FAITH IN ACTION  28 JULY 2018 | Issue 6697 | $1.50
The Gaming Crisis Around the World: Self Denial 2018 Encouraging Without Embarrassment
EYE PRIZE ALL BLACK JACK GOODHUE
Getting Drastic About Plastic Why Our New Website is a Bigger Deal Than You Think
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL André Cox | FOUNDERS William
& Catherine Booth
The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission. MANAGING EDITOR Ingrid Barratt | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Hugh Collins, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill
Gainsford, Vivienne Hill OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box
6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Fax (04) 382 0716, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT www.makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset
is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System. 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 135 years | Issue 6697 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
www.salvationarmy.org.nz salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft
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Stallone and the Sallies ‘I am the sum total of everyone I’ve ever met,’ said Sylvester Stallone, during his speech after winning a Golden Globe. Stallone didn’t build his career on Shakespearean dialogue, so this struck me as surprisingly profound. Quantum physics—the study of atoms and particles—has found that at our simplest anatomical level we are all floating particles. There is literally no real end or beginning to ourselves or others. In his creation, God has given us a startling metaphor of how we are all connected. Yet, in our individualistic culture, we have little understanding of how we belong to others and others belong to us. In God’s eyes, we are all part of the same neighbourhood. We are all welcome, we all belong, we are all connected through the love of the Father. When we understand that we have more in common with the gangster or the addict— or the annoying person at church—than we have differences, we begin to close the gap between ourselves and ‘them’. This is what The Salvation Army’s Self Denial Appeal is about. Our neighbour is the person on the other side of the world who needs help—because the other side of the world is not that far when we see with the eyes of God. This week, I have the great pleasure of welcoming talented journalist Hugh Collins to the team. He comes to us from a stint at Newshub. He is also a musician, and committed to the values of Christ—saying he believes being a Christian is more about asking questions than having answers. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading his stories over the coming months. Ingrid Barratt Editor
We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matiu 6:20 Erangi pūrangatia mō koutou he taonga ki te rangi, ki te wāhi e kore ai e whakangaro te huhu, te waikura, ki te wāhi hoki e kore ai e keri te tāhae, tāhae ai.
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ecently, the Secular Education Network took a case to the Human Rights Commission, arguing that the Bible in Schools programme promotes Christianity and marginalises every other religion. It further states that Bible in Schools ‘…does not mention “Islam” in any of their lessons’. The Human Rights Commission has recommended a case be taken to the High Court. One of the highlights of my early education was the half-hour I spent every week attending Bible in Schools class, taught by a uniformed salvationist. These happy memories formed the basis for my desire to become a Bible in Schools teacher myself. As a young mum, I taught for two years and appreciated the well-thought-out lessons provided by the organisation. There is an obvious dichotomy in the Secular Education Network’s argument: a supposedly ‘secular’ network is promoting the teachings of other religions. I suspect the Network is taking a pluralistic stance to get around the implications a High Court decision will hold for Māori, particularly since culture and religion are interwoven in everyday practice, and a negative ruling may well see the end of karakia and instruction in schools. Another anomaly is the spokesperson’s quote in the Dominion Post on 20 June, where he states that, ‘They teach all our values come from Christianity’. In fact, not only does Christianity underpin our current laws and values, but Christians also founded the first New Zealand schools. If the High Court case is successful, according to the Network: ‘all religious beliefs needed to be
covered’ in schools. It will be interesting to see where this shaky line is drawn and what constitutes ‘religious belief’. Will that include the religion of the Jedi Knights? (In the 2001 Census, 53,000 New Zealanders registered their religion as Jedi.) Not all Christians see the High Court challenge as a threat. Professor Peter Lineham, author of Sunday Best and himself a Christian, believes the Network’s case is a good thing for Christianity. He told TVNZ’s Breakfast that, ‘I’m quite sure that their proposal is much the best option. What we really need in our schools with the great religious diversity, is a knowledge of your neighbour’s religion … I believe that somehow, the school curriculum should include compulsory religion.’ Bible in Schools has held this space in our schools for many years and this is not the first time it has been challenged. It remains to be seen whether this small corner of Christian expression will remain in place, but, regardless of the outcome, the church’s job is to continue to present the gospel in all its simplicity and beauty to the coming generations. If necessary, will Bible in Schools rise to the challenge and seek another way to shine the light of Christianity to coming generations? I am confident that the empty tomb of the gospels and the living presence of Christ will not only hold its own beside other religions, but bring the hope of eternal life to every child that hears the Christian message of redemption. BY VIVIENNE HILL
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TOPFIVE With the alarming news that Shortland Street: The Musical has opened in Auckland, here’s some other real-life musicals we can’t quite believe actually happened (but they did): 1 Octomom! The Musical—the true story of Natalie Suleman, an American who gave birth to eight babies—after already having six children.
Weird of the Week: Christchurch urban legend has it that a family with a young son visited the Antarctic Centre. When they got back they ran him a bath. Next minute, they heard a commotion in the bath. They ran in to discover a live penguin in the bath with their boy— apparently he had smuggled it home in his backpack. The penguin was returned unharmed.
2 T riassic Parq—Jurassic Park from the perspective of the dinosaurs.
QUIKQUIZ
3 Jerry Springer: The Opera— The outrageous talk show that was made into a musical, with a run of 600 shows in London’s West End.
1 What is the common name for the party food with bread and 100s and 1000s? 2 W hat kind of tree is Tāne Mahuta, in the Waipoua Forest of Northland?
4 The Phantom of the Opera—Get this … a musical about a masked, disfigured phantom that lives in the dungeon of an opera house and kidnaps a young opera star. It turned out to be quite popular.
3 W here is the smallest bone in the human body? 4 W ho won the 2018 Football World Cup? 5 Who is the first female barber mentioned in the Bible?
5 Silence! The Musical— based on The Silence of the Lambs, this musical includes tap-dancing sheep.
Answers on page 22
Drastic about Plastic It’s almost the end of ‘Plastic Free July’, a challenge aimed at reducing single-use plastic. Here are some tips we learnt that can be sustained beyond the month … Most single-use plastics—such as bags, straws and water bottles—are used for five minutes, but last forever. ‘Every piece of plastic that was ever made is still in existence,’ says a spokesperson for Plastic Free July. Unfortunately, biodegradable plastic does not ‘bring about a significant decrease’ in plastic entering our waterways, according to a report from the United Nations. To fully degrade, even biodegradable plastics need to be exposed to prolonged temperatures of above 50°C. Plastic is everywhere: canned goods are lined with plastic, a lot of foil is actually plastic (if it bounces back when you scrunch it), and there is even plastic in our teabags! But you can greatly reduce your plastic use by adopting the following habits. 4 WarCry 28 JULY 2018
• Use a little origami magic to make your own bin
liners out of newspaper. Or, just line your bin with several layers of newspaper, then dump the lot in your wheelie bin or compost.
• Instead of buying pre-packaged meat, go to the deli or butchery section of your supermarket and ask for it to be wrapped in paper.
• Bring your own container to get takeaways.
They will only look at you a little bit strangely.
• It’s common to bring your own cup for coffee. You can also BYO metal straws and bottles.
• Try to cut down on bottled drinks—if you love
soda, invest in a SodaStream with glass bottles.
• Bring back the tea party, and make tea in a pot.
OURPEOPLE
Vivienne Hill (Contributor) Vivienne has a dual role at THQ: she edits, proofs and writes for the Communications Department and is also team leader for the Family Tracing Service. Her background is book publishing, editing and writing; and she feels blessed to be able to work for an organisation that exists to assist people and also express the Christian message. Vivienne says the best part of her job—apart from enjoying Shar’s cakes and biscuits—is the ability to write about topics she feels passionately about. At home, she is the mother of four, grandmother of one, and says that only leaves time to read or watch movies … and eat chocolate, daily, if possible.
Beef Madras Simmering slowly in a creamy, coconut curry sauce makes for delicious, tender beef in this warming winter curry. 1kg gravy beef, cubed 2 Tbsp flour 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 medium onions, sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 4 tsp curry powder 1 tsp fenugreek 1 tsp fennel seed, crushed 1 cinnamon stick
Action & Adventure, Science Fiction The Incredibles 2 (PG, violence & coarse language) Brad Bird
Is it just me, or is anyone else irked by hyper-real gendered animation? I’m so over women with tiny waists and men with impossibly large pecs. Added to this, The Incredibles 2 indulges in some very dreary stereotypes: Elastagirl goes back to work as a superhero, leaving Mr Incredible at home feeling jealous and competitive. Yawn, I thought we had moved on. But, angst aside, if you love the superhero genre, you will adore this. It does superheroes with panache and dash. The villain ‘Screenslaver’ is mildly more interesting than the usual. And the boys in my family loved it. Baby Jack-Jack’s antics are by far the best thing in the film. Although my personal favourite was the reappearance of super-suit designer Edna Mode, who I am obsessed with. (Reviewed by Ingrid Barratt)
2 dried chillies, optional 400g canned diced tomatoes 400g canned coconut cream 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1–1½ tsp salt
Spread the diced beef on a board and sprinkle it with the flour, then turn it so it is evenly coated. Heat 2 Tbsp of oil in a large heavy pot. Add half the beef and cook, stirring occasionally until lightly browned, then lift out and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef. Add the remaining oil to the pot then add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, over mediumhigh heat until the onion begins to brown. Add the curry powder, spices and chillies (if using), and cook for a minute or two longer. Stir in the browned beef, tomatoes and juice, coconut cream and tomato paste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and simmer for 1–1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so, or until the beef is tender. Season to taste with salt. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve over steamed rice.
Chopped coriander to garnish Reprinted with permission from Simply Delicious One Dish Recipes by Simon Holst.
If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be. Maya Angelou
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EYE PRIZE
At the end of the final rugby test match against France last month, a small group of All Blacks gathered to pray. Among them, fresh from his test match debut, was centre Jack Goodhue. War Cry caught up with Jack to talk rugby, faith and The Salvation Army. BY ROBIN RAYMOND
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f rugby is a religion in New Zealand, Jack Goodhue grew up in a family that was firmly steeped in the national ‘faith’. Growing up as one of four boys on a farm near Kawakawa, rugby was a big part of life. Jack’s father was the club captain and a coach for the United Kawakawa club, coaching all his sons and is still active at the club. The Goodhue brothers also attended Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland, which has a strong rugby pedigree. Even at home, rugby was the game of choice. ‘We were always out on the lawn throwing the ball around. We used to play a lot of touch rugby, two verses two, and the games used to last for hours. It’s definitely helped me get where I am today.’ Two of his brothers went on to play professionally. His older brother Cameron played for the Blues, and also in England with Worcester and London Welsh. Jack’s twin brother Josh is a lock with the Blues. Although they played together for most of their career so far, Jack says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to face his twin in Crusaders vs Blues matches. ‘We have a normal brother rivalry. It was quite competitive at primary school, but now we’re more mature young men—well, speaking for myself!— Josh is getting there,’ he jokes. ‘If we play against each other then no doubt the competitve juices will be flowing.’
Searching for truth While rugby was a key part of growing up, Christianity wasn’t, he says. It wasn’t until he was nearing the end of high school as a boarder at Mt Albert Grammar that Goodhue became a Christian. ‘I was 16 and I went with a mate from the boarding hostel to Vector Arena to hear an evangalist by the name of Greg Laurie speak. It got me thinking about things. I looked a lot at the history of Jesus and the authenticity of the Bible—could it be trusted? And the science.’ While he came to the decision that it was true, Jack says becoming a Christian at that age wasn’t a simple choice. ‘At that age, 16, 17, I didn’t really want to believe it, but you’ve got to believe what’s true. A lot of my mates probably thought I was crazy, I probably thought the same thing as well to an extent, but good mates accept you for who you are.’ After high school, Jack headed to Canterbury to study agricultural science at Lincoln University—later graduating with a Diploma in Applied Science. Moving to Canterbury was about the study, he says, but the rugby scene helped with his decision. 28 JULY 2018 WarCry 7
It was here that alongside his growing rugby career, Jack spent some time with The Salvation Army. ‘I had a flatmate who was going to Christchurch North Corps with a workmate, so I thought I’d go along with him.’ Although he enjoyed the corps and admires the people there, Jack says there weren’t many people around his age. He and his friend decided it was important for their faith to have others around their age to walk the Christian journey with. During his time at the corps the phrase ‘Jack is active in The Salvation Army’ was included in his player biography and, although he is now attending another church, the phrase has stuck—regularly included in news articles about him. ‘It’s been recycled more than a reusable shopping bag,’ Jack jokes.
On the rise On the rugby field his talent was making waves as he broke into the Canterbury provincial squad, playing five games in the ITM Cup before concussion ended his season. In 2015, he was called up to play for the New Zealand Sevens team, helping them to second place in Las Vegas and a win in their home tournament in Wellington. Despite the possibility of earning a place in the New Zealand Olympic team, he decided to turn down Sevens to play for the All Blacks in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship, which the team won. Everything seemed to be going his way as he secured a starting role in the Canterbury squad, but, two games into the season, he suffered a serious knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL—two of the major ligaments in the knee. It took a month for the swelling to go down enough for him to be able to have surgery and almost a year before he was back playing. It is a sign of how highly he was rated, though, that despite still being injured he was called up for the Crusaders and was able to train with the team for the last few months of the season. The team’s faith in him was rewarded when he returned to the field with a series of strong performances to help Canterbury win the ITM Cup, and then to secure his place in the Crusaders side that won last year’s Super Rugby title. His form also saw him gain his first call-up to the All Blacks squad for the British and Irish Lions tour last year, as injury cover for fellow Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty. Although he didn’t get any game time on that tour, he was called up to the All Blacks end of year tour of the Northern Hemisphere, making his All Blacks debut in a 28–23 win 8 WarCry 28 JULY 2018
IT GIVES YOU REASSURANCE AND CONFIDENCE TO KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL. I GUESS THE THING IT HELPS ME WITH THE MOST IS THAT I KNOW RUGBY ISN’T THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. against a France XV in November. He put in a strong performance, which included setting up the All Blacks opening try before being yellow carded in the 67th minute as he tripped rushing back on defence, and knocked down a French player without the ball. ‘That was pretty funny. I look back now and laugh at it, but it was a terrible feeling at the time. I’ve only had two yellow cards in my career, the first for the Under 20s in the World Cup and then on my debut for the All Blacks.’ The selectors’ faith in him wasn’t shaken though—with All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen an outspoken fan—as Jack got his next call-up this year and his full test debut.
The training field and faith His faith is an important part of keeping him grounded in the intense environment of the training field and in games, he says. ‘It gives you reassurance and confidence to know that God is in control. I guess the thing it helps me with the most with is that I know rugby isn’t the most important thing.’ At the Crusaders, Jack says there’s a group of Christian players who meet up weekly and study the book of Mark, working through one chapter each week. Among the Christian members of the All Blacks there’s also a bond. ‘We often pray after the game. Win or lose it’s important to say thank you, to remember what life is all about and to give God the glory and honour him in whatever happens out there on the field.’ The rest of the squad is accepting of the religious beliefs of players, he says, even with the controversy caused by comments on homosexuality by Australian player Israel Folau. ‘It does open avenues for conversations in the team. I have had some chats with some of the boys on what the Bible does say about God and sin, that we’re all sinners.’
When I spoke to Jack, he was on a week off after his exploits with the All Blacks, but he’s still planning to get some training in, so the body isn’t too stiff. But time away from the game is important too, he says. ‘I’d love to play in a social touch team, but you can’t do that—your hobbies have to be off your feet and helping the body recover. Church is a great thing to take my mind off rugby and switch off. I do some mentoring for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I go and hang out with this kid that I have gotten to know over the last year. It’s a good way to spend an hour.’ Playing rugby and making the All Blacks is a dream come true, but he’s also open about the challenges of the game and the grind of a job—even your dream job.
Although his focus is to keep doing just that, with the possible reward of a place in the All Blacks World Cup squad next year, Jack says faith helps give him a good perspective on his game. ‘You can get consumed by the game and your performance becomes so important it defines who you are. It helps me remember it’s not about my playing ability, it’s who I am as a person, living the life God wants me to live—being true to that is the most important thing. If I wasn’t meant to be playing rugby, if I was confident God wanted me to do something else, I think I could make that decision.’
WE OFTEN PRAY AFTER THE GAME. WIN OR LOSE IT’S IMPORTANT TO SAY THANK YOU, TO REMEMBER WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT AND TO GIVE GOD THE GLORY. ‘You can’t help it, getting up on a Monday morning, having to train and you’d rather go work in an office, but most of the time it’s fun to train and keep fit and be with a good group of guys. It would be unrealistic to enjoy every moment, but you have got to enjoy most of them.’ This is especially true at the elite level and standards demanded by the All Blacks. ‘It [the All Blacks] is a tough environment. There’s a lot of pressure. You put a lot of effort into it. They want you to feel uncomfortable so you’re really prepared for when you’re out there, because there’s going to be some uncomfortable moments when you’re down and you need to step up.’ After being involved for three series in a row, Jack says he’s still getting used to the idea of being an All Black. ‘I don’t know if it ever feels normal being in that environment. This is my third year in Super Rugby and I’m starting to feel like I’m supposed to be there now. Whether that happens for the All Blacks, I’ll have to wait and see. I just go out every day and try and be the best player I can, but sometimes you step back and think, “This is reality, a few nights ago I played for the All Blacks”.’
Top: taking a well-earned holiday; bottom: Jack making his Test debut vs France with fellow Crusader Richie Mo'unga.
Instagram.com/goodhuejack
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Encouraging Without Embarrassment ‘When I started preaching around 50 years ago, if people wanted to encourage me they would joke, “Now I don’t want you to get a swell head”, as if I was in so much danger of becoming prideful,’ says Brian, a pastor from Cambridge. ‘People were embarrassed to be encouraging. As a culture, we’ve got better, but we’re still not great at it.’ The danger of becoming prideful because you are encouraged, is far less than the danger of being crushed by a lack of encouragement. In fact, scripture is clear that we must encourage each other: ‘Encourage one another and build each other up,’ says 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Despite what we sometimes believe, being an encourager is not some magical spiritual gift, it is simply developed with practice. Look out for what people are doing well. We sometimes think it’s inauthentic to ‘flatter’ someone who has only done an ‘average’ job. But, perhaps, that has more to do with our critical perspective. No one will do a perfect job. And everyone will do something well—even if it’s just being brave enough to give it a go! When we develop a habit of seeing what people have done well, not what they have done wrong, our encouragement will be authentic and real.
GOD IS HONOURED WHEN WE HONOUR OTHERS. DEVELOP A CULTURE OF HONOUR
There has been a spiritual school of thought that when you receive honour for yourself, you are taking the honour from God. But the Bible teaches that God is honoured when we honour others. When we applaud someone’s effort, we are giving honour to God through that person. So let’s start clapping and cheering when someone blesses us!
1 Honour people: It’s easy to forget the unsung heroes. A culture of honour means that we treat the person who cleans the toilets with the same respect as the pastor. Our attitude will affect our actions: a simple ‘thank you’ means so much. When was the last time you thanked someone who works for you?
This is not just true in church, but in our work and personal relationships. Lifting someone else up does not make us smaller. Like the Māori value of manaakitanga, when we lift others up, we are all lifted up. It helps create a culture that celebrates, not diminishes, others. This is a radical act.
2 Honour places: Show respect for your environment—your city, church, workplace and
Treat everyone with respect and encouragement. In our church community, we honour the person on the sound desk, as much as the musicians up the front. This can be as simple as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when giving instructions. ‘From the usher and greeter to the children’s worker and worship leader, the church is the people,’ says Nathan Camp, a pastor with Startchurch. Who could you honour this weekend?
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home. How can you help keep these places clean? How can you show gratitude to those who serve in these places? 3 Honour the church: There are many other believers in your community who are serving God alongside you. How could you honour what God is doing through them? We are all part of God’s ever-expanding Kingdom! Source: startchurch.com
TESTIFY! Shane Warburton was introduced to alcohol as a toddler, and has attended the Bridge three times. Now sober, he is showing others that there is always hope. My addiction started at a very young age, when I was only three years old. My mum has told me that every day I would meet my dad at the gate, I would line up a couple of glasses, and my dad would pour out neat whiskey for us—which I would knock back like an adult. My mum tried to knock the glass off the table so I couldn’t drink it, but she got the bash for doing that. My dad was a drug addict and alcoholic, a gangster and a violent man. He was not a good role model for me growing up. I got expelled from primary school, but somehow I made it to high school. Even though she got beaten for it, my mum helped me break the whiskey habit and I didn’t drink again until I was a teenager. But the seed of addiction had already been planted and, as soon as I started drinking again, it got a hold of me. I left school and got a job at the freezing works, but I couldn’t hold down a job. I started stealing my old man’s pills and, by the time I was 19, I had moved on to hard drugs. My addiction was everything; drugs were everything. I was put on methodone, but that just keeps you handcuffed and locked into addiction. I’ve done my time in jail, but I used intravenous drugs through all my time inside. I have been into the Bridge alcohol and drug addiction programme three times. The first time was in 1997, and after that I was seven years clean. Then my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and she died. I relapsed and was back in my addiction for another 10 years, using and abusing. My addiction steamrolled and I came to a point where I had had enough. I
I COMMITTED A CRIME SO THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO BEFORE A JUDGE AND GET ORDERED INTO TREATMENT. screamed out for someone to help me, but the doors kept closing. On the spur of the moment, I committed a crime so that I would have to go before a judge and get ordered into treatment. That was when I attended the Bridge for a second time, and I had two years of sobriety after that. The problem was that I went back to my old hometown, my old friends and my old lifestyle. I had no stability to keep me clean. So I decided to move to Tauranga, where my son lives. But the day I moved up, I relapsed again. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I wanted to get off the rollercoaster once and for all.
for 30 years. One day, I woke up and decided I was no longer a smoker, and I haven’t had a cigarette since. I thought, I can take that same attitude to rehab. So, in 2016, I entered the Bridge for a third time. After I finished the programme, I kept coming back to the Bridge and volunteering every day, taking clients to appointments. It gave me a grounding and stability in my recovery. As of last week, I have become a paid worker at the Bridge—just five hours a week, but it gives me purpose. I go to Recovery Church and play the drums. If it wasn’t for the Bridge, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today.
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Hi, I’m Nathan and I’m a gamer. But is this really such a bad thing? BY NATHAN HOLT
I am many things. I’m a husband, a dad and Salvation Army officer. I grew up playing sports in the USA. I went to church every Sunday. I specialised in performing arts, such as music, acting and public speaking. I also love gaming. Or, since the recent classification from the World Health Organisation that states gaming disorder as an official addictive behaviour, I should state it this way: Hi, I’m Nathan and I’m a gamer. I was bought a Sega Genesis when I was 10 years old, and I have been playing games ever since. I have heard a lot of fear around gaming. Some of this fear is justified. Some of it is not. Some of the things we fear we shouldn’t. Some of the things we embrace we should fear. Gaming does have addictive qualities, but it can also be used to promote growth and discipleship.
TASK AND REWARD You see, gaming is enjoyable because it is rewarding. Games are designed to give you small incentives to perform tasks. Most tasks present a challenge. Conquering the challenge is rewarding in itself, but you also get a floating thing that pops out of a little box. There is a cool sound and a satisfying visual, and your game character gets stronger. Yay! I feel good right now just talking about it. This is what is so addictive about gaming: task and reward, task and reward. It actually triggers chemicals in our body. Our brain gets a hit of ‘feel good’ juice. We’re physically designed to pursue that feeling. It’s the same juice that gets released when we get a Facebook notification about someone liking our last post. It’s the same feeling we get from a gentle kiss on the cheek from our crush. Our bodies are designed to pursue rewards for the tasks that we perform. This is a survival instinct. So, knowing that God designed us this way, what can we do about these video games enslaving the minds of our children and our teenagers, and our 12 firezone.co.nz 28 JULY 2018
40-year-old sons who still live in our basements playing games and eating all our chips?
EMBRACING THE QUEST Well, we can embrace what the gaming industry has pointed out to us. Personally, I have chosen to apply the ‘task and reward’ concept to people that I work with. My boys love gaming. We play Halo together as a family. I’m the best (obviously). Josiah (9) usually comes in second. Noah (7) and Naomi (34) usually fight it out for last place … not that anyone is keeping track … on a chart … on the wall … and a trophy on the bookshelf. Anyway ... What I do is apply the ‘task and reward’ concept to everything that I’m trying to teach my kids. I give them a task and provide immediate feedback on their accomplishments. I encourage them. I treat life like it is a game. I am a quest giver. They come to me to pick up a quest. They come back to me to tell me when it is done. I give them a reward.
I don’t tell them all the things they did wrong—which is what so what much of our society does. I don’t tell them all the ways they could have done it better. I simply present the same quest the next day, with possibly more information to help them improve. Or, I ask them how they intend to go about completing the task, and if they believe there was anything they learned from the previous day— task and reward. Reflect, task and reward. I learned from gaming that if you give a human the same task every day, they will instinctively find more productive, efficient ways to accomplish that task. This works with my kids. I run a kid’s self-defense class. I run it like they are a group of kids in a video game. Each week they have individual quests, and a group quest. Individual quests are done by each person for individual rewards. Group quests are tasks that can only be accomplished by the entire group working together. I learned this method from video games. Last week, eight children found a way to cross an entire
room without touching the floor using only two small couch cushions. They all had to gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They all had to work together.
GAMER KIDS I also run a tabletop role-playing game, known more popularly as ‘Dungeons and Dragons’, for a group of eight teenagers who were known as the ‘gamer kids’ at their local high school. Over the last few months they have learned valuable lessons in creating a culture of decision-making. When we first started playing, no one wanted to make a decision. When someone did make a decision, everyone else would tell them why it was a bad decision. This created a culture where no one would decide anything. After a while, I pointed out that every time someone made a decision things turned out okay. It either worked, or they learned a valuable lesson from their decision. I also pointed out that every time they argued about what they should do, and everyone refused to make a decision, something in the game punished them for it. Through gaming, they’ve learned some valuable lessons about how to reflect and create a decision-making culture. Last week, I heard from a counsellor at their school that this group of gamer kids have become leaders in their school because of their ability to make decisions and promote a culture where others are safe to do the same. The gaming industry has mastered the ‘task and reward’ instinct in all humans. We can either fear it, or learn from it. 28 JULY 2018 WarCry 13
JOURNEY OF RENEWAL
Part 1 of 2
In this two-part report, we take a look behind the scenes of The Salvation Army’s ‘Accountability Movement’—and its focus on delivering an Army ‘fit for purpose’. In a very different world to the one in which the Army began and grew beyond all expectation, can it happen again? BY PETER McGUIGAN
There is a common idiom used in the island-nation of Sri Lanka that comprises a question posed and an answer given in just four Sinhala words: ‘Koheda yanne?’ ‘Mallé pol’—‘Where are you going?’ ‘There are coconuts in my bag.’ To the unsuspecting visitor it may seem an absurd saying, but is hilarious when you hear a Sri Lankan in full flight using it to describe someone who has no idea what they are doing or where they are going, is too proud to ask for help, or is struggling to avoid scrutiny. You often hear Koheda yanne? Mallé pol used with a sense of resignation in reference to the performance of politicians. People may laugh, but everyone gets the pun. The saying, like many colloquialisms from across the world, has a serious undertone related to accountability, or the apparent lack of it—accountability meaning the ability to give an account. ‘Where are you going?’ is a key question facing all organisations in today’s climate of rapid technological and social change. It is particularly key for organisations born in another era that struggle with how to present themselves and how to articulate their identity in this brave new world, or whose systems of governance and accountability have fallen behind the new standards of transparency, holistic stewardship, equality and open collaboration. Former US President John F. Kennedy prophesied into this reality, more than 50 years ago on the eve of what we now know as the digital revolution, when he said: ‘Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.’
The microscope of accountability The Salvation Army, with the long-term viability of its worldwide mission at heart, is one organisation that is facing the challenges head-on, embarking on a self-proclaimed ‘Journey of Renewal’. As part of this journey, all aspects of the Army’s spiritual and missional life are coming under the microscope of accountability. All Salvation Army personnel have been called to participate in a global Accountability Movement. ‘The great hope of Journey of Renewal,’ said Commissioner Robert Donaldson, International Secretary for Governance and Accountability, ‘is that across the world, in every place, The Salvation Army will be engulfed by a new vitality in the experience and expression of its faith, and fresh energy to serve the world. We envision a new level of passion and heightened 14 WarCry 28 JULY 2018
awareness—globally and locally—to share the transforming love of God in Jesus, eliminate poverty, safeguard the vulnerable, and ensure contemporary best practice in all our systems and processes.’ Fifteen thousand copies of the Journey of Renewal resource book have been printed and distributed throughout the world. Additionally, Journey of Renewal has been translated into more than 15 languages other than English. In the Eastern Europe Territory (EET) alone, this meant translation into four languages—Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian and Georgian. ‘We can see an increasing understanding among our people about the need for accountability in all areas,’ said Colonel Magna Nielsen, Territorial Leader in EET with Colonel Jostein Nielsen. ‘Even before the book was translated, we used the Accountability Movement as the basis for planning our Territorial Mission Strategy 2016-2020. We have also held seminars in our countries about how Journey of Renewal can be used in our corps.’
Holiness unto the Lord Thirty-six territories, commands and regions—out of 57 worldwide—have commenced their journey of renewal since its launch in 2016, by Salvation Army world leader General André Cox. Importantly for Salvationists, taking this journey arises as much out of the Army’s foundational ‘holiness’ focus as it does out of the universal need to adapt to the 21st century. The Army is saying that anything less than a thorough refit of its mission, renewal of its spiritual passion and upgrade in how it resources both its faith and its mission, would be a failure in stewardship and, therefore, a serious breach of its holiness tradition. ‘How could we continue to uphold the scriptural imperative “holiness unto the Lord” if our own house was unfit to meet the needs of the hour; if the Army itself was unwilling to adapt its methods or open its heart to a fresh vision and passion for
Commissioner Robert Donaldson with copies of the Journey of Renewal resource book.
operating in the very different world of the 2010s; if we acquiesced to pluralism and commercialism, or failed to update our systems and became an incompetent Salvation Army, or became a proud Salvation Army in an age that values humility above all other qualities?’ challenged Commissioner Donaldson. Colonel Lee Graves, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army’s Canada and Bermuda Territory, agreed: ‘We need to be accountable first to God through his Word,’ said Colonel Graves in the territory’s Salvationist magazine. ‘In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we learn that Scripture is inspired by God; it teaches us what is true and helps correct what is wrong in our lives. Our mission is the gospel of transformation and the biblical text holds us accountable. ‘We also need to be accountable to each other,’ Colonel Graves added. ‘I believe accountability in this territory begins at the top, between the territorial commander and the chief secretary. We need to model it at the highest level. My hope is that it reverberates through the ranks so that leadership at every level is an example of accountability. ‘Lastly, it is important for us to uphold the laws of the land. Scripture calls us to pray for those in authority and render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. Sometimes legislation is imposed that adds an aspect of complexity to our work, but we must nevertheless be compliant with government regulations.’ Major Peter McGuigan is Communications and Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army Sri Lanka Territory.
What does this mean for us?
National Youth Band Impacts Westgate The National Youth Band (NYB) is a group of youth and young adults from New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga who come together throughout the year to bring the gospel of Jesus through music, word, and testimony. The month of May saw the 34 member group travel to Westgate Corps in Auckland, to spread the love of Christ through music into this community. A typical weekend consists of the band being involved in many different activities. On Friday, we visited two schools: Massey Primary and West Harbour Primary, and joined in community with the Westgate Youth group for their Collide worship night. Saturday was a day of rehearsals and a concert at night, where the NYB combined with the Westgate Worship Band and Gospel Choir. The night also included a message from the band’s Executive Officer Lieutenant Daniel Buckingham, and testimony from band member Noah Spargo. Sunday worship was a time of encounter with the Holy Spirit. Those gathered for worship were encouraged that everyone has a mission to build the Kingdom exactly where they are, and to prioritise their relationship with God. The Holy Spirit poured out his anointing on those gathered. The mission and desire of the NYB is first and foremost to bring the love of Christ to the places we visit, to be God’s representatives and Kingdom builders here on earth, and for his love to be shown through us. We do this through music, but also through the way we interact with the kids and staff at the schools we visit, our conversations and interactions with the people of the corps communities, testimony and spoken word. We are preparing to travel to the USA in December/ January to take part in an international music school and in the annual Rose Parade in Los Angeles. The NYB regularly spends time in prayer during our weekends and we would love for you to pray for us too as we prepare for a rehearsal weekend in October and our tour to the USA at the end of the year. BY KATE GEDDES
The Salvation Army in our territory was among the first to lead worldwide changes in the Accountability Movement. In November 2015, a new leadership model was introduced that saw large-scale changes to the way decisions were made. Instead of key decisions being made by an individual, decisions were now made by boards—with all members having an equal vote. The Territorial Commander also stepped away from the ‘day to day’ functions of the Army, to focus on strategic direction, while the Chief Secretary took on the role of ‘CEO’, managing the everyday needs of The Salvation Army. This was a major shift away from a ‘hierarchical’ model, to a more inclusive model of leadership. National Youth Band 2018. Photo: Juanita Buckingham.
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Why Our New Website Is So Important Our brand new territorial website was officially launched earlier this month, and it could arguably be our most important mission tool in the 21st Century. The website for The Salvation Army in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory is visited by almost half a million people each year—averaging 42,000 per month. To put this into perspective, that’s more than attend our corps on a Sunday. Since the website was last updated five years ago, there has been an explosion in technology—with more and more people using devices to access our services. This meant we needed a ‘robust and responsive’ website, said Territorial Web Manager Martin Barratt. ‘More people are using the website to access food parcels, housing, low income loans and so on. We need our website to be a one-stop shop for people to get help efficiently and quickly.’ The new website also brings together our social services and our faith community. ‘The directive from the Territorial Commander [Commissioner Andy Westrupp] was that the website needed to be more of a mission tool—connecting people to not only to social services, but to our churches. This is a way of meeting not just practical needs but also spiritual needs,’ says Martin. It was important to move forward in our mission, said Chief Secretary Colonel Suzanne Fincham. ‘We are a movement and if we’re not moving forward we are stagnating, and [the website has] helped us move into the 21st century.’ The new website took a year of work to develop—including focus groups from within the Army and outside, user testing and the development of a complex site with multiple services and audiences. The website is already helping people connect to church life. ‘We had a family in Ashburton that came to the corps last week, and said that they found the website really easy to use, so they came along on Sunday morning and are now connected in with the Army,’ said Martin. ‘We want more of that, and we want the website to be something that we can all be proud of.’ www.salvationarmy.org.nz
Off the Bus and Into Church Glenfield Corps in Auckland was delighted to enrol Tau and Elepise Leota, on 17 June, as adherents of the Corps—led by Majors Bruce and Marilyn Tremain. Tau is a bus driver, and one day he was sitting at the lights outside the Corps when he noticed the Corps street sign. He thought to himself, ‘I’ll give them a go’. He hadn’t been to church for a while, but Tau and Elepise started attending the Corps. They are now much-loved members, welcoming people to the meetings and serving their Lord in a gracious and lovely way.
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Territorial Web Manager Martin Barratt at the launch.
Vital stats:
• Last year, there were 505,000 visitors to our website.
• About 3650 people fill in a ‘take the next step form’ each year, for help with addictions—that’s around 10 a day. • Nearly 6000 people have filled out applications for low-income loans this year. • Since last November, 700 people have enquired about volunteering in our services.
Leadership Hui asks, ‘What If?’ The recent leadership hui was a chance to ‘bear witness to something that is new’. Twenty-seven people attended a leadership hui on the topic ‘Bearing Witness’ at Booth College of Mission’s Centre for Leadership Development (CLD) from 13–15 June. Delegates were drawn from across diverse Salvation Army areas of mission: youth work, Reintegration Services, corps and divisional headquarters, Community Ministries, Family Stores, and Territorial Headquarters. Envoy Malcolm Irwin of CLD coordinated the gathering, working with Alan Johnson of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU) and Major Christina Tyson from Central Division. Malcolm emphasised that the task of the prophet was ‘to bear witness to something that is new’. Prophets in the Bible, in church history and in The Salvation Army provided opportunities for reflection and repentance, he said. ‘Their communication is frequently provocative and arises out of a deep sense of concern for members of their community.’ Malcolm said the common lament of the prophet to God was, ‘How long will you let this go on?’ But the energising of the prophet came in the ‘hard slog’ of imagining what did not yet exist and seeing a different possibility. This meant being willing to criticise what is (or is not) as a precursor to exploring the question: ‘What if?’ ‘The next prophetic moment in The Salvation Army will come when our criticism energises our practices,’ said Malcolm. Alan offered suggestions on how Christians could reframe the debates in society. This included being sensitive to, and even initiating, ‘sentinel events’ that could cause the public to change their minds about something. An example of such an event was last year’s grassroots Park Up for Homes campaign to raise awareness of New Zealand’s urgent housing crisis. This shifted public sensitivities from the economy being the nation’s most pressing concern to a more widespread acknowledgement that housing was a pressing need, galvanising national and local government into greater action. Alan noted that ‘values, not policies or self-interest’ were the things that most motivated people politically, and said the values Christians needed to bring into the public sphere were those grounded in love: forgiveness, hospitality and hope. It was also helpful to adopt a Māori worldview focused on mana (respect) for people. The Rev. Mark Johnson, of St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Newtown, confronted the challenge of getting Christians
THE NEXT PROPHETIC MOMENT WILL COME WHEN OUR CRITICISM ENERGISES OUR PRACTICES. to believe in the power of God so that they would be willing to take bold steps of faith. He emphasised the importance of Christians knowing the story of the Bible, of their land, of God still active in the world, and of their own movement. ‘We must know our story!’ he said. ‘If we get disconnected from this, we won’t see the tangible power of God.’ Mark urged delegates to ‘out themselves as Jesus people’ wherever they were and to believe for spiritual breakthrough in people’s lives and in the life of the church. Lieutenant Faye Molen led an interactive and moving session focused on a Māori concept of familial relationships, with encouragement to honour the Army’s tupuna (older people), and for older people to honour the Army’s mokupuna (younger descendants). The hui also provided an opportunity to embrace the prophetic foundation of SPPU in a fun evening called ‘Phone a Friend’. Christina posed criticisms to SPPU staff Major Ian Hutson, Major Campbell Roberts and Alan Johnson, that hui delegates then had to answer on the unit’s behalf. This was an opportunity to say thank you to SPPU for upholding its mandate to fight for issues of justice and poverty eradication. Christina also led a session on the topic of ‘LGBTI Wit(h)ness’ on building bridges with the LGBTI community. Envoy Stewart Irwin presented five areas around which questions could be formulated when people wanted to better understand the unique dynamics of mission within the community. These questions, and other tools unpacked over the three days, were used in closing sessions to help people apply the hui’s lessons at an individual, neighbourhood, internal Salvation Army, and national level. The takeaway challenge for delegates was: In what ways can we evoke, nurture and nourish an alternative, prophetic consciousness in the places where we serve God? BY CHRISTINA TYSON
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INREVIEW
Exploring the many wonder-filled ways God breaks into our lives. FourDegrees of Wonder Kath Wells I wonder if you had ever wondered about wonder? Kath Wells has, in her recently published book Four Degrees of Wonder. Now I’ve wondered about wonder because of Kath’s book. As I read it—slowly of necessity—I discovered it’s full of refreshing thoughts, closely linked with deep a spiritual insight and challenge. Kathy’s decades of walking with the Lord, Christian ministry and discipleship, has sensitised her spirit to be overtaken by wonder. Through memorable family times, great music, magnificent scenery, miracles of freedom, and words of Scripture, times of wonder are experienced—bringing tears, laughter, quiet reflection and deep joy, resulting in praise, thanksgiving and a new depth of worship. Kath’s book also carries the stamp of realism—she does not turn away from the realities of life, but faces it with all its multi-facetted shades of faith, grief, joy and hope. The author’s Holy Spirit-led insights into various Scripture passages, allied with personal experience, made for further enrichment of my spirit. I unreservedly recommend this book as it fully delivers on the front cover quote: ‘Like plunging into a mountain stream this book will refresh and inspire your spirit.’ BY COMMISSIONER GARTH MCKENZIE Four Degrees of Wonder, published by WestBow Publishers, www.westbowpress.com. Also available on Book Depository.
I Might Have Been A Patternmaker Pre-order the re-print edition now
Flag Publications has negotiated a reprint of Commissioner Ross Kendrew's book, I Might Have Been A Patternmaker. It is available for pre-order for no more than $25.00 (plus postage and packaging). To register your interest, please email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz
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GAZETTE Appointment: Effective July 10: Captain Nicola Dutton, Director at Porirua Community Ministries, Central Division. We pray that God will continue to bless Captain Nicola Dutton in the days ahead. Retirement: Major Joanne Jellyman on 31 July. On this day she will have completed 40 years, 6 months and 10 days of active officer service. Joanne entered The Salvation Army Training College from the Sydenham Corps in 1976 as a cadet in the Companions of Christ session. Following her commissioning on 21 January 1978, she was appointed Assistant at the Emergency Lodge Porirua. In January 1979, she was appointed Assistant at the Sunshine Lodge Eventide in Christchurch. In July 1980, she married Lieutenant Wayne Jellyman. She then joined him at an appointment in Gore Corps until 1983, when they were appointed to Greymouth Corps. In September 1985, Joanne and Wayne were appointed Assistant Officers at Wharerangi Eventide Home in Taupō. From 1987 to 1995, the couple had appointments as Corps Officers at Pukekohe, East Coast Bays and Invercargill. In January 1996, Joanne was appointed as the Divisional Guide Organiser and Assistant to Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary, Central Division. After four years in this role, Joanne and Wayne were appointed as Territorial Children’s Mission Directors, with Joanne having the additional appointment of Territorial Red Shield Guide Consultant. Joanne continued as the Territorial Children’s Mission Director in July 2002, when Wayne received a change of appointment. In 2004, Joanne and Wayne moved to Christchurch to lead the Canterbury Northwest Division, Joanne being the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, before being appointed to Fiji in 2007, where Joanne was the Divisional Leadership Development Secretary. On their return to New Zealand in 2008, Joanne and Wayne were appointed as National Mission Directors, Employment Plus, and then Joanne as Associate Mission Director, Employment Plus in 2010. In 2011, Joanne joined Wayne in the Territorial Planned Giving Department as National Directors of Planned Giving. In 2013, Joanne returned to serve in the Central Division as the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional Secretary for Personnel, with the additional appointment as Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers in 2014. Joanne and Wayne then moved to Fielding, where they had been the Corps Officers from 2015-2018. In January 2018, Joanne and Wayne were appointed as the Territorial Secretaries for Retired Officers. On her retirement, Joanne will continue in a part-time appointment in retirement in this role. Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring conducted their retirement service for Majors Joanne and Wayne Jellyman on Sunday 8 July, at Fielding Corps. We acknowledge the ministry of Major Joanne Jellyman, and honour and thank Joanne for her loyal and faithful service to God through The Salvation Army in New Zealand and Fiji. We pray God’s blessing on Joanne and on her continued service in retirement.
I HONOUR ALL WHO HAVE GONE IN OBEDIENCE …
Majors Ray & Coral Allott board the boat to Chile.
The New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory has had a long standing commitment to the support of the international Army in many different forms over many years. Often this has been in the form of personnel. Officers from this territory have gone to share the gospel in many places around the world. Their honoured service has been marked by sacrifice: absence from family and the challenges their location placed on them. They have been supported by the home territory— often through fundraising, done locally through corps that took an interest in their ministry. I have been reminded of this as I have assisted in digitising my father-in-law’s slides. Majors Ray and Coral Allott served in Chile from 1964–1978. As I viewed the slides, I was reminded of the sacrifice and commitment of all those officers who have left their own country to minister to others in different countries, languages and cultures—so that others might know the love of Christ. I honour all who have gone in obedience to the call God has placed on them, and served wherever they have been placed. God has blessed them for their commitment and the ministry they were able to provide. The needs around the world are still as great today. The Army now operates in more than 130 countries. Our territorial leaders open the Army’s new work in Samoa on 4–5 August. We are grateful for
the small team, led by Lieutenant-Colonels Rod and Jenny Carey, who have prepared the way for this significant event. The territory’s annual contribution to the international Army through the Self Denial Appeal has also been long-standing. I can recall the challenge being presented to me as a teenager in the 1970s. I was just starting work and had to consider the challenge to give ‘One Week’s Salary On Missionary Service’ to the Self Denial Appeal. The Appeal is to Salvationists to help their fellow Salvationists around the world. A million-plus dollars is raised every year, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting the international Salvation Army. We thank God for the ongoing, faithful, sacrificial giving of every contributor to this Appeal. This territory is one of the blessed Army territories that is selfsufficient. While all territories strive to be self-sufficient, many rely on grants from our international headquarters. The Self Denial funds help bridge the gap. Thank you for your continuing contribution to the 2018 Self Denial Appeal. Lieutenant-Colonel David Bateman Secretary for Business Administration
Army Spreads to 130 Countries Burkina Faso has become the 130th country where The Salvation Army is officially at work. General André Cox has approved the official recognition of the Army’s work in the West African country after a long period of preparation and exploratory work. Captains André and Fatouma Togo, officers from Mali, are currently leading the work in Burkina Faso, including a corps (church) in the capital, Ouagadougou. The official opening, under the leadership of Commissioners Benjamin and Grace Mnyampi (International Secretary for Africa, IHQ, and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries), will take place in the capital, Ouagadougou, on 25–27 August 2018. Included in the weekend’s programme will be men’s and women’s rallies, a youth concert and an officers’meeting.
The Army has been discussing working in the West African nation since 2005 and received a ‘national receipt’ allowing it to preach anywhere in the country in 2011. This was followed by registration with the government later that year. The Salvation Army was operating out of three centres in the country, and was growing at an encouraging pace, under support from the neighbouring Mali region. It took several years to develop registration that would meet the requirements of the The Salvation Army and Burkina Faso authorities. But the way has now been cleared for official recognition to take place. In a country whose motto is ‘Unity—Progress—Justice’, we pray that the ministry of The Salvation Army will contribute to those aims in the years ahead. 28 JULY 2018 WarCry 19
Stories from the Self Denial Appeal Giving and sacrifice can be unsettling topics. Many of us choose to avoid it altogether and put it in the too-hard basket. But what if a sacrifice for one week could empower a man to properly provide for his family? Or, what if setting aside a week’s income could provide a safe space for an albino girl who constantly lives in fear of being hunted? BY HUGH COLLINS
Our annual Self Denial Appeal encourages us to give up one week’s wages in support of the work The Salvation Army is doing around the world. This year, our Appeal explores the theme ‘We Rise As One’. As Paul writes in 20 WarCry 28 JULY 2018
1 Corinthians 12:26, ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. We are one body in Christ and feel each other’s pain, suffering and injustices.’
a constant struggle as he was unable to afford his own boat and had to rent from others. On top of the high costs, it was often hard for him to secure a boat during peak times.
The New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory has a long history of sacrificial giving to overseas mission, both financially and through the offering of personnel. Our annual Self Denial Appeal has made a positive and lasting impact on four very different lives across the globe.
As a member of Tumpaan Corps for the past 30 years, Heru prayed and asked God to provide. Sure enough his prayers were answered when money raised from the Self Denial Appeal was used to purchase five boats for the fishermen of Tumpaan to use free of charge.
Indonesia Heru is a fisherman and father from the seaside town of Tumpaan on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Despite Indonesia’s steady economic growth, 28 million people still live in poverty. Heru comes from a proud tradition of fishermen, yet the last 19 years has been
Now at the end of each day, Heru can take home everything he has earned. This has since enabled him to buy a house and pay his daughter’s school fees on time.
Georgia It has been 30 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, but Georgia has yet to recover economically with around 15 per
IF ONE PART SUFFERS, EVERY PART SUFFERS WITH IT; IF ONE PART IS HONOURED, EVERY PART REJOICES WITH IT. stay open, a place which has given him a passion for guitar and enabled him to dream of becoming a music teacher.
Haiti Dictatorships, economic instability and devastating natural disasters have left Haiti the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. When families live below the poverty line, education becomes a luxury rather than a basic human right. Parents are forced to make the tough decision to either enrol their children in school or have them find work. A devastating earthquake in 2010 reduced The Salvation Army school, College Verena, to rubble. However, funding from the Self Denial Appeal has allowed the school to be rebuilt, with students from kindergarten to grade 12 now enjoying its modern facilities. English teacher Rodney is deeply passionate about teaching in the school and says education is a crucial aspect in his nation’s recovery.
Tanzania cent of its population living in poverty. Georgi, 17, from the city of Tbilisi has experienced firsthand the hardships faced by many in his country—his mother raised him as a single parent and the two struggled to afford food, clothing and medical treatment. It was during this time Georgi and his mother connected with their local Salvation Army corps. There, he got involved in an after-school programme for low income children that required assistance with school work, but couldn’t afford it. The kids were tutored and took classes in English, music and dance. When Georgi’s mother passed away, he came to appreciate the people of The Salvation Army as they supported him and made sure he never felt alone. It was through the Self Denial Appeal that Georgi’s church was was able to
Tanzania has one of the highest rates of albinism in the world, with one in 1500 people affected. The genetic condition results in a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes—meaning people with albinism are especially vulnerable to skin cancer and visual impairment. What’s worse, many albino people experience discrimination from those who believe the condition is a sign of bad luck, resulting in them being rejected by their families and communities. The opposite is also true, with some claiming albinism brings good fortune, meaning their bodies are a target for use in rituals and potions. Albino girl Lulu lived in fear after three people with her condition were taken from her hometown. It was then that her parents decided she could no longer live there. Eventually they found a Salvation Army school for children with disabilities and albinism, a facility
which sees 200 children with special needs receive full-time care. It also has its own workshop for orthopedic shoes and splints, which aid the children with their mobility. Funded by the Self Denial Appeal, the school encourages students to be independent while also caring and working together with their fellow students. Lulu says she is very grateful to The Salvation Army for the love they’ve shown her. She now dreams of becoming a lawyer and changing the mentality that people with disabilities and albinism are seen as inferior.
One Million and Counting … Last year our territory raised over one million dollars for the Self Denial Appeal. Now we’re asking you again to consider giving sacrificially. This year, funds raised will go towards people in need, in more than 100 countries. They will be used in three different ways: 1. To support a wide variety of community development and welfare initiatives, from micro-finance initiatives to the provision of education, as well as primary health services. 2. To support corps and the spread of the gospel message. 3. To support and build the organisational strength of The Salvation Army through, for example, the provision of church halls, residences for officers, computers and training.
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PRAY
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS
Gisborne Corps, Glen Eden Corps, Glenfield Corps, Grandview Corps and Greymouth Corps; The Salvation Army in Brazil.
Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 30 July–2 August: Southern Division Officers Fellowship, Hanmer Springs 3–6 August: Official Opening of The Salvation Army in Samoa, Apia 10–12 August: Joyful Evangelist Reunion, Booth College of Mission Colonel Suzanne Fincham (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Territorial Secretary for Programme and Communications) 29 July: Hamilton City Corps 30 July–2 August: Midland Division Fellowship, Taupō 3–6 August: Official Opening of The Salvation Army in Samoa, Apia 10–16 August: Visit of SPEA Zonal Secretary Commissioner Gillian Downer
Do you know this person? RAPANA, James Warren, born 1980 in Wellington
If you know this person, please contact Family Tracing. e: family_tracing@nzf.salvationarmy.org p: (04) 382 0710 | salvationarmy.org.nz/familytracing
Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 28–29 July: Taupō Corps 30 July–2 August: Central Division Officers Fellowship, Masterton 3–6 August: Official Opening of The Salvation Army in Samoa, Apia
$120 will provide a newly commissioned Lieutenant in Malawi, Kenya West or Tanzania with a brand new bicycle—enabling them to extend their ministry —without the limitations of lack of transport.
Transforming lives Since 1865 The story Of The Salvation Army So Far
International Headquarters has launched an online pictorial timeline of The Salvation Army story, featuring key dates and fascinating images that capture our past. story.salvationarmy.org
Want to Know More? I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:
Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: salvationarmy.org.nz/employment
How did you go with Dry July? If you found it a struggle and would like help with your drinking, go to: www.salvationarmy.org.nz/bridge or call: 0800 53 00 00 If drugs and alcohol are a problem we are here to help.
Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Quiz Answers: 1 Fairy Bread, 2 Kauri (Agathis australis), 3 The ear, known as the stapes, 4 France, 5 Delilah (Judges 16:19).
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Don’t store up treasures on earth! …
Fishy crossword! Place the names of our seafaring friends into the crossword spaces
Matthew 6:19 CEV
Join the dots! Then colour in the underwater scene!
Why did the squid cr oss the road? To get to the other tid e
Hey whānau! Involve the kids in doing a random act of kindness this week.
o you What d ith a sh w call a fi oom? me s s y r er t A s l ob s
What do whales like for t akeaway s? Fish ‘n’ s hips
There was once a girl who loved to go fishing. She would sit on the jetty at the seashore, enjoy the sun, and catch fish. If she caught more fish than she needed, she gave it away to others. It was fish ‘n’ chips every night! One day, a man opened a shop by the sea. He made so much money that he bought a big house and a new car. He opened another shop, and made even more money. He bought another big house and another shop. He saw the girl sitting on the jetty fishing, and said, ‘Why are you wasting your time? Sell your fish and make money. Then you can be rich like me.’ The girl said, ‘But I like fishing, I love the sun, and I enjoy giving my friends all the fish ‘n’ chips they want. In my neighbourhood, we all share everything we have.’ The man laughed. ‘You’re just a silly girl,’ he said. Then, one day, there was a huge storm. The ocean swelled and swirled. It crashed down on the seashore. It destroyed the jetty, and the man’s shop. It destroyed his houses and washed away his cars. He was left with nothing. The little girl found him and said, ‘Come with me to my neighbourhood.’ Even though the storm had destroyed their houses too, the neighbours were gathering up everything they had and sharing it all. Some had blankets, and others had food. Whatever they had, they shared. ‘I thought I was rich,’ said the man. ‘But now I can see that you have everything you need. You are the ones who are truly rich.’
Lord, help me to share everything I have, because when we share we are all rich. 28 JULY 2018 WarCry 23
Altar Sunday 26 August | www.selfdenial.info