FAITH IN ACTION  28 NOVEMBER 2020 | Issue 6756 | $1.50
Candidates: Fiji and Tonga Lost in the Woods: Finding a Path Through Grief How Not to Gift
An Unexpected Gift: Joy Comes in the Morning Salvation Army-inspired Wearable Art
Season of Adventure
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS William
& Catherine Booth
The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission. EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major
Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,
PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT 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.
Unwrapping Christmas This year our Christmas tree went up on the first day of November at the request of my children. I thought we would be the only family in New Zealand to have our ‘tree raising ceremony’—an annual tradition in the Hill family—but not so, many people have already decorated their houses, and Instagram is awash with Christmas trees and Christmas activity. In our house, and I suspect in many people’s houses, it was a reaction to the disruptive and uncertain year we have all had. Christmas comes wrapped in annual family traditions and ceremonies that speak of stability, celebration and expectation. It centres each member of the family on gathering, eating together, exchanging gifts, summer holiday and relaxation. We have all been eagerly awaiting Christmas. Christmas also reminds us of the coming of God to earth, Emmanuel, God with us—the hope, the promise, the life-giving gift. Jules Badger’s article ‘The Gift of the Divine Exchange’ says we cannot have the birth of Jesus without the death of Jesus. The baby born to die. And yet, he was and is so much more than this. And as we move into the Advent season, the season of expectation, let us unwrap the wonderful divine gift given to each one of us—the gift-giver is God and his most precious gift is of himself. Christmas is not just a day, it is a season, so take the time to pause and plan for Christ in your family Christmas. Bring the wonderful Saviour into your preparations and family occasions and unwrap the inestimable, incomparable Christ this Advent. Vivienne Hill Editor
SalvationArmyNZFTS
I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.
@SalvationArmyNZ
James Hudson Taylor
Publishing for 137 years | Issue 6756 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
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Matthew 1:21 ‘She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ Matiu 1:21 ‘Ā e whānau ia he tama, me hua e koe tōna ingoa ko Īhu: nō te mea māna e whakaora tōna iwi i ō rātou hara.’
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y Christmas tree went up on November 8—yes, you read that right! And why not? What’s not to love about Christmas? Okay, so I know there’s a lot not to love about Christmas. The ‘silly season’ has a way of taking over and stress kicks in as we try to juggle all the end of year responsibilities and events, never mind organising gifts for family and arranging who will be where and with whom at what time on Christmas Day. There’s the pressure to spend money you don’t have so as not to disappoint, or worse, spend the same as others to maintain some semblance of misappropriated dignity. Long-held family tensions and relationship strain often rise to the surface when everyone’s together. Underlying grief surfaces. Sometimes, Christmas can be a complete anti-climax. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. A few years ago, I decided to reclassify Christmas once and for all. Maybe you’d like to join me? Traditionally, Advent is ‘a season in the mainstream Christian calendar observed in many churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus’. Sounds much better doesn’t it! For me, choosing to set aside the Santa, consumerism and expectations of the picture-perfect family scene and focus instead on the Christmas story, as outlined in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation, has been liberating. Even as a corps officer, I frequently missed this season because I usually allowed myself to get caught up in the busyness of helping others have a good Christmas, and the assumed responsibility for ensuring others were focusing on Jesus. (Just
a gentle little nudge to those leading others, don’t miss out on Advent!) But wait, there’s even more to Advent! It’s not just about preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birth, it’s also a reminder that Jesus is coming—again! When we celebrate Advent, we’re not behaving as though his birth never happened and we’re somehow reliving it. We’re reminding ourselves that Jesus IS. Revelation 1 tells us that Jesus is ‘the Alpha and Omega … who is, and was and who is to come, the Almighty’. Jesus was there at the beginning as the Logos (Word), and he existed for eons before the will of the Father determined he be born in flesh and moved into our neighbourhood. Jesus walked the earth and showed us what love looked like, then died on the cross in our place so we could be restored to right relationship with God. Jesus conquered death and rose again on the third day, and ate and drank with his disciples before ascending to heaven where he sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. And of course, he sent his Spirit so that we would never be alone and he would always be with us, just as he promised. Yes, Christmas is about the baby in the manger, but Advent is about so much more! Forget the tinsel and the turkey, the money and the madness. This Christmas, Jesus IS. And that’s a fact worth getting excited about, meditating on, celebrating and sharing with others. Happy Christmas preparation! BY JULES BADGER
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Musical Drama Clouds (PG, Available to stream online on Disney+) Directed by Justin Baldoni Based on a true story, Clouds tells the story of how Minnesota teenager, Zach Sobiech, came to record his chart-topping hit (for which the film is named), following his terminal cancer diagnosis. The film walks the fine line between moving and clichéd, and benefits when it focuses on relationships rather than predictable story beats. Sure, the moment when his family runs down the main street to find Sobiech as his song plays on the radio for the first time is sweet, but it feels like a scene we’ve seen before. It is in the quiet moments, particularly the acoustic musical numbers, when the film hits its stride. Fin Argus is a charming lead, but Sabrina Carpenter—as Sobiech’s best friend and musical partner Sammy Brown—provides the most heartfelt performance and vocals. (Reviewed by Bethany Slaughter)
OUR PEOPLE Dr Greg Coyle
(Principal Advisor, Social Programme) The Salvation Army bids farewell to Greg Coyle, who has retired after 11 years of service. As Principal Advisor, he was responsible for providing strategic advice for the Army’s social programmes and managed the organisation’s relationships with the Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Housing Corporation, Department of Corrections and the University of Otago. Around the Territorial Headquarters building, Greg was noted for his storytelling ability, inquiring mind, heart for Christ and care for the disadvantaged. He will continue to serve as a Community Member on the New Zealand Parole Board. He is married to Dr Jo Walton and has four children. 4 WarCry 28 NOVEMBER 2020
Weird of the Week: The speed of a computer mouse is measured in ‘Mickeys’, but while the device was created in 1946, the word ‘mouse’, to describe it, wasn’t coined until 1965.
Party Presents Outreach Opportunity in Alexandra On Saturday 31 October, the combined churches of Alexandra teamed up to host the sixth annual Alexandra Light Party. Alexandra Light Party was an all-ages, free event held at Pioneer Park with attractions as varied as carnival games, temporary tattoos, a sausage sizzle and on-stage entertainment. Not even rainfall on the day could keep the neighbourhood away from the party, which has always drawn a strong turnout and rave reviews. ‘It attracts about a thousand people,’ says Alexandra Corps Officer Captain Logan Bathurst. ‘For a town which is only about 5000 people, that’s brilliant! That’s one fifth of our population turning up, year on year.’ The Salvation Army’s involvement on the day—besides their role on the organising committee—included providing refreshments and running activities (such as a maze and a Nerf gun carnival game). The party is an opportunity to show the unity between the Alexandra churches through hosting a family-friendly afternoon of free entertainment for the town. ‘It’s not a trap for the community to come to the party and then—all of a sudden—we’re preaching at them,’ Logan explains. ‘It’s being a positive, family-friendly event where we’re going to engage with people on their level. ‘This year, we had about 140 volunteers help out, so there are lots of people that are involved.’
TOPFIVE
When it comes to finding a great Christmas gift, you can’t go past a good board game. For this edition’s Top five, we look at five games that are lots of fun (and may or may not end in family warfare). 1. Catan (or Settlers of Catan)—Test your strategic ability against the rest of the family. 2. Upwords—Like Scrabble, but 3D. 3. Ticket to Ride—Well, when else will you have the chance to learn your capability at connecting trains between North American or European cities? 4. Cluedo—The classic murder mystery game. 5. Hungry, Hungry Hippos—No matter how old you are, there’s nothing like frantically pressing a lever trying to get your chosen hippo to swallow as many plastic balls as possible … who came up with this idea again?
QUIKQUIZ
1 On the Rice Bubbles packaging, what is the blonde child’s name? 2 How many times do a clock’s hands overlap in a 24-hour period? 3 Which country is home to the world’s highest hedge? 4 What year was Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet?
WARCRY INHISTORY May we re-introduce you to former War Cry editor, Major Suter? This photograph of him appeared in the 22 December 1928 edition. Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Ploughman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission
5 In the Bible, what was the name of Elisha’s servant? Answers on page 22
Meringue Fruit Mince Slice Slice: 1¼ cups flour
Meringue: 3 egg whites
½ cup caster sugar
¾ cup caster sugar
125g butter, cubed
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
400g fruit mince Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan bake). Grease a 17x27cm slice tin and line with baking paper with an overhang on all sides. Place flour, sugar and cubed butter in a food processor and process until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press the crumb mixture into the base of the slice tin. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and turn the oven temperature down by 20°C. Spread prepared fruit mince evenly over the crumb base. Make the meringue. Place the egg whites in a clean bowl and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Slowly add the sugar one tablespoonful at a time while beating continuously. Add the vanilla. Beat for one minute more until the mixture is glossy. Spread meringue over fruit mince. Bake for 20 minutes or until meringue is crisp. Tip: This slice will last well for up to five days if stored in an airtight container. Source: New Zealand Women’s Weekly
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An Unexpected Gift
Main Photo: Urwashi and Nadia. Top right: Nadia as a unicorn princess. Bottom right: the Koroi family—Roland, Urwashi and Nadia with Caleb (front left) and Ashton (front right).
Last Christmas Urwashi and Roland Koroi received an unexpected Christmas gift. The birth of Nadia has not only changed their lives but deepened their faith experience. Urwashi shares her story with War Cry to honour God and their wonderful little faith community—Hornby Salvation Army. BY JULES BADGER
A
t 33 years old, Urwashi’s life was forever changed when she discovered she was unexpectedly pregnant in August 2019, and already 22 weeks along. But Urwashi’s joy quickly turned to fear when radiologists immediately discerned that all was not well with the little girl she was carrying. ‘Just thinking about it now, I feel very emotional—how did we do it? How did we manage to make it? I mean, honestly, how did we get through it? It was the church that held us together,’ explains Urwashi. ‘Roland and I have been Christians our whole lives, but having Nadia has woken us up in our faith—we’re awake now. We’ve seen the grace of God and the love that he can give to us—it was through Nadia. I think she was placed in our lives to remind us that God’s love is still there—he is here.’
A new start Urwashi and Roland met 12 years ago. ‘We met at work—Roland was working as a journalist at Broadcasting House in Fiji, and I was working as a radio presenter. A good four and a half years later, we had our first baby, Ashton, who is now ten years old. After a two-year gap, we had Caleb, who is now eight years old.’ Urwashi and Roland thought their family was complete, and decided to migrate to New Zealand to expand their children’s future opportunities. Roland went ahead of the family in 2016, with Urwashi and the boys joining him in 2017. ‘Roland went from being a journalist to a concreter, which was a big switch, but we knew it would be like that to begin with—everyone has to go through this sort of change to get started in New Zealand, so we tackled it head on. We had some immigration complications which we worked through slowly, but everything was good,’ recalls Urwashi. ‘It was actually Gill who noticed I was pregnant first [Major Gill Waugh, Director of Hornby Community Ministries]. She said to me, “Urwashi, I think you might be pregnant…” And I said, “No, I don’t think so…?” But I was!’
A long wait When Urwashi and Roland went to the radiologist for a scan, they had no idea what was ahead. The radiologist confirmed that the baby was 22 weeks 28 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 7
gestation. ‘Roland asked her if it was a boy or a girl, and when she confirmed it was a little girl, there were so many mixed emotions for us—the shock of being pregnant and the excitement of learning that the baby was a little girl. The radiologist carried on looking at the baby. At first, I didn’t think too much of it because we were so happy. But then as she was looking at the screen, she said, “I’m going to need to have a chat with both of you”.’ The radiologist explained to them that there were some issues with the baby’s left kidney. ‘At that time, we didn’t understand how severe the condition would be—the seriousness of it. We have two healthy boys, and we’ve never had any medical issues with either of them. It was very overwhelming to discover we were having this bubba who was already 22 weeks old in my tummy and that she was sick. We were transferred to the hospital where I had another scan. That’s when we found out that Nadia’s left kidney was in dilation while I was carrying her. There was nothing they could do until she was born. We just had to wait—I had to get through the whole term of the pregnancy knowing she was sick.’
Holding it all together Nadia was born by C-section (Caesarean section) on the fourth of December and remained at the hospital. Eight days after her birth, Urwashi was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a post-C-section infection that resulted in surgery, and was in and out of sleep after the surgery fighting off the infection. Unbeknown to her at the time, Hornby Salvation Army were rallying around her little family. ‘I was lying in hospital with no idea how things were working out. I had an eight-day-old bubba and my boys were still in school. When I finally woke up after three days, I said to Roland, “How is everything?” And he calmly said, “Well, everything is just fine”. It turned out that my little church family was holding everything together.’ Urwashi remembers Major Barbara Sampson (Rtd) being at her bedside. ‘Barbara just took the place of my mother, and every time I woke, she was there. I could hear her reassuring me and feel her touching my hand. Gill took the boys home with her so that Roland could be at the hospital with me and Nadia. They just held all the strings together—[Majors] Gill, Barbara and Kingsley [Sampson] (Rtd), and [Majors] Charles and Susanne Prattley (Rtd). Everyone helped. I don’t know what would have happened without our church family. I can’t 8 WarCry 28 NOVEMBER 2020
imagine life without these special people—they’re a huge part of our life. We would have been stuck and all over the place without them.’ Urwashi was still in hospital when Roland explained that Nadia needed to have surgery—she was just 14 days old. Nadia has since had three other operations to try and correct the condition. ‘Nadia’s condition was such that urine collected in her kidney preventing it passing through to the bladder. Her most recent scan showed that the bladder is now pushing the urine back up into the kidney. There’s a stent in place, but she has to have another operation in the first week of January 2021,’ explains Urwashi.
The other side of the coin Before Nadia was born, Urwashi would often pray and thank God for her two healthy boys. ‘I would pray, “Thank you Lord for making them healthy and for giving them everything a child needs to run and play and think”. But now I have Nadia and I see everything from the other side of the coin.’ At first Urwashi was distraught. ‘My wee girl is going through so much pain, and I started to question God asking, “Why Lord? Why is she suffering so much? Why are you doing this?” ‘Barbara said to me, “Urwashi, it’s okay to question God”. She talked me through it all and helped me understand that I needed to be patient and keep trusting. God has peeled back the layers of our faith. We were believers and we went to church and it was all routine until we had Nadia. That’s when we woke up and learnt what trusting God really means.’ Urwashi and Roland see God at work every day in Nadia’s journey. Doctors warn the couple before each surgery to expect that Nadia might lose weight or be off her food, but to their surprise, the opposite happens. ‘The way she heals—ask anyone—they’re all amazed. As soon as she has her operations she’s feeding well and brighteyed the very next day. I take photos and send them to the
‘WE’VE SEEN THE GRACE OF GOD AND THE LOVE THAT HE CAN GIVE TO US—IT WAS THROUGH NADIA.’
THE RADIOLOGIST EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THERE WERE SOME ISSUES WITH THE BABY’S LEFT KIDNEY. church message group, and no one can believe how well Nadia looks. She picks up weight and thrives,’ reports Urwashi. But the couple have had to face some unhelpful comments as others have observed their strong faith and asked them why God hasn’t miraculously healed Nadia overnight completely. But they simply reply, ‘We see the miracle in Nadia every day’.
Letting go and letting God Urwashi has learnt so many significant and spiritually formative lessons since she learnt she was pregnant with Nadia. ‘Finding out that your child has any sort of medical condition means you have to work through it. You can’t just bag it up inside you and say, “Oh, I’m okay”. You have to let it out and live it. You can’t bottle up the shock and the questions. Initially I was trying to be strong, but it’s okay to be sad and to cry and question. At first, I felt I was doing something wrong when I questioned God—it was an angry, “Why?” But if I hadn’t let myself do that I wouldn’t have progressed. ‘When Nadia had her first surgery, we were in the HDU [High Dependency Unit] and there was another sick baby there and another family. And I just went down on my knees and apologised to God for questioning and begged him for strength. From that day to this, that is my prayer: “Lord, give me the strength to care for my baby—every time I have to take her to the hospital, every time her fever spikes, every time she stops giving me wet nappies, every time she gets an infection—Lord, give me your strength”. And he does.’ When Nadia had her first surgery, Urwashi was terrified of holding her baby. ‘When she came out of surgery she was covered in wires and tubes and I was so scared to hold her. But the nurse said it was okay and that Nadia needed me to hold her. My hands were shaking, and I said to the nurse, “Just give me a minute”. I prayed and asked the Lord to please give my body the strength to just hold my baby. You feel so helpless, but then when you realise just holding her helps—it’s a different feeling. And that’s what I would say to anyone with a sick child—cry out to God for strength.’ Urwashi has also learnt to look after herself. ‘When you have a sick bubba, you need to take care of yourself, too. And
you also need to ask for help and learn to accept it. It’s the little things that count. You don’t have to overwhelm with the helping—just be there. Gill will text me and say, “I’m here if you need me”, or she’ll drop by and say, “Let’s have a coffee”, and she lets me talk it all out. Barbara is at my door, like she was at the hospital, asking if I want to have a rest while she sits with the children for an hour or so. It’s the little things.’
‘I DON’T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT OUR CHURCH FAMILY.’ Nadia’s song Nadia has just had her first birthday, and what a year it’s been for the whole Koroi family. Urwashi prays for and dreams of the day when Nadia will be well, but as the journey unfolds, she’s doing something special for Nadia. ‘I would like Nadia to know what she’s been through, so I collect things for her—things that will help me tell her about the grace of God over her as a baby. I want that story to give her strength as a girl and as a young woman, because it’s a story of God’s strength.’ When Urwashi was carrying Nadia, she would sing the song, ‘Come Holy Spirit, I need you’. ‘I still sing it when Nadia is in a lot of pain. I whisper the song in her ear, and she calms down. Those times when I was feeling so helpless as she went through all those operations and procedures, I would sing that song, and it would calm me, too. That song has brought both of us peace. It’s my song for Nadia.’
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How NOT to Gift Generosity is at the heart of gift-giving. And yet it often turns into a yearly task to tick off, and a stressful one at that. While you might be tossing and turning about what to get that one person who is impossible to buy for, let’s take a step back from the gift and focus on the giving. Author Peg Streep suggests there are five different types of givers come Christmastime, which one are you? 1. Genuine Givers, who think deeply about who you are and what gift would appeal to you. 2. Status Hounds, who use gifts to show their money, power or both. The gift is about the giver. 3. A ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’, who is likely to send money or re-gift an item without thinking about whether the recipient will appreciate it. These people like gift-giving to be even— especially when it comes to dollars spent. 4. Power Players, who choose gifts to deliberately cause anguish, such as clothes that are too small or presents for children that their parents don’t approve of. 5. Complainers, who love to let you know how much effort it took them to get this gift, and how it was a chore rather than an act of appreciation.
WE SHOULD ALL AIM TO BE THAT PERSON WHOSE ACTIONS DEMONSTRATE OUR LOVE FOR THOSE AROUND US.
We should all aim to be that person whose actions demonstrate our love for those around us. But if you see yourself in any of these other ‘givers’, consider whether you can refocus your heart in the approach to Christmas this year. Think about these ten tips to give a thoughtful, generous Christmas gift.
1. Try to Avoid Giving Money … unless they need financial support for an overseas trip, home renovation or the like. However, consider if you can contribute with a gift like a warm coat or kitchen appliance instead. 2. Monetary Value is Unimportant. Some of the most appreciated gifts cost nothing. 3. Thought Counts. Think about something which came up in conversation or that you have seen them eyeing. 4. Experiences. Generally, experiences—like shows or massages— are more memorable than objects. 5. Give a Gift You Can Share. Show that you want to spend time with them, like going to a show together or buying a book you can discuss.
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6. Find a Gift that Won’t Consume Their Time But Make the Most of It. Think audiobooks for their long commute into work. 7. Wrap It. Unwrapping a gift is part of the Christmas fun. You can be creative—wrap an envelope or colour it in, choose personalised wrapping paper or even cover the handlebars of a scooter in bows. 8. Include a Meaningful Message. Recall memories you have shared throughout the year, an apt Bible verse or why you thought to get them this gift. 9. Timing is Key. Give it to them at a time when they can savour it. 10. Surprise! If you can’t surprise them with the timing of the gift, add a fun twist like wrapping it twice with a lolly in the middle (à la pass the parcel). KEEP IN MIND | If you think your friend or family member would appreciate it, check out The Salvation Army’s Overseas Development Just Gifts Website! Go to justgifts.org.nz Source: psychologytoday.com
TESTIFY! Rebecca Howan is an accepted candidate for officer training in 2021. She details her journey to accepting this call and trusting that God will provide everything she needs. I was born and raised in Wellington and have been going to Wellington South Corps ever since I was a baby. I did all the usual things that a kid from a Salvation Army family does, but it wasn’t until I went to my first Easter Camp, when I was 13, that I experienced God. The head knowledge became heart knowledge and I truly had a personal relationship with God for the first time. My corps family nurtured and supported me as I grew up, and my faith developed through serving at church and doing things like singing in the music team, leading a youth Bible study, and attending youth camps like Amplify Creative Arts Camp. We did a course on spiritual gifts as a corps when I was 18, and this was a huge eye-opener for me as I learned what my spiritual gifts were. It was so exciting to understand what I could offer to God for him to use. I first received my calling to officership at an Amplify Camp. I’d always thought
…I HAD TO TRUST THAT OFFICERSHIP WAS GOD’S BEST PLAN FOR MY LIFE, AND THAT HE WOULD PROVIDE ALL I WOULD NEED AND EMPOWER ME TO FULFIL THIS CALLING.
that if God called me to officership, I wasn’t the kind of person who would run away; but, when he did, I was devastated and spent a long time grieving for what it would mean. I was at university, training as an opera singer at the time, and knew that becoming an officer would mean giving up this part of my life. God clearly gave me Matthew 16:24: ‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.’ After accepting my calling, I still took quite a while to apply. I put officership to the side for later, and busied myself with work as an executive assistant, leadership at church and performing in choirs. But after a few years, I got close to burnout when I was only 23—there was no joy in life and everything felt like a chore. I felt God clearly say to me that I wasn’t where I was meant to be and that it was time to apply. I felt too young, too inexperienced, I struggled with anxiety, and it meant more
sacrifices—careers, relationships and professional music—but I had to trust that officership was God’s best plan for my life, and that he would provide all I would need and empower me to fulfil this calling. Over the application process for officership and since being accepted, there has been more and more peace and excitement for the future. God has also been so faithful through my season of preparation before entering college. It’s been amazing to be at my corps and the Newtown Centre over the past few years as we’ve established an exciting integrated mission, and it’s also been a privilege to be the Corps Sergeant Major for Communications for the last year. I’ve had great opportunities and been surrounded by incredible leaders who I’ve learned so much from before heading to training college, both at church and at work. Officership will be such an adventure and I can’t wait to start! 28 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 11
LOST I N T H E Grief is about so much more than death. Knowing this can help us recover from the losses which hit us harder than expected. Loss comes in all shapes and sizes: a missing set of keys; an opportunity lost that you were really excited about; a cancelled event; a family member moving away or a friendship fizzling out; the death of someone you love. While a loved one passing away is one of the most harrowing life experiences, grief isn’t limited to death. It can encompass the loss of a friendship, belief, addiction, a treasured possession, a dream, identity, your health or even your independence. You can also grieve things that haven’t happened yet; for example, if your parents are about to get divorced and the makeup of your family is about to change. Most people lost something important to them in 2020. Some had loved ones pass away, and they might not have been able to say goodbye. They might not have been allowed to have a funeral or memorial service. They might not have been able to gather in person with others to reminisce and mourn together. Restrictions also caused and affected other losses. You might have been impacted by the border closures, separated from family members or your home. You might have missed out on graduation or rites of passage in your schooling journey. You might have cancelled the holiday and much-needed rest you invested time and money into organising. We grieve what we value, and sometimes we don’t realise the value of something until it is lost for good. For example, you might wonder why you feel so upset after your favourite television show is cancelled. But if that series helped you through a tough time in your life or was a connection you shared with your friends or family, then you are losing more than ‘just a show’. The same can be said when celebrity figures pass away; if you were somebody who saw themselves reflected on screen when Chadwick Boseman entered the frame as the Black Panther, or somebody who was inspired by the ground-breaking advocacy of Ruth Bader12 firezone.co.nz 28 NOVEMBER 2020
Ginsburg, these deaths can feel like a deep loss even though you didn’t know them personally. Grief knocks you about and sometimes it is hard to know how to move forward—especially if you don’t give yourself the space to admit that what you are feeling is grief.
H OW DO I G RI EV E T H I S?
Grief is not a straightforward process. There are five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance—but that doesn’t mean you will experience every stage or experience them in order. You might also have a physical reaction to the trauma—fatigue; nausea; losing or gaining weight; changes to your appetite, sleep habits, energy levels or concentration; headaches; pounding heart rate; breathlessness; aching or finding your immune system compromised. Because grief is unique for every person, there is no specified roadmap to find your way out of it. You might feel angry. Sad. Hopeless. Shocked. Guilty. Afraid. Frustrated. Hurt. Cynical. You need to put aside time to process every emotion. As you make time to work through these feelings, you should also make time to put them out of your mind. Catch up with friends. Binge-watch a TV show. Get stuck into a work task which requires your whole attention. Savour some comfort food (but don’t develop a reliance on it). Resist the temptation to lean into alcohol and drugs—numbing the pain is not the answer. If you are really struggling, whatever the loss, reach out for help. Don’t allow anyone to dictate what you can and cannot grieve. You might not be as sad about the death of a grandparent whom you had limited contact with, compared with the death of the pet you spent every day
WOODS with and who comforted you through tough times. You may find it tougher to say goodbye to friends you only knew for five days at camp than your fellow graduating classmates. Forget about whether anybody else thinks you ‘should be’ grieving and monitor whether you are grieving. From there, you can start to work through it. You should never feel like you need to go through the grieving process alone. Even if no one can fit the exact mould of what you have lost, that doesn’t mean they cannot help. Family, friends, work mates, coaches, teachers, leaders and mentors are all people you can reach out to—and, of course, God is there too. In Psalm 34:18, it reads, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’. That doesn’t
DON’T IGNORE OR BOTTLE UP GRIEF. CONFRONT IT. SCHEDULE IN TIME TO SIT WITH THE LOSS AND WORK THROUGH IT. mean that you can whisk away grief with one prayer, but the Lord is with you, even when you are feeling strangled by grief, even if you cannot feel him there. When you are feeling lost in the woods, it can be hard to forge on without knowing how far away the clearing is. Grief can be a journey of weeks, months or years—and it can be discouraging to know it might get darker before it gets lighter. It may get easier as the weeks go by, or it might rear its head from time to time. But acknowledging
BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
that you have suffered a loss which needs to be worked through will help you to move past it, or at least learn to live with it. Don’t ignore or bottle up grief. Confront it. Schedule in time to sit with the loss and work through it. Speak to someone about your feelings, pray, take time to be creative (like journaling, painting or drawing—whatever is your creative language). Loss is unfortunately part of being human. But you can live through the pain, and you will.
TIPS FOR SUPPORTING A FRIEND THROUGH GRIEF Check in.
Give them the space to grieve in their own way. Help them keep up routines. Keeping inviting them to events, even if they will probably decline. Let them cry it out. Provide hugs and encouragement. Be a good distraction. Offer to go with them to seek support. If you are concerned about their safety, reach out to their family (or a trusted guardian/leader). Source: mentalhealth.org.nz 28 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 13
Reflectors of Holiness, Part 2 BY JULES BADGER
Fiji’s School for Officer Training is preparing to welcome eight new cadets in January 2021. For the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory this means a total of 20 full-time trainees confirmed for the Reflectors of Holiness session. War Cry interviewed six Fijian and two Tongan candidates who have each heard God’s call, had that call tested and confirmed, and now wait with anticipation and excitement for this next season in their lives to begin.
Akuila Tuinaceva, Lomaivuna Corps (Fiji Division) Officership was never part of Akuila’s plan when he joined The Salvation Army in 1993. But in 2004 he heard God’s call at youth councils. ‘I didn’t understand it because I looked down on myself—how could God use me?’ Life was challenging for Akuila, but people kept reminding him that God wanted to use him. ‘There were other confirmations along the way, but I was blinded by life’s pressures until I recommitted my life to God 14 WarCry 28 NOVEMBER 2020
when my son was born in 2015.’ In 2018, Akuila travelled to New Zealand for the ‘Within Your Reach’ youth and children’s conference. ‘During the conference, a woman came up to me and said: “Akuila, in 2021 you will be a cadet in Fiji”. Since then, I’ve never looked back. I trust God and hold on to him because his joy is my strength.’ Akuila is excited about learning more about leadership and growing spiritually as a member of the Reflectors of Holiness session. A special verse for Akuila is Jeremiah 17:7–8, ‘Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.’
Asenaca Bale Tuinaceva, Lomaivuna Corps (Fiji Division) It took Asenaca four years to digest the invitation to apply for officership. ‘After we got married in 2014, I kept asking God for confirmation of his plan.’ Confirmation came to Asenaca through a work colleague, her mother and a corps cadet who was God’s particular mouthpiece, saying after church one Sunday, ‘You should apply to be an officer’. Asenaca took that seriously. ‘I have been encouraged by my corps officers and my family to keep trusting God, because one day he will use my family in his kingdom. God has spoken to us in so many ways. Though we’ve been through trials and difficult circumstances, I kept believing and I’m motivated by his word in Philippians 3:8–10, “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 … I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”.’ As Asenaca heads to training college, she desires to be humble, have a teachable spirit and also to be enlightened as she studies Salvation Army doctrines.
Petero and Maritinia Yavala, Taveuni Corps (Fiji Division) Petero is a teacher, and Maritinia is a policewoman. Both are excited about making the transition to training college and say they are eager to ‘find out what God has in store as we unwrap his calling and begin training’. The Yavalas explain that their journey toward faith in God was a difficult one. ‘We were going through a downward spiral in our personal lives, even to the point of considering divorce. We were hit by wave after wave of problems—financial, social stigma and shame—we’d reached breaking point. We knew God, but neither of us had an intimate personal relationship with Jesus. When everything went sideways, we lost all hope and didn’t know who to turn to.’ A family member introduced Petero and Maritinia to The Salvation Army. ‘It was through Captains Sevanaia and Vakatoto Wawa that we met Jesus. From then on, we had something to hold on to—someone to rely on. Through the nurturing hands of these officers we held on to this glimpse of hope in Jesus and never let go. He became the only hope when everyone and everything we leaned on left us isolated and dry.’ In time, both Petero and Maritinia were enrolled as senior soldiers and began to sense that God was calling them to apply for officership. Jeremiah 29:11 has been a key verse of confirmation for the couple: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.’ The couple affirm, ‘This verse has been our biggest source of motivation and strength in times of doubt and hardship. But because of what we’ve been through, we boldly say yes to the calling, because we know that the world has no good thing to offer that will ever compare with what God has in store for us. All he asks is for our availability so he can use us to carry his banner and spread the message of the
gospel to the lost and neglected.’ Another verse that has provided confirmation is John 15:16, ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you’. They agree that this verse has always been the real anchor to this calling. ‘God is calling us, and we are saying yes because he chose us for a purpose beyond our comprehension.’
Sailosi Laliqavoka, Ba Corps (Fiji Division) Sailosi’s desire is to give himself fully to God through full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer. His corps officers have been examples and role models, ‘standing alongside of me, nurturing and encouraging me spiritually’. Sailosi worked on a poultry farm for 11 years. It wasn’t an easy job. One day Sailosi was alone in a shed praying when he sensed God’s presence. In that moment God reminded him of Jeremiah 1:4, ‘The Lord said to me, “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations” (GNT).’ Sailosi was soon enrolled as a senior soldier and became involved in leading worship and preaching. In 2018, Sailosi took a step of faith and resigned from his job at the poultry farm, was warranted as an envoy (along with wife Salaseini) and took on the leadership of Tavua Corps. ‘I have been really blessed to have these two years of experience serving the people of the corps, and also the community where God has led me to share the gospel and be a witness for him,’ he says. Sailosi is looking forward to the new learning opportunities that will come with beginning officer training.
Salaseini Laliqavoka, Ba Corps (Fiji Division) For Salaseini saying yes to the call to full-time ministry means she is ‘following in the footsteps of my grandparents’. Her heritage and faith journey mean that she can say with confidence, ‘God is in control and has a greater plan for my life’. Salaseini attended a Bible school for a year, committing herself to serving the Lord through her church. In 2007, she began attending a community programme called mainly music, and it was this connection with The Salvation Army that saw Salaseini begin attending her local corps. She then attended senior soldier classes and was enrolled in 2008. Since then, Salaseini has been involved in ministry to women, youth and children, and also preaching and Sunday leadership. Salaseini has a particular passion for hospitality and loves serving Sunday lunch. She’s looking forward to ‘new learning, fellowship with session-mates, and learning more about The Salvation Army’s policies and procedures’. Isaiah 6:8 is a special verse for Salaseini: ‘Then I heard the Lord say, “Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?” I answered, “I will go! Send me!” (GNT).’
Peter Paulsen Otainao, Nuku’alofa Corps (Tonga Region) Peter is from the Solomon Islands, and as a child he had a 28 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 15
profound experience of God at a Scripture Union crusade. He fell away from faith during his teenage years, but when he was 26, Peter’s mother became very ill, so he left his job and returned home to care for her. During this season, Peter became very close to his mother—so much so that when she passed away, he was devastated. Peter explains that, ‘The good Lord saw my situation and sent someone to talk to me. The pastor kept visiting and encouraging me as he shared the Scriptures and prayed with me. God used that situation to draw me closer to him and I started praying and reading my Bible again.’ Peter fully committed his life to Jesus and became very involved in ministry to children, which included attending a training institute in Fiji. ‘There I met this beautiful lady from Tonga who later became my wife,’ he says. Peter migrated to Tonga in 2016, and soon after met a Salvationist who invited him to church. Peter enrolled as a senior soldier, and was content serving in children’s ministry, until one morning the corps officer called for candidates for officership to register their interest. ‘The more I tried to erase that thought, the more unrest I felt. To my surprise, Mele, my wife, told me that she was having similar thoughts. Upon hearing that, I felt in my heart that this is God’s calling for the both of us.’ Since Peter first met Jesus as a child, the verse from Matthew 6:33 has been a key Scripture for him. ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’ (NKJV)
Mele Seini Tu’iono Otainao, Nuku’alofa Corps (Tonga Region) Raised by her grandparents, Mele grew up in a Christian home. ‘It was difficult growing up without my parents and I started to compare my life with others. I had a kind of loneliness inside me.’ Mele stayed away from church but her family continued to pray for her and, finally, in 2006, she invited Jesus into her heart. ‘Day by day a hunger for God grew, and I knew it was God’s call for me to reach out to children in my neighbourhood and country.’ Mele travelled to Fiji for further training. ‘I was overwhelmed with what God had prepared for me there. I felt that I was growing from a nobody to being somebody because God had a plan and a purpose for my life.’ Part of that plan was for Mele to meet and marry Peter. Mele had been with the Assemblies of God church, and Peter was Anglican, so they were waiting on God to direct them to a new church. ‘The moment I stepped inside Nuku’alofa Corps I felt that I was welcome,’ says Mele. But even as she served as Junior Soldier Sergeant, Mele sensed there was more to come. ‘Serving God is the joy of my life. When I became a Salvationist, I knew God had a special calling on my life. Every time I prayed about officership, God brought peace to my heart.’ Mele holds on to Thessalonians 5:24, ‘The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it’.
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Work of art: Major Alison Moody (Divisional Youth Secretary, Southern—left) and designer Mia (right).
Lest We Forget On Wednesday 11 November, officers and staff at Territorial Headquarters gathered in Pollard Hall to commemorate Armistice Day. Having been unable to gather for Anzac Day due to Covid-19 national lockdown, the service was well attended. The service was led by Territorial Secretary for Chaplaincy Services Major Glenton Waugh, with National Māori Ministry Development Coordinator for Community Ministries AuxiliaryCaptain Amiria Te Whiu, who prayed beautifully in te reo Māori. Captain David Daly (Territorial Secretary for Mission) then shared a brief but profound message. David took care to explain the significance of Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of World War I (WWI). The armistice was signed between the Allies of WWI and Germany at 5:45am in France, this ended hostilities on the Western Front. This took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. David shared a personal family story that poignantly highlighted both the ‘lottery of life’ and the ‘legacy of life’, inviting listeners to remember the sacrifice made by so many of our forebears. David also drew attention to Psalm 77, which is filled with ‘I will remember’ statements. ‘I’m grateful that Scripture leads us to remember, firstly, God, but also all his miracles,’ he said. ‘As we remember the end of WWI today, can I challenge you to consider how you can help others—help another person—in our ‘free land’ of democracy, made possible by those who have gone before us?’ Everyone stood for the ‘Last Post’ with its invitation to declare: ‘We will remember them’, while David laid a wreath of remembrance. The service ended with the singing of New Zealand's National Anthem and a final prayer.
Christchurch Student Creates Salvation Army-themed Wearable Art A student from St Andrew’s College, Christchurch, has crafted a Salvation Army-inspired wearable art piece in her Year 13 Textiles Technology course, to raise funds for the Back to School campaign. Mia chose to support The Salvation Army through her Wearable Art for a Cause project, having recognised the increase in need following the events of Covid-19. She wanted the piece itself to remind people of The Salvation Army, and brought her concept to life using repurposed materials from a local Family Store. ‘She came into the office and said, “Tell me more about The Salvation Army”,’ explains Christchurch-based Regional Relationships Manager Jade Zeina. ‘I was basically her test client, as if she was going to go out in the real world and be a designer.’ After researching the organisation, Mia put together a range of sketches and finalised her design, drawing on another Salvation Army connection to source the materials. ‘She went into our Papanui Family Store, spoke to the manager and collected items from unusable, unsellable pieces.’ Within the finished garment you can see the range of fabrics woven together in red, white and navy blue, as well as the
overarching Salvation Army influence. ‘To see the thought and care that goes into her project, and how she came in on her days off school, it’s inspiring,’ Jade says. The project was exhibited in late October, and Mia has generously donated it for The Salvation Army to display. With the funds raised, she is going to make tote bags to tie in with the Army’s Back to School campaign, which will then be sold in the Papanui Family Store. ‘She’s so talented,’ Jade says. ‘She brought in a tote bag as a mock-up, and it was so professionally made. I was really impressed.’
Flaxmere for the Father On Saturday 31 October, Pāharakeke Flaxmere Corps held its closing service, including a pōwhiri and hākari, to gather and honour more than 35 years of ministry. It was a bittersweet celebration of the corps’ many achievements since The Salvation Army began its mission in Flaxmere in 1984. The first officers’ quarters were dedicated on 23 November 1986. In 1993, building was completed for the centre which the corps would call home for the majority of its ministry, paving the way for a period of growth. The Family Store, on Heretaunga Street West, was opened in September 2005. Corps member Colin Tresidder gave an overview of the corps’ history, acknowledging every officer who led the Pāharakeke Flaxmere community, while reflecting on what the corps achieved under their leadership. Outpost and corps officers who led Pāharakeke Flaxmere Corps include Cadets Barry and Betty Hart, Lieutenant Miriam Stobbart, Lieutenants Ian and Olive Swansbury, Lieutenant Lyn Smith, Captains Wayne and Harriet Moses, Captains Vaughn and Jenny Nicolson, Majors Sam and Eva Medland, Captains Paul and Jocelyn Smith, Captains Doug and Carol Rattray, Major Annette Garrett, Captain Sandy Galvin and Majors Tim and Zelma Malton. Past corps officers shared their memories on the day, and a passage from Revelation 3:8 was read: ‘I know your
deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’ These verses were echoed through many stories from corps members, about how this small but mighty corps produced stories of transformation, soldiership and belonging—and became a ‘force to be reckoned with’. Many of the Pāharakeke Flaxmere whānau shared hope and encouragement that ministry to the local area must and would continue. Midland Divisional Commander Major Paul Gardner assured people that The Salvation Army was not decommissioning its work in Flaxmere, nor God’s presence in the community. ‘He remains in Flaxmere, at all times.’ On behalf of the division, he pledged their support to continue working with tangata whenua in Hawke’s Bay to support the Army’s commitment to bicultural partnership throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker closed the service with a benediction, citing the passage of Micah 6:8: ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ The following day, Hastings Corps greeted those joining them from Flaxmere with an official welcome, to look forward to ongoing fellowship in the Hawke’s Bay region.
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Samoa Awaits When Eric and Julie Turner put their hands up for fulltime ministry, they never imagined that this would lead to being appointed Regional Leaders of Samoa. In 2014, Julie was working for New Zealand Police Communications as a dispatcher, while Eric was serving with Sydenham Community Ministries, Christchurch. At a divisional event, Eric found himself talking with soon-to-retire Major Barbara Sampson. Not only was Eric inspired by the stories Barbara shared with him, but when she said, ‘Hornby needs people like you’, Eric experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit sweep over him. ‘I sensed in that moment that God was saying to me, “I hope you’re listening to this, Eric”.’ Together Eric and Julie prayerfully visited thenDivisional Commander, Major Ivan Bezzant. ‘I shared what had happened and explained to Ivan that this might be something to consider when deciding how to fill Barbara’s position,’ Eric says with a laugh. The Army responded by inviting the Turners to consider applying for officership. Following the usual application process, the Auxiliary-Captaincy pathway opened up for Julie and Eric. A two-year appointment as Directors of Hornby Community Ministries was then followed by a four-and-a-half-year appointment as Directors of Epsom Lodge in Auckland. Julie and Eric will be commissioned as full Captains in December, before taking up their new appointment as Regional Leaders of Samoa in January. ‘We’re really excited about our appointment to Samoa,’ says Julie. ‘It’s an incredible blessing that we’ve been given the opportunity to go and be with the beautiful people of Samoa. We’re excited to learn about the culture and work alongside the team which is doing such fantastic ministry in Samoa.’
The Turners are sad to be leaving Epsom Lodge, and have been thoroughly challenged and changed by the experience of leading the team and journeying with the residents. ‘I would say that we have met some of the most incredible people in the world during our time at Epsom Lodge—staff and residents,’ says Eric. ‘We’ve seen our people haka at Te Tii Marae during Waitangi Day celebrations, travel to Encounter Congress and participate and even support the launch of the Offering Project. It’s been absolutely wonderful to be part of some of the opportunities our people have had by being at Epsom Lodge. We’ve formed some lifelong friendships and it’s been a privilege to play a small part in the story of these amazing people.’ MORE INFO | For more information about Auxiliary-Captaincy, speak with your corps officer/centre leader, or contact Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Kylie Tong kylie.tong@salvationarmy.org.nz
GAZETTE Bereavement: Lieutenant Siosiua Palu (Rtd), of his brother Mosese Finau, from Auckland in September. Please uphold Siosiua and his extended family members during this time of grief and loss. Birth: Lieutenant Mereyani and Ponipate Bacaivalu welcome Joshua One-Eight, born on Friday 30 October 2020, at Lautoka Hospital, Fiji, weighing 7lb 5oz (3.4kgs). May God bless Mereyani and Ponipate as they welcome their son into their family. Grandparents: Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell welcome Zelda Anne Uluga Folasaitu, born on Wednesday 4 November 2020, in Australia, weighing 3kgs, to first time parents Sarah and Anthony Folasaitu. May God bless Julie and Mark as they spend this time with their daughter, son-in-law and baby Zelda before returning to New Zealand in December. Prayer Request: Commissioners Garth and Mel McKenzie. Regretfully and with concern we share with you that Commissioner Garth McKenzie has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. A biopsy has taken place and the results will provide the necessary information for treatment and the continued way forward. Garth and Mel are deeply appreciative of prayer support for them and their family at this unexpected diagnosis and for the days ahead. If you wish to make contact or send a message of encouragement and support, please email Mel at mel.mckenzie@salvationarmy.org.nz. It is also requested that any phone calls be directed to Commissioner
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Mel’s mobile. Psalm 91 reminds us: ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust”.’ Thank you for your prayers. Promotion and Commissioning: Effective 14 January 2021: Auxiliary Captains Eric and Julie Turner, to the rank of Captain. They will join the Messengers of Grace session of officers. We congratulate Eric and Julie on their promotions and pray God’s blessing on them as they continue to serve God in their respective appointments and as they transition to their new leadership roles in Samoa. Promotion: Effective 9 December: Majors Allan and Deborah Clark to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. We congratulate Allan and Debbie on their promotions and pray God’s continued blessing on them as they serve God faithfully in their appointments. Resignation: Effective 12 December: The Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Lieutenants Ameet and Jessica Londhe. Following their commissioning on 12 December 2015, Ameet and Jessica were appointed as Assistant Officers (East City Corps) with responsibility for Flat Bush Outpost. On 27 April 2017, they became the Corps Planting Officers at Flat Bush Corps Plant. We thank Lieutenants Ameet and Jessica Londhe for their ministry and service and pray God’s blessing on them in the days ahead.
Alexandra Corps’ New Garden Alexandra Corps’ community gardens have been moved onto new land which will enable them to grow their outreach and go ‘bigger and better’. Eight plots within the gardens support the corps’ veggie coupon programme, which directly provides families with weekly produce. The Foodbank then receives any surplus vegetables. The remaining 16 plots are allocated for community to grow their own vegetables. Beyond easing food budget pressures and enabling healthy diets, Corps Officer Captain Logan Bathurst also hopes these gardens will enable people to learn about growing, cultivating and harvesting. The provision of vegetables enables people to pay off debts and freeze portions for a year-round source of nutrients. ‘They are the community gardens in the sense that the community are invested in it, but we also want to use it for the community,’ he explains. Several maintenance costs are covered by tremendous support from community donors, such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club and local businesses. ‘We could walk out to the garden and just about every aspect of the garden, some individual or some business has contributed to it.’ The gardens have been on council land for over ten years. The Central Otago District Council decided to reclaim the previous plot of land, so a suitable new allocation was provided with some fencing and boundary planting. ‘The council recognises the value that it has,’ Logan says. ‘That’s given us the ability to go bigger and better.’
‘IF WE ARE TO BETTER THE FUTURE WE MUST DISTURB THE PRESENT.’ ‘If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.’ This famous quote declared by Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, in her final public speech in 1890 has been a challenging and at times overwhelming reality for us all this year. Our present has well and truly been disturbed by the impact of Covid-19 individually and as The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. Yet, when the world sees only limitations and lockdowns, the people of faith see opportunity, and we know God is still in control no matter what the level or the restriction. As we have prayed, God has shown us how to better our future. We better our future as we serve together to love our neighbours. We better our future as we identify different ways to share the love and hope of Jesus. We are more aware of our mission to both proclaim the good news of Jesus and to support and care for people in our families and communities who are struggling with unemployment, mental health issues, addiction and the increased need for friendship, food and housing. This Christmas we have so many opportunities as The Salvation Army, Te Ope Whakaora, to be the Army that brings life. Thank you for doing your part to demonstrate and share the life, hope, joy, peace and love of Jesus through gifts, toys, hampers, meals, music and special services and events. We appreciate your creativity and the passion you bring to your areas of service. In John 1:14, in The Message Translation, we are reminded that this Christmas: ‘The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.’ As Jesus moved into the neighbourhood, he disturbed the present to lead people to a better future. He lived and taught the Scriptures and demonstrated how to love God. He is now asking us to continue on the good work he demonstrated with his short but impactful ministry. Thank you for sharing Jesus in your neighbourhood. Thank you for taking the good news of Christ to your communities. We have the answers to the problems and the fears that people are facing today. Commissioner Julie Campbell Territorial President of Women's Ministries
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I love watching the people I care about open the gifts I’ve chosen/ made for them. I get so much joy out of watching their faces—that look of curious anticipation as the parcel is handled, shaken, rattled. I especially love watching as the wrapping is excitedly torn off, eyes light up and little squeals of delight erupt from smiling lips— that’s such a great feeling! When I was growing up, part of our family tradition included Mum or Dad being designated as the ‘gift-giver-outer-er’ (yes, that’s a made-up word). It was the gift-giver-outer-er’s job to select a gift from under the tree, read the label and pass it to the person named on the tag. Gifts were given out one at a time so we could all savour the moment of the gift exchange, and—most importantly— thank the one who’d chosen the gift. And yes, that included thanking Nana for the unwanted socks and handkerchiefs— she still got a big hug and a kiss. Thanking the gift-giver was a key part of what made the gift exchange special, personal and meaningful.
Christmas chaos When I got married, I realised that not every family had the same Christmas traditions as my family. My first Christmas with my husband was spent with his extended family. Screeds of cousins and miscellaneous grandparents were all in attendance. We were poor students at the time, so I had lovingly made most of the gifts we were giving, and I was really looking forward to seeing how they were received.
BY JULES BADGER
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Well, Christmas morning came, and we all gathered around the tree. An uncle was given the role of Santa (not the giftgiver-outer-er) and began to hand out gifts. But to my horror, the gifts were not handed out one at a time—oh no—they went out in bunches and clumps. Before I knew it, I was caught in a frenzy of present opening chaos! Paper was flying as gifts were opened, and I found myself straining my neck to see who had what and what was being opened by whom.
A MOST BIZARRE GIFT, AND YET THE CRUX OF THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE, BECAUSE WE CANNOT CELEBRATE THE CRADLE WITHOUT REMEMBERING THE CROSS. From across the room I could see my hand-painted shell mobile being dangled by an aunt. I heard my husband call out, ‘Jules made it herself!’ But before I could hear her response, someone was thrusting a gift with my name on it into my hands. It was Christmas mayhem! The significance behind the exchange of gifts—the response and the thankfulness—was lost. As a gift giver I was left feeling robbed of something. As a receiver of gifts, there was unfinished business as I tried to figure out who I needed to thank for which gift.
The divine exchange I wonder what Christmas morning is like for you and those you spend it with? No doubt you’ll have Christmas traditions of your own—certain ways of doing things, expectations around who does what, hopes about where you might spend the day and with whom—especially this Covid-19 year with travel restrictions and the high demand for quarantine facilities with limited availability. It’s Christmas, but for some, how gifts are exchanged will look different. In fact, for many of us, the whole concept of exchanging gifts may take on a new significance. Throughout the world, lockdowns have caused us to reconsider what matters most to us. This year has reminded us that life itself is a gift. Gifts were a special part of the very first Christmas. At first glance, those gifts seemed more of an offering than an exchange. And yet we now know there was a divine exchange taking place, it just wouldn’t become clear for another 33 years. The exchange that began at the cradle was completed at the cross—the gift of sacrificial love was given to us.
HOW WILL YOU RESPOND TO THE KING OF KINGS THIS CHRISTMAS?
Now, 2020 years on from that first Christmas, commercialism still has nothing on gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts were carefully selected and prophetically announced not only Jesus’ identity and who he would become, but also what he would be required to do in order for us to understand the nature of the gift he is to the world.
Jaw-dropping gifts The Magi entrusted Joseph and Mary with three jaw-dropping gifts. They gave the gift of gold—gold for the King of Kings—symbolising Jesus’ kingship and divinity. Of course, Jesus was no ordinary king. He wasn’t born in a palace, but a cowshed. He didn’t become the powerful overthrower of Roman occupation the Jews thought they needed. Instead, Jesus’ royalty was seen in his humility and the way he treated the poor and the vulnerable—with dignity and grace. Jesus sought out the sinners and the lost and treated them like royalty. Jesus treated people—even difficult people—with honour. He served them. He healed them. He loved them. It was always about what he could give. How will you respond to the King of Kings this Christmas? Is Jesus your King? The leader of your life? The One you worship not just on Sunday or even at Christmas, but is Jesus King of your whole life? This Christmas, will we follow the example of Jesus the Servant King—will we give of ourselves? Will we serve? Will it be about others, or about ourselves? Will we treat people with the grace and dignity King Jesus modelled? The Magi also gave the gift of frankincense. Frankincense was used in temple worship. This gift symbolised Jesus’ function as the priest of all priests—our High Priest. We have a direct line to God the Father, through Christ the Son. What will we do with that fact of our faith? Will we revel in the privilege we have in this part of the world to worship freely this Christmas? Will we take advantage of the gift of prayer and come boldly to the throne
of grace? Will we take time to stop and be grateful and intercede for those who do not share this privilege at this point in the history of the Church? Will we unwrap those gifts of prayer and worship afresh this Christmas? Will we pray for a world that so desperately needs to know there is a Saviour? This brings me to the final gift the Magi brought, the gift of myrrh. Myrrh was used to anoint the dead. This gift prophesied the sacrifice Jesus would make for the world—the Christ-child was born to die. To receive the gift of myrrh must have been so bewildering and confronting for Mary and Joseph. It would be like receiving the gift of a pre-paid burial plot at your child’s dedication. A most bizarre gift, and yet the crux of the Christmas message, because we cannot celebrate the cradle without remembering the cross. There is no point to Christ’s birth if not for his death and resurrection. Salvation came into the world at Christmas—a precious, costly gift disguised as an innocent child. Like Christ, we are called to become ‘living sacrifices’. Romans 12 urges us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. To be a living sacrifice is to embody the mission and message of Christ—to die to self for the sake of others. Who can we ‘bring life’ to this Christmas?
Jesus, the ultimate gift Jesus came to be our King, our High Priest and the once and for all sacrifice for our sins. What a gift! Let’s not get carried away by the chaos of a consumer Christmas. Don’t miss the joy of the divine gift exchange; receive the ultimate gift—Jesus Christ. God gave us a Saviour and through him we receive the gift of salvation and the promised abundant and eternal life. As Christmas draws near, I invite you to pause and thank God for this incredible gift. And then share this gift with others!
28 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 21
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22 WarCry 28 NOVEMBER 2020
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
Design your own donuts!
Look—it’s a dozen donuts for you to colour in! Make your flavours as weird and wacky as you like, and make sure to write down each donut’s cool flavour in the space below each one.
Luke 10:41–42
Martha had been working in the kitchen all day to make sure everything was perfect—after all, Jesus was in their living room! But her sister Mary was just sitting there, listening to him speak, not helping her at all.
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Eventually, Martha complained: ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? … Tell her to help me!’ (Luke 10:40b). But Jesus told her that she was worrying about all the wrong things, which meant that she was missing her opportunity to sit and listen to God’s word. ‘Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her,’ he said. The moral of this story is not that you should avoid helping out around the house (especially leading up to Christmas!). Martha had done a very generous, hospitable thing, but we can’t let our many tasks overshadow what is far more important—listening to God. THINK ABOUT...
How can you make time to sit and listen to Jesus this week? 28 NOVEMBER 2020 WarCry 23
Nga Karere o te Mana Tapu COMMISSIONING WEEKEND
GRADUATION
With Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries
695 Fergusson Dr, Upper Hutt
CELEBRATION SERVICE
Friday 4 December, 7pm The Salvation Army Upper Hutt Corps
COMMISSIONING & ORDINATION
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Sunday 6 December, 10am The Salvation Army Wellington City Corps 92 Vivian St, Te Aro, Wellington
92 Vivian St, Te Aro, Wellington
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