SALT, September 2023, NZFTS

Contents

8 Glimpses of Light

Jules and Major Mat Badger share insights gained through Jules’ breakdown, and their new book When the Light Goes Out

12 Weathering the Storm

Amy Keats from Napier Corps describes how faith enabled her to cope with a terrifying ordeal during Cyclone Gabrielle.

20 Democracy and Discipleship

The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit challenges voters to ask the tough questions of politicians this election.

26 The Pursuit of Holiness

Captain Shaun Baker, The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters chaplain, encourages us to examine our lives through the lens of holiness.

28 Launchpad for Faith

Kelly Jenkins from Whangārei Corps explains why she is a Launchpad Champion at her local primary school, seeking to equip children with Christian values in an ever-changing world.

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

2 September 2023

Editor Vivienne Hill

Graphic design Sam Coates, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington

Staff writers

Jules Badger, Kelly Cooper, Captain Rachel Montgomery, David Youngmeyer

Proof reading Major Glenys Fairhurst, Colleen Marshall

Connect with us saltmagazine.org.nz

SalvationArmyNZFTS

@SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts

Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

p: (04) 384 5649

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Print

Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The Salvation Army.

Step into the Light

he first signs of spring are emerging: spring bulbs are in bloom; the birds are positively rowdy (see page 6 for the reason why); and we are no longer going to work in the dark. The promise of warmer weather, evening barbecues and beach strolls is firmly in sight, tempered by upcoming frosty mornings and polar blasts.

September is also Mental Health Awareness month and our territory’s Flag Publications is releasing Jules and Major Mat Badger’s book, When the Light Goes Out, which tells the story of Jules Badger’s mental breakdown and the impact on her marriage, children, family and ministry. You can read an interview with Mat and Jules on page 8. Our regular readers will recognise their names, as both have written articles for our territorial magazine and Jules is currently a writer on staff.

There are few people today who have no awareness of the broad topic of mental distress, particularly in this post-Covid era. But one positive outcome is that mental distress is more acknowledged and understood. Families, workplaces and churches are increasingly educating themselves on mental wellbeing, as they seek to support people in their families, workplaces and congregations.

Jules and Mat generously share their story as they unpack the complexities and challenges of mental breakdown, and the slow and painful journey to wholeness and freedom.

We are also entering the New Zealand election season and, in this edition on page 20, you are invited to read an article by members of the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU) raising awareness of the issues that will impact the 150,000 people The Salvation Army assists in a year. SPPU’s aims are to present the pressing issues that have negative effects on individuals and whānau (families) and encourage our readers to ask the big questions of their representative politicians. Your vote is important, and being informed and voting strategically will ultimately shape the focus of the next government.

On a lighter note, there is a Father’s Day children’s activity on page 34 and a poem (page 24) to mark the coming of the spring season.

Vivienne Hill Editor

Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders. DEUTERONOMY 33:12b

Easy Meatball Laksa

My original chicken laksa still has many devotees but I’ve moved on and this is now my favourite. Makrut lime leaves freeze, and curry paste will keep in the fridge for ages, so once you have them in stock this dish can easily be part of your regular rotation. | 30 mins | Serves 4

Ingredients

• ½ Tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 Tbsp red curry paste

• 1 Tbsp ground coriander

• 400ml coconut milk

• 500ml chicken stock

• ½ Tbsp fish sauce

• 400g noodles

• 1 makrut lime leaf

• Juice of a lime (optional)

Method

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

Meatballs

• 2 slices bread, made into crumbs

• 500g pork or chicken mince

• 2 Tbsp lemongrass finely chopped, or use lemongrass paste

• ⅓ cup sweet chilli sauce

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce

• Pinch of dried chilli flakes

• ½ cup chopped coriander or use coriander paste

• Pinch of salt

• Garnish: chopped coriander, lime wedges, sliced chillies (optional)

Heat oil in saucepan and add curry paste. Cook gently, stirring for a minute, add ground coriander then mix in coconut milk, stock and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and add the makrut lime leaf.

Make the bread into crumbs, either in a processor or grate with a grater into a bowl. Add meatball ingredients and pulse or mix well.

Scoop teaspoons of the mince mixture and form into balls with wet hands; then drop gently into the simmering soup. Simmer for 7 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

Prepare noodles according to pack directions. Divide into bowls and top with the meatballs and soup. Add a squeeze of lime juice, top with garnishes if using.

Source: Sophie Grey | destitutegourmet.com

She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head And whispered to her neighbour ‘Winter is dead’.

AA MILNE, WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG

In Our Time

General Interest | BBC Radio 4 | Available on Apple Podcasts

With more than 1000 episodes covering history, culture, science, philosophy and religion, this excellent BBC Radio 4 series has something for everyone. Hosted by Melvyn Bragg since it began 25 years ago, each 45-minute programme includes thoughtful commentary and insights from a panel of up to three academic experts. If you are interested in Roman history, for example, try these episodes: Julius Caesar, Nero, Pliny’s Natural History, Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, Roman Slavery and Cleopatra. Each episode includes a reading list and ‘extra time’, where the panelists talk about matters they didn’t have time for in the main discussion. (Reviewed by David Youngmeyer)

Oppenheimer

M, Drama, Thriller | Directed by Christopher Nolan | See in theatres

This fascinating masterpiece depicts the series of events and the aftermath that led to the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) being labelled the ‘father of the atomic bomb’. The three-hour-long film weaves through Oppenheimer’s point of view with a build-up that will take your breath away, right through to the final hour of the film. The movie consists of a powerhouse cast supporting Murphy’s brilliant performance as the genius scientist who sees all the possibilities in the world and yet devastatingly realises that their ultimate triumph has become the gateway to mankind’s destruction. (Reviewed by Nicole Gesmundo) Note: Oppenheimer has brief nudity and sex scenes that may not be suitable for younger viewers.

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands

Christian Living | Paul David Tripp | P&R Publishing

This book is like chatting with a wise old friend, one that leaves you with some stellar pearls of wisdom. It’s an encouragement for everyone—not just pastors or ministry leaders—that we all have the ability to give real help and hope to the people around us. Tripp skilfully weaves Scripture with real-life examples, outlining how we can better serve others by speaking the truth in love and genuine empathy. By the end of this read, I was thinking of my relationships in a whole new light. We can all become God’s instruments. So, if you’re on a journey of spiritual development, or perhaps you’re involved in counselling (officially or unofficially), this is a mustread. (Reviewed by Julia Martino)

Source: Please Don’t Pray With Your Mouth Full , by Bob Swanson.

7/7 Prayer

Due to the incredible response across the territory to the Praying Together initiative, additional prayer meetings have now been confirmed.

From 7pm (NZST) on the 7th day of every month for the foreseeable future, 30-minute Praying Together Bonus Editions will take place. These online prayer meetings will include a short welcome, Bible reading, possible prayer topics and then time for people to pray (open mic style).

Since the Praying Together initiative commenced, six online prayer meetings have taken place already this year. ‘It has been so good to meet together online to pray with and for each other,’ says Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lt-Colonel Liz Gainsford. ‘The response has been amazing! We have had over 100 people connect at each prayer meeting and may have even broken the 200 mark on at least one occasion.’

The Spiritual Life Network is also encouraging Salvationists to hold a special prayer-focused service on or near Sunday 29 October. ‘How exciting it will be to have the whole territory focused on prayer all at the same time,’ says Liz. ‘It has also been encouraging to hear that people have continued to use the Going Deeper Resources and watch the prayer meetings individually and as groups.’ To join a prayer meeting and access resources go to salvationarmy.org.nz/praying-together

INTRIGUING INDEX

Spring Fling

1 Spring fever

The term ‘spring fever’ refers to both psychological and physiological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring. Symptoms include restlessness, daydreaming and increased sexual appetite. While the exact cause is unclear, scientists believe that increased light, more exercise due to extended daylight hours and more exposed bare skin influence hormone levels.

2 Spring sing

Spring is the time of year that birds are most active in their singing. The main culprits are male birds who have etablished a nesting area, trying to attract a mate.

3 Phases of the moon

The first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox is always Easter in the Northern Hemisphere.

4 Motion of the ocean

A ‘spring tide’ has nothing to do with the season of spring. Rather, it connotes a ‘springing forth’. Spring tides occur twice each lunar month all year long, regardless of the season.

WORD OF THE MONTH

Na Vulaitubutubu

(Fijian, noun) The spring.

Source: Lieutenant Ben Cola.

Prayer Focus: Syria

The Syria crisis, which the United Nations recently said has lasted twice as long as the Second World War, has taken an astronomical toll on people in Syria, Syrian refugees and communities in neighbouring countries. The details are stark: more than 15 million people need humanitarian aid and protection, with every district in Syria experiencing humanitarian stress. More than 13 million people were forced to flee their homes looking for safety. This includes 6.8 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries where they have stayed for more than a decade. Meanwhile, 12 million people in Syria are food insecure while one in four Syrian children have stunted growth and risk irreversible damage to their development. Compounding all this, the February 2023 earthquakes resulted in 4500 deaths and 10,400 injuries in north-west Syria, while 265,000 people lost their homes amid freezing temperatures.

QUICK QUIZ

1 What was spring called before the fourteenth century?

2 What did the ancient Egyptians build to point to the rising sun directly on the spring equinox?

3 If equinox means equal night (Latin), what does equilux mean?

4 Which day in spring is this year’s New Zealand daylight savings time changeover?

5 According to folklore it is only possible to balance an egg on its end on the spring equinox; true or false?

Answers page 32

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER

• Bahrain—Pray for Christian converts from Islam. Bahraini Christians make up less than one percent of the population. Many Christians are rejected by their families and lose their jobs. Pray for protection, as many gather in secret to worship. Pray they can access Bibles.

• China—Pray for increasing freedom to worship. Religious regulations have tightened, and persecution has risen significantly. Church leaders and members have faced prosecution with many arrested or detained. Access to Bibles is prohibited and it is illegal to disciple anyone younger than 18. Pray for protection and strength for those committed to sharing the gospel.

• Malaysia—Pray for courage for new Christians as they experience persecution for the first time. It is illegal for Malays to convert to Christianity, and those who do, meet in secret. Some are caught and face torture in Islamic re-education camps. Pray for boldness and safety.

• Ethiopia—Pray for an end to the conflict between the government and minority groups. Religious freedom is guaranteed under Ethiopian law; however, recent political unrest has resulted in large attacks on Christian churches. Pray for unity among believers and safety as they meet together.

SALVATION ARMY PRAYER

We continue to pray for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption; Early Childhood Education Centres around the territory; East City Corps; National Emergency Services; Family Stores, National Manager; Far North (Kaitāia) Corps; Feilding Corps; Fiji Corps and Community Ministries; Family Care Centres and Outposts in Fiji; The Salvation Army in Pakistan; and The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

Glimpses of Light in a Time of Shadows

When the Light Goes Out is a book published by Salvation Army Flag Publications that has been a long time coming for authors Jules and Major Mat Badger. The book may have been completed three years ago during the Covid-19 lockdowns, but the story told within its pages has been a significant and often painful experience for the couple and their family.

WORDS Holly Morton-Chong

hen the Light Goes Out looks back on Jules’ mental health crisis in 2012, while she was a corps officer at East City Corps in Howick, Auckland. Alongside Jules’ recollection of the circumstances that led to this, her husband Mat shares his own experiences during this time.

Jules’ mental distress was a serious and tense time for her family. She was convinced that she had lost her faith, and that her calling as an officer was a sham. But coming out the other side, Jules is grateful to celebrate a renewed and deeper faith. ‘If writing the book is my life’s most significant or useful service, then I’m okay about going through the darkness to achieve the end of knowing God more fully. God’s best plan for my life, for all our lives, is to know God and enjoy being with God. Everything else—our service and good deeds—comes from that relationship. I had to face the darkness to really understand that, and now my faith is so much richer for it.’

Mat and Jules see their learnings over this time as something that could be valuable for a range of people—for those experiencing mental distress, for their families and loved ones, for their church communities, and for their leaders in those faith spaces—and they hope that their experiences can

encourage others to seek support and open up conversations around mental wellbeing.

For the individual

When the book is released, it will have been 11 years since Jules’ first breakdown. This has given her a perspective in hindsight that enables her to objectively consider what she had thought and felt at the time.

‘I read some parts of the book back now and I say, “I can’t believe I thought that was true about myself”. It’s good to look back and recognise the healing, and to see that what I believe about myself and about God now is very different.’

A rediscovering of the character of God also played a big part in Jules being able to journey out of the darkness. ‘I think for me that’s where the fingerprints of God were. I couldn’t see God at the time, but I’ve learnt that God is so much more generous than I knew. It’s really the story of how God drew me closer. My hope is that others will find this the most compelling part of the book. Not just that you can get through mental illness, or even that it is possible to learn more about God and develop a richer faith, but that you just might discover a bigger, more expansive God. I thought God had left me because I put him into a box. Now I leave the lid off!’

For the family

While they are hopeful that their story can encourage and enlighten others in similar situations, Jules and Mat found that the process of putting pen to paper was also therapeutic for them. ‘It’s been incredibly cathartic,’ Mat explains. ‘We went through seasons during writing when we’d write something, and I’d have to put it aside for a week because I was still emotionally processing everything. You’re reliving it while trying to articulate what was going on at that time.’

Jules and Mat see that one of the strengths of their book is having both of their perspectives present in the story: sharing Jules’ experience of breakdown, as well as Mat’s memories of that time. ‘We realised that Mat’s perspective was going to be an important part of the book, because I was so unwell and people needed to read a “well” perspective of those events,’ Jules explains. They hope that this method of sharing their story can be a comfort and encouragement for those with close friends and family going through times of poor mental health, and that it can offer some learnings and tools to help them protect their own wellbeing as carers.

In returning to these stories over the publishing process, Jules has noticed that her children seem to be better equipped to manage their own mental wellbeing than she was during the events of the book. ‘The awareness of mental health today is really encouraging; we grew up in a generation where you did not talk about it, but now you can go online and get tools to help. It’s common to hear, “It’s okay not to be okay” or “I’m having a low day”, and in most rooms someone is on anti-depressants, or has had an experience of burnout. We have language today that we didn’t have before, and that is a real gift,’ says Jules.

‘Our daughter, Gabbie, has acquired tools for her wellbeing that I didn’t learn until my forties, and she learnt them at 18. I think her generation is more empathetic, they are a lot more in touch with their

Above: Jules and Major Mat Badger.

She was convinced that she had lost her faith, and that her calling as an officer was a sham.

emotions and feelings, and I think we’ve got a kinder world coming our way because of it.’

For the Church

Mat and Jules know that church communities can be places of rich opportunity to engage with, support and care for those struggling with grief, depression and mental distress. For Jules, what was most significant was a sense of normalcy and care that didn’t focus solely on her mental breakdown. She appreciated those in her church community who could treat her with love and respect that didn’t make her feel like a failed or broken leader.

Jules wants to highlight the importance of recognising that our church leaders are dealing with their own struggles, and that it is important to treat them with compassion and understanding. ‘It’s important for

corps and congregations to know that their officers are human. Our pastors and officers aren’t Jesus, they are often—as was in my case—very ordinary Christians, and people need to remember that they are performing a function of leadership and they are not infallible saints.’

Regardless of whether someone in the church is a leader, elder or congregation member, the church body has a call from God to support those facing mental struggles, says Mat. ‘The church is called to care for the sick, and that includes the mentally ill. These days the world moves fast and we expect quick results. But God is patient and he is in it for the long haul, so the way he views things is very different.’ Mat and Jules hope that congregations can offer each other the time and space needed to properly care for those in their midst who are unwell, and that this can be an offering from the church to the wider community.

For the leaders

Despite the difficulties Jules was facing with leading at The Salvation Army during her breakdowns, she wants to acknowledge that the people around her in the Army were stabilising presences for her in a time of turmoil. Some of their close friends within the corps (church) visited Jules during her stay in respite care, and Jules was also relieved to know that Mat and their kids were being well taken care of while she was away.

‘Part of the reason why we wanted to write this book was to acknowledge that I was well cared for by the Army. Our divisional commander at the time was Colonel Heather Rodwell. Her care of me represented something of God and countered the competitiveness in the institution that had been my experience,’ Jules explains.

‘A lot of pastors who have been unwell will agree that even though we say “Oh, it’s all God’s doing”, we still go to conferences and ask each other: “How big is your

Above: The cover for When the Light Goes Out, designed by Sam Coates, senior graphic designer at The Salvation Army.

‘What I came out the other side of the journey with was this immense feeling that God’s in control.’

church?” or “How big is your prayer meeting?” And part of that was how things were measured at the time, which fed into my own workaholism. Heather represented something counterculture that was very important for my self-acceptance and recovery.’

While Jules and Mat explain that The Salvation Army provides resources for its leaders, like spiritual direction and supervision, for Jules these support systems were not utilised as she struggled with the internal pressure to maintain a competent and upbeat leadership persona amid her mental health struggles. ‘My inner life was far from deep, because my public life was so busy. My role as a leader always superseded my life as a believer.’

In reflecting on their process of writing the book, Mat has been reassured by the power that God has in times of turmoil. ‘What I came out the other side of the journey with was this immense feeling that God’s in control. I came away saying, “we’re on the right track”.’

Jules has noted that the analogy of her faith has shifted. ‘To use the image of an ocean liner—well that was what my faith was like. It looked good and substantial on the surface, but there was nothing below—the anchor was small. My faith remained at surface level and I lived in fear of what might lurk in the depths below! But now my faith is a small reliable dinghy and there is life below the surface! The anchor is strong and holds fast. I’m not afraid of the deep anymore because treasure is found in the deep—that’s where I found God.’

Purchase the book

Jules and Mat’s book, When the Light Goes Out, is available from Salvationist Resources now.

Visit shop.sarmy.net.nz to purchase a copy and learn more about their inspiring journey.

The five saboteurs

The five saboteurs for church leaders, by Richard Black (Director of Mind Health), are a tool that Jules found valuable in reflecting on her own leadership. These are:

1. Over-identification with the role—when leaders have their own identity overly connected to their work as church leaders and connect any success or failure within that role to their own worthiness.

2. The shift from seeing ‘success’ through the lens of spiritual leadership to organisational growth—the anxiety of having to keep upping church numbers and its correlation with whether the ministry is successful can cause leaders to connect their personal wellbeing to the number of people attending their services.

3. The pull to perfectionism—a need to be perceived ‘perfectly’ in all aspects of life, including faith, marriage, parenting and lifestyle. Those with this saboteur feel the need to keep up appearances to remain professional in their leadership role.

4. Isolation—feeling separate to or ‘above’ their congregation within their leadership role, and having no one that they feel they can be honest and vulnerable with. Other leaders can be seen as competitors rather than a source of support.

5. Spiritual misdirection—when leaders read the Bible for sermon preparation rather than devotion; they pray in groups or for others, rather than for personal communion; they pray for the church to grow or difficult people to be removed; or they engage in spiritual activities or disciplines in order to offset guilt or because they feel they should.

Richard explains, ‘Any of these five saboteurs can be detrimental to a leader’s emotional health. These five saboteurs are often invisibly and unintentionally present, but they are the factors we need to become aware of so we don’t lose any more church leaders.’

Weathering the Storm

When Amy Keats from Napier Corps woke up on 14 February 2023, she thought she had escaped the worst of Cyclone Gabrielle. Little did she know that she was hours away from disaster.

Amy lived with two flatmates in a cottage on her dad’s property in northern Awatoto, a suburb of Napier stretching along the coast south of Te Awa. When Cyclone Gabrielle initially hit Hawke’s Bay, Amy thought she had dodged the worst of it. ‘I went to sleep the night before and slept through all the rain. In the morning the sun was out and I thought, What cyclone?’

But at 8am the power went out. Amy still had cellphone service and watched as locals posted videos of flooding on Facebook. ‘I saw a video of one of the bridges being swept away.

I was like woah! But it didn’t cross my mind that there was any possibility that things would get worse—that rivers would burst their banks.’

One of Amy’s flatmates had gone down to the beach to check out the debris from the storm, while the other slept in. The trio had no way of knowing their lives were about to change forever.

At 10.30am an emergency alert came through, instructing residents of Taradale and those living south of the Tutaekuri River to evacuate, but the alert didn’t include Awatoto. A second alert came soon after, but

again Awatoto was not specifically included. ‘I really wasn’t sure what to do, as we are geographically a bit higher than the surrounding areas. But in hindsight, if you get an emergency alert anywhere near you, it’s time to go,’ says Amy.

Panic stations

Amy headed down the driveway to find her dad. As she did so, Amy saw that the golf course that abuts their property had turned into a lake. Only 20 minutes had passed since the first alert. The water was rising rapidly, and it was clearly time to leave. Taking a few minutes to run back to the cottage and rouse her flatmate, she hoisted some precious belongings to safer heights, grabbed the cat and headed down the driveway.

‘As we walked toward the road the water was already waist deep and that’s when panic set in. I had gumboots on and even though it wasn’t a super strong current at the time, it was hard to walk. Dad had backed down the road and was waiting for us, but the water was rushing past the bottom of the car door. We jumped in and drove to higher ground to re-group and consider our options. We’d just left everything behind!’

Amy and her household escaped with their lives and spent the next five weeks with extended family. Camping equipment was a godsend, and the now expanded household was self-sufficient thanks to solar powered

‘... if you get an emergency alert anywhere near you, it’s time to go.’

batteries and gas bottles until the power was restored a week later. Amy returned to the cottage once the water receded. ‘I walked into my room and broke down in tears. I thought, Oh Lord, I’ve lost everything. I was in shock as I tried to take in what I was seeing and wondered what I was going to do.

God-given strength

A registered nurse, Amy is well suited to the profession. ‘My faith is strong and that is part of the reason I’m a nurse—I’m the type of person who wants to help others.’

She was first introduced to God by her nana, who used to take her to church and planted the first seeds of faith. A Bible in Schools teacher watered those seeds, and then Amy found her way to youth group at Napier Salvation Army as a teenager. Encountering God at an Easter Camp in 2015, Amy’s faith blossomed. In 2019 she became a soldier of The Salvation Army and is now a member of the corps leadership team. Amy is the only Christian in her immediate family.

‘Getting back into a routine of being present with God has been hard following the shock and devastation of the cyclone,’ she says. ‘But God has given me the strength I needed to not just get through it, but also to support Dad and my family.’

Amy offers two lessons from her cyclone experience. First, ‘no matter how hard it is—whatever kind of storm you are facing, whether it’s literal or metaphorical—take time to feel the emotions. Don’t push them down. Be present in that moment.’ Second, Amy suggests, ‘Let go of what you can’t control. Acknowledge the feelings but accept there are things you can’t change that will

those at church.

prevent you from moving forward. Give it to God and ask for his strength to get you through.’

Still caring

In a Facebook post a few days after the cyclone, Amy expressed gratitude to God and her family.

‘We survived,’ she wrote. ‘This has been one of the most traumatic and frightening things to experience. I know as I write this that others in our community weren’t as lucky. My heart goes out to everyone affected.’

Amy and her family have not yet returned to their home but, thanks to insurance, renovations are due to begin later this year. Despite so much disruption, Amy is still thankful.

‘I’m most thankful that we had a safe place to go, and that we were able to

remain together. I’m also thankful to all the people who even now still check up on me—especially those at church. It’s so nice that people haven’t forgotten that this is still big for me; six months on and people are still caring for me.’

Kia kaha Hawke’s Bay!

‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.’

Isaiah 43:2

I’m also thankful to all the people who even now still check up on me—especially

All of Us Together

In offices, centres, Family Stores and corps throughout our territory people are working to meet human need and introduce people to a restorative relationship with Jesus Christ. We work to relieve the distress experienced in the lives of people who come to us for help. We do this together.

During a visit to the NASA Space Centre in 1962, President John F Kennedy noticed a janitor carrying a broom. He interrupted his tour, walked over to the man and said: ‘Hi, I’m Jack Kennedy, what are you doing?’ The janitor responded: ‘I’m helping put a man on the moon, Mr President’.

This inspiring story has been repeated many times over the past 50 years. I love the commitment and purpose of this man and everyone who captured the vision and helped to put people on the moon. We may not be heading for the moon, but our mission is no less important. Our mission is caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society by God’s power.

Every day, we do our part to help others hear and see the love of Jesus in action through the way we care—all of us together.

Every day, we do our part to transform lives through the diversity of our services, through prayer, worship and preaching God’s Word to see transformation and salvation in Jesus—all of us together.

Every day, we do our part to reform society through messages of hope and love; through the many ways we advocate for people in our community—all of us together.

I am thankful for the people who are passionate and committed to this mission, who choose to work, worship, support and serve—all of us together.

SALT is full of exciting and encouraging stories of what we are doing and of people who have experienced the love, forgiveness and life in all its fullness in Jesus. As we share our own stories, others hear and can experience this restorative work too. Our Bible reading in Ephesians 4:15-16, provides us with advice to help us stay focused, passionate and committed—all of us together.

Commissioner Julie Campbell Territorial President of Women’s Ministries

Ephesians 4:15–16

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (NIV)

Engari, kia kōrero pono ai i runga i te aroha, kia tupu ai tātou ki roto ki a ia i ngā mea katoa, ko te ūpoko nei ia, ko te Karaiti; nōna nei te tinana katoa, he mea whakapiri mārie, he mea āta hono e ngā meatanga a ngā hononga katoa, whakarite rawa ki te nui o te mahinga a ia wāhi, a ia wāhi, e mea ana i te tinana kia neke ake, hei whare e hanga ana i a ia i runga i te aroha. (PT)

ia me da ia na ka dina e na yalololoma, me da tubu cake vei koya e na ka kecega, vei koya ga na uluda, na Karisito: o koya sa sema vata maivua na yago taucoko, ka vauci vata, e na vuku ni kena yaga nai sema yadua, me vaka na ka sa cakava sara na tikina kecega ni sa dui vakaitavi, a sa vakatuburi cake ki na yago tabu ni sa vakatataki cake vakai koya e na loloma. (FOV)

Prem hamme hardam sachche bolwaai. Tab ham log sab rakam se baṛhega aur Krisṭ ke rakam hoyga, jon boḍi ke heḍ hei. Krisṭ sab ke, sañghe baañdhe rakkhe hei aur uske sab bhaag ke achchha se kaam kare ke banaay hei, jeise u baṛhe hei aur prem ke kaaran majbuut hoy hei. (FRHNT)

ka tau fai‘aki ‘a e totonu ‘i he ‘ofa, ‘o tau tupu hake ‘i he‘etau me‘a kotoa pe ke hokosi ‘a e toko taha ko ia, ‘a ia ko e ‘Ulu, ‘a Kalaisi: ‘a ia ‘oku hokohoko lelei mei ai, mo fema‘uma‘utaki mei ai, ‘a e sino kotoa, pea fai ai pe ‘ene tupu mei he ngaahi fakahoko‘anga kotoa pe ‘o e tokoni, ‘i he ngaue ‘a e fo‘i me‘a taki taha ‘o tāu mo ‘ene mafai, mo‘o langa hake ‘o e sino ‘i he ‘ofa. (TMB)

Peitai, a o tautalatala faamaoni i le alofa, ia tutupu i tatou ia te ia i mea uma, o le ulu lava ia, o ia foi o Keriso; e mai ia te ia ona tupu o le tino uma lava, o loo o faatatauina ma faasooina i ua uma lava e fesoasoani i ai, e tusa ma le galuega i le fua o itu tino taitasi, ia iu ina atiina ae le tino e ia lava i le alofa. (SOV)

Art: Nicole Gesmundo

Be Kind to Your Mind

Christian artist, musician, author and mental health expert Julia Grace offered practical wellbeing tips for ‘being kind to your mind’ to the hundreds who gathered at Johnsonville Salvation Army over the weekend of July 22 to 23. Jules Badger reports, with photos by Captains Robert and Susan Adams.

Julia Grace is well-known to many in The Salvation Army, particularly people at the Johnsonville Corps who once again had the pleasure of hosting Julia as a guest speaker. A special women’s event was held on Saturday evening, with Julia also speaking to a full house on Sunday morning, followed by a lunch for youth and young adults after church to conclude the weekend.

With a passion for connecting people, hospitality coordinator Karen White and corps officer Captain Susan Adams knew Julia’s practical and positive message would be helpful to many, so they quickly got to work organising the event.

‘We knew we needed to be talking about mental health more as a faith community, but we also knew that this was something we could invite family, friends, workmates and neighbours along to,’ explains Karen. ‘It’s a topic that touches everyone. Even if we are not currently going through something mental healthrelated ourselves, there will be someone around us who is.’

A fun night out

When it came to the women’s event, Karen reports that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. ‘The messages I received afterwards were so encouraging. Women came who’d never been inside a church before. The food was delicious, and the decorations were beautiful. We really wanted to honour the women

who came and show them we care by putting on a fun night out.’ And Julia did not disappoint on the fun front! With her signature blend of humour and music, Julia was able to share lessons from her lived experience of mental illness and recovery, with compassion and candor. On the Sunday morning she promised the congregation a practical message and delivered powerful content through meaningful and memorable acronyms and anecdotes for ‘being kind to your mind’.

It’s a brave woman who talks about rum at The Salvation Army, but Julia did so with appropriate and instructional flair! Using the acronym ‘RUM’, Julia outlined that mental health issues are Reasonable, Universal and Manageable.

‘Mental health issues are Reasonable because they make sense,’ she explained. ‘They are a reasonable response of the body to the pressures of life. We shouldn’t be surprised when our brain tells us it has too much information! I’m over stimulated! And now I am going to give you some signals that you need to listen to! So rather than fighting our brain or trying to cast out our brain, I encourage you to ask yourself what your body is trying to tell you. God has created us so that our body gives us signals when something is not right, but we are really good at ignoring them.’

Jelly and rum

Julia encouraged those gathered to identify a ‘jelly buddy’—someone you can rely on when you are having what she called ‘a wobbly day’ mentally. Julia made it clear that she wasn’t suggesting a jelly buddy be your counsellor or psychologist, but simply someone you give permission to push a bit when you say you’re fine, but clearly, you’re not. ‘On our good days, we prepare for the wobbly days,’ she affirmed.

Mental health issues are also Universal—we are all on a wellness spectrum. ‘I want to encourage you that if you suffer with anxiety or depression or burnout or anything on the mental wellbeing spectrum, you can still lead an amazing, productive life,’ she said.

Using her own testimony as proof, Julia added that mental health issues are also Manageable because there are so many tools available.

‘Some days I have to get every tool out of the toolbox to help me,’ she said. ‘But that’s okay and just part of my overall health journey.’

Our brain is 2 percent of our body weight but uses 20 percent of our energy. When we are engaged in heavy cognitive thought that rises to 40 percent.’

A cup of tea and a lie down

Giving voice to one of the recurring questions of our times: Why are we so tired? Julia offered a plethora of helpful science. ‘Our brain is an energy-hungry monster,’ she explained. ‘Our brain is 2 percent of our body weight but uses 20 percent of our energy. When we are engaged in heavy cognitive thought that rises to 40 percent.’ Acknowledging that we live in an era of information overload, Julia offered some practical means for mitigating that pervasive exhaustion.

Looking to the Bible for inspiration, she drew attention to Jesus’ repeated call for rest. With reference to Mark 6:30–32, Julia suggested after a busy ministry trip with his disciples, Jesus was essentially advocating for ‘a cup of tea and a lie down’. Then drawing on John 4:5–6, Julia explained that good things happen when we take a break. Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman took place because he stopped and sat down by the well.

Julia’s closing remarks were profound: ‘What are we missing in our busyness? What might happen if we put our phones down? If Jesus was advocating a cup of tea and a lie down and stopped to take breaks, perhaps we should follow his example.’

‘If Jesus was advocating a cup of tea and a lie down and stopped to take breaks, perhaps we should follow his example.’

God’s Grace on the Mountains and in the Valleys

God’s calling on our lives rarely takes a straightforward or linear path. Russell Harris, from New Lynn Corps, shares with us his unique journey of faith and God’s leading.

I was brought up on a small farm at Tuturau, in the hills south of Gore. Life was idyllic, with wide open spaces. There was a Presbyterian church down the road where we sang hymns, listened to Bible stories, drew pictures and were taught right from wrong. I don’t remember being taught about personal faith, but the grounding I received in those early years has remained with me ever since.

My family moved to Gore, and we became ‘townies’. We joined The Salvation Army and there I realised I needed to have personal faith, not just what my parents thought and believed. So in the officers’ quarters one Sunday evening at a youth supper, I made my decision to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.

One day in class my form teacher came up to me and said that her husband was the manager of the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) and he was looking for a junior and was I interested? Two days later I had a bank officer job that lasted nearly 25 years.

Intersections and directions

Life in the bank was great. I stayed in Gore three years and was transferred to Invercargill, Wellington, Dunedin and Australia. In Wellington I went to Miramar Corps and became immersed in the life of a vibrant faith community. I was surrounded by good people and my faith grew.

I became friendly with a young Kaye Bailes, who had trained as a Salvation Army officer in 1964. I asked Kaye to be my wife. She didn’t hesitate. Six months later, I became a soldier of The Salvation Army, and we married.

We involved ourselves in our local corps, but because I was a bank officer, we transferred regularly. It was

while we lived in Timaru that events overtook us, and we found ourselves unable to attend the corps and so became members of the Baptist church. We loved our time there and grew strong spiritually and relished the fact that it didn’t matter where we worshipped, the saving power of Jesus, the worship of God the Father and the leading of the Holy Spirit was just the same. Unfortunately, we had to move again, and Dunedin was to be our next home.

Kaye just couldn’t get the red, yellow and blue (the colours on the Army flag) out of her blood. She was committed to mission and had an overwhelming love for young people. We began to get a strong sense of giving service within the church, but we were unsure of what form this would take.

At this time, I was often absent from work due to illness. My doctor was worried about my deteriorating health and told me that if I stayed in the bank, I wouldn’t make old bones. Was this God speaking to us? Were doors closing on the life of comfort and security we enjoyed?

Learning and development

We made tentative enquiries about full-time ministry within The Baptist Union of Churches and attended an exploratory ministry weekend. We said yes to God. I resigned from work and we sold our house and moved north to Auckland.

Our first day at Baptist College was a shock! We were introduced to some lecturers then told to enrol for the theology degree at University of Auckland. We were so naïve; we had no idea that ministry involved studying for a degree. We survived with the support

of our year group and enjoyed learning and stretching our faith into areas never previously thought possible. At university we were told in no uncertain terms to work out our theology for ourselves. I still remember our lecturer in the first class of literature in theology saying, ‘God is white, God is black, God is rice’. The whole class sat in stunned silence, but it was this class that sparked my interest in theologian Paulo Friere, who through his faith assisted the poor and oppressed in Latin America. From that moment my spiritual life developed a different dimension, and I began to understand something of God the ‘I Am’. Also, I stopped thinking of theology in black and white terms realising that one size does not fit all.

We gained our degrees and were ordained into the ministry of the Baptist Church of New Zealand and waited to be called to our first church, but nothing happened. We even applied to the Presbyterian Church, but nothing! What was God saying? We had given up everything for what we thought was the right calling. Those were dark days. God was silent. I didn’t have a job and the church seemed remote and uninterested in us.

miserable with what had happened to us. It took me months to heal, but one day a light came on in my soul. I clearly heard a voice saying, ‘Go teaching’. I went back to university and achieved a diploma in teaching. I only taught in one school, it was an intermediate close to home and I loved it. I stayed 17 years until I retired. When I look back over 70 years of learning about God and his ways, I often wished God would speak in a clear voice. That’s not my experience. God allowed me to find my own way through life by making many mistakes, by doors firmly closing in my face, then him showing me opportunities which I might like to explore. I like the quote, ‘Pray like mad but row away from the rocks’; then I look back and see God’s grace at work.

Kaye and I re-signed our Articles of War in April 2014. Sadly, in 2019, Kaye passed away from cancer-related complications. We had been married for 44 years and were best friends.

I remain at New Lynn Corps playing trombone, leading the monthly Northern Retired Officers’ Fellowship and conducting a monthly rest home service.

God’s faithfulness

We had a daughter who we wanted to keep in the faith, so we approached a couple who were Kaye’s Salvation Army training college session mates from 1964. At the time they were corps officers at New Lynn Corps. They agreed to include our daughter in corps cadets. To this day our daughter is a Salvationist, and our grandchildren are junior soldiers—the traditions continue.

I found work and things started to look up. We decided to go back to our roots and attend The Salvation Army at New Lynn Corps, but I found it impossible to worship. I would stand during the singing and tears would stream down my face; I was unhappy and

It took me months to heal, but one day a light came on in my soul.

Above: Kaye and Russell Harris.

Citizenship, Democracy and Discipleship

The Salvation Army is politically non-partisan. This means that as a movement we do not promote or endorse specific candidates or political parties. However, The Salvation Army is politically engaged seeking God’s kingdom values for our communities.

WORDS Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson and Paul Barber

ere we go again—another silly season— election time! Expansive promises and dire warnings about the policies coming from other parties; questions about the intelligence, ethics or competence of the various leaders, followed by statements about the absolute integrity and competence of one’s own party. Never mind a mass of confusing and conflicting interpretations of various statistics and the search for simplistic populist solutions to complex problems. Especially in what are troubled and contentious times—it is enough to make you want to go into hibernation!

Some view politics as so dirty that Christians shouldn’t besmirch themselves by becoming involved in it at all. Yet it is in this context where Christians need to participate. We need to explore the issues beyond the sensationalism and noise of the media and really pray that God would reveal what issues matter. This is especially important considering the people who seek our help, who come through our corps (churches) and social service ministries. The same people we see highlighted as ‘in poverty’ or ‘disadvantaged’ within reports such as the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit’s (SPPU) State of the Nation (salvationarmy.org.nz/ SOTN2023).

The right and necessity of voting

The ability to vote and participate in the election process is a huge privilege and a tremendous

responsibility. Women in Switzerland only got the right to vote in 1971—that is, all except one canton where women were not allowed to vote until 1990, almost 100 years after New Zealand women’s voting rights being granted in 1893. The ability to vote and hold leaders accountable hasn’t been around that long for most people around the world. In a sense, we all now own ‘leadership’ responsibility for our nation in our own small way.

The importance of this isn’t lost on those who have sponsored a series of hui encouraging Mongrel Mob members to register to vote. Here is a group so marginalised that they don’t feel connected at all to mainstream New Zealand. The consequent disengagement, alienation, crime and anti-social behaviours are there for all to see. No panacea, the very act of engaging in the democratic process is one small step towards active and constructive citizenship—that is if they can look past the political posturing that seeks to discount their participation in this process.

We can’t hope to know all the answers to complex issues facing our nation, but we can seek to be informed to the best of our abilities. Yes, it is part of being an active citizen, but is also what is involved in active discipleship—seeking God’s kingdom values and shalom (peace) here on earth—an act of following Jesus.

In the election process it is important that The Salvation Army seeks to consider our people: the 150,000 people on the margins that we support each year. SPPU is carrying out a series of activities to promote discussion related to the election with the hope that people will find these helpful in determining how they will vote and what kind of issues people will consider and put before, or ask of, the politicians from the various parties.

SPPU has prepared election resources for you as you prayerfully consider how you will cast your vote. These can be found at salvationarmy.org.nz/PressingIssues Here you will find a more in-depth dive to the pressing issues facing our communities. This includes a series ‘Pathways and Politics’ where eight Christian politicians are interviewed about their faith, background, politics and the key issues they see for the 2023 election. We also have a Radio Rhema interview series every Thursday at 11.15am until the election on various issues related to

the SPPU’s five work areas. We hope that these resources can be helpful as we all seek to be active citizens and disciples as we engage in the privilege of involvement in the democratic process.

‘He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed…’ (Luke 4:14-22).

In the election process it is important that The Salvation Army seeks to consider our people: the 150,000 people on the margins that we support each year.

Pressing Issues

Here is a summary of our five Pressing Issues briefing papers:

Children and Youth

What will politicians do to help children and youth to thrive? What actions will they take to reduce child poverty? What extra help will they give low-income households with children? What steps will they take to reduce food hardship?

Youth mental distress has been increasing. We want to hear about actions to increase low- or no-cost youth mental health services, focused on places where they are needed the most.

Youth unemployment is still too high. We think every young person should leave school with a plan for their future. Politicians need to explain how they will help young people in the regions and communities most affected.

Abuse and violence towards children are rising, with more than 2000 violent offences resulting in injury last year. We want politicians to explain how they will support prevention approaches that work at community and family/whānau level in communities most affected.

Work and Incomes

What will political parties do to ensure jobs? How will they ensure adequate incomes for people on the margins struggling with rising living costs? How will they ensure employers will invest in their people with fair wages? Will they provide active employment support such as job navigators and support employment in areas where the need is highest?

Hardship is deepest for people relying on welfare support: will they commit to ensuring welfare support is set at a minimum liveable income?

Taxation is the way we work together as a country to help those who are most in need.

We want to know how politicians plan to make the system fairer—those who can, contribute more, so that those in need receive the help required. Better taxes are needed for revenue to provide healthcare, education and welfare support so people can live with dignity.

Housing

How do politicians plan to help the more than 100,000 people affected by homelessness or the threat of homelessness? Will politicians support more intensive housing case managers and fund innovative homelessness services? What is their plan to increase the number of community and public housing units?

Homelessness and very high housing insecurity has huge impacts on the 150,000 people using our Salvation Army services each year. It has generational ramifications that go on for years.

We also need ‘exit plans’ for people in transitional housing so they can find long-term affordable housing.

Boarding houses are the headline example of housing distress. Will politicians commit to establishing a national register of boarding houses with clear regulations and licensing?

Social Hazards

Will politicians commit to action from government to reform alcohol laws, especially in areas around community participation, local alcohol policies, restricting advertising and excise tax on alcohol prices? Will there be better funding of all community addiction prevention and treatment services? Will online gambling receive effective regulation?

Government action is needed to have a stronger harm prevention and minimisation focus on the regulation of gambling, including online gambling. Examples of this are credit card

spending limits and strong restrictions of gambling advertising.

We call for action to protect welfare payments from debt collectors by stopping deductions from welfare benefits. Attachment Orders take money from people who already do not have enough to live. Some people are experiencing major deductions from essential welfare support by private debt collectors. This is just one example of the financial pressures and manipulation people on the margins face in dealing with debt collectors and fringe lenders.

Crime and Punishment

As the spotlight on crime intensifies, familiar narratives of being ‘tough on crime’ echo across party lines. Does this tough stance translate to safer communities? Will politicians invest in specialised support for those impacted by family violence and particularly regarding immediate needs such as housing?

A safer Aotearoa requires policies that delve into tackling drivers of crime, systemic issues and boosting rehabilitative and reintegration solutions.

Family violence continues to be an endemic issue, with police attending a family harm incident every three minutes.

Our justice system is not working for victims and often continues to perpetuate harm. Will the government invest in victim support advocates to assist victims in the system?

The remand population continues to grow in our prisons: will the government invest in alternatives to custodial remand such as bail support services that aid individuals on bail?

Spring Sensation

WORDS Jules Badger | ART Lauren Millington

Sunlight stalks the shadow self of summer

Light and life and mystery and change converge in the dark

She is waiting, creating, anticipating…

She’s in bloom even when she’s laid bare

Just a drab grey branch naked with winter woes

And nothing more than the memory of blossoms and buds

And yet a promise is kept

Green emerges like silent footsteps in the night

Making soundless progress

No fuss or fanfare

No one is notified before the event or sent an invitation

But

NOW she arrives

Every head turns and every mouth smiles

She is an experience, a renewed sensation

She is liquid warmth on sun-starved flesh

She is winter’s long anticipated death

She is spring

And she is sprung

Once again, Faithfully she has come.

The Pursuit of Holiness

Captain Shaun Baker, chaplain at The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in Wellington, calls us to examine our lives through the lens of holiness and what this means as followers of Jesus Christ.

Samuel Logan Brengle was a colleague and friend of co-founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth. His impact on faith and belief in Salvationism cannot be underestimated. He also profoundly impacted my own Christian faith, particularly his book Helps to Holiness.

Five years before I had my first church experience in the Army, my mother found Brengle’s book in a Catholic second-hand bookshop she just randomly visited. She gave me the book with the words, ‘You’ve got to read this book, it’s the “thing” you’ve been looking for’. And this has proved

to be true, as I have read this book multiple times and no other book outside of the Bible has excited me or been as transformational in my life as this book.

Brengle’s ability to simplify deep meaning is summed up in the introduction of Helps to Holiness where he writes, ‘Do you want to know what holiness is? It is pure love’.

Defining perfection

If God’s intention is that all people will be made holy as stated in 1 Peter 1:16 where it says, ‘For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”,’ then we must understand what holiness is and how it is expressed. There is truth in the statement that we will never be holy or perfect until we reach the next life, but there are multiple definitions of ‘holy’ or ‘perfection’ that we need to define before we can start to understand what God is saying to us in this verse.

Holiness or perfection in a biblical sense has several facets. Here are a few of them:

· Godly perfection or absolute perfection is something which we will never attain. This is the perfection only found in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

· Adamic perfection is not godly perfection, but perfection no less. This was the state of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden until they both made a conscious decision to sin.

Personal holiness can only be maintained in a close love relationship with God.

· Angelic perfection is for those angels who made the choice to stay with God and not leave heaven to follow Satan. They hold a type of perfection that is quite unique to them, simply for the fact that God cannot be in the presence of sin, and we know from Scripture that angels work very closely with God.

· PTG (promoted to Glory) perfection is the perfection obtained when we die in Christ and are united with him for all eternity. Then our holiness will be on a totally different level to what we will ever hold here on earth.

· Christian perfection is for us here and now, and is what 1 Peter 1:16 is saying. It’s different to the other types, as it is practical; it’s when we live and breathe God’s Word; it’s when we walk with God as Enoch and Noah did and are completely directed by his good and perfect will through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Maintaining holiness

Being holy doesn’t mean it’s impossible for us to sin anymore; daily we face situations where we are tempted to depart from God’s way of living. The enemy works to trip us up to do those things which we know will break God’s heart. Thank God if we do fall into temptation that he gives us a way to make those wrongs right through repentance and turning our back on sin.

Personal holiness can only be maintained in a close love

relationship with God. As we seek him and participate in the work of sanctification, we enable him to work through us with much more effect. What he asks us to do is to walk with him and trust him.

Brengle states:

He has taught me that sin is the only thing that can harm me, and that the only thing that can profit me in this world is ‘faith which works by love’. He has taught me to hang upon Jesus by faith for my salvation from all sin and fear and shame, and to show my love by obeying Him in all things and by seeking in all ways to lead others to obey Him. I praise Him! I adore Him! I love Him! My whole being is His for time and eternity. I am not my own.

In Christ’s service God wants to use his children in ways we never thought possible. He wants to use you and I in ways that far exceed our expectations, but to do that he needs to make us holy. He wants the Holy Spirit to penetrate

to the deepest depths of our soul in a way which maybe we’ve never experienced before and perhaps the only thing stopping that from happening is things we’ve created in our own lives.

Being diligent students of the Bible will foster a hunger for Christ and his holiness. It will cause us to seek and pursue holiness. He also wants people who are committed with time in his presence through prayer. He requires people of prayer—dedicated, constant, heaven-rejoicing and hellshaking prayer. The kind of prayer that makes devils tremble with fear. And once we’ve sought his holiness with all we’ve got, take it—it is ours by right and by promise.

‘Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24).

‘Do you want to know what holiness is? It is pure love’.

Above: Different editions of Helps to Holiness by Samuel Logan Brengle.

Launchpad for Faith

SALT readers may have attended Religious Instruction or Bible in Schools during their childhood education. For decades now, parents have been able to withdraw their children from any religious instruction in school. In our ever-changing world it’s now an ‘opt-in’ policy only, making the re-branding of Christian education paramount for twenty-first century parents and children. In 2019, the Churches Education Commission rebranded to ‘Launchpad—Christian Values Education’. Today ‘Launchpad Champions’ present Christian values in more than 400 school communities across Aotearoa, and Salvationist Kelly Jenkins from Whangārei Corps is one of them.

For the past five years, Kelly Jenkins has carved 30 minutes every week from her busy schedule as a nurse to serve as a Launchpad Champion at her local primary school. Wife to Chris and Mum to two teenage daughters, Kelly is a lifelong Salvationist and has been a kids church leader for over 30 years. This life experience made for an easy yes for Kelly when Captain Jenny Ratana-Koia made an impassioned plea for Bible in Schools teachers from the platform one Sunday. Jenny’s own faith journey had begun through her experience of Bible in Schools, and Kelly was deeply impacted by her story.

‘I thought to myself, well it’s only half an hour a week so I could probably fit that in. Actually, I know I can fit that in! They provide all the material and resources, so what’s stopping me? Yes, I can do that! Flip, it’s only half an hour! I’m doing it!’

Telling tales

A not-for-profit organisation, Launchpad—Christian Values Education seeks to equip children with tools to navigate the ever-changing world. Its purpose is to educate children about Christian values and give them an understanding of Christian heritage. Launchpad presenters share stories from the Bible, as well as tales of inspiring historic New Zealand champions of

faith like Kate Sheppard and Sir Āpirana Ngata. The approach is summarised as: ‘We are inspirational storytellers bringing hope and aroha (love) to children in Aotearoa. We encourage and support tamariki (children) to make positive life choices, grow their mana (strength) and self-worth, and achieve their potential.’

Kelly explains that the curriculum is clearly set, and there are things you cannot talk about in school. ‘Sticking to the guidelines is important because there are a lot of different cultures and beliefs and religions, and what we are trying to do is present a Christian worldview and belief system positively. You cannot talk about sin, hell or the devil obviously,’ says Kelly. ‘You have to be really respectful today because there can be a whole set of beliefs that a child might have that are different to Christian

A not-for-profit organisation, Launchpad—Christian Values Education seeks to equip children with tools to navigate the ever-changing world.

beliefs. It’s not about evangelism and you’re not there to save anyone. For me, it’s about planting seeds.’

This year Kelly’s working with new entrants children at Manaia View Primary School in Whangārei. ‘Some kids have no idea about God, or who God is,’ explains Kelly. ‘One little boy asked me, “What is God?” How do you explain God to a five-year-old?! I was able to tell him that “Christians believe there is a God who loves you”.’

Love songs

One of the facets of Launchpad that Kelly loves is teaching the children simple songs about God. ‘We sing a little song that goes God loves me, God loves me, in my Bible book it tells me that God loves me. And recently the class teacher told me that sometimes the kids will be doing something entirely unrelated but will be singing that little song away to themselves— God loves me, God loves me, in my Bible book it tells me that God loves me. If I have achieved nothing else this year with the fiveyear-olds, at least they have that little song about a God who loves them stuck in their heads,’ says Kelly.

Launchpad sessions are 30 minutes long and lesson content includes topics like manaakitanga: love, kindness, care and respect for others; what it means to be a good friend; being brave and doing the right thing; making good

choices and helping others; self-control and forgiveness; working together and partnership; and doing your best and asking for help.

If Kelly ever gets a bit discouraged, she is reminded of another Christian friend who, like Jenny, was profoundly influenced by her Bible in Schools teacher.

‘She didn’t grow up in a Christian family or ever go to church, but she recognised

that her teacher had something special— something she didn’t have. Incredible insight for a child really,’ says Kelly. ‘She said to me, “Kelly, you just don’t know what those kids are seeing in you”. So I try and approach it like that. I’m going into school representing something of God and Christian faith and the Bible, and the kids are going to associate this lady—me—as having something to do with God. So hopefully I can show them love and be a warm, positive experience that they will hopefully associate later with God or the Church.’

To learn more about Launchpad— Christian Values Education visit the Launchpad website: launchpad.kiwi

‘If I have achieved nothing else this year with the five-year-olds, at least they have that little song about a God who loves them stuck in their heads.’

‘…hopefully I can show them love and be a warm, positive experience that they will hopefully associate later with God or the Church.’

Financial Mentors Gather at First National Hui

The first national Salvation Army Financial Mentoring Hui was held in Auckland recently, bringing together around 45 specialists to discuss current issues in the field. The gathering at Auckland City Corps (church) in Mt Wellington on 15–16 August, under the theme ‘Strengthening Financial Mentoring’, included 29 Salvation Army financial mentors from around the country along with representatives of partner organisations. Salvation Army financial mentors came from Whangārei, Auckland, Pukekohe, Tauranga, Hamilton, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Levin, Porirua, Nelson, Christchurch, Greymouth and Queenstown. Partner groups present—who also gave presentations— included Good Shepherd/Good Loans, Christians Against Poverty, Debt Fix/Debt Relief Foundation and Financial Service Complaints Ltd, along with a professional trainer.

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

E-bikes a Big Hit in Nelson

The Salvation Army provided Nelson Tasman Bays Housing First staff members Sam Paynter (Property and Projects) and Alby Pahl (Peer Support Worker) with e-bikes in February. Since then, the pair have clocked up approximately 2800kms between them, and testify to the benefits of e-bike use for their health and mental wellbeing. At the beginning of this year the Nelson Tasman Bays Community Ministries team doubled in size. And while many support workers need vehicles to transport clients to appointments and meetings, Sam explains that for others, e-bikes just made more sense economically and environmentally. ‘In a relatively small city with decent cycle infrastructure, it makes sense to switch to e-bikes.’

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

The Salvation Army Activates Response to Devasting Hawaii Fires

The Salvation Army in the United States has launched widespread efforts to provide food and other essential items and services to evacuees in Hawaii. After an unseasonably dry summer and strong winds spurred by Hurricane Dora in the Pacific Ocean, spontaneous wildfires erupted and spread across numerous communities on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The fires have already tragically claimed 114 [updated figure] lives and consumed thousands of acres while displacing more than 11,000 people from their homes. The Salvation Army is actively partnering with local emergency management and leaders, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and other nonprofit organisations to serve evacuees and first responders.

For the full story, go to tinyurl.com/HawaiiFiresTSA

Children’s Mini Camp at Lautoka, Fiji

The children of Lautoka Corps, Fiji Division, were excited and looking forward to their one-day camp, but when the corps officers (church leaders) announced that the children were sleeping over, the parents were even more excited! Children walked in for registrations at 5pm, with a total of 80 children signing up for the camp—supported by 15 youth, 13 parents and 9 leaders. The first session was held on the night of registration, followed by supper. The next morning the leaders tried to contain the noise and excitement, but nothing was more important than witnessing the joy of the children when they came together to learn about Jesus, the hope he brings and their love for each other.

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

New Zealanders Welcomed as Leaders of the International Salvation Army

Double Celebration for Salvation Army in Samoa

Combined celebrations to mark the official opening of The Salvation Army Samoa Region’s new site and their fifth anniversary took place in Apia from 22 to 24 July. Among those attending were Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, territorial leaders, along with hundreds of people, including members of the local community and representatives of partner organisations. About 110 people gathered for a Saturday awards evening which recognised the achievements of staff and volunteers. On Sunday morning, Commissioners Mark and Julie jointly cut the ribbon at the new Salvation Army base at Vaivase, in eastern Apia, marking its official opening. For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

On Monday 7 August 2023, Salvation Army officers and employees welcomed General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) to International Headquarters (IHQ, London) with rapturous applause. Flag-bearers escorted the new international leaders into the building, accompanied by the IHQ Staff Band playing ‘We Have a Gospel’. As members of the public stopped outside to enjoy the historic occasion, hand-in-hand, the General and Commissioner Bronwyn were welcomed by Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest, who also greeted delegates from the International College for Officers. General Lyndon Buckingham will be welcomed as General of the International Salvation Army on September 4 in London, UK.

For the full story, go to tinyurl.com/BuckinghamsTSA

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Official Engagements

Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)

3 Sep: Welcome to General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, London, UK (Mark only)

4–6 Sep: General’s Consultative Conference, London, UK (Mark only)

11 Sep: Public Relations Conference

16 Sep: Visit Northern Youth Councils

17 Sep: Albany Bays Corps visit

18 Sep: Opening of Hauora Medical Centre, Auckland

19 Sep: 10-Year Officer Review

20 Sep: Worship at the Chaplains Hui, THQ

20 Sep: Community Ministries Leaders Conference Dinner (Julie only)

21 Sep: Recovery Church Wellington South Corps

22–24 Sep: Oamaru Corps visit

28 Sep: Territorial Governance Board

29 Sep–1 Oct: Thought Matters Conference, Wellington

Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary)

29 Aug–1 Sep: Officer Hui

4 Sep: Open Doors event, Auckland

19 Sep: 10-Year Officer Review

29 Sep–1 Oct: Thought Matters Conference

Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

29 Aug–1 Sep: Officer Hui

19 Sep: 10-Year Officer Review

27 Sep–6 Oct: International Officer Training And Leader Development Council (IOTALDC) Conference

Gazette Summary

To read the full version of Gazette notices, visit saltmagazine.org.nz/gazette

Promotion to Glory: Major Thelma Jacobsen was promoted to Glory on Saturday 29 July 2023 from Lower Hutt, aged 86 years. Thelma entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1959 from Dannevirke Corps as a cadet in the Pioneers session. Please uphold Thelma’s extended family in prayer at this time of grief and loss.

Bereavement: Julie Noakes, the mother of Major David Noakes and grandmother of Lieutenant Scott Noakes, passed away in Auckland, on 1 August 2023. We ask you to uphold Majors David and Vyvyenne Noakes and Lieutenants Scott and Aimee Noakes in prayer, along with other family members, at this time of grief and loss.

Wesley Talakai, the son-in-law of Majors Malia and Sila Siufanga, passed away suddenly in a work-related accident in Auckland on 5 August 2023, aged 38 years. We ask you to uphold in prayer Majors Malia and Sila Siufanga and their extended family at this time of grief and loss.

Doris Collett, mother of Lt-Colonel Lynette Hutson and grandmother of Envoy Collette Irwin, was promoted to Glory from Christchurch, on Thursday 17 August 2023. We ask you to uphold Lt-Colonels Lynette and Ian Hutson and Envoys Collette and Stewart Irwin, along with other family members in your prayers during this time of grief and loss.

Change of Appointment Title: Effective immediately : Major Linda Bateman has been appointed as internal auditor of Territorial Headquarters—Strategy, Development and Risk. Please pray for Major Bateman as she continues in her appointment.

Effective 18 March 2024: Captain Christopher Collings has been appointed as principal, Booth College of Mission and training principal, School for Officer Training. Due to Captain Christopher being appointed to the International College for Officers in London at the start of 2024, he will not commence this role until March 2024, after his return to New Zealand. We thank Majors David and Vyvyenne Noakes for their willingness and availability to provide ongoing cover for leadership at Booth College of Mission as required during this transition period.

Retirement: Effective 19 August 2023: Major Perry Bray has retired. Major Bray has completed 15 years, 8 months and 11 days of active service. Perry and his wife Annette entered the Booth College of Mission as cadets in the God’s Fellow Workers in 2006. We acknowledge and thank Major Perry Bray for his loyal, sincere, and faithful service to God as his fellow worker. Major Annette Bray will continue in active service.

Appointment in Retirement: Effective 19 August 2023: Major Perry Bray has been appointed as Mission Support Coach (part-time)— Central Division. Please pray for Major Perry Bray as he undertakes this appointment in retirement.

Resignation: Effective 2 September 2023: the Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Captain Andrew Bright and the conclusion of envoy service for Envoy Lynda Bright . We thank Captain Andrew and Envoy Lynda for their faithful service and pray God’s blessing on them and their family in the days ahead.

Annual General Change

Effective 11 January 2024

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

Mission Section: Major Alister Irwin, Discipleship Resource Officer (Mission Resources Team); Lt-Colonel Deborah Clark, Children’s Mission Resource Officer (Mission Resources Team); Lieutenant Alana LePine, Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary (Next Gen Coordinator); to be confirmed, Director, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre; to be confirmed, Territorial Coordinator of Women’s Ministries; Captain Emma Howan, Chairperson, Moral and Social Issues (Ethics) Council [additional appointment]—effective 1 September 2023

Communications Section: To be confirmed, Territorial International Development and Support Secretary (includes Sponsorship and Self Denial).

BOOTH COLLEGE OF MISSION (Te Whare Wananga O Nga Toa Whakaora)

Captain Sarah Healey, Assistant Principal.

School For Officer Training—Upper Hutt: Captain Sarah Healey, Spiritual Formation Officer; Captain Shane Healey, Mission Training Officer (will continue current appointment as Territorial Candidates Secretary); Major Katherine Sonntag, Assistant Mission Training Officer (additional appointment).

School For Officer Training—Fiji: Captain Dale McFarlane, Assistant Training Principal (change of appointment designation)— effective 1 September 2023.

Centre For Learning and Development—Upper Hutt (note that this title has formally been changed from Centre for Leadership

Development) : Captain Sarah Healey, Project Manager, Officer Development; Lieutenant Alana LePine, National Director, Youth Missions Training (additional appointment).

Early Childhood Education Centre—William Booth Educare: Captain Rogena Myrie-Irwin, Director (additional appointment).

NORTHERN DIVISION—AUCKLAND AREA PILOT AND NORTHLAND AREA PILOT

To be confirmed, Personnel Officer; to be confirmed, Candidates Officer; Cadet Naomi Tong, Youth Officer (Cadet Naomi Tong will take up her appointment with the rank of Lieutenant following her commissioning on 9 December 2023 as part of the Defenders of Justice—Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika Session); employee position, Children’s Coordinator; Captains Robert and Susan Adams, Corps Officers, Auckland City Corps and Directors, Auckland City Early Childhood Education Centre; Cadets Amelia and Mosese Kava, Corps Officers, Far North (Kaitāia) Corps [Cadets Amelia and Mosese Kava will take up their appointments with the rank of Lieutenant following their commissioning on 9 December 2023 as part of the Defenders of Justice—Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika Session]; Major Miriama Simanu, Planting Officer, Flat Bush Plant and Chaplain, Flat Bush-Kaitiakitanga, Salvation Army Social Housing; Majors Denise and Kenneth Smith, Corps Officers, New Lynn Corps; Captain Nathan Holt, Corps Officer (Team Leader), Whangārei Corps [change of appointment designation]; Lieutenants Charlene and Jonathan Whybrow, Corps Officers, Whangārei Corps (change of appointment designation).

MIDLAND DIVISION

Captain Stewart Lee, Divisional Emergency Services Coordinator (additional appointment); Major Ruth Froggatt, Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers (appointment in retirement); Lieutenant Cassandra Henderson, Mission Officer, The Salvation Army Grandview and Grandview Chaplain, Salvation Army Social Housing (additional appointment); Majors Timothy and Zelma Malton, Corps Officers, Hawera Corps and Corps Officers, Central Taranaki Corps (change of appointment designation); Lieutenants Grace and Stuart Duxfield, Corps Officers, New Plymouth Corps and Directors, New Plymouth Community Ministries.

CENTRAL DIVISION

To be confirmed, Divisional Youth and Children’s Secretary; to be confirmed, Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries; Major Jeannine Serevi, Corps Officer, Hutt City Corps; Lieutenant Cameron Millar, Corps Officer, Hutt City Corps and Director, Hutt City Community Ministries; Major Mathew Badger, Corps Officer, Johnsonville Corps; Cadet Initi Tuiono, Corps Officer, Wellington South Corps (Newtown Centre) [Cadet Initi Tuiono will take up her appointment, alongside Major Christina Tyson, with the rank of Lieutenant following her commissioning on 9 December 2023 as part of the Defenders of Justice—Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika Session]; Major Keith Tyson, Mission Officer, Wellington South Corps (Newtown Centre) [additional appointment]; to be confirmed, Corps Officer/s, Wairarapa Region.

SOUTHERN DIVISION

Captain Catherine Walker, Divisional Secretary for Personnel; Captain Kenneth Walker, Divisional Secretary for Mission; Lieutenant Michal Baken, Divisional Children’s Secretary; employee position, Divisional Youth Coordinator; Captain Beany (Sung Woo) Cho, Mission Support Officer (Southern Divisional Headquarters); Captain Grant Pitcher, Court Officer—Christchurch, Court Services; Major Helen Knowles, Corps Officer, Aranui Corps; Kim McKerrow, Corps Officer, Christchurch

North Corps; Andrew McKerrow, Race Track Support Chaplain and Corps Officer, Christchurch North Corps (additional appointment) [Andrew and Kim McKerrow will take up their appointments with the rank of Territorial Envoy]; Captains Christine and Karl Foreman, Corps Officers, Nelson Tasman Bay Corps; employee position, Director, Nelson Tasman Bays Community Ministries; Auxiliary Captain Roslyn Johnson, Corps Planting Officer, Rolleston Corps Plant; to be confirmed, Corps Officer/s, Timaru Corps and Director/s, Timaru Community Ministries.

FIJI DIVISION

Major Limaina Turaga, Divisional Secretary for Mission; Major Lasarusa Turaga, Divisional Leadership Development Secretary; Lieutenant Eleni Daucakacaka, Divisional Spiritual Life Development & Prayer Coordinator (additional appointment); Major Arone Cheer, Inter-Church Liaison (additional appointment); Captains Peniasi and Tavaita Torocake, Corps Officers, Labasa Corps; Captain Tavaita Torocake, Chaplain, Labasa Family Care Centre (additional appointment); Lieutenant Mereani Betena, Corps Planting Officer, Nausori Corps Plant; Captains Mereyani and Ponipate Bacaivalu, Corps Planting Officers, Navua Corps Plant; Major Louisa Ranamalo, Corps Officer, Raiwai Corps (pro tem) [additional appointment]; Major Maika Ranamalo, Corps Officer, Raiwai Corps (pro tem) [appointment in retirement]; Lieutenants Adriano and Seremana Rokovesa, Corps Officers, Saweni Corps; Captains Ruci and Seru Napolioni, Team Ministry Officers, Suva/Lami Corridor and Street Ministry Officers— Eastern (additional appointment); Major Kesoni Qoriniasi, Divisional Court and Correction Services Officer/Chaplain; no replacement, Assistant Court and Correction Services Officer/Chaplain.

TONGA REGION

Major Sevanaia Wawa, Regional Leader and Regional Secretary for Personnel; Major Vakatoto Wawa, Regional Leader, Regional Director of Women’s Ministries and Regional Director of Community Ministries; Captain Raechal Leha, Regional Sponsorship Secretary (additional appointment); employee position, Kindergarten Coordinator.

ADDICTIONS, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND REINTEGRATION SERVICES

Major Keith Tyson, Mission Officer, Bridge and Oasis Wellington; Cadets Amelia and Mosese Kava, Chaplains, Bridge Kaitāia (additional appointment) [Cadets Amelia and Mosese Kava will take up their appointments with the rank of Lieutenant following their commissioning on 9 December 2023 as part of the Defenders of Justice—Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika Session].

CADETS AWAITING APPOINTMENT

Cadets Andrew and Tamsyn Connor (An announcement will be made on Cadets Andrew and Tamsyn Connor’s appointments nearer the time of Ordination and Commissioning).

OFFICERS RETIRING

Majors Glenda and Ivan Bezzant ; Major Iliesa Cola; Major Anne Irwin; Majors Bruce and Marilyn Tremain

OFFICER CONCLUDING APPOINTMENT IN RETIREMENT AT GENERAL CHANGE

Major Geraldine Johnson

We pray that God will bless and prepare all of these leaders in the days ahead.

Three Ps for Fathers

Father’s Day is a time of celebration, recognition and thanksgiving for fathers and the important place they have in their children’s lives. It is also a day when we reflect on the impact of people who have stepped into this role for those who have absent fathers.

The research highlighting the positive outcomes children enjoy with a father who is present and accessible is overwhelming. But you don’t need to be a perfect father to be a good father. Try applying the three Ps in your interactions with your children; this simple alliteration will be a quick reminder for you to be intentional in your parenting. The three Ps are to be: prayerful, purposeful and a participant.

Being prayerful is the acknowledgement that you are in partnership with God in the parenting of your children. You cannot always be present, but God the Father through the Holy Spirit is present. There is tremendous power in fathers who bring their families into God’s presence with watchful prayers and petitions.

Being purposeful is when fathers plan times to engage and encourage their children’s growth in body, mind, soul and spirit; this aids in the direction and ultimate outcomes of children’s lives, especially when this is done with love and gentleness. There is room for spontaneity, but purpose in parenting brings its own growth and positive results.

Participating in the daily lives of our children is more than just being there; it is putting the cell phone aside to watch the swimming lesson (count how many times your child looks to see if you are watching). It is giving your child your full attention when they are upset, anxious or in need of advice.

Anxiety is the unwelcome friend to many of our children in this post-Covid era, so a prayerful, purposeful loving father who participates in his children’s lives gives them a safe place to land at the end of the day.

Read: Before Jesus was born, an angel visited his mother, Mary, to tell her she would have a baby boy, and the baby’s father was God. Joseph, who was planning on marrying Mary, was visited by an angel in a dream who tasked him to look after Mary and the soon-to-be-born Jesus. God was Jesus’ heavenly Father and Joseph was Jesus’ earthly father.

Think: God is also your heavenly Father, but you have a biological father, too. Sometimes our biological fathers have not been part of our lives. Maybe, just like Jesus, a person who is not your biological father has stepped in to take the role of father in your life.

Pray: Thank God for your father or the person who has the place of father in your life. This may even be your mother or a grandparent. Pray and ask that God blesses these special people who look after you.

Do: On the next page are coupons you can cut out and fill in with things you can do for your dad or a father figure, or activities you would like to do together. Staple your coupons together to make a booklet and give it as a Father’s Day gift for him to claim any time he likes!

You can download an A4 version of the coupons opposite at: saltmagazine.org.nz/resources

‘But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus”.’ Luke 1:30 – 31

DEVOTED TO DADS

This coupon is given with love to Dad (or a father-figure). You can redeem this coupon at any time you like.

I will help you do the dishes.

DEVOTED TO DADS

This coupon is given with love to Dad (or a father-figure). You can redeem this coupon at any time you like.

Let’s go out and get some ice cream together!

Love from

DEVOTED TO DADS

This coupon is given with love to Dad (or a father-figure). You can redeem this coupon at any time you like.

Love from

DEVOTED TO DADS

This coupon is given with love to Dad (or a father-figure). You can redeem this coupon at any time you like.

Love from

Love from

DEVOTED TO DADS

This coupon is given with love to Dad (or a father-figure). You can redeem this coupon at any time you like.

Love from

DEVOTED TO DADS

This coupon is given with love to Dad (or a father-figure). You can redeem this coupon at any time you like.

Love from

‘Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in.’

Leonard Cohen, Anthem