Christchurch City Corps' journey of resilience following the devastating Canterbury earthquakes to a future-focused mission.
12 Youth Out in the Cold
A sobering look at youth homelessness, and the advocacy mahi (work) to reverse this shocking trend.
18 God Kept Knocking
Ethan Waugh (Christchurch City Corps) courageously shares his journey from addiction and a prison sentence, to forgiveness, hope and a fresh start.
20
Little Revolutions
A report on Catch Network’s recent interdenominational conference for church planters and others who have a desire for renewal in the church of Aotearoa.
28 Royal Blessing
After 25 years, The Salvation Army Tonga Region’s Alcohol and Drug Awareness Centre moves location to neighbour the Tongan Royal Palace.
34 Soup Saves the Day
This month’s children’s page includes a creamy tomato soup recipe for children to make!
SALT Magazine
The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory Territorial Leaders
Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell
General
Lyndon Buckingham
Founders Catherine and William Booth
Editor
Vivienne Hill
Graphic design
Sam Coates, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington
Staff writers
Jules Badger, Kelly Cooper, Captain Rachel Montgomery
Proof reading Colleen Marshall, Glenys Fairhurst
Connect with us saltmagazine.org.nz SaltMagazine @SaltMagazineNZ salvationarmynzfts Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 p: (04) 384 5649
e: salt@salvationarmy.org.nz
Subscriptions mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz Print Management MakeReady Publishing for 140 years Volume 3, Issue 16
All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.
Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The Salvation Army.
Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission.
Innovative Revolutions
he longer nights and colder days bring with them a sense of slowing down and hibernating. Winter is a great opportunity to wrap up in warm layers and partake in the rituals that for many centre around keeping warm and consuming comfort food and drink, like the one featured on the cover of this month’s SALT: hot chocolate!
My go-to recipe is Cadbury’s drinking chocolate and coconut milk, heated on the stove then topped with marshmallows, preferably sipped in front of an open fire. Winters are necessary and uniquely designed by God to sustain life. The chilled earth, the wind and the rain are nourishing and strengthening cycles that bring growth and abundance. The author John Steinbeck wrote: ‘What good is the warmth of summer without the winter to give it sweetness’. Without the winter months we would not enjoy the new life, the refreshing, and the harvest that follows in spring, summer and autumn.
There are also seasons and transitions in the life of the Church. On page 20, I encourage you to read ‘Little Revolutions’, about an interdenominational conference recently
held for church leaders and church planters, which was well attended by people from The Salvation Army. In the article it says the conference ‘is helping leaders to imagine new and creative and innovative ways of being the people of God in Aotearoa New Zealand’.
‘Innovative’ is one of our values, and on page 8 you can read about the innovative and exciting mahi (work) happening at the Christchurch City Corps (church). This corps has worked hard to not only rebuild its premises after the earthquakes, but to rebuild and expand its influence in the city of Christchurch.
The Salvation Army is well positioned in communities throughout our four nations to respond to the growing needs of the people we serve, and with an innovative mindset and revolutionary vision, we will be ready to bring the gospel and a helping hand to all who come through our doors.
Vivienne Hill Editor
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. LAMENTATIONS 3:22–23
Wintering
Health, memoir | Katherine May | Penguin Books
The first of three back-to-back international best sellers, Wintering is a stunner! Recommended by a Christian friend, the content was not what I expected. A self-proclaimed agnostic, Katherine May writes about the power of rest and retreat in difficult times. With stories and illustrations drawn from a wide range of life experiences and ponderings, Wintering was a balm for my soul. May has been described as a secular mystic and I cannot help but concur, given the wisdom she offers. There is an invitation to accept and embrace life’s winter seasons, so we don’t miss the lesons inherent during fallow times or the beauty and nourishment found there. I read this beautiful and surprising book in one sitting. (Reviewed by Jules Badger)
Self-Denial Altar Sunday 14 July–18 August
New Zealand Delve 2–4 August
A weekend at Silverstream Retreat, Upper Hutt, for those considering officership.
Kids Camps
9–11 August
Inside Out 2
Family, comedy | Directed by Kelsey Mann | Watch in theatres
Fans of the 2015 Pixar hit Inside Out will not be disappointed by its sequel. This movie continues to follow Riley, now 13 years of age, as she navigates new emotions and challenges at a hockey camp. Alongside Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust from the original film, we are introduced to a whole new set of emotions—Embarrassment, Envy, Ennui (Boredom) and Anxiety—who take over the control centre of Riley’s brain. This movie cleverly portrays Riley’s shifting focus from her family to her teenage social network, while also emphasising that all emotions are valid and integral to one’s identity, regardless of age. (Reviewed by Kelly Cooper)
North Island: Ngāruawāhia Christian Youth Camp and Forest Lakes Camp, Ōtaki (Years 3–8).
16–18 August
South Island: Living Springs Camp, Christchurch (Years 3–8).
Fiji Division Youth Councils 23–25 August
Check out our full event calendar at salvationarmy.org.nz/ news-events/events
How to Rob a Bank
Documentary | Directed by Stephen Robert
Morse and Seth Porges | Watch on Netflix
This is the story of Scott Scurlock, one of America’s most successful bank robbers of the 1990s. The son of a minister, Scurlock is an enigma, a free-spirit who built a three-storey treehouse in the forest outside Seattle to live in. Through the voices of friends, law enforcement and his criminal accomplices, Morse and Porges paint the picture of a man who believed in God’s purposes but seemed unable to divert from the path he had set out on. The film is captivating, using illustration and reenactment to bring the story to life. Warning: there is brief (non-sexual) treehouse-man nudity, but the intriguing narrative more than makes up for this potential drawback. (Reviewed by Sam Coates)
WORD OF THE MONTH
Basic Lemon Curd
This is a simple microwave method for making a delicious lemon curd. | 15 mins | Makes approx 2 cups
Ingredients
• 1½–2 cups sugar (see tips)
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 200ml fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons depending on size and variety)
• zest of 3 lemons
• 115g butter, melted
Method
In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth and thoroughly combined. Whisk in lemon juice, lemon zest and melted butter.
Cook in the microwave on full power for one minute. Whisk well then microwave in 30 second intervals, whisking after each interval until the mixture coats the back of a metal spoon. Taste and add more sugar if needed, microwave 30 seconds and stir until completely dissolved.
Pour into sterilised jars. Once the curd has cooled to room temperature, cover it with a lid and store it in the refrigerator for about two weeks. The curd will thicken and become opaque as it cools.
Tips: Lemon varieties vary in their tartness and juiciness. A mild lemon like Meyer won’t require as much sugar as a tart variety like Lisbon. You can stir in additional sugar if required, microwave the mixture again for 30 seconds if needed to dissolve completely. If you want to store lemon curd longer than two weeks, it is advisable to freeze it; curd freezes well.
Source: Sophie Grey | destitutegourmet.com
Who’s New at SPPU?
Reverend Dr Bonnie Robinson, that’s who! Bonnie was the Deputy Director for The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit at its inception. She returns to lead the unit as well as the overarching Research and Justice Stream (Mission Section). An ordained Presbyterian minister, Bonnie has served for over 20 years in organisations such as HBH Senior Living, PSN, Age Concern, Alzheimers Auckland and the Ministry of Social Development. A member of the NZ Order of Merit (2023), Bonnie is currently the president of the NZ Council of Christian Social Services. Haere mai, Bonnie!
That’s what winter is: an exercise in remembering how to still yourself then how to come pliantly back to life again.
ALI SMITH
Prayer Focus: Period at War
Period poverty is not confined to financial lack, but denial of access to adequate menstrual hygiene materials. Women and girls in war zones suffer the indignity of period poverty for several complex reasons. For example, in Gaza there are currently a million displaced women and girls without access to menstrual supplies and clean water, which affects hygiene and puts them at risk of infection and illness. The UN estimates 10 million disposable menstrual pads are needed each month to meet the need in Gaza, but ‘only a fraction’ are making it across the border. Reports reveal women and girls are sharing one toilet with as many as 485 people.
Pray for comfort and strength—as women and girls endure these difficult circumstances outside their control; pray for resilience and hope in the midst of scarcity.
Pray for access to hygiene products—as humanitarian aid organisations endeavour to supply thousands of menstrual hygiene kits. Pray that border access is swift and that supplies reach the women and girls, restoring dignity and health.
Pray for general health and safety—pray for protection from infections and complications related to poor menstrual hygiene, especially for young girls who begin menstruating for the first time during this crisis.
Pray for advocacy and awareness—pray for increased awareness about this issue globally, and for financial support for the aid initiatives working to address this critical need.
Pray for relief and peace—continue to pray for peace and an end to conflicts. Pray that relief efforts continue to reach those in dire need because of these crises.
To donate, visit reemi.org/pages/donate
INTERNATIONAL PRAYER
• Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Africa. Christian churches developed in the wake of the Soviet Union’s dissolution. Only two percent of the population are Christian and it’s illegal to practice Christianity in Azerbaijan. The Bible is banned and those caught with it and other banned religious literature are heavily fined. Despite all of this, Christians faithfully share Christ with their neighbours and family members. Pray for protection, courage and peace.
• Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, Laos sits at the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula. It is a communist country where Christianity is perceived as a foreign Western religion seeking to undermine the communist Laotian regime. Christians are commonly denied access to medical treatment, education and other social services. Some are arrested and detained for up to a week in attempts to control Christian activity. With Christians making up only four percent of the population, many churches are without trained pastors. Pray for young Christian leaders who are studying to serve and lead in churches.
• Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa and part of the Maghreb Region. It is bordered by Algeria, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. With a rich Christian history, Tunisia lays claim to church fathers Tertulian and Cyprian. The third Council of Carthage ratified the New Testament canon in Tunisia, in 379 AD. However, the Christian population of modern Tunisia is less than one percent. Churches meet openly, but access to Bibles is rare and evangelism is illegal. Pray for strength and safety for those living in rural areas where persecution is severe, especially when someone converts to Christianity.
SALVATION ARMY PRAYER
Savusavu Corps; Saweni Corps; Sigatoka Corps; Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit; SpiritSong; Supporter Care Unit; The Salvation Army Bangladesh Territory; and The Salvation Army Brazil Territory.
INTRIGUING INDEX
Winter Warmers
1 Hot Chocolate
As early as 500 BC the Mayans were drinking chocolate made from ground cocoa seeds. Initially, it was a cold drink, but by the 16th century the Spanish were drinking it hot. Protective of their wonderful new beverage, it was another 100 years before hot chocolate spread across Europe. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used as a treatment for stomach and liver diseases and was a special drink. Today we love it simply because it tastes amazing, and it makes a wonderful winter warmer to sip and savour!
2 Hot Feet
Microwavable slippers are here! Whether you choose to go fancy and spend between $80 to $100 for top-of-the-line ‘Heat Feet’ branded slippers or just head to Kmart for the $20 version, your feet will thank you! Heat from hot feet filters through to the rest of your body for the ultimate in relaxation. The perfect winter gift for someone with persistently cold tootsies!
3 Hot Bods
It’s winter—shouldn’t we be layering up to sleep? While there is no research that directly confirms sleeping ‘in the buff’ leads to better sleep, experts affirm that a cooler skin temperature certainly improves sleep quality. Our body works to lower its temperature so we can catch some zzz’s through its circadian rhythm—hence the recommendation to keep your bedroom temperature between 15 to 19 degrees Celsius for optimal peaceful slumber. So don’t be too quick to layer up in the flannelette this winter. Overheating or waking up with bunched PJs is not what you need on those long cold winter nights. Hot bodies are serious sleep disrupters, so shed some layers.
4 Hot Dogs
Sleeping with your dog (or other beloved furry critter) can keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. But wait, there’s more! The benefits of sleeping with your hot dog include a reduction in anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms, because furry snuggles foster feelings of safety and security. Mental health and wellbeing are also boosted, and sleep quality and depth is improved through the release of oxytocin (the happy hormone) and the promotion of theta brainwaves (happy dreams). Oh, and let’s not forget that dogs get better quality sleep when they snuggle up to their human!
5 Hot Water
There’s nothing quite like a hot bath on a cold winter’s evening to warm you up, lift your mood and help you sleep better. And yes, there are studies that prove those claims. People who bathe in hot water every day have lower levels of stress and higher levels of subjective happiness. Hot water also produces a hyperthermic effect on the body which helps with cardiovascular health and may even improve liver function. If none of that wins you over, hot water also helps manage inflammation and pain. Who wants to be in pain and cold in winter? Go on, have a hot bath!
Do You Know These People?
If you recognise the people in this photo, we’d love to hear from you. Email: archives@salvationarmy.org.nz
QUICK QUIZ
1 ‘Winter is coming’ is an iconic phrase from what TV series?
2 What do we call the condition characterised by an extreme fear of snow?
3 Who wrote The Winter’s Tale?
4 Which city has the Winter Palace?
5 How many featurelength films are there in Disney’s Frozen franchise? Answers page 32
Standing on Solid Ground
For 141 years, The Salvation Army has been an integral part of the city of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Its location, outreach and ministry have evolved over time to meet the shifting needs of the community it serves. Despite many changes and challenges, particularly in recent years, Christchurch City Corps (CCC) has remained unwavering in its mission to help the people of Christchurch find and follow Jesus.
WORDS Kelly Cooper
hen asked: ‘What is the most important thing for Christchurch City Corps?’ Brian Kench, corps (church) sergeant-major, is quick to respond, ‘It is always the people. We have this fantastic facility that is occupied throughout the week with many activities and at the weekends with worship, but the building is not the important part. It is always the people.’ The ‘fantastic facility’ that Brian refers to is the beautiful, purpose-built CCC building that sits proudly on the corner of Colombo and Salisbury Streets.
The building, designed by Dalman Architects, consists of a large worship space, several multipurpose meeting rooms, offices, an indoor sports hall and a sheltered outdoor courtyard. Stepping into the architecturally designed space, it could be easy to underestimate the journey CCC has been on to find their new home. While these facilities have been well used by corps members and community groups since their official opening on 29 April 2017, Brian recounts many obstacles and heartaches when describing the building process.
Changing times
The Salvation Army has maintained a significant presence in Ōtautahi Christchurch since the first service was held on Sunday 20 May 1883, in the
newly purchased Gaiety Theatre in Cathedral Square. Several site relocations, changing community needs, the Canterbury earthquakes and, more recently, the impact of Covid-19 have all influenced the ways in which CCC delivers and remains focused on its primary goal of serving the people of Christchurch. Throughout the years people have been and continue to be the heartbeat of this corps.
Like countless other organisations, CCC was significantly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes. ‘After the first earthquake in 2010, our worship centre was still intact and we were able to continue to meet there,’ explains Brian. ‘The second big earthquake occurred on a Sunday while a service was taking place. Again, we were shaken, but okay. It was the third earthquake on 22 February 2011 that did the biggest damage. It was such a traumatic event for so many across Christchurch. For us as a corps, we lost our Victoria Square worship centre, our Hope Centre and our Family Store. Our corps officers at the time, Majors Alister and Anne Irwin, lost their home. Our corps building was uneconomical to repair.
‘It was a difficult time dealing with lots of hard dayto-day things across the city. We wondered how we could even continue to function as a corps. We made a commitment to meet together every Sunday at several
temporary locations, including the Westpac Hub and a local school; that held us together as we determined how things might look in the future. We secured a more permanent space in Moorhouse Avenue that we were able to make our own and run our Community Ministries out of too. A strength of this corps is that our people held together all this time. It would have been easy for the corps to break apart and attend other corps, but I’m sure God’s plan was for us to stay together and sustain our ministry,’ recalls Brian.
Worth the wait
Brian describes the process of building a new facility for CCC as ‘a big wait and a big project’. He also acknowledges God’s faithfulness and marvels at ‘the many things which happened along the way that can only be God’. An unexpected block of land became available in an ideal location and despite not being the highest bidder, The Salvation Army was able to purchase the land. Public opposition to the building and multiple objections around resource consent were resolved. ‘There were sleepless nights, heartache and
hurdle after hurdle,’ recalls Brian. ‘We should never have got this land. I believe it was all part of God’s plan. The size of this site has secured The Salvation Army’s presence in the city for the next 100 years. Every time I enter through these doors I enter [God’s] gates with thanksgiving.’
While the building is prominently situated and offers inviting spaces for corps members and the numerous community groups it serves, what may not be immediately apparent to visitors is the careful consideration given to its layout. Dalman Architects were asked to create a contemporary spiritual home for the corps that was welcoming to the community. The architects surpassed their brief and designed a building that enables CCC to continue its innercity ministry and provide a spiritual sanctuary, with significant meaning.
‘The different spaces have been positioned around a cross,’ explains Brian. ‘You enter the building at the arm of the cross and are led to our reception and central circulation area that are situated directly in the centre of the cross. In the double-height worship space your eye is immediately drawn to the LED-lit cross window which is just as striking outside the
Above: Intergenerational worship at The Gathering, Christchurch City Corps.
building. The 11 tall vertical poles that run alongside the outside of the building represent The Salvation Army’s 11 Articles of Faith. The architect nailed every aspect of creating this building. He told our story, and the project was completed under budget,’ says Brian.
‘The pandemic highlighted for us the importance of gathering together as Christians and not being alone.’
A church for generations
Brian describes CCC as a destination church, with members coming from every corner of Christchurch. Like many churches, CCC has taken time to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the impact of lockdowns on corps community life.
‘The pandemic highlighted for us the importance of gathering together as Christians and not being alone,’ shares Brian. ‘Being together gives us a focus on God and enables us to go out to our respective weeks connected to one another.’
One example of the intentional focus on connection within the corps is the Connect to Care programme. Born out of a desire to maintain meaningful connections during the pandemic, every corps member is connected with a caller who makes contact with them regularly. This includes phone calls, Zoom chats and face-to-face conversations. ‘It is important that no one stands alone and we are connected with one another, not just on a Sunday,’ says Brian.
While CCC is predominantly an older congregation, since moving to their new site their demographics are changing, with people just walking through the door. ‘Our congregation has definitely become more multicultural and intergenerational in recent years,’ shares Brian. These changing demographics have informed CCC’s approach to both developing corps
community and their ministry programmes. ‘We want to have young people as part of our corps, so we ensure that Sunday morning services include something for everyone,’ says Brian.
A multigenerational approach was a key focus when corps officers, Lieutenants Scott and Aimee Noakes, and their team launched The Gathering in March this year. ‘Our aims were to bridge connections between those who attend our community programmes and our church family, and to encourage people to draw closer to Jesus,’ shares Aimee. With over 100 attendees enjoying crafts, hospitality and music at the inaugural event, The Gathering is continuing to be popular among families.
In addition to a Sunday worship service, CCC runs more than 20 community programmes each week. These programmes include Bible study groups, youth groups, children’s ministry, women’s and men’s
Above: Corps officer, Lieutenant Scott Noakes.
ministries, songsters, bands, youth mentoring and a city-wide fellowship group.
‘The key thing with all these programmes is that the people come first,’ explains Brian. ‘We work hard to build relationships that allow people to take that next step. People need to feel like they belong in a place and are accepted before they will make a commitment.’
Just Brass bridge
This intergenerational approach extends to the Just Brass programme, where school-age students are given the opportunity to learn brass instruments at the corps. Endof-term concerts have provided invitations for families to come into the corps, with several now regularly attending Sunday morning services. ‘We know that the Army needs renewal,’ says Brian. ‘We are always looking for opportunities to allow that to happen.’
Scott and Aimee are passionate about growing families and the next generation of leaders and disciples. Like Brian, they consider the fantastic team of people who are invested in the work of their church as the foundation for CCC. They acknowledge the complexities of responding to multigenerational needs in the church setting.
‘Sometimes it’s hard work,’ explains Brian. ‘The challenge for our leadership team is to get people to want to belong as part of our organisation.’ He notes that a ‘regular church attender’ is now defined as someone who comes along once a month. ‘We need to be intentional about connecting our weekday programmes to our faith, particularly with our youth, young adults and their families, and continue to find ways to invest in our multicultural communities.’
Both Brian and his wife Heather, who is the songster (choir) leader, are in awe at where their beloved corps now stands—literally and figuratively. ‘After the
‘We held together during tough times. We are now enjoying … the blessings God has given us.’
Above: Sharing kai (food) at The Gathering.
earthquakes we could have blown apart as a corps,’ says Heather. ‘We held together during tough times. We are now enjoying an exhale, and the blessings God has given us.’
Brian extends an invitation to all who come to Ōtautahi Christchurch to pop in and visit the corps. ‘We love visitors and would be very happy to welcome you.’ He also asks SALT readers for their prayers that CCC would continue to provide opportunities for people to make connections and grow their faith.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, CCC continues to do what it does best, sharing the love of Jesus and responding to the needs of their people, ensuring that they will stand on solid ground for generations to come.
Youth Left Out in the Cold
Becoming homeless is an unwanted prospect at any life stage. Sadly, and shockingly, nearly half of those homeless in Aotearoa are young people under the age of 18. There are mixed and complex reasons for this reality, but youth advocacy groups—The Salvation Army included—are working hard to respond to this need.
Generation Alpha, born after 2010, is estimated to be the largest generational cohort ever.
By 2025, there will be 2 billion Gen Alphas alive on the planet. And while their predecessors, Generation Z (born mid-1990s to 2009), were the first generation to have access to the internet and portable digital technology from a very young age, Gen Alpha is predicted to surpass the savvy Gen Z and wield unparalleled influence by mid-century. However, being part of the most technologically privileged generation in history does not necessarily guarantee access to a smart phone or computer, let alone a safe, healthy home or a happy family life here in Aotearoa.
The gap between ‘the haves’ and ‘the have nots’ continues to widen, and in this digital age layers of disadvantage compound, affecting educational outcomes, social flourishing and self-confidence in our children and young people. Since the New Zealand 2013 Census revealed that over half of our homeless population are young people under 18, little has changed. This is a shocking statistic that exposes an ongoing, tragic reality. Even more sobering is that the first Gen Alphas are emerging anecdotally in youth homeless figures.
A safe place to call home?
Aaron Hendry, co-founder of youth advocacy group Kick Back, said in an interview with Lloyd Burr following the release of the 2024 Budget, ‘We’re past crisis point; young people have already fallen through the cracks and there are young people suffering right now, because for generations we haven’t solved this issue’.
The pandemic highlighted just how bad youth homelessness had become in Aotearoa. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated in May 2020, ‘Our response to Covid-19, on the face of it, had a very simple premise: stay home, save lives. That simple requirement forced all of us as a country to ask the question, what if you don’t have a home? The answer was simple—we will find you one.’
Aaron wrote an opinion piece for The Spinoff website just a month after Arden made this statement, explaining that while older homeless people and families were supported into motels and other social housing options during the pandemic, rangatahi were ‘left out in the cold’ because they did not qualify for statefunded facilities due to their age.
Homeless rangatahi are especially vulnerable and are more at risk of violence, sexual assault and other
…Gen Alpha is predicted to surpass the savvy Gen Z and wield unparalleled influence by mid-century.
‘Our housing model includes a passionate team of skilled youth workers.’
forms of exploitation. Stories of the experiences of homeless youth during the most acute phase of the pandemic are beyond alarming. Manaaki Rangatahi, the Auckland youth homelessness collective, of which Aaron is a member, continues to call on the government to act urgently to end youth homelessness.
‘While we’re addressing these [underlying social] issues,’ says Aaron, ‘we also need urgent and immediate access to safe, supported and stable emergency and transitional housing—so that if a young person becomes homeless tonight, they don’t have to become a victim of sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect because the only place available for them to go is our streets.’
Safety in numbers?
Fast-forward to the announcement by the Government in June that $20 million in funding for youthfocused transitional housing is to be reallocated. While Aaron fears the impact this will have on accommodation for homeless rangatahi, Housing Minister Chris Bishop explains that the Government is making savings ‘where funding has not been committed and where places
Guaranteeing no reduction in current funding does not address the ongoing desperate shortfall...
will not be allocated’. Chris insists that ‘the savings will not result in a reduction of current service provision for youth transitional housing.’
But is the status quo enough? Aaron says not. The numbers simply don’t add up. Guaranteeing no reduction in current funding does not address the ongoing desperate shortfall, let alone a plan for future improvement.
‘We’ve had young people across the country who are sleeping on our streets and in unsafe environments, and we don’t have housing available for them. The loss
of this $20 million means there will be even more who will be experiencing severe harm.’
The Salvation Army’s Territorial Director for Community Ministries Jono Bell says, ‘It is critical that government invest into the future of our rangatahi rather than withdraw or reduce investment. The Salvation Army will continue to advocate at government level to improve funding.’
The Army has been actively working for years to be part of the housing solution for young people, and Jono is confident that the government will continue to provide funding to support that work.
‘We have a youth housing model that is unique and incredibly effective and was validated by an external review undertaken in late 2023. Our housing model includes a passionate team of skilled youth workers,’ explains Jono.
Gen Z and the Alphas already inhabit a world that is vastly different to that of previous generations. But different doesn’t necessarily equate to better. While there are certainly complex issues influencing youth homelessness, if we do not disrupt the current housing trajectory for this vulnerable group, what kind of Aotearoa will our tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren) inherit? No amount of digital finesse or tech savvy can ever compensate for being left out in the cold when it comes to housing for all. We have work to do as a country—personally and collectively.
The Salvation Army and other youth advocates like Aaron continue to lean in, speak out and fight to ensure no one—especially any young people— is left out in the cold.
Innovative Mission
One of our four Salvation Army territorial values is ‘Innovative’, which says that we will respond to the changing realities of the world.
I must admit that innovation doesn’t come naturally to me, but I like being around people who are innovative. In the Margerison–McCann Team Management Wheel I am described as a Concluder/Finisher, but I need those around me who are more naturally wired as Creator/Innovators, because they can be very motivational and challenging.
Together, with all our strengths, we can be catalysed to move closer to fulfilling what God wants us to be and do.
A secular definition of Innovation is described by Nick Jain on his website ‘Ideascale’ as, ‘The process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value. It involves transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve efficiency and effectiveness, or address unmet needs.’
So, how do we innovate as a Christian movement? I think it comes down to the motivation or purpose of being innovative, and I believe it’s all about the ‘who’ of our focus. The heart of being innovative is about a deep desire to engage in the realities of a world in need of Jesus, and to use all possible godly means to bring people the good news.
I like the words of our values when describing being ‘Innovative’. Here are a couple of sentences from this section:
‘We serve Christ, not the status quo, and will cultivate a holy imagination as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. We will seek God’s will and seek to understand our times. We seek the best ideas, not just our own ideas; and we see each other as partners in mission.’
If you consider the innovative life of Jesus, you will see that he used a variety of ways to heal the blind. Matthew 9 talks about Jesus touching the eyes of two blind men: he put saliva on the eyes of one, according to Mark 8; and in Luke 18, Jesus simply said, ‘Receive your sight’.
The Salvation Army’s history is one of innovation: we responded to injustice and inequity by setting up match factories; we were early adaptors of film production and had our own studios; we set up early prison ministry with Prison Brigades, to name just a few. But what is our new? Where are the countercultural ways that we as The Salvation Army commence or re-adjust for the sake of the gospel? What is God saying to us, to you, about the value of being Innovative?
Commissioner Mark Campbell Territorial Commander
John 9:10–11
‘How then were your eyes opened?’ they asked. He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see”’ (NIV)
Kātahi rātou ka mea ki a ia, “Nā te aha rā i kite ai ōu kanohi?” Ka whakahoki ia ka mea, “Nā te tangata, e huaina nei ko Īhu, i pokepoke he paru, pania ana e ia ki ōku kanohi, ka mea mai ki ahau, ‘Haere ki Hiroama horoi ai.’ Nā, ko tōku haerenga atu, ko tāku horoinga, kite ana ahau” (PT).
Era sa qai kaya vua, Sa rai rawa vakaevei na matamu? Sa kaya ko koya, na tamata sa vakatokai ko Jisu sa ulia na soso, ka boroya na mataqu, ka kaya vei au, Lako ki Sailoama, ka tavoi: ia kau a laki tavoi, kau sa qai rai rawa (FOV).
“Tab tum keise dekhe sakta hei?” ulog puuchhin. U jawaab dees, “Yeeshu naam ke admi maṭṭi saan ke hamaar aañkhi pe lagaais aur bolis ki Silom ke kunḍ meñ jaay ke aapan aañkhi dhoy leo. Ham huañ jaay ke aapan aañkhi dhoy lia aur dekhe laga” (FRHNT)
Pea nau pehēange, Na‘e faka‘ā fēfē ho mata? Pea tali ‘e ia, Ko e tangata ‘oku ui ko Sisū, na‘a ne ngaohi ha pelepela, ‘o ne pani ‘aki hoku ongo mata ni, mo ne pehē mai, Mole pe ki Sailoame ‘o fufulu: ko ia na‘a ku ‘alu ‘o fufulu, pea u ‘ā hake (TWB)
Ona fai atu lea o i latou ia te ia, “Pe na faapefea ona faapupulaina ou mata?” Ua tali mai o ia, “O le tasi tagata e igoa ia Iesu ua na faia le palapala, ua nini a‘i o‘u mata; ua fai mai foi ia te au, Alu ia i le taelega i Seloa, ma ia mulumulu ai. Ona ou alu ai lea, ma ou mulumuluina, ona ou vaai ai lea” (SOV).
For the full explanation of our Vision, Mission and Values, scan the QR code or go to salvationarmy.org.nz/VMV
The Power of Living Stories
Lynette Love never imagined herself becoming an author and illustrator. Kelly Cooper sat down with Lynette to explore how her life story was crafted by God and why she writes stories to encourage and inspire others.
‘God made me a storyteller!’ says Lynette, laughing at her own unexpected story. ‘Growing up, I really struggled with school, especially with the basics of reading and writing. I remember being punished for not understanding the alphabet and I learned to dislike English. I was a shy and quiet child, and I grew up believing that I had no voice,’ shares Lynette.
‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think God would reveal to me both how much he loves me and his plan for me to become an author and illustrator. God definitely has a sense of humour!’ she says.
Faith had always been important to Lynette, and as she approached her 49th birthday, life as she had known it was about to radically change. One Sunday, while attending the Napier Salvation Army, Lynette clearly saw Jesus shining brighter than the sun walking behind people as they knelt at the mercy seat. This was the first of many transformative experiences where Lynette began to experience God’s love for her in a totally different way. ‘I remember saying to myself, “Who is this Jesus that I thought I knew?” I developed
Below: Lynette with copies of her children’s books.
a thirst that only he could quench,’ says Lynette.
Overcoming obstacles
Despite her later in life dyslexia diagnosis, Lynette felt God asking her to write her encounters down. ‘For me, the difficulty lies in reading and spelling. It took me so, so long to write,’ Lynette recalls. ‘I had no idea why I was writing it all down, but I committed to do whatever he asked me to do. This is how I began to write my first book.’
Lynette, who has now authored four books for adults and eight children’s books, describes her
creative process as a collaboration with the Holy Spirit. She also marvels at the practical support God has provided on her writing journey, which has included a connection with an English teacher to support her in writing her first book, and an app that enables Lynette to talk to type. ‘In the natural world, this is all impossible, but God has shown me that his greatest power is truly revealed through our greatest weaknesses,’ shares Lynette.
Lynette’s children’s books, which include Back to Front Weta and Rainbow Bug, are now found in school libraries all over New Zealand. The True Story of Joshua the Teddy Bear holds a special place in many Cantabrians’ hearts, as it tells the real-life adventures of a giant teddy bear that brought comfort and hope to many, following the Canterbury earthquakes.
‘Our Heavenly Father really is the best storyteller and artist of all.’
Earthquakes and teddy bears
Previously from Christchurch, Lynette was keen to be part of The Salvation Army’s earthquake response team. Before leaving on her first trip, Lynette was given a teddy bear named Joshua to take with her. Joshua was well received by the people she met and quickly gained popularity. ‘People reached out to hug him and the oldies smothered him with kisses,’ Lynette recalls.
Joshua accompanied Lynette and the response team to many locations around Christchurch, including the packing stores (where much-
needed supplies were boxed up for distribution), supermarkets and many retirement homes. On one visit to a local supermarket, the response team met a child who hadn’t spoken since the earthquake. The child reached out to grab hold of Joshua and spoke for the first time in many weeks. It was on her second visit to Christchurch that Lynette was encouraged to write a children’s book about Joshua’s adventures and the way he positively impacted the people of the city. ‘This story is based on events that actually happened,’ shares Lynette. ‘Joshua was just an ordinary bear who didn’t think he had much to offer. He learns that he is special and can offer hugs that bring happiness to people. My hope is that this book will bring encouragement to many just like Joshua did with his hugs.’
Hidden images
Within each children’s book, Lynette has included hidden insects in her images. ‘They are just waiting to reveal themselves,’ she says and
Above: The real Joshua the Teddy Bear.
likens these insects to the process of storytelling with God. ‘At the beginning I had no idea how I was going to write, but whenever I encountered an obstacle, I trusted that God would provide the solution,’ says Lynette.
‘Our Heavenly Father really is the best storyteller and artist of all. He inspires me to bring a little bit of heaven to earth through my books. God writes the stories and I’m the caretaker of them. I feel honoured to be part of God’s living story by telling stories myself,’ shares Lynette.
Book Giveaway!
We have two copies of Lynette’s children’s books to give away. To enter the draw, email us at salt@salvationarmy.org.nz before 1 September 2024.
To learn more about Lynette and her books, visit lynettelovebooks.nz
God Kept Knocking
Ethan Waugh from Christchurch City Corps shares his remarkable story of God’s faithfulness and his vision for future generations.
My mum and dad were both Salvation Army officers, and in many ways I feel like I was born into the Army. I spent most of my childhood in Gisborne and loved living in the country, spending lots of time outside. When I was 13, Mum and Dad were appointed to West Auckland as corps officers for Waitakere Central Corps. I found moving to a big city and adjusting to a new high school challenging.
I always had a sense of God being with me and I definitely had ‘God moments’ growing up. I remember feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence while my dad prayed for me as a child, but I struggled to hear God’s voice. Unfortunately, I got caught up in the wrong crowd in Auckland and I began smoking cigarettes and cannabis and I started drinking alcohol. I can see now that I lacked self-esteem. I wanted to fit in, and I was trying to find myself by chasing a party lifestyle. I tried methamphetamine for the first time. My interest in school waned, and I left school at 16 years of age.
I followed my passion for cars and went to Unitec to study a certificate in automotive engineering. Following this I struggled to find employment. I was out drinking most nights, getting high and selling drugs. I wasn’t going to church anymore, and I moved out of home to go flatting.
In 2013, Mum and Dad were appointed to the Belfast Corps in Christchurch, and I soon followed them— it was a fresh start. I got a steady job as a freight handler and was promoted. Around this time my dad was diagnosed with cancer. My partner became pregnant, and my son was born a few months before my dad died. I became deeply depressed and anxious. My relationship with my partner ended, and my son and I moved home to live with my mother.
Unable to work, I turned back to smoking cannabis and methamphetamine. Fifteen months after my dad
passed away, my brother was diagnosed with cancer. He survived, but this situation pushed me to a new low.
I completely lost who I was. I was so addicted that I didn’t care about anyone.
Going downhill
Meth drove me every day. I sold my belongings and stole money and jewellery from my mum and my brother. I completely lost who I was. I was so addicted that I didn’t care about anyone. Things continued to go downhill, and I committed an aggravated robbery to support my addiction. On the second anniversary of my father’s death the police turned up at our house with a search warrant. I was arrested and taken away in a police car. I went to court and was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison.
That first week in my cell, I remember praying, saying sorry to God and asking him to forgive me. I began to pray most days. I completed an automotive course and became a mentor. I also started to go to a church group on Sundays and a weekly Bible study group.
While I was in prison, I met Steve Wyllie who was a prison chaplain from Riccarton Community Church. He showed me love and support, and he gave me a Bible which I began to regularly read. I set myself a goal to get an early release from prison in time to see my son start primary school.
I then began an intense drug treatment programme. They taught me all these different tools to help me. My mum, my brother and my son came to see me graduate from the programme. Throughout my prison sentence my family supported me. My mum wrote me a letter my first week in prison that I still have. It says,
God has given me a passion to help the generation behind me.
‘I forgive you’. I was then able to forgive myself. I was granted release at my first parole hearing after only serving two years of my sentence, and I was able to see my son start school.
New beginnings
I began attending Christchurch City Corps and I was literally welcomed with open arms. They were really good to me. I met my lovely partner Suzie and we have now been married for a year. We have a new family, with my son and her daughter. I began a new job as a workshop assistant. I have since been promoted to workshop coordinator and oversee a team.
I have a story to share with others and I can relate to what the youth of today are struggling with— low self-esteem, drugs and alcohol. God has given me a passion to help the generation behind me. I have learned these tools that I can share with others. I have also learned how important it is to talk. I used to bottle things up.
I have a vision to run an organisation that supports young people to develop self-esteem and practical skills. Sometimes I try to work out how I can make this happen, but I know that if God wants me to do this, he will give me the right tools to get me there.
Throughout my time in prison, I reflected on many Scriptures, especially Revelation 3:20: ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.’ I think God was probably knocking at my door for a long long time. My time in prison is what made me let him in.
I have now been off meth for six years. God is so good and has been with me the whole time. He knew the choices that I was going to make and what I needed to experience. I am hopeful for the future and look forward to seeing what God does with my passion for helping the younger generation.
Above:
and their children.
Ethan Waugh (right) with his wife
Interdenominational Conference: Little Revolutions
An Anglican initiative known as Catch Network is helping leaders to imagine new and creative ways of being the people of God in Aotearoa New Zealand. One way this is happening is under the ‘Little Revolutions’ umbrella. Held in Te Whanganui-A-Tara/Wellington in July, the inaugural Little Revolutions conference was a space for leaders, church planters and those who still believe the local church can be a force for good in the world, to gather, learn, collaborate, pray and worship. A shared desire for renewal in the Church united delegates from a broad coalition of denominations and independent movements—The Salvation Army included.
WORDS Jules Badger
evolution is defined as ‘a dramatic and widereaching change in conditions, attitudes or operation’. Synonyms for revolution include ‘metamorphosis’, and ‘transformation’. That’s heady stuff—a big vision—especially when paired with the rapidly declining church in Aotearoa. Little is self-explanatory—the antithesis of big or large or mega. But that was the whole point. The two-day Little Revolutions conference was all about getting 150 little revolutionaries into one room and trusting God with the rest!
Embodied possibility
While Little Revolutions may have appeared programme-typical on paper, there was something unmistakably atypical about this gathering, with an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers and workshop facilitators from around Aotearoa, Australia and the United States.
So, what made Little Revolutions unique? The atmosphere pervading the gathering was one of embodied possibilities. There was a palpable sense of the Spirit of God calling people to personal renewal now, and not just in the face of declining Church attendance or for the health of the Church itself, but for the sake of whole neighbourhoods, local communities and generations to come. Stories shared by practitioners dripped with risk-taking faith, but there were also humble offerings of mission failures, all of which co-mingled into a liturgy of learning. Gems aplenty emerged from the forge of ministry from which others gleaned lessons, inspiration and encouragement for the future.
The conference was pitched as a space for three kinds of participants: the curious, those interested in moving their lives or the ministries they serve towards planting or renewal but wondering how; the church planters, those already aware of a call to give their
lives to the work of renewal by relocating or remaking their current structure; and the culture creators, leaders of movements or large ministries exploring how to renovate their institutions into places that encourage renewal.
Salvation Army delegates spanned all three categories, with leaders from Territorial Headquarters, Booth College of Mission and, of course, several current corps planting pioneers/corps renewal practitioners.
Better together
Little Revolutions co-leader and national director of Catch Network, Reverend Scottie Reeve, says, ‘It was cool to have such a great Salvo crew at Little Revolutions! Overall, it was really encouraging to see so many people from different denominations who are acknowledging that the Church needs to change and are putting their hands up to come up with really creative ways and innovative solutions to what it looks like to be the people of God today.’
Assistant Territorial Personnel Secretary Captain Bryant Richards concurs saying, ‘As The Salvation Army continues to grapple with the ever-changing context of society and our place in it, conversations
Above: The Salvation Army contingent at Little Revolutions.
such as we had at Little Revolutions are essential. Not only was the content and dialogue helpful, but so too was the opportunity to rub shoulders with brothers and sisters from the wider Church as they wrestle with the same tension.’
Captain Steve Molen, Manurewa Corps Plant co-leader, believes that the Church in Aotearoa is in ‘an exciting season of inner wrestling and outward experimentation’. Steve affirms that, ‘The existing Church has been around for a long time in a particular form and over the years God has moved amongst us in powerful ways—I think we can all testify to that—however, are there other ways we can participate with the Spirit of Jesus to transform communities? For example, micro-churches, intentional communities, fresh expressions and other diverse ranges of pioneering initiatives in our neighbourhoods, workplaces and local communities. For me, the conference was a beautiful reminder that God has not finished with his Church and that there is still so much more to come.’
Part of the ‘more to come’ for the Church in Aotearoa clearly includes tangata whenua (people of the land).
Captain Hana Seddon of Rotorua Salvation Army—a church in renewal—was one of the keynote speakers. Hana is becoming recognised as a consistent, prophetic voice, not just within Te Ope Whakaora or for Karaitiana Māori (Christian Māori) but across the wider Church of Aotearoa. Three members of the Rotorua team attended along with Hana and together they ran a workshop.
‘Are we willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that there is a legacy?’
Legacy leavers
‘It was a real honour for me to be asked to share at the Little Revolutions conference,’ says Hana. ‘And to speak from the perspective of what te ao Māori (the Māori world) can offer the Church as we walk through a time of navigating disappointment and disillusionment. Obviously, the story of Aotearoa means that Māori have had to navigate disappointment and disillusionment in terms of institutions, government and Church, but there are
things that have kept us strong and resilient over the years that will be helpful for our collective journey as the whole Church of Aotearoa.’
Hana has a specific challenge for The Salvation Army: ‘Are we willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that there is a legacy? In te ao Māori we talk about mokopuna (grandchildren) decisions; that means it isn’t just about us and our children. We need to be making the sorts of decisions now that are not just about what we want for today, but that are based on what our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren need. So Little Revolutions caused me to think about different ways that can help us ensure that the Church at large, but also The Salvation Army, is here in a beautiful and vibrant way for many years to come.’
Director of The Salvation Army’s Centre for Learning and Development Dr Captain Malcolm Irwin was deeply challenged when Hana gently proposed that to refer to the Church of Aotearoa as part of the Western Church may not be entirely accurate. Malcolm says, ‘this place, our people, our story is unique. What is it to engage missionally with this uniqueness—our uniqueness?’
A profound sense of this uniqueness was embodied during worship when the pan-denominational gathering sang with eyes closed and hands raised in what has become an anthem of renewal within the church of Aotearoa over the past decade: ‘Wairua Tapu’ by Ngapo Wehi, which is about welcoming the Holy Spirit.
Kingdom come
Archbishop Justin Duckworth opened the conference with the statement: ‘Is there a better story to tell than of the kingdom of God coming on earth?!’ Renowned and respected for being on the cutting edge of mission and ministry in Aotearoa for over 25 years, Justin challenged delegates to notice the ‘crazies already leading in our communities’, with the implication being that the ‘future leaders of the Church are not Christians yet!’ Malcom found this illuminating and says, ‘If we took this seriously, we’d not only be closer to the good news of the gospel but to the genesis of The Salvation Army’.
Above: Captain Hana Seddon gives her keynote address at Little Revolutions conference.
The Salvation Army was born out of a desire for renewal. As co-founders Catherine and William Booth stepped away from the traditional mainstream Church of their day to try something new—to plant an alternative way of being the people of God—new converts soon shaped and led the booming pioneer Army across the globe and into the 20th century. However, we stand on a precipice here 140 years later at the beginning of the 21st century with corps (church) attendance at an all-time low, membership dwindling and recruitment and retention of officerleaders red-lining. If, as Justin suggests, our future pioneers and leaders are not yet within our ranks, then the question of how we best follow the revolutionary Jesus in these days is absolutely critical.
‘We can still carry The Salvation Army ethos and values, but we must explore new, courageous and innovative ways of being the Army today,’ urges Steve. As well as planting in Manurewa, Steve has the additional appointment of Missional Streams facilitator for The Salvation Army’s Centre for Learning and Development.
Enabling revolutionaries
The Little Revolutions conference was just the beginning. Phase two is a one-year learning journey for churchplanters and renewal leaders. Another Catch Network initiative, the Little Revolutions course begins in August and goes through to July 2025, and includes fortnightly coaching sessions, workshops, theological training and reflection, Church history and discernment support. Young church-planters Danyon and Holly Morton-Chong are part of the inaugural cohort. Little Revolutions is intended to be pan-denominational in governance and thus make-up. For Danyon and Holly, though, the rubber is about to meet the road as they step into the faith-filled challenge of replanting a new Anglican church in Tītahi Bay, Wellington, beginning this September.
Danyon and Holly were inspired, challenged and encouraged by what they heard and experienced at Little Revolutions:
‘I keep coming back to the prayer from Bree Mills (Melbourne micro-churches),’ says Holly. ‘“God, use
‘God will continue to draw people to him with or without our help and we are simply called to say, “yes, Lord”.’
me as you wish; set me aside as you wish”. It is such a humbling request in this context, drawing us back to partnership with God rather than growing his kingdom for our own ego or success or sense of importance. We are equally precious and expendable in his work. God will continue to draw people to him with or without our help and we are simply called to say, “yes, Lord”. As Danyon and I prepare to step out into leading a new church community, I feel challenged to listen for and honour God’s voice in unexpected places and through unexpected people, knowing that God’s vision is more expansive than anything we can imagine.’
Let the revolution begin!
For Salvation Army Missional Streams, contact Captain Steve Molen at Centre for Learning and Development (steve.molen@salvationarmy.org.nz).
For more information about Catch Network and Little Revolutions, go to catchnetwork.org.nz
Above: Reverend Scottie Reeve, head organiser of Little Revolutions conference.
Holy Winter
WORDS Vivienne Hill | ART Sam Coates
Dark days and desiccating winds strip the once lush leaves, curled like canker weaving its cocoon.
Chipped-bark branches brace west against the prevailing tongue of polar ice-licked flesh of skeletal fingers.
Beneath the carpet of decay and release feeder roots quenched with water, long stored from spring rains, hidden beneath crusts of hard soil.
Dormant days of buried dreams and plans pruned back to stubs wait for the hallowed breath that thaws the feathery frost to bring up the spring-bud break.
Pushing Pause: A Challenge to Our Culture
In part three of this series, Major Mat Badger urges us to view Sabbath rest as ‘scheduled social justice’ and a powerful countercultural practice that declares our identity as image bearers of God.
Let’s begin with the reminder that God worked for six days and then … God rested. Breathe deeply and take that in; God rested. If we are made in God’s image (and we all are) then it follows that we are also designed to rest. Exodus 20:8 reads, ‘Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God’. Most of us need to hear the second part of this verse. But on the flipside, some of us may need the reminder about the first part, because there is a rhythm of both work and rest.
All work and no play
Work is a good thing, but if your life is all work then over time you will grind your soul into the ground and become more of a machine than a human being. Similarly, if your life is all rest then you’re in danger of living a life devoid of meaning, purpose and significance. Both overwork and underwork rob us of the life designed for us. In Deuteronomy 5, Moses reminds Israel’s descendants of this balance, by drawing their attention to the slavery endured by their parents and grandparents in Egypt. There’s a 40-year gap between the end of the book of Exodus and the beginning of the book of
Deuteronomy, because Moses is writing to different generations. Exodus was written to the first generation as they came out of slavery in Egypt, with the command to ‘remember the Sabbath’; while Deuteronomy was written four decades later to their descendants who had no first-hand experience of relentless work devoid of rest. This is why they were commanded not simply to ‘remember’ the Sabbath, but to ‘observe’ it. The Hebrew word for ‘observe’ is ‘shamar’ which means to guard or keep watch over.
The second change from Exodus to Deuteronomy comes at the very end of the passages. In Exodus we read, ‘For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the seas, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day’. But in Deuteronomy
...if your life is all work then over time you will grind your soul into the ground and become more of a machine than a human being.
it says, ‘Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm’. In Exodus, the rationale behind the Sabbath command is grounded in the story of creation, but in Deuteronomy it is earthed in the story of freedom from oppression.
A rhythm of rebellion
In Deuteronomy, Israel stands on the banks of the Jordan River about to enter the promised land. Here the command to observe the Sabbath is about rebellion—not against God but against a system that values production over people. It’s a stern warning never to go back to Egypt or live within a system of all work and no rest. In Exodus, the Sabbath
It’s a stern warning never to go back to Egypt or live within a system of all work and no rest.
was about soul health for the whole society, but in Deuteronomy it’s also about resistance—a rebellion against Pharoah and all that Egypt stood for, as well as a warning to guard against becoming the slave drivers of the future.
Deuteronomy 5:14 reads, ‘On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals,
nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do’.
Israel used to be both servant and foreigner. What we see here is social justice in action hundreds of years before the phrase was coined. In the Israelite world, everyone is to experience Sabbath—not just the rich or powerful, but servants, animals and the planet itself. In remembering the Sabbath, Israel was being reminded that they were image bearers of God—the God who rested. The Sabbath was a statement to the rest of the world about Israel’s identity. A declaration that they were different and not like the culture around them. Author John Mark Comer makes the observation that
‘Israel not only kept the Sabbath, but the Sabbath kept Israel’.
Scheduled social justice
Sabbath brings balance back to creation, ensuring we live within a rhythm of work and rest, just as God established. When we rest, we are image bearers not slaves—not subhuman machines but made in the image of God. The Sabbath is scheduled social justice.
Here in 2024, we also need to draw a line in the sand because the values of Pharoah are alive and well in Aotearoa, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Apple, Google, Microsoft, Dell and Tesla. Like Hebrew slaves making bricks, men, women and children all under armed guard were filmed working to get cobalt-rich rocks out of the ground, working for less than a dollar a day, all so you and I can have a cellphone. There are more slaves in the world today than at any other time in history—around 28 million. We have become bound to this system because it has become almost impossible to function without a smart phone. Practicing Sabbath stands against this injustice by helping us break the addiction to our phones as we reconnect with God.
Initially, practising Sabbath will seem strange and even hard. But if we persevere with this subversive practice—this scheduled social justice—we exchange the restlessness of our culture for true rest. When we adopt a rhythm of rebellion against the values of the world we also adopt an alternative way of being, by reflecting something of the image of God. I challenge you to try it…
Royal Blessing
The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre (ADAC) in the Tonga Region has been running for 25 years and now has a new location—next to the Tongan Royal Palace. It’s one of many ways God’s love is alive in the Kingdom of Tonga. Ben Mack reports.
It was a warm, sunny day of blessings for Mele Prescott and The Salvation Army Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre team on March 4, in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga. Not only had they moved into a new space to provide lifechanging services for people battling addictions, but it was finally open.
Another blessing: the space is next to the Royal Palace in the centre of the city—meaning it’s easy for people to access and in a safe, clean location.
‘The location is superb, and we’re loving it,’ says Mele, ‘People come from all
over Tonga by bus. Then it’s just a short walking distance to where we are now.’
The location is especially handy because more Tongans are struggling with drugs and alcohol—which Mele says is harming not only individuals and families today but leaving future generations and society at risk.
Open to all
‘Some of our clients are referred from various NGOs and government stakeholders,’ explains Mele. ‘But for those who seek help and volunteer to
get treated or join our classes, they can come in whenever they want to. Everyone goes through the same process. Our staff will sit down with them and run a full assessment. We then allocate a counsellor to work with them once a week for their classes and their one-on-one sessions, which we call “Talatalanoa Sessions”.’
Mele also points out everyone is welcome at the ADAC, and help is available for all. ‘You don’t have to be a Christian to be part of the programme; everyone is welcome to join the programme if you feel you need our help.’
Above: The ADAC team in Nuku’alofa, from left to right: Mr Kasipale Kolo (case worker/ tutor), Major Sevanaia Wawa (regional leader), Major Vakatoto Wawa (regional leader), Mrs Mele Prescott (ADAC programme manager), Mr Lopeti Pasi (casual staff), Mrs Olivia Fa (case worker/tutor), Mrs Lineni Tu’ineau (case worker/tutor), and Mrs Telesia Sima (case worker/tutor).
Addressing domestic violence
ADAC also offers programmes to help stop domestic violence. ‘Domestic violence is prevalent in Tonga, although often a hidden issue,’ Mele says. ‘There is a disturbing, historical problem of
inter-school fights, and violent corporal punishment in schools is also welldocumented.’
The Tongan Police Commissioner asked ADAC to run the programme, aimed at male offenders, to run alongside drug and alcohol programmes. Mele says: ‘Offenders of domestic violence ... need support in changing this normalised and deeply rooted behaviour, and that is where ADAC steps in. There are some good support structures in Tonga for victims, but almost no support for offenders.’
Spreading the word
ADAC is also promoting their services to the community in other ways; they’ve been sending out an SMS broadcast that discusses the work they’re doing. The broadcasts ran on Tuesdays between 11am and 3pm up until June.
They have also started hosting a radio programme. The talkback show is broadcast on the A3Z and FM 90 stations. It’s broadcast across Tongatapu—the most-populous island in Tonga, where Nuku’alofa is situated— and outer islands, too.
‘As the programme manager, I personally appreciate the importance of the community support,’ says Mele. ‘We’re so grateful. It makes a significant difference in the lives of those who seek help, and we’re blessed to have people who are willing to support the work that we do here in the centre. ‘We get phone calls and emails from people just thanking us for the work that the team are doing. We thank God for that, because together, we can do so much
‘You don’t have to be a Christian to be part of the programme; everyone is welcome to join the programme if you feel you need our help.’
more. The support from the community will help the work of the ADAC to respond in a more connected way to the growing needs of those around us, and for us to live out the good news of Jesus as we care for people, transform lives and reform society by God’s power.’
‘We praise God for what he’s doing for the centre and the team.’
Wholeness, help and healing
Mele says that, hopefully, the next 25 years will bring more healing throughout Tonga—and that the ADAC can help with that healing.
‘We praise God for what he’s doing for the centre and the team,’ she begins. ‘The team is so happy with all that is happening now at the centre, and we’re motivated by the love and the support we get from the corps officers, the corps members and the region. We wanted to say “malo ‘aupito” (thank you so much). We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for their prayers and support. We are blessed to be a blessing to all those in need, and those who seek help at the centre and come to know Jesus through our services.’
The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre (ADAC) in Tonga is located at the Girl Guides Association Tonga building, Salote Rd, Nuku’alofa. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12:30pm.
The ADAC team can be reached at 23760 or mobile 7716043 and by email at adac@salvationarmy.to or mele.prescott@salvationarmy.to
Sweet Dreams in Sri Lanka
Auckland- and Northland-based retired officers recently made the dreams of 29 little Sri Lankan girls come true. Dehiwela Child Development Centre (CDC) is one of five children’s homes run by The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka Territory. Dehiwela is a girls’ home and while the care is exceptional, the girls were sleeping on old, stained mattresses. When this was discovered, Territorial Projects Development and Sponsorship Secretary for Sri Lanka Lt-Colonel Milton Collins promptly contacted Major Janee Sawyer in New Zealand, who has been a point person for donations in the past. Janee quickly rallied the retired troops in the north. In Sri Lanka, 500 New Zealand dollars goes a long way, meaning a brand-new quality mattress for each of the 29 girls was promptly purchased. Most of the girls living in the centre are orphans. Without the centre, many of these girls would survive only through prostitution. For those who may be interested in donating to the CDCs in Sri Lanka, please contact Lt-Colonel Milton Collins by email: milton.collins@sri.salvationarmy.org
Bridging the Digital Divide
A Salvation Army initiative is helping to bridge a ‘digital divide’ by buying Chromebooks for students in schools and kura on the East Coast of New Zealand. ‘The digital divide is a hot topic, and the divide is growing wider,’ says Gina Marshall, who procures IT/digital hardware and software for The Salvation Army. Corps officer at Gisborne Corps, Captain Jenny Ratana-Koia, says, ‘Over the past two years, we have been able to support school communities with a variety of things ranging from firewood for the whānau (family), to track pants, warm jackets and socks for a school.’ One kura that’s benefitted from the gift of 10 Chromebooks is Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, located in Te Araroa, about 175km north of Gisborne. In total, 35 Chromebooks have been gifted to schools this year.
For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz
SpiritSong at Cuba Street
Over the weekend of June 22 to 23, SpiritSong (national choir) joined with Cuba Street Salvation Army for two days of mission and ministry together. The weekend included a performance at Malvina Major Retirement Village in Johnsonville on Saturday, followed by an evening concert at Cuba Street. ‘The café doors were open out onto Cuba Street with people coming in while others stopped to listen for a while,’ said SpiritSong Executive Officer Lt-Colonel Lynette Hutson. ‘The music was a great fit and we just hope they received a message of love and faith and hope. The atmosphere was really relaxed and there was lovely food and wonderful hospitality.’ On Sunday morning, SpiritSong and the Cuba Street house band combined their talents to lead the congregation in joint worship and ministry. SpiritSong member Liam MacKechnie, a 21-year-old from Christchurch City Corps, shared his testimony.
For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz
Junior Soldiers Awards
On Sunday 7 July, six junior soldiers from Hamilton City Corps received their crest awards. This is the highest award for a junior soldier, following the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, and represents four years of lessons, personal discipleship projects and serving the mission of Hamilton City Corps. Junior Soldier Sergeant (leader) Michelle Rattray presented the awards, and each young person received a certificate, Crest badge, letter of congratulations and a gift voucher from Manna Christian Stores. For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz
Who’s Cooking in Carterton?
Wairarapa Area Corps in Carterton is running a fantastic six-week programme for children called ‘Kids in the Kitchen’. The aim of the programme is to teach young people how to produce a nutritious inexpensive meal for their families. Ministry Assistant Maria Hull reports that, ‘Our young cooks are aged between 11 to 13 years old and are supported by our volunteers. We have one mentor to two young people. We want our young cooks to feel confident in reading recipes, measuring ingredients, cooking and serving a meal.’ The final week of the programme is led by the young cooks who prepare and serve a three-course meal for their families, hosted in Carterton. Maria and the team want to thank the programme volunteers for their love and care of the young people. For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz
Epsom Lodge Makeover
The Salvation Army’s Epsom Lodge has been synonymous with long- and short-term supportive accommodation for men in Auckland for decades. However, built in the 1950s, in recent years it had become the bottom of the barrel for those seeking shelter in Auckland. No longer fit for purpose, a major, much-needed makeover began in July last year. The entire project is expected to be finished some time in 2025. The completion of phase two means that residents are now moving into a brand-new, beautiful, modern, earthquake-proof building with 31 light and airy private rooms, each with their own window. One resident says, ‘I talked to the boys and being a part of the new building gives us a sense of pride and security. We have everything we need to relax and feel at home. It’s a fresh start and we can grow as a community and better support each other.’ A key driver for the project has been National Operations Manager for Supportive Housing Services Bruce Christensen.
For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz
Looking for more news? Read the latest news online at saltmagazine.org.nz
Official Engagements
Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)
To read the full version of Gazette notices, visit saltmagazine.org.nz/gazette
First-time grandparent: Congratulations to Auxiliary Captain Ros Johnson on the safe arrival of her first grandchild, Lena Isabelle Vercoe, born on 27 June 2024, weighing 4lb 11oz (2.13 kgs). We join with her parents Misha and Leigh Vercoe as they celebrate the birth of Lena and pray God’s blessing on them all.
Bereavement: Bandmaster David Howan QSM, the grandfather of Captain Jacob Howan and Lieutenant Rebecca Moffat, was promoted to Glory from Wellington on 26 June 2024. We ask you to uphold in prayer David’s wife Rene Howan, Captains Jacob and Emma Howan, Lieutenants Rebecca and Nick Moffat, along with other family members during this time of grief and loss.
Tevita Watkins, the father of Cadet Salome Matakaruru, passed away in Naitutu Village, Tailevu, Fiji, on 8 July 2024. We ask you to uphold Cadets Salome and Sakeo Matakaruru, and other family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.
Emele Navuga, the mother of Major Amelia Naviko, passed away on Saturday 20 July 2024, from Lautoka Hospital, Fiji, aged 74 years. We ask you to uphold in prayer Majors Amelia and Jeremiah Naviko, and their extended family at this time of grief and loss.
Additional Appointment: Effective 19 August 2024, Major Christina Tyson, territorial director of Community Ministries. Please pray for Major Christina as she prepares to commence her additional appointment.
Auxiliary Captains with Appointment: The Territorial Commander is pleased to announce the acceptance and warranting of Gareth and Maryanne Shearman as Auxiliary Captains, as well as their appointment as corps officers, New Plymouth Corps and directors, New Plymouth Community Ministries, Effective 1 September 2024. We pray God’s blessing on Gareth and Maryanne as they commence their ministry in New Plymouth.
Appointment in Retirement: Effective 2 September 2024, Colonel Heather Rodwell will take up an appointment in retirement as corps officer, Hastings Corps and director, Hastings Community Ministries. Please pray for Colonel Heather as she prepares to take up this appointment in retirement.
Quiz Answers: 1. Game of Thrones, 2. Chionophobia, 3. William Shakespeare, 4. St Petersburg, 5. Two.
SALVATIONISTS IN HISTORY
Keep Them Warm!
In May 1943, the middle of the Second World War, The War Cry published a knitting pattern for woollen mittens, with the directive: ‘Knit for the troops—mittens to keep them warm’. Millions of women, men, children and even the British Royal Family knitted to support the wellbeing and warmth of Allied troops.
During war time, knitting morphed into a patriotic duty. Knitting needles became domestic weapons gladly and passionately employed in the fight against the enemy. Mittens, vests, scarves, balaclavas, helmet caps and more were knitted, collected and dispatched. Knitters wrote notes of encouragement to stuff into socks and hats to encourage the troops. Trench foot was rampant, so dry socks were especially imperative to guard against amputation from infection.
From 1940 to 1945, The War Cry records ample evidence of a diligent contingent of relentless Salvationist knitters—primarily home league women—committed to doing their part for the troops overseas. The initial article had detailed instructions: ‘Use any service colour, 3oz of double-knit wool, 4 needles # 11.’
On 15 July 1944, The War Cry highlighted the efforts of a home league member from Palmerston North Corps: ‘Mrs Baker (senior) has knitted the following articles for soldiers overseas—131 scarves, 60 pairs of mittens, 11 Cranwell flying jerseys, and six skull caps. This is a splendid achievement.’
War relief work undertaken by New Zealand home leagues included responding to a plea from Mrs General Carpenter to collect or make clothing for those in dire need. In just a five-month period, 1860 garments were forwarded to London, with War Cry reporting in December 1940 that ‘many of these are new and beautifully made and will doubtless give great joy and comfort to the recipients.’
The War Cry added a list of home leagues that had not only made ‘a wonderful contribution’ but also ‘pledged themselves to continue this service
cover illustration from The
Cry, 26 July 1941.
during (home league) recess’. Home leagues from Waipukurau, Invercargill, Geraldine, Karori, Tauranga, Eltham, Te Awamutu, Wanganui East, Te Aroha (Māori Home League), Sydenham, Ashburton, Kilbirnie and Onehunga were key contributors.
Towards the end of the war, The War Cry published an article dated 6 January 1945 titled: ‘Overseas Distress: Bundles for Britain and Garments for Greece’, where the writer issued an impassioned plea to Salvationist knitters. ‘The need is great. The interest of New Zealanders will not abate … we will all lend a helping hand. Packing for this worthy object is still in progress. If you so desire, send your contribution. It will be more than welcome, and your gift will free someone from the extremes of cold.’
The article continues, ‘Be it from an individual or a nation the cry for help can never reach a New Zealander without there being some response … People all over the Dominion are interested, and contributors are of all ages, including a grand old lady of 92 years. Another lady of 90 years knitted a frock and pantees for a child.’
When the soldiers started returning from the war, learning to knit was considered a form of physical and mental therapy for soldiers who had horrific injuries. Its rhythmic repetition was believed to help bring about calm, as complicated patterns requiring concentration distracted the mind from reliving atrocities.
Sources: Salvation Army Archives and thelittlewoolcompany.com
The
War
Winter
Seasons…
For everything there is a season,
A time to kill and a time to heal. a time for every activity under heaven. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to grieve and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 Winning at
As the weather gets colder outside (and often rainier) and the school holidays are finished, it can be tricky at times to keep our kids engaged and get them moving their bodies when they’re stuck inside. Winter is a great time of year to consider more creative, crafty hobbies to occupy the children, but physical activity is still important in the cooler months.
Your child may already participate in a winter sport, like football, netball, rugby or hockey, but what is there to do for kids who need ways to be active indoors? Here are some ideas to help kids (and in some cases us) to stay active inside.
• Have a dance party: put on your family’s favourite songs and boogie or learn a dance together.
• Do some hallway bowling: set up some drink bottles or old plastic bottles, half-filled with water (and with the lids on tight) and use a small ball to try to knock them down, just like ten-pin bowling.
• Make an obstacle course through the house: use things like chairs, couches, blankets and tables to build obstacles and include puzzles for the kids to try to race through— don’t forget to time them!
• Go camping inside: set up tents or a blanket fort for the kids to sleep in, and think of different camping activities you can do indoors (set up a lamp as a campfire, make s’mores, go animal watching by following or drawing your family pet, learn about the stars you are able to see at this time of year).
• Play Twister: a classic game for rainy days. Twister is a great way to get moving and kids will often end up in giggling piles on the floor. If you don’t have a Twister mat, you can make your own with coloured circles on a big piece of paper.
• Put on a production: get the children to plan a show to put on for the adults later in the day. They can come up with costumes and props, write songs to perform and even make ads to show at intermission.
Read: These verses in Ecclesiastes are a well-known poem about the seasons of our lives, just like the seasons of the year—autumn, winter, spring and summer. Not all of these seasons feel good or happy, but all these times are natural parts of life.
the saves Soup Day!
Winter is a great time to snuggle up with some warm food, and it tastes even better when you’ve helped to cook it yourself! Here’s a recipe for a yum tomato soup you can make for lunch or dinner, with the help of your parent or caregiver.
Creamy Tomato Soup
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 8 people (1 cup servings)
Based on NatashasKitchen.com/ tomato-soup-recipe/
Think: Often we only want to focus on what makes us happy; the times to laugh, build and dance. But these verses remind us that these things go hand-in-hand with each other. We need to give ourselves space to cry and let out our big emotions so that we can laugh later. Seeds need to be planted so that they can grow into fruit and vegetables for us to harvest and enjoy eating.
Ingredients
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions, (3 cups finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves, (1 Tbsp minced)
• 2 cans whole tomatoes, with their juice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more to serve
• 1 Tbsp sugar, or add to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream, or to taste
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more to serve
Instructions
• Wash your hands well with soap before you cook. With the help of an adult, carefully
Pray: Thank you, God, that you made time for everything when you created the world. Help us to appreciate all the different seasons in our lives, the happy ones and the hard ones. Thank you that you remain with us no matter what season we are in. Amen.
Do: Winter can be a time in the year when we want to be warm and cosy and stay inside when the weather is bad. Make the tomato soup recipe on this page with your family and enjoy one of the best parts of the winter season: eating warm, tasty food with your loved ones!
chop the onions and garlic. Open the cans of whole tomatoes and put them in a big bowl. Gently squeeze and crush the tomatoes.
• Ask your parent or caregiver to heat a pot over medium heat. Add the butter and then the chopped onions. Sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute.
• Put the crushed tomatoes and their juice in the pot, along with chopped basil, sugar and black pepper and the chicken stock. Stir together and bring to a boil then reduce heat, partially cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
• If you want, you can blend your soup in the pot (off the heat) or you can move it to a blender a few cups at a time and blend it until smooth. After that, return the soup to the pot, back to medium heat.
Add ½ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and return to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed, and turn off the heat.
• Ladle into warm bowls and top with more parmesan and chopped fresh basil.
The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart.
Anyone who has tended a fire knows that it needs to be stirred up occasionally.
