to ‘the huge evolutionary changes that are happening in leadership within The Salvation Army,’ said Major Noakes. When considering the ‘professionalism’ of Salvation Army officers, it was important to remember that this was about ‘who we profess’. ‘Jesus must be at the centre,’ he emphasised.

To those about to be commissioned he said, ‘Be brave, be strong, be steadfast and sure. As warriors of old standing watch at the Māori pa, watch after each other, stay alert, and read the times as you go into your ministry and calling.’

Cadets commissioned from the Heralds of Grace (He Tukunga Tomairangi) Session: Lieutenants Daniel Biško, Andrew and Sarah Green, Jenny Ratana-Koia and Peter Koia, Patricia and Tau Mataki, and Jordan Westrupp.

Captains commissioned as part of the Prayer Warriors Session: Captains Lindsay Andrews, David and Denise Daly, and Catherine and Kenneth Walker.

Additional recipients of Qualifications awarded at the Booth College of Mission Graduation: The Salvation Army Certificate of Youth Work Training—James Adams, Barry Kirby and Jonathan Williams; Bachelor of Theology—Karen Neale (in absentia); Graduate Diploma in Theology—Leslie D’Mello, David Wardle; Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology—Lieutenant Bryant Richards.

12 | WarCry 24 January 2015

Commissioning 2014 | 13

Honouring family and friends On Saturday morning, the soon-to-be lieutenants and captains enjoyed a private whānau gathering ahead of their commissioning.

This was an opportunity to celebrate the significant impact of close family members and other mentors on their lives and welcome them into The Salvation Army’s international Silver Star Fellowship.

The Silver Star Fellowship is a means to honour the parents and others who have played a significant part in the development of its officers, explained Commissioner Janine Donaldson. ‘How blessed we are to be with each other and to be part of each other’s’ lives,’ she said.

Representative speaker Cadet Andrew Green said, ‘There have been tears cried for us, prayers prayed, texts sent.’ He thanked family and friends for their support and encouragement and also acknowledged the influence of those who had passed on. ‘They would be so proud of us.’

‘What’s it going to be like to be officer parents?’ Andrew asked.

‘We don’t know, but we know you’re up to it!’

Commissioner Janine Donaldson thanked Colonel Barbara Howell and Lieut-Colonel Rebecca Yousaf for organising the morning, which featured many moving moments—including the sharing of personal letters from the cadets and auxiliary captains with their guests.

There have been tears cried for us, prayers prayed, texts sent.

Ordination and commissioning On Saturday afternoon, a full house at Wellington City Corps witnessed the commitments and consecrations of the territory’s 13 newest Salvation Army officers.

‘We come to support those who are dedicating their whole lives to the redemptive mission of God,’ said Commissioner Robert Donaldson. There was sustained applause when the Territorial Commander noted that this was the first School for Officer Training Session that was fifty per cent Māori.

The service was a blend of solemn moments and exuberance.

Firstly solemnity, with the ordination and commissioning of the eight cadets of the Heralds of Grace (He Tukunga Tomairangi) Session, alongside five auxiliary captains commissioned into the Prayer Warriors Session. And then joyous celebration, with the first appointments given to the new lieutenants and acknowledgement of the Prayer Warriors captains, commissioned after at least five years in various mission appointments.

In her sermon, Commissioner Janine Donaldson preached about the grace of God to the reluctant prophet Jonah. ‘God is still telling us to go to places we don’t want to go,’ she said, ‘but we have to give people God’s message about Jesus.’ She reminded the congregation, along with those watching online, that they could trust God to do great things. ‘Our God has a bigger heart than our reasonable calculations,’ she said. ‘And God says, “Trust me!” ’ Her concluding challenge was that her listeners be willing to ask God to make them less like Jonah and more like Jesus—‘to have renewed compassion for others; to replace anger, fear and hesitation with love’.

We come to support those who are dedicating their whole lives to the redemptive mission of God.

14 | WarCry 24 January 2015

Sunday celebration For the final meeting of the commissioning weekend, the newest lieutenants of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory were delighted to finally be wearing red officer epaulettes.

For this meeting, the cadets heading into their second year of training took centre stage on the platform. Stirring testimonies were given by Lieutenants Daniel Biško and Sarah Green before Booth College of Mission children reminded everyone about the true meaning of Christmas.

Officers that had given increments of long service from 25 to 40 years were recognised—some were present, others were involved in activities in their current appointments. Commissioner Robert Donaldson acknowledged the steadfastness of these faithful servants of God. Majors Michelle and Milton Collins were farewelled for Papua New Guinea, Majors David and Vyvyenne Noakes for Fiji, and Lieutenant Daniel Biško for the Czech Republic. Colonels Barbara and Willis Howell were officially welcomed to the territory—commissioning weekend being the first combined territorial gathering since the couple took up their appointments in September.

In his message, the Territorial Commander reflected on the amazing grace of God, urging everyone to experience salvation through Jesus Christ. ‘Do you know that experience?’ he asked. ‘Do you know that amazing grace? I lived in the Salvation Army world for too many years without knowing it—that change from “lostness” to “foundness”, from blindness to sight.’

He then challenged Salvationists about their personal holiness and corporate holiness, reminding the congregation that grace was available for those things they struggled with in their personal lives and that Salvationists were to stand out as ‘bright lights of hope and goodness’ in the community. ‘It’s not for the glory of The Salvation Army—it’s for the glory of God!’ he said.

With the Christian church in New Zealand about to celebrate 200 years since the gospel was first preached on its shores, Commissioner Donaldson suggested that The Salvation Army had lost some of its evangelistic edge. ‘We’ve got to share our faith,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to speak out the good news—whenever, wherever, however! When did you last give your testimony to a non-Christian and tell them what Jesus has done for you?’ He called for unity in the outworking of the Army’s mission, without a division between church life and social services.

The morning’s final challenge was for new soldiers to be part of the Army’s fighting force for mission, and also for people willing to step up to serve as officers. ‘Obey the calling that God has placed on your heart,’ said Commissioner Donaldson.

The meeting ended with a rousing rendition of ‘I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord’, led by Chief Secretary Colonel Willis Howell.

This was an opportunity to grab the flags and celebrate that the Army’s mission still has plenty of vigour driving it today.

The musical contributions of SpiritSong, The Salvation Army’s national choir, and the Wellington Citadel Band were greatly appreciated, with the musicians providing sensitive and God-glorifying support to the weekend’s worship.

Commissioning 2014 | 15

BY JENNY RATANA-KOIA

Heralds of Grace As valedictorian of the Heralds of Grace (He Tukunga Tomairangi) Session, Jenny Ratana-Koia shared memories and thanks during the Booth College of Mission graduation evening.

Nearly two years ago, a couple younger than our eldest son (Andrew and Sarah Green), a militant-looking couple (Tau and Trish Mataki), a guy with a thick accent (Daniel Biško), and another with long hair (Jordan Westrupp)—all strangers—joined Peter and Imeat our new home, Booth College of Mission, Te Whare Wanganga O Te Ope Whakaora. Together, we commenced our training to become Salvation Army officers (ministers).

Almost two years later, older, with less hair and now used to Daniel’s accent, we have journeyed together through joy, sorrow, tears, fun, operations, a wedding, loss, success and celebrations, to have grown into our sessional name, He Tukunga Tomairangi, the Heralds of Grace.

We shared our studies with School of Bible and Mission students Scott, Joy, Christine and Lynne. We were encouraged by the secondyear cadets’ voices of ‘it gets easier’. And yes, we believed them!

Some of us embraced the opportunity to learn, while others sat at the window dreaming of the ‘front line’ (a note to that person: ‘RS’ stands for ‘Re Submit’, not ‘Really Spectacular’!). For another, study sometimes seemed a blur of ‘What are we doing?’ (usually after a time of deep reflection, with eyes closed and strange, rhythmic-like sounds coming from his corner of the room). Another launched at the learning with a hiss and a roar, maintaining a steady sound throughout the year—frequently accompanied by the words: ‘Can I have a question?’

As a smaller session, we quickly learnt what each of us was good at—determined to carry our weight. This ensured we put aside differences to get the job done to the best of our abilities. With older children and grandchildren as part of our session whānau, we often called upon their help to serve, clean windows and stock take library books. (Tamariki ma, thank you!)

We went from ‘context, context, context’ in our first year, to ‘inquiry learning’ in our second, where the process became as important as the content. This learning, now finished, has enabled us to stand back and reflect on the deeper, self-learning we have done in many more areas than were covered in the eight modules of the Diploma in Salvation Army Mission and Ministry.

Tonight, we recognise all those graduating alongside us. To the Prayer Warriors, you have already given at least five years’ service and

we consider it an honour to be standing alongside you this weekend.

To those receiving Certificate of Youth Work training after three years, to Leslie and David on your Graduate Diplomas of Theology, and to Lieutenant Bryant on your Post-Graduate Diploma of Theology —congratulations to you all!

Our real journey is to partner with God in his reconciling ministry in the world.

That is the journey. That is the invitation.

That’s grace.

To the staff of Booth College of Mission, for two years you have walked beside us, showing us many things along the way. Seen and unseen as you marked assignments, planned lessons and timetables, found library books, wrestled with us on our inquiry questions, prayed for us and with us, and so much more—it has been a real privilege, and we sincerely thank you.

Heralds of Grace? Well, we are definitely heralds, because we all have something to say. But heralds of grace? That’s something of another quality. On our Covenant Day, Major Lorraine LePine testified that ‘God invites me (us), to partner with him in his reconciling ministry in the world, even as I am still being reconciled myself.’ That is the journey. That is the invitation. That’s grace.

My friends, even though we will physically journey to the Czech Republic, the Kapiti Coast, Auckland, Wellington and Whangarei, our real journey is to partner with God in his reconciling ministry in the world. That is the journey. That is the invitation. That’s grace. André Cox, our General, reminds us that ‘through your being and in your doing, you are to make clear God’s grace’.

Heralds: ‘Stay soft’, and always … rush slowly!

I conclude with these words from Catherine Booth, one of our Founders: ‘For your heart, as for mine, the question is not, do I understand God, but do I trust him? Not do I agree with God, but do I obey him? Not do I see God, but do I love him? If we can answer to these questions “I do” then we shall not be ashamed before him when we see Him “face to face”.’

16 | WarCry 24 January 2015

Pope says Salvationists and Catholics Meet on Peripheries of Society In a private audience with the Salvation Army General at the Vatican on 12 December 2014, Pope Francis said theological differences do not impede the witness of a shared love of God and neighbour.

General André Cox told Vatican radio that he had asked for an audience because in recent years there had been ‘some pretty intensive and helpful and useful discussions’ between Catholics and Salvationists, culminating in the publication of a book entitled Conversations with the Catholic Church. These talks, he said, have revealed ‘so many points of faith that connect us together, but also our passion and commitment for social justice and work among the poor’.

The audience, he continued, was an opportunity to present the book to the Pope and to express thanks and prayer support for him ‘since many of the things he’s been expressing really resonate with the heart of Salvationists around the world’. Describing Pope Francis as ‘a people’s person’, the Salvation Army leader said the pontiff spoke off-the-cuff to describe his memory of walking, as a four-year old, with his grandmother in Argentina and seeing two Salvation Army ladies in their distinctive hats and uniforms. Despite the prevailing Catholic view that Protestants ‘were destined to Hell’, Bergoglio’s grandmother told him they were ‘Protestants, but good people’, awakening in the young boy an opening to ecumenical encounter.

Pope Francis’ greeting to the Salvation Army delegation Dear Friends, … I extend a warm welcome to you, the leadership of The Salvation Army, well known to me for its evangelising and charitable mission.

Your visit is the happy outcome of more frequent and fruitful contacts in recent years between The Salvation Army and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, including a series of theological conversations aimed at fostering a better understanding of one another, mutual respect and regular collaboration. I earnestly hope that Catholics and Salvationists will continue to offer a common witness to Christ and to the Gospel in a world so much in need of experiencing God’s boundless mercy.

Catholics and Salvationists, together with other Christians, recognise that those in need have a special place in God’s heart, so much so that the Lord Jesus Christ himself became poor for our sake (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). As a result, Catholics and Salvationists often meet in the same peripheries of society. It is my hope that our shared faith in Jesus Christ the Saviour, the one mediator between God and man (cf. 1 Timothy 2:5), will become evermore the firm foundation of friendship and cooperation between us.

‘The Church which “goes forth” is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice. An evangelising community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative; he has loved us first (cf. 1 John 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads, and welcome the outcast. Such a community has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of its own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy’ (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 24).

I pray that in today’s world all of Christ’s disciples will make their contribution with the same conviction and dynamism that The Salvation Army demonstrates in its devoted and highly appreciated service. The differences between Catholics and Salvationists regarding theological and ecclesiological questions need not impede the witness of our shared love of God and love of neighbour, a love which is capable of inspiring a concerted commitment to restoring the dignity of those who live on the margins of society.

Dear friends, I pray to God for the work of The Salvation Army. May many people in difficulty continue to rely on your efforts, which enable Christ’s light to shine in the darkest recesses of their lives. May you and your fellow Salvationists be filled with the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom, understanding, fortitude and peace, and so witness to the Lord’s Kingdom in our suffering world. And I ask that you also pray for me.

Thank you.

General Cox’s response Your Holiness, It is a very great honour to be able to meet with you personally. On behalf of Salvationists living in 126 countries I bring messages of cordial greeting, but more importantly offer assurance of prayer support for the tremendous responsibilities that God has entrusted to you.

Through many of your public utterances, alongside the actions you are taking to address various matters within the Catholic Church, we clearly recognise your Christlikeness as you seek faithfully to be a true minister of the Gospel. This example of holiness transcends denominational boundaries and we are grateful to God for every evidence of his Spirit abiding in your life.

Your commitment in the fight against poverty, injustice and corruption is something that resonates strongly in the hearts of Salvationists. Speaking entirely personally, this aligns completely with my own deeply held convictions. Like you, Salvationists firmly believe that the Church, being the body of Christ, must reflect the mind of Christ. As such, we should be a welcoming community that in practical ways exerts a redemptive presence within God’s good, though fallen, creation.

As Salvationists, we are keenly aware that our places of Christian worship are not retreats from the world for a select few. Rather, they are bridgeheads of God’s Kingdom into the world—Jesus-centred, grace-filled communities serving others selflessly. Our churches are places in which Christ’s disciples can be resourced, empowered and enabled to fulfil the Great Commission—in word and in deed. Paul, in writing to the Philippians, helpfully testifies: ‘What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage; that I may gain Christ.’

Catholics and Salvationists are united in affirming the dignity and value of each human life, recognising that all are created in the image of God. We readily acknowledge how our shared desire to be faithful to God’s calling upon our lives binds us in common endeavour. We share concern about and action against ongoing societal evils such as slavery; human trafficking; addiction; and stigmatisation of those who are HIV-positive. Countless Catholic priests and Salvation Army officers live and minister side by side, together serving some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people. Our complementarity stems from faith-filled action that, for Catholics and Salvationists, is motivated by an obedience to Jesus Christ for the greater glory of God. Alongside the instances of Salvationists and Catholics working closely together, I wonder whether there may also be opportunities on occasion for us to speak with a united voice. One such example of a shared message is our recently published book, Conversations with the Catholic Church. It is my pleasure and privilege this morning to present you with a copy. Not only is this a record of most enriching and fruitful dialogue between 2007 and 2012, I believe this publication positions us perfectly to take our discussions further. It is my hope and prayer that we will not only walk alongside each other, edifying though that is, but will walk together as credible witnesses to the truth that Jesus is Lord.

Thank you very much indeed for so graciously meeting with me today. I consider this a most precious privilege.

Noticeboard | 17

International Bible Reading Challenge

CALENDAR JANUARY 22–29: Summer Peak Adventure / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 23-26: Festival One / Mystery Creek, Wellington 26: Auckland Anniversary 26–1 Feb: Zonal Leaders Conference / Taiwan 26–29: Youth Apprenticeship Retreat

WEEK 4 Matthew 16 to 20 | WEEK 5 Matthew 21 to 25 Go to www.salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge for daily reading guides and more.

National Youth Band Annual Rehearsal Camp

FEBRUARY 2: Nelson Anniversary 2: Divisional Planning Day / Central Division 3: Orientation for new officers / Northern Division 4–8: SpiritSong Rehearsal Camp / Silverstream 5–8: National Youth Band Rehearsal Camp / Silverstream 6: Waitangi Day 9: Powhiri and Inaugural Assembly / Booth College of Mission 9: Territorial Personnel Conference / Territorial Headquarters 11: State of the Nation Launch 13–15: Children & Youth Leaders Retreat / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 15: Divisional Welcome Meeting (Hamilton) / Midland Division 16: Divisional Retreat / Northern Division 16–17: Officers Councils / Midland Division 17: Officer/Staff Retreat / Tonga Region 18: Officers Councils / Central Division 20–22: Father and Kids Weekend / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 21: Safe to Serve: Train the Trainers / Northern Division 22: Divisional Welcome Meeting / Central Division 23: Officers Councils (East) / Fiji Division

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 26 January to 1 February: Zonal Leaders Conference / Taiwan 6 February: Waitangi Day Commemoration / Government House, Wellington 11 February: State of the Nation Launch / Wellington 23–25 February: Officers Councils / Southern Division Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 17–18 January: Amplify Territorial Creative Arts Camp / Wellington 26 January to 1 February: Zonal Leaders Conference / Taiwan 11 February: State of the Nation Launch / Auckland 15–17 February: Officers Councils / Midland Division

5–8 February, Silverstream Retreat

Corps are being asked to identify additional players aged from 13 to 30 years who may wish to attend this camp to shape their own musical skills and also to audition for the National Youth Band should they wish to. If you would be interested and haven’t already been approached, please get in touch. Go to www.salvationarmy.org. nz/nyb for National Youth Band membership criteria, or contact Executive Officers Majors Graham and Lynne Medland, e: graham_medland@nzf.salvationarmy.org, lynne_medland@nzf.salvationarmy.org

Survivor’s Guide to Hell, Part Two Available now! Five high impact stories of faith told by one of New Zealand’s top investigative reporters.

• The real story behind how Paul Young wrote The Shack.

• The awesome tale of Auckland’s Bray family, who battled Andy Bray’s severe health problems and then the death of their daughter in the Elim College canyoning tragedy in 2007.

• A middle Eastern peacemaker with a message ripped from today’s headlines.

• The bravery of a pint-sized battler fighting at the coal face of today’s domestic violence crisis.

• Kiwi Grace Adams takes us back to David Koresh’s compound in Waco, from which she escaped 20 years ago.

Email: rob@robharley.co.nz to order, $49.95 plus p&p.

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

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? For reports, regular newsletters, challenging articles and Salvation Army government submissions:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Hutt City, Invercargill, Johnsonville, Kapiti and Kelvin Grove Corps, The Salvation Army HomeCare, The Salvation Army Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory.

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES online:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/employment

Study to advance Christ’s mission in today’s world Study full-time or part-time at Booth College of Mission The Salvation Army’s Booth College of Mission in Upper Hutt offers a wide range of study options. We provide supportive and stimulating teaching in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Study with us to achieve a Diploma of Christian Studies (DipCS)—a one-year programme (or equivalent part-time) of 120 NZQA-approved credits.

Select papers from: biblical studies; Christian thought and history; pastoral studies, preaching and worship; personal growth and skills for ministry; and mission eduction.

Talk to us about studying in 2015 Contact Academic Registrar Alison Hobbs e: alison_hobbs@nzf.salvationarmy.org.nz p: (04) 528 8628 God not only built my self-confidence, He showed me I had gifts that I’d never known.

If you’re thinking about studying here, go for it! You’ll grow. You’ll be fed. God is here.

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/boothcollege

18 | WarCry 24 January 2015

LEADERSHIP LINKS

Thank God for his lasting covenant, written on our hearts and minds.

The December commissioning of the cadets and auxiliary captains is always a significant event in our Salvation Army calendar. Heralded by tremendous music and an excited audience, 13 men and women presented themselves to be ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers.

What does this mean? Well, these men and women were making covenant with God and being appointed to Salvation Army mission and ministry. Each one signed a promise that commences with the words ‘Called by God’. Further on are the words ‘I bind myself to him in this solemn covenant’.

I cannot be part of this commissioning occasion without these words speaking to me again and again, reminding me what it means to be in covenant with God. I’m by no means a religious scholar, and sometimes words get in my way, but this is what I think: God has shown us continually throughout time his commitment to us. From the beginning of time when Adam and Eve sinned, God remained committed. He made a commitment to Abraham in which he promised land, offspring and blessings. God sealed this commitment by sending his son Jesus Christ down from Heaven to walk among us, teach us, and give up his life for us.

If Christianity was primarily about our commitment to God, it would fail miserably because of our human nature. We promise to commit, to do better and not to sin, only to fail, feel guilty, repent and … sometimes … to do it all over again.

Thank God that he is more committed to us, than the other way around. And praise God that he helps us to live more and more like Christ!

In making their own covenant with God, these new lieutenants and captains have committed to follow God’s plans and purpose for their lives. They have committed to proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ, motivated by their own love of God. Their mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination. This is a tremendous commitment, worthy of a tremendous God! Hebrews 8:10 says, This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Thank God for his lasting covenant, written on our hearts and minds. May we be fervent in honouring the promises we have made in return.

A quotation comes to my mind as I reflect on the events of last December’s commissioning weekend: ‘It takes a radical commitment and significant sacrifice to really follow Jesus. And it’s worth it!’

Amen to that!

Commissioner Janine Donaldson Territorial President of Women’s Ministries

Accepted for Training JOYFUL INTERCESSORS (HE KAIWHAKAWHITI O TE HARI) SESSION (2015-2016) Emma and Jacob Howan (Wellington South Corps) Emma currently works as an Advisor in the Governance and Crown Entities team at the Ministry of Health and Jacob is a Senior Operations Representative at Kiwibank’s head office.

As soldiers of Wellington South Corps (church), they are both members of the Wellington South Band (Emma playing cornet and Jacob playing euphonium) and jointly oversee children’s ministries at the corps as Young People’s Sergeant Majors.

Emma felt God first calling her to officership at youth councils in 2005, but did not want to believe that was what God was calling her to, so she made her own plans and tried to convince herself this was a call to a greater involvement at her corps. At that same youth councils, Jacob knew God was calling him to something bigger than where he was—and bigger than where he thought he was going. It was at a family reunion three years later that Jacob felt that call was officership.

Since that family reunion, Emma and Jacob have known they are called as a couple to serve God as officers of The Salvation Army, but they also felt God strongly telling them to prepare and wait for him to let them know the right timing. God reconfirmed this on many occasions. It was at congress last year that both felt God giving them a firm timeline and the direction ‘go’.

They now look forward to seeing how God will use them as they put their trust in him and ‘go’. Stepping out of the comforts they know, and into what is unknown but already planned out by God.

Following the Call An officer is a senior soldier who has responded to a calling from God to devote all their time and energies to the service of God. The road can be hard, but it brings incredible joy and immense fulfilment.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Speak to your local Divisional Candidates Secretary or talk to your corps officer. The application process that follows gives time and space for God’s will to be tested and confirmed.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/officership for more info

Mission Matters | 19

BY COLONEL WILLIS HOWELL

Beware of Imitations How do you know if you’ve spotted a genuine Salvationist, or if you’re just looking at some wannabe or poser?

Here’s a question for you: what is it that makes a Salvationist a Salvationist?

I think there would be general agreement that a case could be made to support the idea that not everyone who simply wears an Army uniform is a ‘blood-and-fire’ Salvationist. It’s a complete reversal of Shakespeare’s old axiom that ‘clothes make the man’ (or woman, as the case may be). Now, of course, an equal case could be made for the flipside: not everyone who doesn’t wear a uniform—or attend a corps, or in some other way align themselves with the Army in a denominational sense—isn’t a Salvationist at heart.

So, if all that’s true, let’s come back to the question: what is the ‘it’ that brands or identifies someone as a Salvationist? What sets the genuine article apart from the wannabes and posers? Working from the assumption that we can readily recognise one when we see one, what would cause any one of us to sit up and say, ‘Now, there’s a true Salvationist’?

It’s a bit like telling the difference between an authentic highquality watch—built with all the materials and exacting Swiss craftsmanship that allows it keep precise time—and the cheap lookalike, knock-offs sold on the streets of some large metropolitan cities and tourist spots. Put the two side by side and they look almost identical at first glance. But the pretender just can’t stand up to a closer examination. There are shortcomings and inconsistencies in the fake that just aren’t there in the authentic Swiss watch.

Further, the performance difference between the two will only become more and more evident over time (no pun intended). The fact is real quality isn’t cheap. It comes at a cost—and you know it when you see it.

The same is true when it comes to the quality of the genuine Salvationist spirit. It can be cheaply imitated, but it can never be truly duplicated by artificial means. Let’s be clear: the pretend version can be made to look similar to the real thing, but it is just not the same. And like that fake watch, the difference only becomes more obvious over time. You see, the real spirit can only come from the real Spirit. And while the Holy Spirit is available to everyone, only those willing to pay the price of complete self-surrender actually receive him. And again, like the real Swiss watch, you know ‘it’ when you see it.

In addition to the crucial presence of the Holy Spirit, let’s consider some other ‘it’ factors that set the true Salvationist apart from the pretend version. These have to do with certain attitudes of the heart, such as a burning inner zeal, a compelling holy determination, and a

complete abandonment of self to the extent that whatever breaks the heart of Jesus also breaks the heart of the Salvationist—to the point that they have to do something about it.

This quote from Salvation Army founder William Booth relates to the heart of the matter: If you are a Salvationist, your lips will say so; your clothes will say so; your holy life will say so; your prayers and tears and songs will say so; your standing up for God in the face of a perverse and rebellious generation will say so; your efforts to save people from sin, and devils, and Hell will say so. The word of the Lord will be as fire in your bones, it will compel you to speak—that is confess your Lord.

While there cannot be the possession of salvation without the profession, there can be the profession without the possession. You can have the form of a thing without the spirit which the form represents.

The pretend version can be made to look similar to the real thing, but it is not the same.

That guy sure had a clear way of putting things, wouldn’t you say?

So, let’s use Booth’s description as the basis for a little exercise in selfexamination.

If someone were to follow you or me around every minute of every day for, say, a solid month—listening in on all of our conversations, observing our lifestyle and attitudes, taking note of everything we wore and what it communicated about our values, documenting the TV shows and movies we watch, the books and articles we read, the music that entertains us, hearing our prayers, keeping a record of the passions that stir us—what would they conclude at the end of that month? Salvationist, or something less?

Remember Booth’s words: ‘While there cannot be the possession of Salvation without the profession, there can be the profession without the possession. You can have the form of a thing without the spirit which the form represents.’

So, what about you? Real or imitation? Are you a genuine Salvationist, or do you just look like one?

Here’s a thought: why not ask God to give you the answer, since he is the one who does in fact take note of all you do and why you do it?

And you’ll never need to pretend with him.

GOD & FAITH

We’re well into January now, so those well-intentioned resolutions you quickly thought of as the clock counted down to Midnight on New Year’s Eve are, well … gone.

You had every intention of keeping them, but let’s be honest, the year caught up with you (all three or so weeks of it!) or other things got in the way (like the summer weather, Amplify or family holidays).

As a result, you realised you were never motivated enough to complete your resolutions about watching the entire series of Friends in a month, completing your family tree, or cutting down on your sugar intake.

But the resolution thing isn’t such a bad idea.

Having goals and working towards positive change is … positive! So, whether you have made resolutions for 2015 (and already given up) or not, here is our top list of New Year’s Resolutions worth keeping:

24 JANUARY 2015 | 21

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UP YOUR FAITH GAME

CONNECT MORE

This is top of the list because God and our faith should be our top priority. If we’re serious about our faith, we should be serious about putting time and effort into it. So make time this year to get into prayer and the Bible more.

Make a commitment to hang out with God regularly and hear from him. Make an effort to get along to church and catch up with other Christians who can encourage you. Why not make 2015 the year that you commit to growing closer to God?

Get off Facebook and get out more! … But seriously, relationships are super important and sometimes we neglect them. God didn’t intend for us to be lonely or left on our own; we were created to be relational beings and in community with others. Often we feel like we’re ‘connected’ with others because we’re always texting, Facebooking or Snapchatting someone, but a lot of the time this is detrimental to real ‘connecting’. You know, when you’re hanging out with someone who is constantly checking their phone? Yeah … why not make 2015 the year you connect with others in more intentional and in-the-moment ways?

Tips to actually do it:

Prioritise. So you’re busy, we get it. But we should be making people a priority. If you’re struggling to find time to see your friends, re-think things. Or find ways you can stick to your commitments and see them, like inviting them to church or playing on the same sports team.

Set yourself a Bible challenge. Maybe it’s getting through the Bible in a year or sticking to reading your Bible each day. (Join in the Boundless: The Whole World Reading Challenge and read through the whole New Testament with Sallies from around the world this year—go to www.salvationarmy.org/ biblechallenge.)

Find a mentor. If you really want to stick to something, find someone who will ask you about it. Catch up with an older Christian regularly and share honestly with them.

Get creative about prayer. If you struggle to pray, get creative about how you do it. If you fall asleep each night during your prayer time, why not commit to prayer in the morning as well?

EXERCISE YOUR BODY + MIND Now, we don’t all like exercise. It can be painful, sweaty and downright awkward. But the truth is exercise is good for us: physically and mentally. So whether you like or hate it, we should all be trying our best to be active.

Exercising our body is good for our physical health and wellbeing, but our physical state totally affects our emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Exercising our minds by learning new things, discussing, reading and being creative is also really good for us and our development. Why not make 2015 the year you get more active both physically and mentally?

Tips to actually do it: Find your rhythm. If running or studying at 6 am isn’t appealing, don’t do it! Find a time and way that works for you. Make it fun!

Get into your passions. You don’t always have to learn new things that you aren’t interested in—figure out something you think could be cool and go with that. Like learning about dinosaurs or how to make awesome cheesecake.

Join others. Often we’re more motivated if we’re doing things with others, so why not join a sports team for exercise or go to an art gallery or museum with friends?

Tips to actually do it: Limit social media. We aren’t against Facebook (it’s a great way to connect with others), but make sure you’re balancing that with spending actual time in person with friends and family.

Text a week. Texting can never replace real, face-to-face conversation, but it’s a quick/easy way to show someone you’re thinking of them. You could commit to texting a different friend each week to say hey and catch up. You never know how much this could impact them!

Make a commitment to hang out with God regularly and hear from him this year.

GIVE A LITTLE

STICK TO SERVING

The Bible talks a lot about money and how we should use it. We’re encouraged to be generous with our money, although this doesn’t necessarily mean we should give all of it away this year! But maybe it is time to consider where all your hard earned cash is really going and how you could be using it better. Why not consider ways that you could use your money to bless others this year, as well as yourself?

Jesus’ life (and those of his friends) is a great example of serving, which is all about putting others first in order to build them up. Now, you don’t have to wash people’s feet if that ain’t your thing, but maybe there is another way you can roll up your sleeves and do your part. This might be helping out more around the house, at your church, in your school or around your local community. There is no one way to do it, so why not find a way to serve that you are passionate about this year?

Tips to actually do it: Decide a saving goal. Figure out where you would like to be in six months, and put some weekly or monthly goals in place that will help you save that amount.

Give away. The saying goes that we’ve been ‘blessed to be a blessing’—in what ways could you do this more? What charity could you donate to? What friend might need a helping hand?

Commit to tithing. Supporting your local church financially is totally a biblical concept and something really cool to commit to. Play your part this year.

Tips to actually do it: Join a team. This could be the charity committee at school, the music team at church or the clean-up group in your community.

Being part of a team means there are people to encourage you to keep doing good.

Check out Mark 10:35-45. Reflect about Jesus’ teaching on what it means to really serve, and be inspired by the example of Jesus’ own life.

Do what you enjoy. Find something you’re interested in or passionate about, and get involved in that way.

There’s a great passage in the Bible (in Philippians 1:6) where Paul is writing to his pals and encourages them in what they’re doing, that ‘he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’.

Paul is basically saying that you ain’t done yet, that God is still working in you, and that this won’t stop until Jesus returns again. This means, we’re not finished! We’re not fully developed, we still need working on and we still have work to do. God needs our help in that—we need to be working on ourselves too, so that God can continue working in and through us.

So, we reckon you won’t regret committing to working on yourself, your faith and your relationships this year. Surely, those are resolutions worth keeping!

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EVENTS | 22

Tonga Youth Councils Meetings were held in the Fifa Ground in the middle of Tongatapu. The regional youth committee prepared and organised the event and came up with the theme of ‘3Ds: ONE Direction, ONE Desire, ONE Decision—Make it all count’, based on Judges 6:12.

We began on Friday night with an opening ceremony, and all the young people performed a ‘haka’ to welcome the guests and friends from other corps. This was really fun! It was awesome to see all the young people so excited about the weekend.

ALBUM REVIEW

Regional Commander Captain Sila Siufanga led us in an opening prayer and gave a short Bible message, before all the youth leaders shared highlights and challenges faced in their corps’ youth ministry during the year.

On Saturday morning, after devotions, we headed down to Veitongo Village where we took part in community service as part of our reaching out. We all felt blessed that we could serve others by picking up rubbish. Some people stopped and asked us what we were doing and where we were from … and even bought us drinks!

It was a blessing to have Captains Janette and Kevin Waugh as our speakers for the weekend before they moved back to New Zealand. In our first session, Janette focused on ‘One Direction’ and how God had directed Gideon.

She encouraged us to turn to God when we face our own problems. Kevin then led a second session on ‘One Desire’. After each session, we had 30 minutes to discuss in our groups what stood out for us from what we’d heard.

We also divided into age group sessions, where a panel discussed different issues. There were three age groups: 14 to 17-year-olds talked about bullying and fighting injustice; 18 to

MONUMENTS TO AN ELEGY

Alt Rock

The Smashing Pumpkins

Monuments to an Elegy is The Smashing Pumpkin’s ninth studio album, and is one part of the extended concept album Teargarden by Kaliedyscope.

Monuments is a short record, clocking in at just over half an hour, but it’s well written and stands easily alongside some of the best Pumpkins’ material. Billy Corgan’s distinctive vocals pierce through the mix and sit nicely on top of the grungy guitar tones and warm synths. The tone of the record ranges from hopeful to melancholy. The short length and pacing of the record makes it easy to take in, and even easier to hit repeat after it’s finished. Worth a listen.

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

ALBUM REVIEW

From 5-7 December 2014, 76 young people from around the Kingdom of Tonga (including 20 from the Vava’u Corps Plant, on the other island of Tongatapu) got together for Youth Councils.

BY FILIPE SAAFI

22-year-olds talked about relationships; and 23 to 30-year-olds talked about marriage.

On Saturday night we had an awesome ‘Praise Party’, with every youth group performing an item. It was a blessing to see how God has given so many different talents to the young people of Tonga!

On our final day, we kicked off the morning with two panels—boys only and girls only—to discuss some of the matters that were raised the day before. This was a great way to talk openly about some stuff with just the girls or guys.

Our final session was led by Captain Kevin Waugh as he concluded the weekend by talking about ‘One Decision’. We learnt that our decision will determine our destination.

Over the weekend, 22 young people came forward for prayer—some were rededications and for others, it was the first time they were giving their lives to God. Awesome!

FOR YOU

Pop

Selena Gomez

For You is a compilation record from singer Selena Gomez that showcases heavy hip hop grooves and thick electropop influences. The record’s 14 tracks are consistent, and the tempo rarely strays from the club standard. ‘Who Says’ breaks up the synth-heavy first four tracks with a refreshing acoustic guitar, and Gomez’s vocals carry a surprising amount of weight and power. However, the only variety you’ll find here is the reggae influenced ‘Bidi Bidi Bom Bom’, which is probably the album’s weakest track. A great collection that fans should definitely check out.

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

Maze fun!

Fun4Kids | 23

Sometimes the school holidays can get a bit boring. But if you run out of cool stuff to do, you can always tidy your room …

Brain Exercises

School’s back soon, get your brain in shape with these tricky questions … (ask someone to time you, to discover how quick you are!)

s?

1. Are butterflies insect 2. What is the fifth planet from the sun?

3. Which is bigger: the African or Asian elephant?

the Rings?

5. Who stole the ring in The Lord of

6. What sort of grass do pandas eat?

7. What is the name of an adult female horse?

8. How many strings are on a standard

guitar?

4. Name five comic-book superheroes n 9. Name the world’s highest mountai

10. Name the colours of the rainbow

Read It

‘Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly and proper …’ (Philippians 4:8, CEV)

Let’s Talk The Salvation Army junior soldier promise talks about leading a life that is ‘clean in thought, word and deed’.

If we start watching TV shows, movies and You Tube clips where people say or do mean or wrong things, we might start to copy what we hear and see. That’s because what we put INTO our mind makes a difference to what comes OUT OF our lives.

God wants us to focus on things that are ‘true, pure, right, holy, friendly and proper’. When we put good things in our lives, it’s much easier to please God and help others.

This year, think carefully about what you put in your mind. And choose friends who will help you to make good choices!

Let’s Pray Jesus, help me to make good decisions about what I look at on TV and on the internet. Help me to fill my mind with things that please you. Amen.

Answers: 1 Yes, 2 Jupiter, 3 African, 4 There are lots! We’re sure you’ll be able to name just three, 5 Gollum, 6 Bamboo, 7 A mare, 8 Six, 9 Mt Everest (8848 metres), 10 Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

hi, i’m junior.

Do you know a young person who needs help reaching

their dreams?

Aspire is a FREE Salvation Army youth development programme to help 11–16 year olds address challenges and achieve their goals.

1-year programme of weekly group sessions 3-day adventure-based learning course planning and teamwork on a community project goal-setting for now and the future

Sign up by 1 February for the 2015 Aspire programme Go to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/aspire

THANKS TO THE WAREHOUSE GROUP FOR FUNDING ASPIRE