2 minute read
Innovative Revolutions
The 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.
