29 June 2019 NZFTS War Cry

Celebrating Founders' Day

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | 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.

MANAGING EDITOR Ingrid Barratt | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Matt Gillon | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Hugh Collins, Major Shar Davis, Louise Parry | 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 6720 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 SalvationArmyNZFTS @SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts

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Listening to the Call There’s a joke on a Christian website I read recently: A Christian was stopped at a set of lights in his car and saw a homeless man by the side of the road. He felt really bad, so he prayed, ‘Lord, please change the lights’.

I had a moment like that recently. My seven-year-old and I walked past a homeless woman in our local neighbourhood. She was talking to someone, so I said to myself that I would stop and talk to her if she was still there when we came back. By the time we walked past again, she was gone. I felt a bit relieved that I was off the hook.

About a week later, my son said to me, ‘Mum, remember that woman that was lying on the street. Why didn’t you stop and help her?’

I said, ‘Well, I thought about it but she was talking to someone else.’

‘But Mummy, we’re The Salvation Army, you should have stopped and helped her.’

‘I know,’ I replied, ‘you’re right, I should have stopped and helped her.’

‘Yeah Mummy, we’re The Salvation Army, we help people—you should have helped her,’ he said (rather enjoying laying on the guilt).

As much as it cut me to the heart, I was also proud that my son at a young age, already understands the mission of The Salvation Army and is integrating it into his blossoming faith.

Our special Founders’ Day cover comes from War Cry on 18 March 1899. Our mission today is the same as our founders’: We are The Salvation Army. We help people. This call is still true for each and every one of us—I pray next time, I listen to that call.

Ingrid Barratt Editor

Your Salvation Army has been made to accomplish the impossible, and conquer that which to human calculations cannot be overcome.

William Booth

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Karatia 6:2 Pikaua e tētahi ngā whakataimaha o tētahi, hei whakarite i tā te Karaiti ture.

T

he Salvation Army began its campaign against ‘sweated labour’ in the 1890s, on the back of co-founder General William Booth’s best-selling book In Darkest England and the Way Out. The best known of the ‘labour colonies’ set up by The Salvation Army was the famous match factory, which changed the industry by using an alternative to the brutal, crippling phosphorus matches, and offering fair wages.

What is less well known is that the fledging Army set up several such ‘labour colonies’. By 1893, the Army in the UK was providing work for 2700 people, in such industries as text-making, needlework, book-binding, and knitting.

War Cry in 1892, reported on ‘Mrs Bramwell Booth’s Steam Laundry’, where ‘religion, cleansing and cheerfulness, service and singing, can go happily hand in hand’. It employed 24 ‘poor women, widowed and destitute’.

The women were offered shelter and shorter working hours—only clocking on from 8.30am until 7pm! One ‘lass’ said the previous Easter had been her first one sober. ‘It was very beautiful to hear [this] rescued lass lead off in prayer,’ reported War Cry. Founders’ Day this weekend provides us with a moment to pause from the tireless work that continues to this day. It is a time to reflect on our past, in order to better understand who we are today—and who we hope to be in the future.

Innovation is still the true heart of The Salvation Army. This year alone, we have launched The Good Shop, which is taking on the debt industry, and partnered with KiwiBuy to address the housing crisis.

But aside from our ‘professional’ services, each of us who call ourselves Salvationists are in the business of grappling with injustice, as part of the gospel we preach. We cannot be The Salvation Army without a bias towards the ‘destitute’—if only we have eyes to see them.

We must continue to be an open door to those often rejected by other church traditions.

‘Soup, soap and salvation’ has been our enduring motto. To be The Salvation Army and not be concerned with spiritual matters, is as much an oxymoron as any failure to respond to social need. Faith and deeds walk step-by-step, as William Booth famously said.

Founders’ Day is also an opportunity to ask ourselves some brave questions: What needs to change? What must remain the same? What is God requiring of us in these days? What is God asking of me?

The world of 2019 is vastly different to the one The Salvation Army was born into 154 years ago in London’s East End in terms of how we do mission.

But the why remains the same.

The call to ‘care for people, transform lives and reform society’ is as urgent as ever it was, and the Spirit behind that call continues to empower.

As our mission statement says, ‘Everything [The Salvation Army] does is as an offering to the glory of God and for the worship and adoration of God’s name’.

As much as we honour our founders, we do not follow the Booths—we follow Jesus. What is the Spirit of the Living God calling us to in our day?

BY JULES BADGER AND INGRID BARRATT

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Māori Ministry Embraces Matariki The Māori new year is in full force and The Salvation Army is celebrating.

Matariki is a time of celebration, reflection and planning and signifies the end of one year and the beginning of another.

This weekend, Māori Ministry Northern Division will host a Matariki whānau event at Mt Albert Corps, a festivity which includes a two-course buffet dinner.

‘It’s a time we can celebrate and reflect on all the blessings in our lives, and start to prepare and plan for the future,’

Māori Ministry Programme Assistant Irene Farnham says. ‘It also allows us to remember our loved ones that have passed in the last year.’

Irene says Matariki is based on the ‘lunar’ calendar, as opposed to the ‘solar’ calendar. ‘This is why it does not always fall at the same time each year, according to the Gregorian calendar we use in Aotearoa and the rest of the Western world.

‘This gathering gives us an opportunity to share our hopes and aspirations for the year to come and to pray for each other.’

Ultimately, Irene would love to see more of an embrace of Matariki from the general New Zealand public.

‘Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realising you were the prisoner.’

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‘We want everyone to be able to enjoy its depth and meaning. When people understand the significance of Matariki, they realise it is a beautiful time of celebration that brings people and communities together; all the working parts gathered and celebrating as one. Who wouldn’t enjoy a time to be grateful for all that is good and bountiful?’

TOPFIVE

Most Kiwi things that ever happened: 5 Horse on a ute: In 2014, police were shocked to see a horse literally travelling on the back of a ute in Houhora, Northland.

4 Tractor protest: In 1987, soon-to-be Labour energy minister Bob Tizard drew attention to alternative fuels by driving a tractor on to the steps of parliament.

SALLIEOFTHEWEEK Mau Tu’Ugasala Mau joined The Salvation Army Westgate over six years ago with her husband and three boys.

She is a senior solder and very passionate about seeing people come into a relationship with God. Mau is an important part of the Westgate family and volunteers her time during the week to running our foodbank, homeless ministry and other outreach opportunities. On top of this she’s more than happy to organise other volunteers. Mau is deeply passionate about seeking where God wants her and to follow his calling. We love Mau and appreciate her open heart for the lost.

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3 Crime-fighting sheep: In 2016, a police chase near Queenstown was brought to a halt by a large flock of sheep blocking the road. Four arrests were subsequently made.

2 Shrek the sheep: In 2004, a sheep was found in rural Otago who hadn’t been shorn in six years. He subsequently took the title of the world’s woolliest sheep.

1 Blow on the pie: In 2009, a video went viral of a young offender being stopped on his way to buy a pie. The police officer’s advice: ‘Always blow on the pie’.

Weird of the Week:

A sneeze travels out of your mouth at over 160km per hour.

Action, Comedy, Science Fiction Men In Black: International / M, Science fiction themes & violence F. Gary Gray

Here come the Men in Black, well sort of. Missing the winning duo of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, this MIB spin-off’s star power is Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. There’s trouble in the London office of MIB, and so new recruit Agent M (Thompson) is dispatched there to see what she can find. Partnered with Agent H (Hemsworth) they’re trying to uncover a mole in the agency, while being hunted by the Hive, a powerful enemy. If you’re a fan of the weird and wacky aliens, there’s plenty of those. What is perhaps a little lacking is an original idea. There’s a bunch of familiar faces and some great moments, despite feeling a little tired. Oh, and don’t bother staying till after the credits, there’s nothing to see.

It’s an enjoyable watch, as long as your expectations aren’t too high. (Reviewed by Shar Davis)

QUIKQUIZ

1 What year did the Auckland Harbour Bridge open?

2 What company produces Squiggles biscuits?

Smokey BBQ Pulled Pork ¾ cup smoked hickory flavoured BBQ Sauce ¼ cup cider vinegar 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp mustard 1 tsp dried thyme

Combine the smoked hickory flavoured BBQ Sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and thyme in a small bowl. Place the pork, onion and garlic in a small casserole dish. Pour over the liquid.

Cover and cook in the oven for 2½ hours or until the pork is very tender. Turn the pork occasionally.

1 onion, chopped

Remove the pork from the casserole dish and shred with two forks. Return to the casserole and stir through the sauce.

4 cloves garlic crushed

Serve with coleslaw in ciabatta rolls.

1.2kg boneless pork shoulder

3 H ow many of the stars of Matariki are visible?

4 What kind of dog is Scooby-Doo? 5 W ho was adopted by Mordecai as his own daughter?

Answers on page 22

Source: foodinaminute.co.nz

WARCRYINHISTORY

28 October 1911 Lieutenant Garrett is ready for a back-country trip collecting for self-denial.

Source: Booth College of Mission Heritage and Archives Centre 29 JUNE 2019 WarCry 5

BEYOND THE PRISON GATE …

‘Soup and salvation’ is still the heart of Epsom Lodge

Epsom Lodge is one of the last remaining ‘Prison Gate’ homes, a ministry that began in 1884 by The Salvation Army’s New Zealand founder George Pollard. It was set up to help ‘destitute men’ leaving prison. Today, Epsom Lodge is finding innovative ways to go above and beyond this timeless vision.

BY JULES BADGER

‘M

ike’ spent two years sleeping rough on the streets of Auckland. Homelessness is not only an uncomfortable reality, but a dangerous one. For Mike, drug use quite literally provided the comfort that enabled him to sleep, suppressing his physical discomfort and fear for his own

personal safety.

Eventually, Mike courageously suffered through a week of poor sleep and paranoia to get himself clean enough to pass the required drug test for admission to Epsom Lodge, The Salvation Army’s largest Supportive Accommodation facility, located in Central Auckland.

‘We could think that people like Mike will never use again, but we must recognise that drug use isn’t always about drug use—it can be about coping with a bigger problem, like homelessness. It’s a process of tackling one problem at a time,’ explains Auxiliary Captain Eric Turner—together with fellow officer and wife Julie, the Turners are the current Directors of Epsom Lodge.

Out of options So, what is Epsom Lodge? Since it was established in 1897 as a home for men released from prison, Epsom Lodge has grown in its scope and vision to become truly ‘supportive accommodation’.

It is supportive in that residents are genuinely cared for and can access various support services directly through staff and caseworkers. And it is accommodation for those who find themselves with nowhere to live for a variety of reasons.

‘Our main work is with the homeless,’ Julie explains, ‘but it is transitional supportive accommodation that we provide. There are 70 beds for men, 15 for women, and most residents stay for between 3–6 months.’

So, for some doing the non-residential stages of The Salvation Army’s Auckland Bridge programme (drug and alcohol rehabilitation) in Mt Eden, Epsom Lodge and its staff provide supportive accommodation for that shortterm period. It also provides a ‘first address’ for those being released from prison who need support as they reintegrate into society.

For many residents though, it is quite simply a last resort when all other accommodation options have been exhausted.

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Auxiliary Captains Eric and Julie Turner, Directors of Epsom Lodge.

‘When you consider the complex background many of the residents bring to their stay at Epsom Lodge it’s amazing it works,’ Eric explains. ‘All these different people in the one space, complex backgrounds and affiliations and views, diverse cultures and ethnicities, the huge age range, and of course, the addition of the women’s wing—it shouldn’t work, but by the grace of God, somehow it does.’

When Julie and Eric Turner were appointed as Directors of Epsom Lodge, they quickly found the motto of ‘soup, soap and salvation’ was very real.

‘Here at Epsom Lodge people often have open ears to God and spirituality—people who would never walk into a church. We are able to speak hope into the lives of people who really need it and give them a vision of a different life, a transformed life,’ says Julie.

‘It’s hard, very hard, at times, to hear what people are going through, but I’m so thankful to God for the chance to start conversations about what could change, and to provide support towards life transformation.’

Affirming identity One of the innovative approaches at the Lodge has been the investment in an additional staff member, to analyse the demographic of residents coming to Epsom Lodge. This revealed that 45 percent identified as Māori. For Eric, it’s a ‘no brainer’ to provide pathways for residents to discover (or rediscover) their cultural heritage.

‘As Christians we know that exploring and affirming our identity is part of our formation in Christ. Many of the residents have become disconnected from their culture through the debilitating effects of colonisation. Add addiction and criminal behaviour to that disconnect, or poor mental health—and, of course, homelessness—it’s no surprise identity has taken a huge knock. Shame is a big factor too, so we want to do all we can to support residents as they affirm their identity.’

Every week, a mihi whakatau (welcome) takes place to mark the arrival of new residents to the whānau. ‘We had a recent resident who told me that he had never had anything spiritual happen in his life—he didn’t believe in any of it. Then he walked into Epsom Lodge and was confronted with spirituality at the get-go. Karakia is part of the mihi whakatau and so he began to question everything he’d ever known from day one.

He now says he has found something bigger than himself and wants to know more.’

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Undeserved generosity Manaakitanga is also a key practice. ‘It’s about inviting people into the whānau and treating them with the same care and respect as you would any family member. Where manaakitanga differs to good old kiwi hospitality is the extent to which generosity undergirds every action.

‘It’s about going above and beyond, and it’s not just about food. When our team practise manaakitanga we are offering something that is not earned or deserved—it encompasses and displays grace,’ Julie explains.

‘At our Christmas party last year, we had a resident who’d been in prison for the past eight Christmases. He received a gift—nothing much really—but he had forgotten what it felt like to get a gift,’ Eric explains. ‘Turns out he hadn’t had a Christmas present since he was about nine years old. He physically struggled to accept the gift—tears welled up and he said, “I don’t know what to do Eric, it’s been so long since I’ve had this.” A huge part of manaakitanga is doing celebrations like Christmas well and with meaning.’

However, manaakitanga also demands that the safety of the whole whānau comes before the negative or destructive behaviour of the individual. One of the hardest things Julie and Eric face is having to ask someone to leave. ‘We have to balance grace for the individual with manaakitanga for the whole house,’ Julie says with an uneasy smile.

HERE AT EPSOM LODGE PEOPLE OFTEN HAVE OPEN EARS TO GOD AND SPIRITUALITY— PEOPLE WHO WOULD NEVER WALK INTO A CHURCH. Supporting Wahine Toa The addition of the Wahine Toa wing five years ago, provides a safe place for women who are escaping domestic violence or experiencing homelessness.

‘Cilla is just 20, and was using cannabis so she could get to sleep at night, because she was sleeping in her car. It’s not that she was an addict per se, but she was using as a means of coping with the fear resulting from homelessness,’ Julie explains.

The Epsom Lodge team.

A dedicated Women’s Care Worker, Courtney Frankland, works one-to-one with women and sees a lot of positive outcomes. The women’s wing is off limits to all men. But just like the men’s wings, there are communal spaces for women to gather together. Envoy Jillian Smith runs a sharing group twice a week that explores spirituality and faith using the Bible as a base.

While some were concerned about the addition of the Wahine Toa wing and the safety of women, it has changed the dynamic of the Lodge for the better. ‘People thought the men would go a bit crazy, but actually behaviour has settled down because the presence of women has “normalised” the environment. The women are respected as sisters, mothers and daughters so it’s positive,’ Eric affirms.

Committed to the cause The Turners are very firm about giving credit where it’s due— to God, and of course, to the staff. ‘The staff here are truly amazing,’ Julie affirms. ‘The way they care about the residents reveals the size of their hearts and commitment to the cause.’

Julie explains that Bernadette Collins has been the Business Manager since ‘before the internet’, which means over 20 years! Jenny Kelly from Glen Eden Corps has been the Administration Assistant for nearly a decade. ‘She stays because she believes in the mission of the place.’ And there are plenty of others, like Operations Manager Jonathan Kirkpatrick who has clocked up five years.

Reintegration Caseworker Andrea Page has been with the team for just over two years and works with people who are at the bottom of the social ladder. ‘This place believes in them and gives them another chance, by providing space to adjust to life outside prison. I really love the opportunity I have to be part of that change and see personal growth,’ Andrea says with a huge smile on her face.

Julie has high praise for Andrea’s work, explaining that ‘Some residents who have been in prison for a long time have never used a smart phone. Some have no bank account or ID. Technology has marched on at such a pace that even accessing a benefit can be mystifying, as the process is done online now.

Andrea does this upskilling, practical support work, as well as helping facilitate whānau reconciliation in some cases’.

All these amazing humans bring their professional skills to a lavish table, offering life transformation and hope to residents.

Disturbing the present But what really pulls on Julie and Eric’s heart strings, and causes staff great angst, is what happens when a resident leaves

Epsom Lodge. ‘It’s a celebration sometimes as people move on, but often it’s cause for real concern,’ Julie says.

A key strategic partnership exists with the Mt Eden Bridge Recovery Church because this is the space where people leaving Epsom Lodge feel most welcome and at home.

Ever since the Booths began Sunday services for people who weren’t accepted in the mainstream churches, this has been the heart of The Salvation Army, says Territorial Commander Commissioner Andy Westrupp.

‘I am constantly encouraged in seeing examples of Salvation Army mission to people who have been marginalised by circumstances they cannot control. I believe our founders William and Catherine Booth would be amazed to see how their vision of “soup and salvation” has been interpreted and adapted into our modern world. Epsom Lodge, with its links to local corps and Recovery Church, is a fine example of this adaptation,’ says Andy.

The Army is still called to be a place where everyone feels safe and welcome. We must continue to be a church where people don’t need to look a certain way or behave a certain way, before they are allowed to belong.

‘Many of our residents know their past decisions have had negative impact on family or society, and as a result, some genuinely want to give back. They don’t want a church they can just go and sit in, they want to serve in meaningful ways,’ says Julie.

Andy agrees that we must never abandon those whom William Booth described as ‘our people’.

‘I believe God raised up The Salvation Army, alongside sister churches, to face towards those people who struggle to fit in most places. With open hearts and hands we need to offer the love of God with both soup and the gospel. This is who we are,’ he says.

Founders’ Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our past, as well as ask the brave questions that keep us true to our calling: How can we effectively fulfil our purpose today? Who are the unseen and the marginalised in our culture? How can we stand with them and offer them hope?

Let’s continue to ‘disturb the present’ and a future for everyone within our Army. After all it’s not about us—it’s about others.

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Rejecting Rejection Rejection is a fact of life—from job interviews to human relationships. But many of us treat rejection as a mortal enemy, trying to avoid it at all costs.

How can we befriend rejection?

‘I could never let someone know that I was interested in them romantically—I just felt like if they didn’t like me back, I would be so humiliated,’ said one young man.

‘Well, I was interested in a girl, and so I told her. She wasn’t interested in me, but at least I knew and could move on, so it was good, actually,’ said another.

These are two real life situations—so why did these young men have such different reactions to the experience of rejection?

Carolyn Joyce, editor of Psychalive, says our response to rejection is not so much about our circumstances, as about our self-talk. ‘So much of the hurt and struggle we endure isn’t even based on the loss itself but on what we tell ourselves about the experience,’ she says.

Research shows that early experiences and childhood attachments hugely influence the way we react to rejection. ‘As adults, we often unconsciously seek out and recreate the emotional climate of our past, even though it was painful,’ says Joyce—which is why it’s important to examine our response to rejection and learn to deal more positively with it.

‘Our ability to see things as “changeable” can have a strong influence on how we deal with rejection,’ she says. People with a ‘growth mindset’ can accept they may need to change and learn through the experience.

This helps them move on positively.

WHEN WE REJECT OURSELVES, REJECTION FROM ANOTHER PERSON BECOMES CATASTROPHIC TO OUR IDENTITY.

Similarly, people who understand rejection as a common experience, recover from it more easily. Any loss is accompanied by a sense of loneliness. But people who see relationship difficulties as a normal part of life—whether in marriage, friendship or family—are able to take it less personally.

The first young man in the previous example had a strong inner critic that told him rejection was highly personal and humiliating.

But the second young man was able to show self-compassion, see rejection as normal, and even as an opportunity to move on!

Showing Self-Compassion

Your inner voice will ‘make or break’ how you experience rejection. Critical self-talk will focus on things like: ‘If only I was more …’ or, ‘If only I was less …’ Or, perhaps, ‘See? No one will ever like you’.

Treat yourself like a friend—talk to yourself in kind and empathetic ways, rather than judgement.

When we reject ourselves, rejection from another person becomes catastrophic to our identity.

Don’t take the role of the victim—this takes away your power and keeps you stuck in rejection.

On the other hand, a University of Arizona study of people going through a divorce, found that people with a high level of selfcompassion, ‘reported fewer intrusive negative thoughts, fewer bad dreams about the divorce, and less negative rumination’.

Celebrate yourself—it’s easy to wonder: ‘What was it about me?’ Instead, accept and celebrate what makes you uniquely you.

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Allow yourself to feel the pain—accepting rejection doesn’t mean glossing over it.

TESTIFY! Candy Hull has always had a passion for animals. But how she got her own dog was a miraculous answer to prayer.

For as long as I can remember, I have had a heart for animals. For me, it’s part of my faith—animals don’t have a voice, and we are called to be a voice for the voiceless.

I grew up in South Africa, and my parents gave their lives to God when I was three. My dad gave up a very well-paid job to become a pastor—I remember he drove out in a Mercedes and came back with an old station wagon!

Animals were always part of our life— my brother was always bringing home rescued animals, and my grandfather absolutely loved animals.

I have been blessed to have a very loving mum and dad. It has helped me to see God as a father who wants to look after us and care for us. Jesus is my healer and God is my helper—I don’t have to do things in my own strength.

My husband Jon and I met at work, when I was working in IT in the UK. We’ve been married for 17 years now, and never planned to have children— I feel that for me, God has given me a heart towards caring for animals. My dream is that when we’re retired, we’ll have a shelter for rescued dogs.

We both got made redundant when our company moved offshore, and Jon said to me, ‘Why don’t we think about going to New Zealand?’ I thought he meant a holiday, but no, he wanted to emigrate! We’ve been here for 11 years now and I love my job as a PA for Salvation Army Public Relations.

I got to the stage where the desire to nurture an animal was really growing in me. So, we decided the time was right to adopt a rescue dog.

But for some reason the doors kept shutting. We went to several animal

WE ALL GET ONE LIFE, INCLUDING ANIMALS, AND THEY DESERVE TO HAVE DIGNITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE. welfare charities, but nothing was working out. At one stage, we were all set to adopt a dog with hip dysplasia.

But two days before getting her, we got the call saying that her needs were too high and we would not be able to care for her. I cried for about three days.

I said to Jon, ‘You know, we haven’t prayed for what we really want, and I feel God wants us to do that.’ So we decided to be specific. We made a bulletpoint list asking God for a poodle-cross, female, 3–4 years old, house-trained, spayed and with a lovely temperament.

About three days later, I got an email from a friend saying that they knew someone who had to re-home their dog, and he bullet-pointed: a retrodoodle, female, three years old, house-trained, spayed and a lovely temperament. I told my husband and he said, ‘That’s our girl’.

When we met the owner and this beautiful dog Finn, she said, ‘You know, I’ve been trying to find owners for Finn for a while and no one has felt right.

But you’re the ones’.

So that is how we got our lovely girl Finny—she is 11 years old now. She’s such a good girl, she gives both of us her love. She was shy at first but we’ve seen her really blossom.

We all get one life, including animals, and they deserve to have dignity and quality of life. I feel so blessed God chose us to be the ones to care for Finn.

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It’s a mundane Monday morning and you’re scrolling through your Insta feed. The first little square that appears is a shot of a beautiful couple standing on a beach in some exotic faraway land …

BY HUGH COLLINS

Let’s just randomly call them Betty and Jughead for no particular reason. They’re a hot couple that have been together since high school. Everyone knows it’s love, twue love, and they’re destined for selfies in front of sunsets for as long as they both shall live.

‘He completes me,’ writes Betty, followed by #marriagegoals and #livingthedream.

It alludes to a line made famous by the 90s hit Jerry Maguire. But the message that someone else ‘completes’ us doesn’t just come from Hollywood. Churches, too, can give the message that it’s impossible to be truly content as a single. This happens in lots of unspoken and unintended ways—like the fact that couples are more likely to be invited to the pastors’ house than a single.

Or that social situations are often aimed at couples.

But is life really some kind of video game where getting married gets you ahead two or three levels?

While we’re always happy when our friends find their own Betty or Jughead, the idea we’ll never be ‘complete’ without someone else sends some unhealthy messages— even about why we should get married in the first place.

The Disney Dream

From childhood Disney films to the latest Netflix romcom, our cultural narrative is that our own Mr or Miss Right will sweep us off our feet, and be the special someone who gives us a sense of full satisfaction and fulfilment in the world.

But, in reality, there are no perfect men or women. So, there’s never going to be a person that has the ability to completely meet all our needs and desires.

Christian writer Frank Powell puts this quite brutally in an article from Relevant magazine. ‘If you are empty, broken or insecure and you believe a spouse is the silver bullet to your problems, buckle up. It will be a bumpy ride.

You will never be able to enjoy the beauty of marriage if you think your spouse’s job is to complete you.’

Marriage was never created by God to dissolve our 12 firezone.co.nz 29 JUNE 2019

personal issues—if anything, it’s going to bring them bubbling to the surface!

While this may sound very doomy and gloomy, it’s actually good news. Marriage isn’t about superficial Instagram #goals. It isn’t intended to make us eternally happy. Marriage is about two flawed individuals coming together with the aim of creating a space of love and commitment.

That is so much deeper than the ‘love’ you feel when you see your crush walk into the room.

The Stranger We Marry In his book The Meaning of Marriage, American pastor Timothy J Keller says he has spoken to thousands of couples—many who say, ‘Love shouldn’t be this hard.

It should come naturally’. He goes on to use the analogy of a professional baseball player. ‘Why should a baseball player expect to be able to hit a fastball naturally?’ Or why should a writer expect to ‘naturally’ complete a great piece of literature?

‘But playing sport or making art is not the same thing as falling in love with someone you’re compatible with!

If you find the right person, it should come naturally.’

MARRIAGE IS ABOUT TWO FLAWED INDIVIDUALS COMING TOGETHER WITH THE AIM OF CREATING A SPACE OF LOVE AND COMMITMENT. But this narrative is a lie, says Keller. He references Duke University ethics professor Stanley Hauerwas, who says it’s destructive to think marriage is about personal fulfilment and happiness—this follows the assumption that there is a ‘right’ person for us to marry, and if we look hard enough we’ll find them! Yet this doesn’t acknowledge that, in reality, we never actually marry the ‘right’ person.

‘We never know whom we marry; we just think we do. Or even if we first marry the right person, just give it a while and he or she will change,’ Stanley says. ‘For marriage, being [the enormous thing it is] means we are not the same person after we have entered it. The primary challenge of marriage is learning how to love and care for the stranger to whom you find yourself married.’

Biblically, any two people who choose to marry are both broken and sinful. Why should selfish, immature, and generally imperfect people suddenly become angels when they fall in love?

Ultimately, marriage is tough because it’s a reflection of the gospel—a covenant that is about forgiveness, sacrifice and commitment. We express to our spouse the same kind of love that God has expressed for us and his people—a love that is perpetually in a state of grace and forgiveness.

‘This is the only kind of relationship that will transform us,’ Keller says.

Contentedness in Every Season

If you’re single and over it, that’s okay. God has hardwired us for love and intimacy. But the Bible is also quite clear about learning to be content in whatever season we’re in.

In Philippians 4:11, Paul says: ‘I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances’.

Here, Paul is saying that contentment is not something that comes naturally, but rather it is a learned skill. Paul wrote this while in prison, so he was walking the talk when he describes choosing joy and contentedness, even in the most unjust circumstances.

Regardless of what chapter of life we are in—married, single, divorced or widowed—we can always find things to be thankful for. That might sound cliché, but it’s actually a gritty and real way to live. It’s way easier to think, ‘If only I was … then I would be happy’. It’s easier to live in this fantasy. It’s a lot harder to choose gratitude within the reality you’re facing right now.

This certainly doesn’t mean it’s wrong to desire change. But, rather, we can learn and practise being satisfied until God brings the change.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,’ says Philippians 4:6–7. ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

Instead of praying for the perfect partner, pray for peace in whatever situation you’re in today.

Don’t instil, or allow anybody else to instil into the hearts of your girls the idea that marriage is the chief end of life. If you do, don’t be surprised if they get engaged to the first empty, useless fool they come across.

William Booth

29 JUNE 2019 WarCry 13

Energy poverty is a real issue for people during winter, says head of Community Ministries Jono Bell. This year’s Winter Appeal is aimed at helping families keep warm and keep the lights on.

BY LOUISE PARRY

This winter, as the barometer falls, spare a thought for those who are struggling to stave off the winter chills.

As the cold bites, it’s getting harder for beneficiaries and those with low-paid jobs to meet the basic needs of their whānau.

That’s where The Salvation Army comes in, and this year’s Winter Appeal, ‘Lights On’, is aiming to do just that—assist people to get through the coldest months with a bit less stress.

Thousands of people in Aotearoa are living in freezing homes.

For many beneficiaries, their meagre incomes are stretched to breaking, trying to provide the basics of life: food, clothing and shelter.

‘During the colder months, they are forced to make some tough decisions around what to sacrifice in order to keep their whānau warm,’ says Salvation Army Community Ministries Territorial Director Jono Bell.

14 WarCry 29 JUNE 2019

As a social worker for many years, Jono knows all too well the extra hardships many families face over winter.

‘Families are going to extreme measures to keep warm. We see houses heated by opening the oven door; that’s a very inefficient way of heating—their power bills are through the roof.

‘They can’t afford to heat their homes, so they block off the bedrooms, wedge towels under the doors to stop the draughts, and all sleep in the lounge.’

The Government has passed legislation to improve rental housing with its Healthy Homes Guarantee Act. Measures include landlords having to provide a heating source in the living room, insulation under the house and in the roof space, adequate ventilation and extractor fans, and drainage to keep the property dry on the ground, along with draught stopping.

However, Jono says social workers are reporting a huge number of houses which are still substandard.

IT’S AMAZING WHAT DIFFERENCE HAVING SOMEONE IN A SALVATION ARMY SHIRT AND BADGE CAN DO TO LEND A BIT OF WEIGHT TO PEOPLE WHO ARE OTHERWISE POWERLESS. ‘Landlords are legislated to provide safe, warm, dry houses.

There has been some improvement under the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act; some landlords are great, but some continue to abdicate their responsibilities because of the cost of improvements,’ Jono says.

‘Many landlords don’t know the impact this has on families, whose priority is to pay them.’

Much of the problem stems from the high cost of renting— many people are spending more than 50 percent of their income on housing costs, leaving little for food and power.

‘Many of our clients do a phenomenal job of budgeting,’ Jono says.

The Sole Parent benefit is $339.69 per week in the hand. Take $50–$60 per week to heat a home out of that, and people have to choose whether to stay warm or buy food.

The Government extended its Winter Energy Payment this year, and beneficiaries can receive up to $31.82 per week to help with bills, but there’s still a gap.

Even in rural areas, the cost of firewood is huge, Jono says.

People get creative and burn wooden pallets, but these are often made of treated wood and produce toxic fumes when burnt. They also burn very quickly.

The high cost to the health system of cold, damp homes comes from the growing number of people with respiratory problems.

These impact everyone, but especially the elderly and children.

‘They can’t afford to go to the doctor—there’s no such thing as free healthcare in New Zealand.

‘They end up in emergency rooms. We see parents lose their jobs because they have to spend so much time at home with sick children: the cycle continues,’ Jono says.

‘It’s frustrating seeing this every winter,’ he adds. ‘But what keeps us going is knowing The Salvation Army is there to meet these families in crisis with food, clothing and housing, and we often take families into our Family Stores to get them warm clothes.

‘The Salvation Army will always meet that need, and we do it well.’

Long-term change is what The Salvation Army wants to see.

Alongside the practical help provided, goes advocacy. Jono says many people don’t have the education or the confidence to ask questions of government agencies, and The Salvation Army can work with landlords and agencies to help people improve their living conditions.

‘People in poverty don’t have a voice because there’s no other options open to them. They don’t know what they can ask for. It comes down to a lack of education, sometimes language barriers, but often it’s confidence.

‘It’s amazing what difference having someone in a Salvation Army shirt and badge can do to lend a bit of weight to people who are otherwise powerless.

‘Suddenly the client is treated in a different way.’

The Salvation Army bases its assistance on well-being indicators, such as physical, mental wellness, and cultural and

social connections. ‘We always ask how people are doing in relation to these specific goals.’

Along with donations of food, clothing and money, Jono says everyone can do simple things to ease winter harshness in their communities.

‘We’re hearing from centres that elderly, or people without someone, are staying in their own units for days on end, without going out. It’s a big part of loneliness,’ Jono says.

Jesus teaches us to love God and to love our neighbours.

Wellbeing must never be a self-centered pursuit; it is our communal responsibility to care for each other.

‘I would encourage people to look to their neighbours: give someone in need a lift to the doctor, or invite them over for Sunday lunch and to spend the afternoon in your home, so they don’t have to heat their own. We all have a part to play,’ Jono says.

Every winter, The Salvation Army helps people living in apalling conditions. Jono says it can be demoralising and frustrating at times, but there are many stories of success— people moving into warm, healthy homes, and engaging in the community.

‘That’s what keeps us going. The need continues but the people we are helping, evenutally, in time, we get to see the changes in their lives and circumstances.’

The Lights On Winter Appeal runs from 8–30 July 2019.

Donate online at salvationarmy.org.nz/winter

GAZETTE Additional Appointment: Effective 19 June 2019: LieutenantColonel Ian Hutson, as Chair of the Māori Ministry Council, with overall responsibility of the Territorial Secretary for Māori Ministry, effective immediately.

Whatever the particular call is, the particular sacrifice God asks you to make, the particular cross He wishes you to embrace, whatever the particular path He wants you to tread, will you rise up, and say in your heart, “Yes, Lord, I accept it; I submit, I yield, I pledge myself to walk in that path, and to follow that Voice, and to trust Thee with the consequences”? Oh! but you say, “I don’t know what He will want next.” No, we none of us know that, but we know we shall be safe in His hands.

Catherine Booth

29 JUNE 2019 WarCry 15

E&E Closes but Commitment Continues It is the end of an era, as The Salvation Army’s Education and Employment programme closes on 30 June.

E&E has been a valuable part of The Salvation Army’s work for 41 years, providing training and education, and transforming the lives of more than 80,000 people, their families and communities.

However, in the past five years The Salvation Army has faced the same pressures that have forced so many other private training establishments to close. Due to the current funding model, the sector—including E&E—has become unsustainable.

E&E has been running at a loss, and for the past five years The Salvation Army has funded this shortfall from reserves. At the same time, student numbers have been falling—in line with other providers in the sector.

This combination of factors meant the service was unsustainable and led The Salvation Army to the difficult decision to close.

We are pleased to advise our current learners and staff in four locations have the opportunity to transition to a new provider: EmployNZ.

Youth Guarantee services in Whakatāne and Mt Maunganui will continue at the current locations.

ESOL services at Waitakere and Royal Oak will also continue at the current locations. Services provided for Corrections and The Community Driver Mentoring Programme are transitioning within The Salvation Army to the Addiction, Supportive Accommodation & Reintegration Services (ASARS) team.

The Salvation Army is extremely proud of the lives that were changed by Education and Employment. When The Salvation Army arrived in New Zealand in 1883, one of its first areas of focus was on supporting people who were not in work. The Army set up New Zealand’s first labour exchange and in 1978 it began the formal training for work programmes that became E&E. In addition to E&E, Salvation Army centres and services around the country have continued to support people who are unemployed to transform their lives. The names of the services may change, but this commitment continues.

Nuku’alofa Corps Joins the Party!

When you connect to your friends and families over the phone it will cost you … but connecting to God through prayer is free. So, the children of Nuku’alofa Corps in Tonga were invited to ‘come and join the party!’

They were taught that talking to God in prayer is similar to when you’re about to cross the road—your full attention is needed! When we talk to God in prayer we need to be still, focused and listening. However, sin tends to distract and take our attention away from God. This was the message for our Young People from Sergeant Major Sesilina Palu, from Matthew 6:7–15.

Nuku’alofa Corps’ Young People’s Anniversary was held on Sunday, 5 May. The children and Sunday School teachers participated throughout the morning meeting, including reciting individual memory verses, an item in song, and being involved in the worship team. Helium balloons demonstrated how sin weighs us down and is a barrier between us and God. In the afternoon, we gathered together again for performances from each of the three Sunday School classes and also the youth.

These included the story of Nicodemus (John 3) and the story of Naaman (2 Kings 5).

Corps Officer Lieutenant ‘Eliesa Prescott gave a short devotion from Luke 2:52. As Jesus ‘grew in stature and wisdom’: that is the hope and prayer for our children.

Acknowledgement was given to the five Sunday School teachers for committing tirelessly to assist the children in their growth. Regional Commander Captain Sila Siufanga, who was visiting, pronounced the benediction. The day concluded with fellowship tea, supper and ice cream for the children.

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We praise God for all the beautiful children who participated and attended on this day. Only some of them have been captured on camera! Also, for their parents and guardians, and the Sunday School teachers—we thank God for his love and faithfulness.

BY LIEUTENANT SELALINA PRESCOTT

Call for Prayer and Repentance at New Zeal

Captain Sammy Millar preaching on Pentecost.

‘If we want to see the Holy Spirit spread like wildfire throughout the ranks, we need to position ourselves in prayerful expectancy,’ declared Captain Sammy Millar during the New Zeal Encounter Sunday, hosted by Napier Corps.

Drawing on verses in Acts, Sammy unpacked the disciples’ experience at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came on everyone who was gathered, eagerly waiting on the ‘gift’ Jesus promised them. ‘So, the disciples were in a time of waiting for the fulfilment of the promise—they were expectant,’ she said.

Each time she issued the challenge about ‘positioning ourselves in prayerful expectancy’, she challenged our current experience and expectations. ‘Are we praying in such a way that is bringing a response from God? ... If we aren’t hungry and desperate for more of the Spirit, what is keeping us satisfied?’

Going even deeper, Sammy reminded us that ‘expectation is not entitlement—there’s a danger that we might confuse the two—entitlement is about me, expectancy is about God.’ Sammy issued the call to Salvationists around the territory to get serious about our prayer gatherings: ‘History has proven again and again, that revival is born out of labouring prayer movements.

‘If we want to see the Holy Spirit spread like wildfire throughout the ranks, we need to repent,’ challenged Sammy, shifting gears. ‘We need to repent for softening the mandate of our name … We continue holding on to the things that keep us

comfortable, we refuse to step out of our apathy. True repentance is turning away from those things that are stopping us from forging ahead and looking to Jesus.’

There were many ‘amen’ and ‘preach it’ affirmations coming from the congregation, as she stirred us to hunger for more of God than what we are currently experiencing.

Commissioner Andy prayed and called people to the Mercy Seat for an encounter with the Holy Spirit. This was followed by a significant time of response at Napier with the front of the church lined with people, seeking more of God. Reflecting on the day, Andy said: ‘I am deeply grateful to the folk at Napier Corps for hosting the New Zeal Encounter Sunday and to everyone throughout the territory who made it possible for Salvationists to experience the Encounter.

‘Sammy spoke with great passion and conviction, no one watching could miss the prophetic nature of her call to position ourselves in repentance and prayer.’

Behind-the-scenes crew working to live-stream the meeting.

The service was live-streamed around New Zealand and corps were able to either stream the whole service or join for Sammy’s sermon. Reports are coming in of people all across the country responding to the message—some, in response to the challenge to repent; others, seeking to experience the Holy Spirit for the first time.

Johnsonville Corps reported a great morning, including a man making a decision to follow Jesus, after having initially connected with the corps at their ANZAC Day service. ‘We had such a good response at Johnsonville, with many people seeking God for a renewed sense of the fire of the Spirit. People were making recommitments to Jesus after drifting away, and we had the youth (around 20 of them) come to the front and being anointed with oil—with many of the parents standing with them in support,’ said Corps Officer Captain Robert Adams.

Corps are encouraged to send their stories from New Zeal to shar.davis@salvationarmy.org.nz

The Napier music team, who led live-streamed worship.

WATCH OUT FOR | New Zeal Sunday featuring Chief-of-theStaff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, live-streamed from Christchurch City Corps on Sunday 11 August.

29 JUNE 2019 WarCry 17

What Lurks Beneath the Deep?

The answer is: plastic—and lots of it. A group of young people from Mt Albert Corps can testify to this after spending multiple Sunday afternoons fishing up several kilograms of rubbish from Oakley River in Roskill South, Auckland.

As part of a ‘Citizenship Project’, second-year Praxis student JD Douglas facilitated discussion with the young people about issues that were having a negative impact on the community, and how they could make a difference.

‘Once the young people saw the gravity of the situation, motivation was no problem. This is a generation of young people who have been raised with an acute awareness of the recycling process both at school and at home, so many were shocked by what they discovered in the river,’ JD reported.

Some particularly disturbing items were found in the Oakley: ‘A massive plastic orange road cone, and a box of beer bottles that had so obviously been thrown from the bridge,’ JD explained.

But it was the sheer amount of everyday plastics that really stood out. Together, the young people identified that the reserve adjacent to the river only had one bin for general rubbish—with no recycling options—signalling another potential opportunity to make a difference.

During the de-brief sessions that followed each clean up, the young people had the opportunity to reflect on their experience over a meal. ‘After the first clean up there was no problem motivating the group for the next week’s clean up,’ said JD. Participant and good citizen, 16-year-old Dominic Elliot said: ‘I found it was good for me to get out of the house and do

something for the community and understand the greater issues in life. It felt good to get fresh air and I really liked hanging out with the church gang every time. So, I’ll take every opportunity to get involved.’

Consultation with mana whenua has been part of the process. ‘There’s been some awesome learning in terms of dos and don’ts around the river, and we’ve learnt about the upset caused by damage to the ecosystem. Some of the young people come from Māori whānau, so it’s important to hear about their connection to the river and its role in the community.’

Celebrating Incredible Volunteers Salvation Army leaders from across New Zealand have been gaining some insights from a tour for ‘quirky’ volunteers.

The Leading Incredible Volunteers Tour appeared in six cities across New Zealand in late May, and drew from the works of American Christian leadership writers Adam Duckworth and Sue Miller. This includes the book Leading Not Normal Volunteers: A Not Normal Guide for Leading Your Incredible, Quirky Team.

The tour was initiated by Southern Division Children’s Secretary David Moody after he came across Duckworth and Miller through the Orange Conference, an annual Christian ministry event held in Atlanta.

David was able to get in touch with Adam and the two put together a coaching package for 25 people across the four New Zealand Salvation Army divisions.

‘I read the books, was really impressed and found it helpful material to share and pass on to others,’ David said. ‘It was always the intention to invite Adam to visit the country to impact a larger audience by having a tour.’

The courses are aimed to develop people in their leadership and ministry positions as volunteers and as leaders of volunteers. Topics included recruitment, maintaining volunteers, making volunteering fun and training for volunteers.

18 WarCry 29 JUNE 2019

‘There was a “mature” leader there who had come over from Tauranga who I had served under as a young Christian in the 1980s,’ David said, speaking of one participant in Hamilton. ‘And here they were, still hungry, still serving, still wanting to make a difference with volunteers and as a volunteer. Incredible.’

Salvation Army Territorial Children’s Mission Director Hannah Medland says it’s been cool to hear some attendees are already using ideas and language from the course. ‘They believed if you weren’t already volunteering after the training, you would want to be,’ she said.

‘I was inspired personally by Adam’s story about his wife and her colleagues who worked together in amazing ways to save the lives of victims of a terror attack, who then went out to celebrate a few nights later. Adam challenged us that if they can celebrate saving lives, we can celebrate saving lives, and that a culture of pure celebration without agenda is important.’

This means making celebration as much part of our practices and rhythms as training, logistics and running a ministry. ‘But the life-change business, our “wins” are worth celebrating! Celebrations add to a healthy volunteer culture.’

Offering Tops Charts and Gives Hope

JESUS WAS THE MASTER COMMUNICATOR...

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of travelling to a number of different countries. Travelling to unfamiliar places is both exhilarating and challenging, especially when you don’t speak ‘the lingo’.

Most of the time I have been able to get my message across—picking up tiny snippets of Italian and French certainly helped—but I must confess there have been occasions when I just couldn’t make any headway, having to accept defeat and leaving the person bemused and befuddled.

Major Ian Gainsford (left) receives the first cheque from Offering creator Murray Thom.

The Offering project was launched two months ago—and what an offering it has already been. On 12 June, project creator Murray Thom handed over the first proceeds to The Salvation Army—from the auction of the artwork alone, it has already raised a stunning $327,465.

The Dick Frizzell painting, featuring a Salvation Army band, picked up the highest price at the auction—going for over $30,000.

The Offering project is a collaboration of New Zealand musicians and artists, who have donated their considerable talents to raise money for The Salvation Army.

A CD of 12 hymns re-imagined by some of our country’s most prominent musicians was still number one on the New Zealand Albums chart as War Cry went to print. It is on sale at Countdown, The Warehouse and JB Hi-Fi, as well as online—or you can pick it up from Salvationist Resources! It is not yet known how much money the sale of the CDs has raised, but Offering has already proved to be a priceless gift for the Army.

‘It is a gift we cannot repay, but we receive it and we long to do more with it,’ said Northern Divisional Commander Major Ian Gainsford, who was there to receive the novelty oversized cheque.

‘We commit to using it well. This is hope.’

Communication issues in a non-English-speaking country are understandable.

However, not being understood in an English-speaking country is something that I never expected!

Recently, while traveling around parts of America, I had a number of awkward experiences where people just couldn’t understand what I was trying to communicate—they looked puzzled and unsure of what I was saying. It quickly became apparent that not everyone understands our Kiwi accent.

A couple of times I even had to write something down so the other ‘English’ speaking person could understand. In Starbucks—every Starbucks—staff could not understand the name Sheryl. I had to use my husband’s name or make a name up!

I’ve also discovered that the number ‘six’ can sound like something altogether different to the hearer and generates some interesting and perplexed looks.

During our time away, I saw on Facebook that the New Zealand accent had been voted the sexiest accent in the world (go figure). That decision has generated much debate ever since!

We need to be careful with our communication, especially when the message we have to share is important. As followers of Christ, we have been called to go into the world and to share with others all that Christ has done for us. This requires us to be creative and to use many different forms of communication in order for the hearer to fully understand and receive the message of life and hope from God. Jesus was the master communicator, we can learn much from the skilful examples he gives in scripture. He used different communication styles to suit his audience— he drew pictures in the dirt, applied mud and spittle to a man’s eyes, used simple stories (parables) that were relevant to everyday life, together with skilful debate and eloquent speech in the temple courts.

Communication isn’t only what we say, it’s also what we do and how we live. I have been reminded again of the beautiful words of truth and challenge from St Francis of Assisi: ‘Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words’.

Let’s make sure that the messages we send, both spoken and unspoken, are clear and help to communicate the love and kindness of God towards all people.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sheryl Jarvis Territorial Secretary for Personnel 29 JUNE 2019 WarCry 19

Vivienne Hill remembers her father’s sharp intellect, quick wit, and stunning artistic talent. She chronicles the heartache of seeing him deteriorate with dementia, but how his faith and spirit eventually won out.

They say you lose your parent to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease long before they pass. This is true, and years before my father was diagnosed, his personality changed and his ability to converse on subjects or hold deep conversations diminished over years. This was a sad loss, as my father had a great intellect and killer wit. His humour remained but was reduced to repetitive puns.

It is only in hindsight I can pick the year my father began his journey with dementia. Dad had a minor car accident and became obsessed with the details of the incident. He talked about it to the point of distraction. This was out of character for my fun-loving father, but I now see this as the first step in his mental decline.

declined, but she would not consider moving into supported accommodation.

Mum passed away before Dad, and I often wonder if the strain of caring for him precipitated her failing health.

Dad was able to function day-to-day with the help of Mum, but once Mum passed away, we became fully aware of the extent of his deterioration. I did not live in the same city as my parents, so my visits were sandwiched between work and family commitments. There are no ‘text book’ dementia stories, the disease progresses at its own rate and I would notice declines each time I visited.

Dad was termed ‘a character’—he loved kids (he was a big kid himself) and dogs. All his quirky personality traits

magnified as the disease progressed, to the point I could no longer take him to the supermarket because of his ‘off’ conversations with people.

He owned a yearly diary where he would record the events of the day, this included the time the sun rose and set, the maximum and minimum temperatures of the day, and what he ate. Entries became more detailed as his memory failed, but near the end of his life he forgot he owned a diary.

Dad continued to drive, very badly, though we made multiple attempts to discourage him. Two incidences happened to confirm the time had come to get Dad off the road. He lived on the North Shore of Auckland and wanted

Prior to this accident, my father had retired and spent his days painting in his studio. My parents were originally Salvation Army officers, but they left so Dad could attend art school at the renowned School of Fine Arts, attached to the University of Canterbury. He was part of an illustrious alumni, but chose a career in advertising, though he still painted at every opportunity.

Once retired, he was able to indulge his passion and was a prolific artist until a few years before he passed away.

In the early years of his dementia, my mother would cover for him—she prompted his replies, finished his sentences and changed subjects. In time, the stress and isolation of living with a partner with dementia became apparent.

My concern for my mother grew as Dad Clive Luscombe, Suburbia, mid 1980s.

to pop over to a corps meeting in the next suburb to where he lived. Instead of attending the meeting, he forgot to turn off the motorway and drove over the harbour bridge all the way to the Bombay Hills.

I became aware of the second incident when we had a friend visiting from Auckland. I am not sure how we got onto the subject, but she told me about an elderly man who had flagged down her car on a main road near where my father lived. She stopped to see if he needed any help and he told her he had 20 WarCry 29 JUNE 2019

IT COMFORTED ME TO KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH DAD’S MIND WAS RAVAGED

BY DEMENTIA, HIS SPIRIT WAS NOT. HE HAD AN ETERNAL PART OF HIM UNAFFECTED

BY DISEASE. forgotten how to get home. She found his address in the car and directed him home. I asked her what the address was, suspecting it might well have been my father who had flagged her down, and, sure enough, it was!

Dad continued to paint, though his deterioration hastened after Mum died.

The paintings were large, colourful and intricate, and I was amazed that even though his memory was gone he still managed to pick up the paint brush and produce these paintings. He steadfastly refused to go into care, even though he was not safe at home and nearly burnt the house down more than once. In the end, the decision to move him was taken out of his hands and ours.

One day one of my sons was visiting Dad—he often popped in to keep an eye on his grandfather. He knocked on the door—no answer. He looked through the opaque glass and saw his grandfather lying on the floor. He broke into Dad’s house and called an ambulance. The hospital assessed him and told us that Dad would not be returning home and we would need to find a retirement home for him. This is easier said than done, and it took us a few weeks to find and place Dad in a suitable home with a dementia wing attached.

I remember the day Dad no longer knew who I was. I had arrived in Auckland to visit him. I walked into the home and said, ‘Hello, do you know who I am?’

He said, ‘I know your face, but I can’t pick your nose’ (another pun).

‘Do you remember my name?’

‘No’, he replied.

You prepare for this moment, but I still felt sad.

Each time I visited, I would sit on Dad’s bed, take out a photo album we had prepared for him, show him the pictures of his family and tell him what each person was up to. He would not remember, but he enjoyed the process.

My mother always had a strong, vigorous faith, but my father’s faith was unconventional.

They were life-long Salvationists, but Dad’s beliefs developed in a different direction.

One of the outcomes of dementia, was that my father returned to simple belief and faith in Jesus Christ. It was childlike and accepting.

It comforted me to know that even though Dad’s mind was ravaged by dementia, his spirit was not. He had an eternal part of him unaffected by disease. It did not wear out or age. There were frustrating times with my father, times when I needed to remind myself of this fact: Dad belonged to Jesus and Jesus would take care of him.

Above: Clive Luscombe, Salvation Army Trombones, c1960. Below: Clive Luscombe, Bird Flies Over the Trees, 1994.

Near the end of his life, we were able to spend two weeks with Dad. He was unconscious for much of this, but at times he would waken, his cheeky sense of humour still intact. We would ask him: ‘Are you all right Dad?’ ‘No, I’m half left’ … a typical Clive reply.

For dementia support in your area, call Alzheimers New Zealand on 0800 004 001, or visit them online at alzheimers.org.nz.

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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 30 June: Westport Corps visit, Westport 15–16 July: TGB visit to Northern Division & ASARS, Auckland Colonels Suzanne (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Secretary for Programme) 29 June–9 July: Furlough 15–16 July: TGB visit to Northern Division & ASARS, Auckland Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 7 July: What a Ride book launch, Wellington South Corps, Wellington 12 July: She Speaks, Preservatorium Café, Wellington

‘ … helping women who are on their journey of faith and brokenness. to encourage them that they are beautiful regardless.’

Palmerston North Corps women’s conference July 26–27 Speakers: Colonel Suzanne Fincham, Chief Secretary

Colonel Heather Rodwell, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries

Sheryn Adamson, former police officer, infertility advocate and style consultant.

To find out more, and register, go to:

somethingbeautiful2019.com

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:

What A Ride!

by Judith Bennett

A journey of unexpected turns and extraordinary adventures

AVAILABLE 7 JULY

Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

PRAY Territorial Business, Commercial and Communications and Finance Sections, Family Stores around the Territory; The Salvation Army in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Quiz Answers: 1 1959 (30 May), 2 Griffin’s, 3 Seven, 4 A Great Dane, 5 Esther (2:7).

22 WarCry 29 JUNE 2019

Incredible activities!

Fill out a cool activity you can do in each of these areas. Cut them out, put them in a jar and pull out one activity each week to do: Cleaning up rubbish Helping animals

Recycling

Photography: Simon Daivs/DFID.

Kids Can Do Incredible things!

Helping another person Doing something for my school

Spot the difference!

Can you find the 10 differences between the pictures below?

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

She was born in Pakistan, in an area where girls were not allowed to go to school. At age 11, she began writing a blog about the importance of girls being educated. When she was 15, she was shot in the head for speaking out—but she miraculously survived and now goes around the world speaking out for girls and education.

Even though you are young, you can help to change the world!

In the Bible, God often spoke to young people—Samuel was a boy when God spoke out loud to him. Samuel answered: ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’. Samuel became a famous prophet of God. David was the youngest in his family and just a shepherd when God chose him to become King of Israel. He became the greatest of all the Kings, God called him ‘a man after my own heart’—and he was a direct ancestor of Jesus!

‘Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers [of Jesus] by what you say and do,’ says the Bible (1 Timothy 4:16 CEV).

God has given each one of us talents and a purpose. You can be part of making the world a better place by being a good friend to others, helping people, being kind and standing up for what you believe in. You are never too young to be called by God!

r s a teenage Nicholas wa a charity to rted when he sta to kids who can’t rs e k donate snea m and has so far e afford th 6,000 donated $7 in shoes!

t born withou Isabela was let that stop her didn’t a hand, but special arm created —she had a ld learn to play so she cou the violin.

I WONDER …

How does God want me to make the world a better place?

29 JUNE 2019 WarCry 23

You have been sent here for others.

The world is waiting for you!

Founder CATHERINE BOOTH

Painting by A Soord. Appeared in War Cry April 6, 1912.

You are not here in the world for yourself.