28 June 2014 NZFT War Cry by The Salvation Army SALT Magazine (NZ, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa)

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0 WarCry 28 June 2014

Kia ora Faith and works WAR CRY

The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Robert Donaldson The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission.

EDITOR

Major Christina Tyson GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson STAFF WRITERS

Ingrid Barratt, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel Buckingham (movie reviewer), Kris Singh (music reviewer)

PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 01, Marion Square, Wellington 141 Phone (04) 84 4 Fax (04) 82 01 Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 82 040 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $ per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

Next weekend is Founders’ Day in The Salvation Army—a day when we commemorate the contribution of our early mission pioneers and consider how their example can inspire us today. I’ve been re-reading Fight the Good Fight, a history of the first 100 years of The Salvation Army in New Zealand, by Cyril Bradwell. One of the chapters looks at the development of Salvation Army social work after World War II. Bradwell describes innovative practices in the fields of aged care, addiction services, emergency and longer-term accommodation, support for young mothers, help for families in crisis, and the provision of employment and training schemes. All of these activities continue in various incarnations today, as the Army continues to adapt its services to the needs and opportunities of the 21st century. Bradwell reminds his readers that every Salvationist is ‘saved to serve’ and points out how far The Salvation Army has come from its early social work, first carried out voluntarily in New Zealand by Mrs Rudman and Mrs Hawker of Wellington and the Brownlie sisters of Dunedin in the early 1880s. He pays tribute to the many dedicated souls willing to pay the price of caring throughout our history. When I was younger, there was a time when I looked at other churches not so heavily involved in social service provision and thought ‘how nice’ it would be to ‘just be a church’—fully focused on telling people about Jesus and helping people grow in their devotion to him. But over the years, I’ve come to see what an insipid and thoroughly unbiblical church this would be, for the biblical mandate is clearly that faith and practical works of service go together. As James wrote: ‘… faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (2:17). I pray that today’s Salvation Army will continue to breathe life into its bones through a continued commitment to a ministry of care. That we won’t see this as a distraction from our mission, but as the very heart of Christ’s work. Christina Tyson Editor

PAPER Novatech is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under environmental management system ISO14001 using FSC Certiﬁed, Mixed Source, ECF pulp from well managed and legally harvested forests.

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BIBLE VERSE Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.

1 Corinthians 1:8

Publishing for 10 years

‘Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’

ISSN 004-0242, Issue 

1 Koriniti 1:8

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WISE WORDS

A man full of God cannot be thrust aside. Samuel Logan Brengle The Soul-Winner’s Secret

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e don’t all get to be what we wanted when we were kids. If we did, the superhero sector would be over saturated. But then there would be no one to do our accounts, and the dishes wouldn’t get done. When we are young, we dream of changing the world —perhaps through the medium of dance, song or our amazeballs fire-fighting skills. But then we grow up. We discover words like ‘facilitate’ and ‘unarranged overdraft’. In the grownup world, it’s hard to use ‘cowabunga’ in a sentence. There are those few people who never grow up—they always dream big. People like William Booth, who didn’t just walk past the homeless; he did something about them and founded The Salvation Army. Most of us could name a great person who seems to have been chosen by God to shift the axel of humanity. In his thoughtful book Falling Upwards, the Franciscan monk Richard Rohr describes a hero as someone who ‘lives in deep time’, which includes the past, present and future. Heroes are also people who take risks. They are ready to leave the comfort of home, responding to an invitation from their soul out of a deep obedience to God. In this definition, being a hero is written into the DNA of our humanity—reﬂected most vividly in Jesus Christ—and

yet is a choice we make. The vast majority of humans won’t be world-changers like William Booth, but we can all change the part of the world we are placed in. Unseen people all around the world are living in ‘deep time’ by responding to God’s call in their lives. ‘Most people confuse their life situation with their actual life, which is an underlying ﬂow beneath the everyday events,’ says Rohr. In our culture, almost all the emphasis is on the first half of life, where we are seeking an identity through our version of ‘fame and fortune’. But what happens to heroes after they’ve finished saving the day? Rohr argues that it is in the second half of life—when we let go of self-delusions—that we come into our ‘human fullness’. This is a time when making a noise and going ‘Look at me! Look at me!’ can give way to quietness. Instead of being in the spotlight, we are ready to humbly encourage from the wings (although perhaps still whispering cowabunga under our breath). We can’t all be superheroes, but we can all be real-life heroes. Whether we’re an accountant or a dad doing the dishes, we don’t need to stop dreaming. It’s never too late to let go of our own importance and join in with what’s important to God.

INGRID BARRATT

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Bookshelf Theology Theology of Mission John Howard Yoder Brainy he is. Okay, Yoda jokes aside, in this book John Yoder goes where many modern Christians are scared to go: the missionary frontier. In our society, where missions have become synonymous with colonialism, modern Christians are largely disillusioned about the role of overseas missions. Yoder is best known for his theology of war and peace, but here articulates a theological basis for mission, ‘in which sharing the gospel message, disentangled from Western industry and militarism, could become a profound practice of Christian peacemaking, a vessel for God’s saving work.’ (IVP Academic)

Playlist

Christian Living When Justice is the Measure M. Christine MacMillan, Don Posterski & James E. Read ‘When justice is the measure,’ begins this book, ‘people everywhere are able to access education, employment, shelter and food.’ When justice is the measure, people everywhere are able to develop their God-given intellectual, moral and spiritual capacities. The authors assert that the essence of Jesus’ mission was to restore those who are spiritually and socially poor. With this as our measure, justice is far more than a buzzword; it’s the heart of our hope in Christ. An inspiring book for anyone seeking to live like Christ. (Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda)

Autobiography Table in the Darkness Lee Wolfe Blum It would be hard to find a woman in our culture completely free of issues around food, but for Lee Wolfe Blum it became a lifethreatening eating disorder. Like all addictions, Lee’s journey out of anorexia had several false starts and relapses, and she hit several rock bottoms. But her story is ultimately life-affirming. When she was finally willing to give her power fully to God—the first step of AA—Lee began her journey away from ‘Ed’ (the name she gave her disorder) and into life. This story may be comforting to others who struggle, but is also a powerful story of God’s saving grace for all. (IVP Press)

Reel News

Indie Rock/Worship Asaph Loud Harp Loud Harp was born out of collaboration between Asher Seevinck (Seaﬁnch) and Dave Wilton (A Boy & His Kite). Asaph channels the spontaneous worship and song writing that hallmarked the band’s 2012 self-titled debut, and is an atmospheric and hopeful record. Each song is beautifully crafted, driven by thick, warm guitars, swirling reverb-soaked synths and tight, dry drums. It’s lyrically impressive; poetic yet relatable, while ﬁrmly rooted in Scripture. ‘You Heard Me’ is a great example of the layered, building approach this record takes, twisting and turning into satisfying places. With its excellent production, music and lyrics, this is a great album.

Live Worship No Other Name Hillsong Worship No Other Name is the 23rd live release from the newly-branded Hillsong Worship live album series. This is the first release to fall under the church’s new ‘pioneering’ vision plan, and although a bit fluffy in parts and seemingly the same tempo throughout, it’s a decently solid album. There seems to be an effort to maintain a more hymnal, lyrical style, and the album draws heavily from hymnal imagery —most evident on tracks like ‘Broken Vessels’, ‘My Story’ and ‘This I Believe’, which is based on the Apostle’s Creed. The lack of more energetic songs is disappointing, but the strength of the song writing makes this a compelling and worthwhile listen.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of Table in the Darkness, tell us what helps you most in hard times. War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 14 July. In the Eye of the Storm winner is: W. Dekarski

Drama The Fault in Our Stars Josh Boone / M (offensive language) The Fault in Our Stars—the shining jewel at the top of John Green’s literary sceptre—has found itself adapted into a relatively low-budget, independent film. A film that is well on the way to being the film of the year. There is something indefinably charming about the way Green’s novel hits the screen. It is remarkably faithful in its adaptation, perhaps owing to Green’s considerable input into the film’s production. The story explores questions of life’s meaning, the ‘real-ness’ of teenage love, and the inevitability of death. Heavy subject matter, but handled here with sensitivity and respect, as well as ever-present humour. Shailene Woodley is captivating in the lead role, and the chemistry between the entire cast is the incredibly solid foundation for the film. While it explores these ubiquitous questions of life from an undeniably secular perspective, it nevertheless provides an honest and heartfelt look at how we deal with pain. I more than once found myself thankful for the comfort of knowing Christ during the tougher times in life. Be sure to bring tissues, especially if you find yourself susceptible to heartstring-tugging. A (relatively tame) sex scene and some occasional bad language mean this isn’t one for the littlies.

Go to

salvationarmy.org.nz/saresources Some review material brought to you by Manna, go to manna.co.nz

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Saimoni (Sai) Gataurua and his wife Mere Gina moved to The Salvation Army’s Booth College of Mission in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, in January this year. More used to the warm temperatures of Suva, Fiji, they and their youngest two children, Simon (14) and Suzanne (9), are adjusting to the cooler, wetter and windier climate of winter in New Zealand. The couple’s eldest daughter Lima (22) is still living in Fiji. AS TOLD TO CHRISTINA TYSON

Photography: Rachael-Lee Kendrick

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ll going to plan, Sai and Mere Gina will be ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers (ministers) in December next year. Sai took time out from his studies to talk to War Cry about his journey with God.

Lessons learned I grew up in Tavua, a very small rural area in North Western Fiji on the island of Viti Levu, about 20 km from Ba. It’s in the sugar cane belt, but there’s also a gold mine in nearby Vatukoula. My father had left his family to look for employment, and because mining was a thriving industry, that’s where he found work. It’s also where he met and married Mum. Dad came from a Seventh Day Adventist background, with Mum growing up in the Methodist church. They taught me the values of being obedient and about the importance of God. I had a reverence for God, and I definitely saw God as someone to be feared and who might want to punish me. One of the things I am most grateful for in my upbringing is that my parents gave me the opportunity to grow up in a multi-ethnic society. The mining industry was mainly indigenous Fijians, with Indo-Fijians largely working in the sugarcane industry. Although accommodation was provided for those working in mining, Dad didn’t want us to live in such a closed culture, so he and Mum settled in Tavua, where there was more of a mixed communal culture. People shared items and freely moved in and out of each other’s homes. I went to a multi-cultural school where I learnt English and Hindi. At home, we spoke Fijian—my mother tongue. Now that I’m older, I see how important language is to a society. Learning a language is far more important than just learning some words spoken in another tongue. Once a person knows a language, they understand the culture better, and from that, sharing and understanding grows. Hence, there is harmony within the coexistence of different cultures in a society such as Fiji’s. My father was a very practical person. He taught me and my three younger brothers the importance of being hard workers, so that later on in life we would be able to provide for our families and not be a burden on anyone else. Dad used to say, ‘God has provided you with two legs and two arms so you can fend for yourself.’ But he was also a generous man who shared with others out of the little we had when they were in need. In our home, Mum was a stable influence, but it was from my father that I learnt about life and work. I learnt there are positive and negative aspects to life, and that it’s important to harness the positive but to see the negative as an opportunity as well. Most of all, my father wanted me to become an ‘agent of change’. My parents died a couple of years apart when I was in my mid to late twenties. After this, it was my responsibility to take care of my brothers and their education.

Working to bring change Until recently, I was working for the Fijian government and had set myself on a career path of rising through the ranks. My job involved looking after economic development strategies in the rural sector,

while identifying the accompanying infrastructure needs for schools, hospitals and roads. Going into a village setting, we would often ask, ‘How do we change the mind-set of the people to have a balanced approach toward subsistence farming (growing food for their consumption), moving to a commercial approach whereby they are able to sell their produce for a better income.’ This was one of the main challenges we had, as the Government wanted to elevate the lives of our rural dwellers to have a better living standard. Subsistence farming doesn’t provide enough money for a good education for our children or for health needs—a cycle develops where people become reliant on outside support. We have so many resources in Fiji, but we are also cash poor, so it is very important to motivate our people to change. When I thought about this strategically and holistically, it occurred to me that if we could help someone to change inwardly and to believe in themselves, that would bring change outwardly as well. I started to realise that change would come if we could help people to see how the physical (practical) and spiritual aspects of life are meant to work hand in hand. In a way, this is like Salvation Army founder William Booth’s thinking: that what is inside a man can transform his outer world. Some would say, ‘What has development got to do with spirituality? But it has everything to do with it!’ If you can transform someone from within, it transforms their mind-set—heart and soul—which then replicates into other good practices. Helping people change on the inside can start a chain reaction that can improve everything else in their lives.

What does my faith mean? Because of my job, my family had all the necessities of life. And Mere Gina was working as well. I had started to attend The Salvation Army at Suva Central Corps in 2005 because my wife and children were involved. I was glad they were going to church because I knew that nothing bad would come from that. But as for myself, I was only really going along to make my wife and children happy. I revered God, but my spiritual connection to him was very shallow. My children were learning things at church that they would want to talk with me about, which did challenge me. And Mere Gina was also trying to encourage me to think about my spiritual walk, but I was still mainly focused on my work and providing for my family. I had watched other people at church step up, but I would just sit back and observe. I was comfortable in my corner. Gradually, though, I started to really wrestle with the idea of my faith and what it meant for me to be a Christian. I started to ask God, ‘What’s my part in your kingdom? What do you want me to do?’ It took five years and lots of questions before I finally put my hand up to God. One of the things that made the biggest impression on me during this time was seeing The Salvation Army put its hand out to help others—helping children through sponsorship and through projects funded by the Self Denial Appeal. It was clear to me that people in The Salvation Army believed it was important to

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hear God’s words and then extend their hands to somebody. That, I believe, is doing God’s will in the world. In January 2010, on the first day of the New Year, I finally took that walk from the back of the hall to the mercy seat at the front to pray. I was coming to church as a husband and father before then, but now I publically received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. For me, becoming a Christian meant shifting from a secular focus to focusing on God first. I realised that I needed that vertical relationship with God to get the horizontal relationships in my life right. I needed God’s divine intervention.

Helping people change on the inside can start a chain reaction that can improve everything else in their lives. It wasn’t all easy after that. When you’re outside the boundary, Satan doesn’t have to bother about you, but after you’ve ruﬄed his feathers by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, he gets very ‘interested’. But I have learnt that God is a loving and a caring God. I have gone through severe challenges in life that have taken me to the edge of the graveyard, but I am well and I am here today. So God’s grace is with me in abundance. In fact, God’s love has been like an umbrella over my life.

Taking the Army forward Coming to New Zealand to train to become Salvation Army officers created something of a vacuum within my family in Fiji. Our oldest daughter is studying commerce at university, so our leaving Fiji has meant she had to move out of her comfort zone and stand on her own two feet. But she has found part-time work and I know God is in charge of her life. I have assured all of our family in Fiji that God has called us to this life, and he will definitely see us through. The Salvation Army is 150 years old next year. From our humble beginnings, I can see that we are needed more today than before. There are many challenges coming, so we have to think about how we, as part of this Christian movement, can meet these challenges head on. First and foremost, I think we have to take a step back and ask ourselves: ‘Have we kept the main thing, the main thing?’ Because the main thing is our relationship with God. We also need to have a more inclusive and holistic approach to various cultures and generations that present their own different dynamics. And we will need to agree to disagree about some things before we can agree. That’s important. We need to have the right attitude and be prepared for democratic discussion when we come together on some issues, so that rather than going in with a fixed view, we can adopt and adapt the best solutions. As I prepare myself to become an officer in The Salvation Army, I am focused on Philippians 4:13, which says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ I want to keep the main thing, the main thing!

Following the Call An officer is a senior soldier who has responded to a calling from God to devote all their time and energies to the service of God. The road can be hard, but it brings incredible joy and immense fulfilment. Catherine Booth said, ‘If God is calling you to become a Salvation Army officer, you will never find any peace or power till you become one. Never! “Oh but,” you say, “we don’t know what he will want next.” No, we none of us know that, but we know that we shall be safe in his hands.’ God will confirm if he is calling you to officership in a number ways. He may speak to you through Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, or through people and circumstances. Register your interest Speak to your local Divisional Candidates Secretary or talk to your Corps Officer. The application process that follows gives time and space for God’s will to be tested and confirmed. Go to

salvationarmy.org.nz/officership for more information

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BUDGETING

ENVIRONMENT

Power Saving Myths—Busted!

More Bees Please

’Tis the season for horrifying power bills. We find out which familiar ‘energy saving tips’ are actually myths … Using a screen saver saves energy: No, when the screen saver pops up, we assume that the computer has gone into energy saving mode. But the screen saver is actually a file that your computer is running. To save energy, set your computer to ‘sleep mode’, and your monitor to turn off after 10–15 minutes of inactivity.

Sure, bees ﬂy around your head with those scary stingers. But these wondrous creatures are one of nature’s most important pollinators. And now the global bee population is declining at an alarming rate.

Leaving appliances plugged in uses more power, even when they’re oﬀ: Yes, this one is actually true. It’s what the cool kids of the energy world call, ‘vampire power’—as it’s still sucking electricity from the wall socket. This is especially true of appliances with a ‘stand-by’ function. To avoid ‘vampire power’ unplug items at the wall.

‘Since the late 1990s, beekeepers around the world have observed the mysterious and sudden disappearance of bees, and report unusually high rates of decline in honeybee colonies,’ says Greenpeace. In New Zealand, native bee populations are also being aﬀected, with as much as a 60 per cent decline in Northland over the past three years. If these ‘keystone pollinators’ die, the eﬀect on our ecosystem will be unpredictable, possibly leading to widespread vegetation loss.

The dryer is the most expensive appliance: The dryer is deﬁnitely pricey, at a rate of 42 cents per hour. Compare this to a 100-watt light bulb, which is around two cents an hour. But the dryer it is not the most expensive appliance: a dishwasher costs 47 cents per hour, and an oven is 45 cents per hour. The honour of most expensive appliance, by far, goes to the spa pool —at a rate of 141 cents per hour, when in use. (Source: Contact Energy)

The bee population decline is largely due to a devastating parasite, Vorroa, which feeds on the bees’ circulatory ﬂuid, and cannot be eradicated. Pesticides are also posing a great danger to bees.

Heatpumps are the most energy eﬃcient: Yes, this is true, but not all heatpumps are created equal. By purchasing an energy-star rated heat pump, you could save around $150 per year. And for healthy heat, the most important factor is good insulation.

The global honey bee population pollinates about 30 per cent of the food we eat. ‘The bee decline aﬀects mankind too. Our lives depend on theirs,’ warns Greenpeace. ‘A world without pollinators would be devastating for food production.’

Just put on an extra jersey: According to the World Health Organisation, New Zealand homes fall well below their recommendations for warmth. WHO says the minimum indoor temperature should be 18˚C, or a minimum of 20˚C for more vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and people who are ill. And you should have a minimum of 16 ˚C in your bedroom overnight.

So in celebration of bees, did you know:  Honey bees must gather nectar from two million ﬂowers to make one pound of honey.  A bee colony consists of up to 60,000 bees and one queen bee.  Bees may do lots of jobs through their life. Scout bees search for new sources of food, soldier bees work as security guards, and undertakers remove dead bees from the hive.  Although their brain is the size of a sesame seed, a bee’s brain chemicals change when they take on a new role, allowing them to ‘instinctively’ do the job.  The honeycomb is mathematically the most energy-efficient structure known—every hexagon is at a perfect 120° angle.

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. Anton Chekhov

 Honey bees communicate with each other through the medium of dance. When nectar is found, they do the ‘waggle dance’.

Sausage & Mushroom Patties A great standby when you want food on the table 10 minutes after you come in the door | Serves –4 40–00g sausage meat 24g packet savoury mushroom sauce mix 1 cup water –4 Tbsp ﬁnely chopped parsley or mixed fresh herbs

Heat a large non-stick (preferably electric) frying pan. Cut down the length of the tube of sausage meat with a sharp knife or scissors, then hold under a gently running cold tap so plastic peels off easily. Slice sausage meat into 16 to 20 rounds, then working with wet hands flatten and shape them fairly evenly. Put into the hot pan, close together, to brown underneath. Turn to brown on other side. Turn down the heat. Mix sauce with water, then tip over the patties. Turn patties in sauce after it has thickened and simmer for 2–3 mins, adding extra liquid if you want more sauce. Sprinkle generously with finely chopped parsley or other fresh herbs and serve immediately on rice or fresh pasta, or with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Variation: Add 1 tsp chopped garlic and 1 large ﬂat brown mushroom, cut into 5mm cubes, to browned patties. Cook over fairly high heat, stirring often, until the mushroom softens. Add 1 tsp each of wine vinegar and soy sauce.

From Marvellous Mince & Sensational Sausages by Simon & Alison Holst. www.holst.co.nz

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A How do I pray for others?

For Salvation Army founder William Booth, it was as important to pray with fervour, as it was to work with fervour. ‘Work as if everything depended on your work, and pray as if everything depended upon prayer,’ he said. On Wednesday, 2 July, The Salvation Army celebrates Founders’ Day, and the beginning of a week of prayer for the worldwide Salvation Army. The heart of The Salvation Army has always been prayer, because our goal is to meet people’s physical and spiritual needs. There is no ‘right’ way to pray —just use words you usually use in everyday life. The amazing thing is that Jesus speaks on our behalf. ‘Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us,’ says Romans 8:34. Jesus prays on our behalf, and it is Jesus who gives our prayers power. Taking Jesus’ example, we also ‘intercede’ for others by praying to God on their behalf.

Testify! John Maxwell found a safe place for those broken and bruised by life at The Salvation Army in Hornby. My name is John. I am 36 years of age and live in a block of council ﬂats just down the road from the Hornby Community Ministries Centre in Christchurch. My association with The Salvation Army goes way back to 1978. I was born at Bethany House, a home for young mothers that was run by the Sallies and located in Papanui. The following year, in 1979, my parents and I went to Dunedin because of my dad’s job. We lived in Oxford Street, which was right behind Kentucky Fried Chicken. Every pay day, Dad would bring home KFC for dinner, so I developed a real love for potatoes and gravy from an early age! After six months, we returned to Christchurch. I really wished I had stayed in Dunedin but I was only a toddler, so had no choice but to come back. My family moved around a lot, so I went to several diﬀerent schools. I left school at 16 to take up a job collecting trolleys at a supermarket. I lasted in the job for two years, but then I had a mental breakdown and resigned. I started attending church at The Salvation Army Hornby Corps in 1999, when it was an old wooden building. But after several months Hornby closed and so I started attending church with the Sallies in Spreydon for another year. Sadly, that closed as well. I gave my life to Jesus at

a men’s conference in the year 2000. Over the next 10 years or so I attended churches outside the Salvation Army fold, but I didn’t really feel that I fitted in because the congregations were too large and impersonal. I felt like an outsider. The biggest turning point in my life occurred in 2007, when I got my own place to live. I applied for a council ﬂat and was put on a waiting list. One day, when I was praying for a ﬂat, I got a phone call from the Council telling me a unit was available in Hei Hei. I went round to check it out and decided, ‘Yes, this is just right—it’s exactly what I need!’ It was an absolute miracle that the Lord so quickly answered my prayer. I was like, ‘Hallelujah!’ It

It was an absolute miracle that the Lord so quickly answered my prayer.

‘The Lord’s Prayer’ is a great example to follow. You don’t have to use the same words, but Jesus taught us to pray that:

Let’s Talk

 God’s will is done  God will provide daily needs  we will be forgiven, and we forgive others  we don’t do evil  we recognise God’s greatness. This provides a simple guideline for talking to God. We don’t ask God to do our will, but that God’s will be done through our lives. We listen for the Holy Spirit to guide us. And we may ﬁnd that things come into our mind that can encourage or help the person we’re praying for. Prayers don’t have to be long, repetitive or sound ‘spiritual’—if we simply ask God to help someone else, we are interceding for them.

was just incredible. Seven years on, I am thoroughly enjoying living in the same unit. I will continue living there till the day I die … unless God has other plans. And now that The Salvation Army is back in Hornby, I’ve found a church where I feel I belong again. To this day, I still struggle with mental illness. However, I take comfort from these timeless words of wisdom God spoke to me through 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.’ I thank God for giving me his grace and power.

Worship with us

I would like: to explore what it means to follow Jesus information about Salvation Army worship and activities prayer for the following needs:

NAME:

For a warm welcome and a friendly, supportive community environment, come and worship with us at your local Salvation Army church.

It’s why we do all the things we do. www.salvationarmy.org.nz/centres

ADDRESS:

Please post to: War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

10 | WarCry 28 June 2014

SUDOKU

Difficulty Medium

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   8    8      2 1 4 8   1  4 4  1 1 4 

When two adults are in a close relationship—marriage or friendship—they are likely to butt heads every now and then. But bickering can become a bad habit.

Each Sudoku number puzzle has a unique solution that can be worked out logically (not mathematically). The numbers  to  appear once in every row, column and x square. ANSWERS BELOW  1  8 2    4

2 8 4     1 

   4 1  2  8

  2  4 1 8  

  1  8  4 2 

4  8   2 1  

Answers:  Enid Blyton,  Marie Curie,  A position where any move is disadvantageous,  West,  The Jordan (Joshua 1:1–2).

  

1     8  4 2

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Which proliﬁc British children’s author wrote the Noddy books? Who was the ﬁrst woman to win a Nobel prize? In chess, what is a zugzwang? Is Norway east or west of Sweden? What river did the Israelites cross to enter Canaan?

8 4  2     1



 2  1  4  8 

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL

JUST ACTION 2014

in Our Backyard Be inspired and challenged by our guest speaker from the UK, Russell Rook, along with locals who are making a difference. DUNEDIN @ 575 Princes St Thursday 21 August CHRISTCHURCH @ 250 Colombo St Saturday 23 August WELLINGTON @ 92 Vivian St Tuesday 26 August AUCKLAND @ 18 Allright Place, Mt Wgtn Thursday 28 August

Registrations are now open at salvationarmy.org.nz/justaction

You Can Break the Bickering Habit

In our closest relationships we often resort to a grown-up version of ‘I know you are, I said you are, but what am I?’ Our level of vulnerability is really no more sophisticated than when we were kids. In her work with couples, psychologist and author of Hold Me Tight, Sue Johnson, says that adults need attachment just as much as children. ‘Being attached to someone provides our greatest sense of security and safety,’ she says. When we are in danger of isolation, ‘the brain codes it as danger’. Feeling assured and safe is the best way to stop bickering, because the underlying issue is almost always the need for emotional connection. The best way to stop an argument is to reach out with an assuring touch. Just as we tuck our children into bed at night, we need to assure and comfort each other in vulnerable moments. Mediator Dr Tammy Lenski says that bickering occurs when a relationship problem hasn’t been properly addressed, or when we only have one way to fight—which is to take a position and stick to it no matter what. She suggests that you agree on a ‘pause button’ that will stop the conversation—such as saying ‘time out’. She also suggests a ‘centring question’ that you ask yourself. Her question is: ‘What would love do?’ However, to stop bickering

regularly, you will both have to consider what feelings are underlying the arguments. Dr Elaine Shpungin has developed a tool to help couples talk about their underlying issues, that she calls ‘Stop, drop and write’. After you have put a pause on an escalating argument, take five minutes to do this worksheet: Divide a piece of paper into three sections, and write ‘Judgements’ at the top, ‘Feelings’ in the middle, and ‘Needs’ at the bottom. At the very bottom of the page, write down the incident objectively: eg, clothes were on the ﬂoor, I asked a question and didn’t get a response. Now, under Judgements, vent all your nasty, self-pitying, or resentful thoughts: eg, ‘You’re such a slob!’, ‘You never listen to me!’ Now, under Feelings, write down all the feelings that this incident evoked in you: eg, ‘I felt angry, disappointed …’ And finally, under Needs, write phrases such as, ‘I need more …’ or ‘I am really wanting …’ Now, rip oﬀ the top part of the sheet (the Judgements), and make sure you destroy it! Circle a few key feelings and needs. Next, take a deep breath and discuss the feelings and needs with your partner (at an agreed time). Make sure you finish your part of the conversation with, ‘So, just wondering what you heard me say?’

We don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note. Only notes that are different can harmonise. The same is true with people. Steve Goodier

Close Up | 11

Just Congregations How can we recognise a congregation that is living out the Bible’s call to justice? BY CAMPBELL ROBERTS More and more Christian writers and speakers are highlighting the theme of justice in the Bible as they express concerns about poverty, human trafficking, consumerism, discrimination, racism and the environment. Young people are fired up by a Christian mission that takes social justice more seriously and provides a platform of credibility and relevance in sharing Christian faith with their generation. The roots of evangelicalism have a deep concern for injustice, seeing it as sin that needs the redemptive work of Christ. This is a foundational belief for The Salvation Army. In correspondence between the co-founders of The Salvation Army in 1890, William Booth stated his position to wife Catherine: ‘Why all this apparatus of temples and meeting houses to save men from perdition in a world which is to come, while never stretching out to save them from the inferno of their present life?’ But despite increasing enthusiasm toward social justice, evangelical congregations—including our own Salvation Army corps (churches)—often seem to judge the strength and effectiveness of their congregational life on markers more relevant to the era of the 1960s to 1980s. This is unfortunate, and there is a real need to assess the effectiveness and quality of congregational life in a way that ensures the gospel challenge to create a more socially just world is being met through our churches. The biblical call to justice is clear. As the prophet Micah says: He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (RSV) What then are some markers of a 21st century congregation that incorporates into its life the biblical call to justice? A congregation answering the call to biblical justice will be inclusive. There will be no place for exclusiveness in any of its acts of service or worship. The good news of justice rejects attitudes or activities that would exclude people because of their race, sexual orientation, social position, abilities, biblical interpretation, mental health, or indeed any other criteria. Social justice in a congregation celebrates ‘the whosoever’ with total integrity. In their teaching, such congregations will give a central place to the exploration and exposition of the theme of justice in the Bible and in Christian theology. Teaching that will enable people to live justly in every aspect of their lives, including families, business, leisure and politics. The worship and prayer of a just congregation will connect to the

realities of normal life by focusing on attitudes and actions that equip people to be responsible global citizens. Prayers that incorporate global, national and community concerns. Music that helps people feel the injustice of others, while building a determination to personally act in a more socially just way. The God worshipped by these congregations will be a God capable of redeeming the greatest injustice in the world. Such congregations will have activities that specifically support and strengthen the neighbourhoods and people within their geographical boundaries who are the victims of marginalisation and poverty. Their biggest contribution, however, will not be the social needs addressed from their building or activities. Rather, it will be the empowerment of people to go out into their communities, workplaces, sports clubs and schools to challenge injustice, living and working to support the most vulnerable. The emphasis will be ministry in the community, not ministry in the congregation. The suffering of the world will be a constant driver of congregational life. It will drive prayer, worship, study and action. Not a localised community church, but a global church where all suffering people are regarded as sons and daughters of the congregation. The money spent in a congregation that is committed to following the biblical call of justice will be governed not by the need of that congregation to worship and gather, but by a deep desire to see evil defeated and justice restored in the community and the wider world. The first call on money, resources and plant will be to redeem sin in the lives and institutions of the world. Where choice exists, there will be a bias toward those in the greatest need. Church growth will not usually be measured by the number of people in membership or the attendance at worship, but by the effectiveness of the congregation in bringing redemption to people both the sinned against and the sinners. With renewed understanding of the evangelical emphasis of a three-dimensional relationship with God—a personal faith walk with God, loving others as we love ourselves, and acting justly—a healthy congregation will measure its effectiveness to ensure it really matters in the world. Matters because it impacts the community by offering the light of justice to those whose world is often made dark by the sin of injustice. Major Campbell Roberts is the Director of The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. Go to salvationarmy.org.nz/ socialpolicy for more on the unit’s work to eradicate poverty in NZ.

1 | WarCry 28 June 2014

Carla Lindsey on Micah’s life-changing closing words. Last words are important. Have you considered what you want your last words to be? What are the important messages you would want to pass on before you leave this earth? In Micah chapters six and seven we find Micah’s last words. They were not funny last words like ‘I drank what?’ (Socrates) or ‘Honey, would you please get me a fork?’ (from the man who owned the first toaster). Micah’s last words were passionate and heartfelt that Micah felt compelled by God to communicate. With the possible exception of one verse, Micah’s last words aren’t famous. But they should be. The world would be a different place if everyone lived by them.

God’s charge against his people The book of Micah has three sections: chapters 1-2, 3-5 and 6-7. If you have been following this series you will see that, in many ways, its final section is a summary of the images and themes Micah stated earlier. As with sections one and two, section three begins with a call to attention: ‘Listen,’ Micah declared, ‘God has something to say!’ After getting the people’s attention, Micah then launched into a courtroom scene similar to that found in Micah 1:2. Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. (Micah 1:1-2) The hills and mountains are personified and called upon as witnesses. They have been there from the beginning and have seen it all. Notice how the verses above parallel each other. Line one is restated in line two, line three is emphasised by line four, and lines five and six make crystal clear what is going on. God has a charge against his people, and his people are the nation of Israel. Israel expected God would rescue them and judge the wicked pagan nations. But here, God was coming to judge them. What a shock! They’d been resting on their laurels (see Micah 3:11), so Micah grabs their attention to show them just how serious the situation was. Now, while the specific charge isn’t spelled out here, biblical scholars believe that God was charging them with breaking the covenant made between God and the Israelites at Mt Sinai under Moses’ leadership (Exodus 19-24). This was a two-way covenant: God and the people had a part to play. God would bless, love and care for them; they would obey God’s laws—all 613 of them. Fortunately, though, the laws could be summed up in two statements: love God and love others. This was really what it was all about.

Recall God’s faithfulness God goes on to defend his actions. He calls on Israel to think back and recall his faithful care throughout their history. In verses three to five, God reminds them that he had brought them out of slavery

in Egypt, he had blessed them with great leaders, he had reversed the curse Balaak had put and them, and he had delivered them into Canaan. In other words, God was saying, ‘History proves that I’ve done everything for you. I’m not the reason this covenant isn’t working —you are the problem, Israel!’ And so, naturally, Israel tries to defend herself. She says: With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt oﬀerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I oﬀer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? (Micah 6:6-7) Israel claimed they had been doing everything right. After all, they had been bowing low and making sacrifices. Wasn’t that how God wanted them to worship? Yes, they were worshipping, but they had missed the point altogether. God didn’t want mere ritual observance, he wanted right living. And as we’ve already seen, the way people were treating each other just wasn’t right. God didn’t want showy worship; what he wanted was for people ‘to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly’ with God. (Micah 6:8). That was what really mattered to God. This was not secret information or some incredible new way of living that God had only recently come up with. This was the basis of the law that God had made clear to his people long before. Perhaps they’d forgotten, or maybe they’d watered it down or got sidetracked, but whatever their excuse, they should have known better!

God wanted people to walk humbly with him. A day-to-day, step-by-step journey … God wants justice To this point, we have heard about what God didn’t want. He didn’t want violence, dishonesty or powerful people oppressing the weak. Now, Micah states this more positively. God wanted justice. He wanted people to be fair and to do what was right. He wanted people to love mercy. Justice on its own can be hard—it’s often too black and white. When exercising justice, it needs to be blended with hesed, a word translated as ‘mercy’ but with a broader meaning that we probably understand. Hesed refers to a covenantal love, a love that won’t let go. This kind of love must work together with justice. God wanted people to walk humbly with him. A day-to-day, stepby-step journey with God. One in which the traveller recognises they don’t know it all—that they are still learning and sometimes they get things wrong. This is what God wants.

Soul Food | 1

Verses nine to 16 return to the earlier tone of social protest as God got a bit more specific about what sins Jerusalem was being charged for. He mentioned that violence, deception, lies and corruption were everywhere. God couldn’t sit back and ignore such acts, so he pronounced his verdict, finding Israel guilty as charged. Her punishment: You will eat but not be satisfied; your stomach will still be empty. You will store up but save nothing, because what you save I will give to the sword. You will plant but not harvest; you will press olives but not use the oil, you will crush grapes but not drink the wine. You have observed the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their traditions … (Micah 6:14-16)

Micah was able to look beyond those bleak circumstances and ﬁnd hope. God’s blessing in the Old Testament was understood in terms of fertility. If you had lots of sons, you were blessed. If your land did well, you were blessed. Here, the blessing was reversed as Micah said Israel would have no productivity or satisfaction from all her hard work. Israel was compared to two wicked Northern kings, Ahab and Omri, who encouraged Baal worship. By doing this Micah was saying, ‘Remember the northern tribes? Remember what happened to them? Exile, that’s what! And if you continue following in their footsteps, you can expect the same fate.’ With that said, Micah launched back into a lament. ‘What misery is mine!’ he said in Micah 7:1. Just as he did in his lament in section one, Micah poured his heart out. He was frustrated, like someone who worked hard to produce a good crop but gets nothing. Micah had faithfully delivered his message from God, but there was no fruit to show for it. He felt alone. Like there was not one single upright person in the land—everyone was corrupt. Things had become so bad that no one could be trusted. In Micah three, we learnt that no leaders could be counted on to help the oppressed, but here it goes a step further: Do not trust a neighbour; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonours his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law —a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. (Micah 7:5-6)

Even the tightest unit in Israelite society was breaking down. One couldn’t even count on their own family anymore.

The last word But that isn’t where Micah ends. This bleak situation may have been the reality at the time, but Micah was able to look beyond those bleak circumstances and find hope. Despite the difficulties, he said, ‘But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour, my God will hear me.’ (Micah 7:7) All through Micah, bad news has been interspersed with small sections of good news. And now, as Micah wraps it up, we come to the longest section of good news. His very last word is a strong message of hope: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago. (Micah 7:18-20) After a long journey of highs and lows, lamenting and rebuking, good news and bad news, this is the note on which Micah leaves us. Yes, God was angry. And yes, Israel deserved to be punished. But Micah’s final word was that God would pardon sin, forgive transgression, not stay angry, show mercy, have compassion, remove sin, be faithful, show love, and keep His promise. What a list! What a life-changing last word! What Micah was expressing was that despite Israel not keeping her side of the covenant, the relationship between Israel and God could be restored. God was not giving up on his people, even though she had fallen short. He was—and still is—a God of restoration. And that’s Micah’s last word.

Ponder This Micah called the Israelites to remember his faithfulness to them in the past. Have you done that recently? Why not take time to recall where your life once was and the things God has brought you through. How does Micah 6:8 look in your life? How can you act justly, show mercy and walk humbly with God every day? The forgiveness, mercy and love that Micah spoke for Israel are still available today. Do you need to take hold of these promises for yourself and have your relationship with God restored?

1 WarCry 28 June 2014

Wanganui City Celebrates 10 Years of Ministry

Fun, food and people always make for a great start to a party! On the weekend of 12 and 13 April, Wanganui City Corps was in celebration mode as it celebrated 130 years of faithful ministry in the city. Saturday night was a time for a social in the old youth hall, which was opened on 1 May 1914. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening ably compered by Corps Officer Major Glenn Anderson. Guest speakers for the celebration were former corps officers Majors Colleen and Mick Marshall, who concluded the evening with devotions ahead of a delicious supper. Sunday morning’s worship commenced with the Founder’s Song ‘O Boundless Salvation’, during which William and Catherine Booth surprised everyone with a visit. Barrie and Keren Marsh did a wonderful impersonation of what we imagined the founders to be in both voice and challenge to the congregation. The couple used some of the Booths’ spoken quotes throughout their conversation with each other, encouraging those listening to fight for the masses in need as William and Catherine had done. Major Colleen Marshall reminded everyone of the importance of Jesus the Lamb of God and the significance of his sacrifice in taking away our sin and the sin of the world. It was also better to travel in

(l-r): Mjr Colleen Marshall, ‘Catherine and William Booth’, and taking a walk down memory lane. teams, not going it alone, she said. Trevor Jellyman talked about his journey of faith over 80 years, of his dependence upon and the love of Jesus. Trevor used songs and choruses of his era to illustrate his testimony of Jesus’ work in and through his life. Major Mick Marshall brought the final message for a wonderful celebration, focusing on people’s memories of the past and confidence in God to provide for the future. He reminded people that theirs was a God who assured them that he would never leave them or forsake them. During the magnificent shared lunch that followed, soldiers Trevor Jellyman and Janice Jones cut a special celebration cake. The Wanganui Corps gives thanks to God for a time of wonderful reflection and looks forward to all God has in store in the future— remembering that the future begins with us today! Trevor Jellyman & Major Claire Anderson

Journey to Wholeness at Booth College of Mission

Over the recent Queen’s Birthday weekend, 15 delegates from around New Zealand came together at Booth College of Mission (BCM) in Upper Hutt for the Brengle Holiness Institute for Soldiers. The Brengle Institute for Soldiers has been running annually at BCM since 2004, when it was instituted by Lieut-

Colonel Wilfred Arnold while Secretary for Personnel. Prior to this, Brengle Institutes had been only open to Salvation Army officers in New Zealand, with the first held in 1957. Since 2004, hundreds of soldiers, adherents and others have taken the opportunity to attend the course, exploring what holiness is and how they

might live a Spirit-filled life. Starting on Friday evening with a time of worship and dinner, the most recent Brengle delegates quickly bonded together as a group, discovering commonalities with others from different backgrounds and locations. Led by various BCM staff, delegates enjoyed biblical teaching, practical workshops,

sharing and worship. There were frequent ‘aha’ moments, when concepts that they had heard often, finally clicked into place. One highlight of the weekend was a time on Sunday night when a number of delegates shared their life stories, all demonstrating God’s hand across their various journeys. Many commented during this sharing time that the weekend had helped them come to a realisation that they were truly worthy of God’s love, and able—with God’s help—to live a life of holiness. As one delegate commented after the course, ‘My journey to “wholeness” now seems cleared and far more achievable, and I am worthy of this journey.’ We praise God for all that happened over the weekend, and are already looking forward to Queen’s Birthday weekend in 2015! Phil Daly (trainer, Centre for Leadership Development)

Our Community | 1

2 Years On the Job Irene Wallace spent 27 years in the job of helping people get jobs through The Salvation Army’s Education and Employment (E&E, formerly Employment Plus). She officially retired from her full-time role on 23 May, and used the opportunity to reflect on the many changes to the service —which has been at the cutting edge of employment since The Salvation Army opened New Zealand’s first Labour Bureau in 1892. Irene first began working at Employment Plus in 1986 teaching literacy and numeracy skills, which is still a core component of E&E services. Helping learners achieve their goals is what kept Irene motivated for almost three decades. ‘Positive feedback from learners was perhaps the most rewarding experience that kept me working in this field. Sometimes this feedback didn’t occur until much later when they would call to thank me for teaching them to read and write, set goals, get their first job, assist them into further training and so on, and delightfully report what they were doing now.’ In working with refugees, who had been through horrific experiences, and in teaching literacy, Irene found poetry was a powerful tool, ‘At the end of the course each trainee selected a writing piece to be published,’ she said. ‘The issues they wrote about are still the same today, such as self-harming and suicide.’ In 1988, Irene was at the forefront of developing the first literacy and numeracy course using computers as an aid in the training—a revolutionary new technology. It was a controversial move at the time, with many feeling that no one would enrol, and there were a couple of false starts. The first students complained the course was simply too hard. So Irene came up with the idea of individual learning plans ‘with small goals that the trainees could select and achieve in the initial short time frame’. Irene delivered this course for over 10 years, and individual learning goals became a foundation of The Salvation Army’s programmes. Irene also recognised the importance of having fun as part of the students’ learning. ‘I became confident at rock climbing, abseiling and canoeing, learning alongside my trainees,’ she recalled. Among her many achievements, Irene was instrumental in leading The Salvation Army to gain the first Literacy and Numeracy Draft Quality Standard, and setting up a programme for teen parents called Step Ahead. In her final role, Irene became National Academic Manager. At her retirement celebration, Irene left her colleagues with these words: ‘I have always felt a real pride in working for The Salvation Army, as a Christian organisation making a difference to the lives of the disadvantaged … [and] I felt blessed to be part of a great team who work so hard to assist learners to achieve their goals.’ Go to salvationarmy.org.nz/e&e to learn more on Education and Employment

We’d love to hear your news We’re looking for stories of recent happenings at your corps or centre. 400–600 words with one or two clear and well-captioned photos. Promotion to Glory tributes are around 300 words. Please send large, high-quality digital images in .jpg format. Email news reports to warcry@nzf. salvationarmy.org, or phone (04) 384 5649 to discuss with the editor in advance.

TRIBUTE

Lietenant Lisa Collings Lieutenant Lisa Janelle Collings was promoted to Glory on 20 April (Easter Sunday), aged 37, while at home with her loving family. Lisa’s service of celebration on Saturday 26 April at Levin Corps—led by her aunt, Major Kath Wray—will not be easily forgotten. Nearly 700 family, friends, officers and members of the various corps Lisa had belonged to, along with many others whose lives she had touched, united to remember Lisa in such a ﬁtting and ‘God-glorifying’ way that Lisa herself would have approved. A combined band of 35 brass players, led by Bandmaster Jim Downey, and a music team, led by Livi Ah Hoi, provided stirring and poignant music. Honest and moving tributes from Lisa’s brother, Richard Tong, daughter Italy and husband Lieutenant Chris Collings gave insight into the life of a delightful, talented, strong-willed child who grew into a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and above all ‘a woman of God’. Lisa’s school friend Vicky Trewern and Commissioner Janine Donaldson also gave tributes. Lisa, the only daughter of Judy and Selwyn Tong, and Chris were married in Lisa’s home corps of Wellington City in 1997, and moved to Australia with Chris’s work shortly after. Sons Bennett and Stasson were born there, and daughter Italy was born on the family’s return to New Zealand, a move made for the children to grow up near grandparents. Three young children in close succession kept this loving young mother ‘on her toes’ and using the many talents she had been blessed with. Lisa’s strong academic and administrative skills, obvious from an early age, aided her work at Trust Bank, her father’s Wellington accountancy practice, within the recruitment industry in Australia, and in the Information Systems

Group at Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters. Lisa’s beautiful soloist’s voice was frequently used in Tawa College’s Dawn Chorus at high school and added grace to Salvation Army music teams in several corps over the years. Despite her health concerns (unknown to many), Lisa was soloist at the Levin Christian Women Communicating Internationally (CWCI) event just weeks before her passing, further endearing her to others. Lisa and Chris entered The Salvation Army Training College in 2009 in the Ambassadors of Holiness Session, and were appointed to Porirua Corps during their second year of training. In January 2014, they became Corps Officers at Levin Corps, and in the few months Lisa was active in the corps her impact was immense. She preached with a passion, and her worship leading spoke volumes of her deep faith and trust in God. Many lives were blessed through Lisa’s contact, pastoring and administering. Those at Levin Corps embraced Lisa and her family with friendship and support when her battle with cancer returned. Whether knowing Lisa for just those short few months or for her entire life, one could not help but be challenged toward faith, commitment and need of the Lord she worshipped. God blessed the Levin Corps by sending Lieutenants Chris and Lisa to serve as spiritual leaders, and in turn the folk of the corps have been able to serve them in loving support and concern. This continues as Lisa’s family is surrounded by a caring, sharing, praying people who hurt alongside of them and her wider family in this time of loss.

Marlene Dunsmore

16 WarCry 28 June 2014

On the Ball for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Mission teams from North America, Europe and Australia have descended on Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, joining the Brazil Salvation Army’s own mission. The 60 volunteers will be at eight host cities during the World Cup, held between 12 June to 13 July. The primary objective is to share the Christian message and be a friendly, approachable presence for fans from around the world. Elise Belcher, from a Salvation Army corps (church) in London, UK, is using annual leave to volunteer for the team. ‘[It’s] a great opportunity for outreach. Sports activities are an amazing opportunity to build relationships,’ she says. The arts will also be used to good effect, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where the Southern California Youth Band will be ministering, accompanied by a Creative and Theatre Arts team from USA Western Territory. Bandmaster Garry Lawrence, himself a former semi-professional football player, says their desire is to ‘share their love of Jesus, of music and of football’. Ahead of the World Cup, The Salvation Army’s Brazil Territory held events to highlight the presence of human trafficking. A study by a Brazilian parliamentary commission revealed there was an increase in child prostitution and sex abuse in the vicinity of the Itaquerao Stadium, which hosted the World Cup opening ceremony.

Brazilian Salvation Army volunteers campaigning against human trafficking. The Portuguese text reads ‘What is the value of your silence?’. To help combat this, The Salvation Army is running an awareness campaign on the busy São Paulo Metrô, including a series of posters to highlight the issues of child labour and sexual exploitation. Volunteers will also be distributing a special bilingual edition of The War Cry—Rumo!— produced for the World Cup. It features a personal testimony from Lúcio (defender in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team). He writes: ‘My own personal way to happiness and contentment came only through doing what the Bible says: “Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him and he will help you” (Psalm 37:5, GNB). Jesus is that Lord and you can go that way with him too. If you trust Jesus, you have the chance of gathering in the greatest victory possible in life.’

GAZETTE Appointment in Retirement Effective 16 June: Mjr Ray Gordon, Assistant Officer, Levin Corps, Central Division.

What If? The Ministry of all Believers—Questions Posed from Rolleston Corps Plant As officers of the Rolleston Corps Plant, Naomi and I spend significant time thinking about the theologies that we carry, and what influence they will have on our role if they are lived out. One of the main questions that has been part of moulding our foundations as a corps here in Rolleston is: What would happen if The Salvation Army Rolleston fully embraced a theology of the priesthood of all believers? Let’s start with the theology. Basically, the idea of ‘the priesthood of all believers’ suggests that every believer, having daily experiences of repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, is empowered (by that same Spirit) for ministry. All are called to be a part of the new priesthood. We need to add a quick clarification to this statement because for many the word ‘priesthood’ has been redefined to specifically refer to the work of the ordained minister. In the case of The Salvation Army that would be the officer. But this is not what we mean, so we have moved away from the use of the word ‘priesthood’ to ‘ministry’. Our theological philosophy is that all people are called to ministry. We believe in the ministry of all believers. If this is our theology, it must influence the way we approach individuals and our outlook on how they might be called to serve God. And so, we are also asking another question: What would happen if our role as officers at The Salvation Army Rolleston was to help everyone find the ministry they are called to? Furthermore, what would happen if this was the main focus of the entire corps? In other words, what if the discovery of ministry was actually

discovering what soldiership was all about? What if a Salvation Army soldier is someone who has discovered and is even now in daily pursuit of fulfilling their personal ministry? Our theology about ministry is that it is always about serving God through loving others. Loving others is done by caring for people (individuals caring about individuals) enough to want to see their lives transformed (temporally as well as eternally) along with the societies around them (note: around them, not around us) reformed to more closely resemble the Kingdom of God. That ministry will, in every case we have thought of so far, lead to the fighting of injustice as it exists within the lives of those people cared about. Our love for God drives us to care for others—to the point where we want them to have a better life in every way possible, to the point of being willing to wage war against whatever enslaves them. This leads us to some other interesting questions: What if a soldier’s pursuit of ministry requires constant development in discipleship as well as any specific areas of specialisation that might be required? What if the best measure of mission success ends up being how many trained soldiers we are sending out from the corps (as opposed to keeping within the corps)? And so, the question for us at Rolleston (and perhaps for you where you are, as well?) ends up being: Do we really believe in the ministry of all believers? Our answer (so far, at least) is a resounding, ‘Yes!’ Nathan Holt (Corps Officer, Rolleston Corps Plant)

Noticeboard | 1

Hutt City Corps Centennial Celebrations

CALENDAR JUNE –: Canterbury Regional Weekend / Southern Division : Safe to Serve Training (Palmerston North and Wellington) / Central Division : Corps Cadet Sunday / Fiji Division – July: Officers Fellowship / Midland and Northern Divisions

JULY : Divisional Youth Secretaries Meeting / Territorial Headquarters –: Hutt City Corps Centennial Celebrations –: Territorial Youth Ministries Conference / Auckland –: Boundless—the Whole World Praying (Week of / Prayer) : Territorial Day of Prayer : Founders’ Day : Candidates Sunday : Youth and Children’s Ministries Quality Improvement Working Party / Auckland –: Territorial Appointments Consultation / Territorial Headquarters –: Men’s Camp / Tonga Region : Moral and Social Issues Council / Territorial Headquarters : Divisional Review / Southern Division : Regional Women’s Night of Prayer / Fiji Division –: International Conference of Leaders / Singapore : Self Denial Appeal launch

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)  June: Rotorua Corps  June– July: Midland Divisional Officers Fellowship – July: Hutt City Corps Centenary – July: Appointments Consultation – July: International Conference of Leaders / Singapore  August: Brengle Holiness Institute – August: Palmerston North Corps  August: Retirement Service for Colonels Graeme and Wynne Reddish Colonels Graeme (Chief Secretary) and Wynne Reddish (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) – July: Appointments Consultation – August: Fiji Divisional Review  August: Retirement Service

4 July, – pm: Dine through the Decades (come dressed in your favourite ‘decades’ outﬁt). Bookings essential: $10 adults & $ children under 12.  July,  am: Men’s breakfast, with Commissioner Robert Donaldson: $.  July, 2:0 pm: Women’s High Tea, with Commissioner Janine Donaldson. Bookings essential: $.  July: Celebration Family Service with Comms Robert and Janine Donaldson. All welcome! RSVP (04) 0 02, e: janette_slobbe@nzf.salvationarmy.org

Retirement An open invitation to attend the retirement service of Colonels Graeme and Wynne Reddish from active service on 1 August,  pm at Johnsonville Corps. The retirement service will be conducted by Major Wayne Jellyman. Refreshments to follow.

TERRITORIAL DAY OF PRAYER

SUNDAY 6 JULY New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory prays for 1. The International Salvation Army 2. Our World 3. Local Needs That together you may with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ROMANS 15:6 AMP

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Palmerston North, Papakura, Porirua, Pukekohe Corps, Petone Corps Plant, Court and Prison Services, The Salvation Army Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory.

Is your church celebrating the arrival of the Bible in New Zealand 200 years ago?

To advertise your event, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

GET INVOLVED

Free resources available at www.biblemonth.org.nz

18 WarCry 28 June 2014

LEADERSHIP LINKS

We have a rich history and an even richer future. The Concise Oxford Dictionary describes the word ‘movement’ as ‘progressive development, and a body of persons for special objective’. Reading our Salvation Army mission statement, we can see that The Salvation Army is ‘an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church’. We remain mobilised by God with a mission to ‘preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in his name without discrimination’. This is our special objective. William Booth said, ‘We are a salvation people; it’s our specialty, getting saved, keeping saved, getting someone saved and getting saved ourselves more and more until more salvation on earth makes for heaven within.’ We have a rich history and an even richer future that had its beginnings on 2 July 1865, 149 years ago. Not in a church, but in a simple tent on a piece of waste ground in the poorest, most squalid of places in the East End of London. Here, Catherine and William Booth found their future destiny in community amongst the marginalised, vulnerable and often forgotten of society. This is a destiny inherited from those who have gone before us that remains ours, and is as relevant today as it ever has been. The Salvation Army continues to have movement— progressive development—and we remain a body of persons for a special objective. God still has a role for The Salvation Army. How do I know that? Well, each year we have the privilege of meeting people who come to us through various doors. For example, our corps, our multiple social service expressions and our Family Stores. I am confident in saying that more people present at The Salvation Army than any other church in New Zealand throughout any given week. Unlike other churches that have to go looking for people, God brings them to us. My question, friends, is what are we doing with people when they arrive, and how are we seeing them? Do we see them as a customer or client, perhaps on occasion even as a hindrance because they arrive at an inconvenient time and interfere with our agenda for the day? Relationship—first and foremost with God and then with others—is the road our Salvation movement and ourselves as individuals travel along. Our movement is often described as ‘Christianity with its sleeves rolled’, because we are prepared to get stuck in and engaged with people, journeying in relationship with individuals and their family/whānau. Please don’t ever feel you can’t do this work because you are not trained or don’t know what to say! I have learnt that God goes before us, and often the simplest of actions can begin a relationship. As Jesus says, ‘And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded’ (Matthew 10:42, NLT). Captain Gerry Walker Territorial Secretary for Personnel

Windows of Opportunity New Zealand’s spiritual landscape offers plenty of open windows to evangelism BY SAM BURROWS It’s hard to find a word with the ability to repel like ‘evangelism’. The word conjures up all sorts of socially awkward church images, like the excessive misuse of tambourines and shouting on street corners. But if we truly believe the message of Jesus is the best news that has ever been told, it’s worth telling well. And if we want to do it well, we should probably do our best to understand the people we want to speak to. So, with that purpose in mind, just what is the spiritual landscape of New Zealand? Most people would reply with just one word: secular. But New Zealand has never been a secular country. In fact, the idea that secularism and atheism are the country’s most accurate descriptors is misguided. In reality, there is a deep hunger for the transcendent among New Zealanders—an interest in new spiritualities, a growing attraction to national liturgies during Anzac and Waitangi Days, and an almost religious pilgrimage each summer to our new sacred spaces of mountains and beaches. And Māori have never accepted a mechanistic view of the universe. Writer Peter Matheson asserts that while church attendance might be waning, ‘meaning is back’. He is correct. Having a strong sense of human spirituality hasn’t made the church popular. Vast numbers of Kiwis have turned from Christianity because they view it as restrictive, puritanical and life-denying. New Zealand culture hasn’t slammed the door on church altogether, but maybe it’s time for the church to try to climb through a few windows instead? Kiwis have heard lots about morality from Christians, but perhaps we could introduce Jesus first through conversations about spirituality and the transcendent domains that people are already engaging in. To many, this contextualising may sound like compromise, a skewing of the truth to appeal to hearers. But, as missiologist Professor Andrew Walls explains, ‘… each age and community makes its own selection of the Scriptures, giving prominence

Mission Matters 19

Photography: Martin Barratt

to those which seem to speak most clearly to the community’s time and place’. In this way the Christian gospel is indigenised—it speaks effectively to every culture in culturally relevant ways. Yet, alongside this indigenisation, the gospel is always out of step in different ways from every culture, and raises a critique against them. In this way, the Christian is always a pilgrim in culture while not asked to step outside of it. It is within this tension that we begin asking the questions: ‘What is New Zealand society?’ and ‘How do we best contextualise the gospel within it?’ Describing the culture of New Zealand in general terms is a difficult task due to the multiplicity of groups, worldviews and perspectives found here. But it would seem that windows of opportunity for the church are to be found in the gaps that secularism leaves, particularly in its inability to provide adequate meaning for the world. We see this in the way that the country operates largely at an individualistic and naturalistic level, yet champions romance and national sport as transcendent elements to overcome the dissatisfaction of this conception of reality. With this in mind, I’ll use some general descriptors from anthropologists to describe Kiwis in broad-brush strokes, and then consider what aspects of the gospel meld into these.

We’re a task-oriented culture In modern Kiwi culture, most of us work a 40-hour week, generally organised in ‘nine to five’ working days—time to complete specific tasks for specific outcomes. Because of the dominance of this structure in the lives of people, status is often derived from a particular career choice, meaning more attention is given to tasks than people. Work is prioritised over relationships at a functional level. In this context, the nature of God and the workings of the church should be communicated as being primarily interested in people over their professionalism. The free and impartial nature of grace is a powerful reality that needs to speak into the dominant culture of the workforce. And this should be reflected in the operations of the church—with programmes serving the people without taking precedence over the needs of those serving, a common trap in a consumer-driven church marketplace!

We’re an achievement-oriented culture Stemming from this heavy task focus is a strong tendency to be achievement oriented. This focus on performance can result in a strong critique of us and others as people defined by qualifications, stockpiled lists of experiences, and contributions to a company or business. Unfortunately, this can also be translated into spirituality, as people seek to prove their ultimate value in their ability to adhere to a morality, and are therefore vulnerable to guilt and shame when they are inevitably unable to attain this fully.

The theme of Christ’s finished work is crucial in challenging this thinking. That Christian living, as described by Watchman Nee, ‘begins not with a big DO, but with a big DONE’. This message echoes what Paul argues in his letter to the Romans: that it is faith, not works that save us. In the words of the late Brennan Manning: ‘God accepts us as we are, not as we should be!’

We practice the concealment of vulnerability With a pressure to perform well, and with the knowledge that this level of high performance is not maintained all the time, people are inclined to conceal the parts of themselves they don’t feel meet others’ expectations, leading to an inability to be vulnerable. With so much value attached to performance, it is no wonder that so many New Zealanders suffer from depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, this is often absorbed into church practice, with leaders reluctant to communicate personal failures and areas of shame. In light of this, the vulnerability of God becomes an incredibly significant gospel theme to communicate. God chose to be humiliated, stripped naked and to endure suffering. To take on shame so that humans could approach God without any shame. This is beautiful news that the church too often dilutes to a mere legal transaction.

We’re a highly individualistic culture New Zealand culture is highly focused on the individual, partly due to advertising that encourages the cult of the self, prevalent in a market-driven economy. Our societal responsibilities don’t require the care of others outside of parental support—each person is only responsible for themselves. An individualistic approach to spirituality can also be promoted. Life is viewed through a lens focused on personal fulfilment and meaning, with gospel messages focused on salvation for the individual’s soul and overlooking salvation of the rest of the cosmos. N.T. Wright describes the mission of the church as ‘a radical transformation of the way we behave as a worldwide community, anticipating the eventual time when God will be all in all, even though we all agree that things won’t be complete until then’. For a country like New Zealand that so values its land and culture, why is this not talked about more by the church? As we seek to bring the best news in the world to the best people in the world (you know it’s true!), let’s think about the doors we’re bringing people through to introduce them to this great truth. Are we jumping straight into intellectual debates? Are we too quick to use theological language? Are we too quick to place demands on people? Do we too easily settle for a narrow, therapeutic version of the gospel? Let’s look for those windows of spiritual awakening and join conversations that are already happening before we settle on an agenda.

GOD & FAITH

On 2 July, The Salvation Army celebrates Founders’ Day, which is an opportunity to look back and celebrate the roots of our Army. This is the date that General William Booth ﬁrst preached at an open-air meeting in the slum district of London’s East End in 1865. A lot of the early pioneers of our movement were really young people, like George Pollard and Edward Wright who moved from Britain to begin The Salvation Army in New Zealand when they were just 20 and 21 years old. They were probably encouraged by Paul’s words to Timothy in the Bible not to let anyone look down on you because of your youth—which is totally a word of encouragement for us young people today! If today’s young people were running The Salvation Army, what would they like to see? Is there stuﬀ they’d change or stop, or new things they’d like to see started? We asked a few movers and shakers to get honest and tell us what they’d like to see in a 21st century Salvation Army …

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUNG PEOPLE KNOWING THAT THEY HAVE A PLACE IN THE CHURCH AND A VOICE

FIRE AV MELISSA BRIDLE GLEN EDEN CORPS

I love the heart of The Salvation Army when it ﬁrst began: a heart for salvation, and caring for the last, the lost and the least—the poor, marginalised and misunderstood. I would love to see today’s Army get that heart, and strive to engage our communities in a way that is relevant and meaningful for the 21st century. The way the beginning Army did mission was so out of the box and unheard of back then, and yet so many people were being saved. So I think we need to re-think what mission looks like in this culture and do it—even if it looks a bit diﬀerent to what we are used to (in fact, maybe it’s time to stop doing things just because ‘it’s what we do’ if we aren’t seeing any souls saved and lives changed). I would also love to see an Army that understands and chases holiness, like our founders and the pioneers of the Army did.

PHIL COPE MT. ALBERT CORPS William Booth once said, ‘The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, heaven without hell.’ I would add that perhaps theory without practice and practice without theory are additional dangers.

ANNA OSBORNE NAPIER CORPS I would love to see young people knowing that they have a place in the church and a voice. Youth stepping up and living out 1 Timothy 4:12 and not letting anyone look down on them because they are young, but setting an example through their actions as well as their words. People being spiritual parents to others regardless of age. People being loved into relationship with Jesus, being told that Jesus would have gone and met them in their circumstance to lift them out. People in the church being Jesus to people, not being afraid to get dirty, and not uttering the phrase ‘Jesus wouldn’t go there’ because Jesus would have gone there—the Bible says that Jesus hung out with all the undesirable people in society and loved them. Through this their lives were transformed by his saving grace. I could go on forever because this is something I am passionate about. This is what I want to see in my corps and what I want to see in a 21st century Salvation Army!

If we’re going to claim to be part of this movement, then we need to be active in what this movement stands for. Likewise, if we’re going to live out our faith in the community that is The Salvation Army, then we need to learn the history, the theory and theology behind why we do what we do. Theory and practice aren’t meant to be mutually exclusive. Ideally, they should feed off one another, spurring us on in our faith. A unified Salvation Army that understands its purpose and makes a difference in people’s lives is an Army that soldiers commit to. So, let us practice what we preach and preach what we practice!

 JUNE  | 

FIREZONE.CO.NZ

V LLEY When I think about the founding of The Salvation Army in New Zealand, I see a pioneering spirit and sheer audacious faith that was spreading, planting and believing for new things. That ridiculously irrational passion to spread the gospel led two young men halfway across the world with a handful of dreams and not much else, growing by God’s grace alone.

I dream of an Army that is unashamed of Jesus, refusing to hide his face behind the veneer of ‘social service’ and ‘people helped’, instead proudly proclaiming that He is the reason for our redemption and salvation.

I would love to see The Salvation Army in the 21st century doing a better job at connecting with our audience. We have the best news to share, but often we aren’t communicating it in a way that is accessible or understandable to people. I would like to see more leadership roles entrusted to young people, and a return to the pioneering spirit the Army once had where anyone who can see a God-given opportunity is empowered to act, with the Army right there backing them.

KRIS SINGH MIRAMAR CORPS

My dream for the Army in the 21st century is that we would reignite that pioneering spirit and audacious faith—that we would spread, plant and believe. That we would engage meaningfully and proactively within our cultural contexts, yet be unafraid to show radical love and grace in the most counter-cultural ways.

SARAH WALKER NELSON TASMAN BAY CORPS

LIEUT MISSY DITCHBURN HUTT CITY CORPS ‘If I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head and playing the tambourine with my toes, I’d learn how!’, said General William Booth. Here’s what I love about The Salvation Army: we are people who will do whatever is necessary for the sake of others! I envision a 21st century Salvation Army that is completely focused on the mission and not the method. In other words: not that we’d return to the way we used to do things, but to why we did them. Example: Why did we have brass brands? Because William Booth said, ‘Why should the devil have all the good music!?’ That’s right; brass bands were pop culture music. They were relevant. They got people’s attention. Example: Why did we have uniforms? Guess what was fashionable clothing in the Booths’ day? That’s right, military wear! I want to see us return to our heritage—not in method, but in mission. I ask myself, what’s the true legacy of The Salvation Army? Is it brass? Is it uniform? Is it a ﬂag? Is it corps? No. It’s creativity, it’s innovation, it’s relevance, it’s leading culture. It’s the freedom of people who love God and love others to use all their skills and abilities, visions and ideas, to do whatever it takes to ‘win one more soul for the Lord’—even if it means playing a tambourine with our toes!

LIEUT BRAD CARPENTER CENTRAL DIVISION YOUTH SECRETARY I would like to see a Salvation Army that is truly an Army of Salvation. I would like to see an Army that goes back to its roots of prayer and holiness, an Army that knows the leading of the Spirit and will follow unashamedly and unrelenting. An Army of soldiers ready and willing to ﬁght without turning back, no matter what it may cost. An Army where the older generations encourage and teach those who are younger, leading by example. Where the younger generations stand up and take their place not as the Army of tomorrow but as the soldiers of today. I want to see a Salvation Army that puts God ﬁrst and that strives to achieve what he wants.

FIRE A WHAT? When someone calls ‘Fire a volley!’ he or she is looking for a shouted response of ‘Hallelujah!’ This phrase was originally used in military warfare, but cool cats back in the day adopted it to be used in The Salvation Army to be like a ‘praise chant’. Kinda like one of the modern-day ‘Give him a shout of praise’ … ‘Aahhhh! You are awesome Jesus!’ *clapping and shouting*.

FIREZONE.CO.NZ

EVENTS | 

FUN & GAMES UNDER

THE SOUTHERN SKY Daylong blue skies set the scene for a great day out at Timaru Girls’ High on Saturday 26 April. We had teams come from the top and bottom of the South Island, from Nelson Tasman Bays to Invercargill. All were amped to battle it out for top spot in the competition. Fourteen teams from across the island participated, most of them coming with troupes of spectators and cheerleaders. All 14 teams battled it out in a round-robin style competition split into two pools, having a go at each of the four sports: netball, volleyball, soccer and touch rugby.

ALBUM REVIEW

The four highest scoring teams then progressed into the semi-finals, where competition was fierce. But only two teams could make it into the final, and only one team would end the day as the Southern 7s champions.

The teams were all extremely competitive, with all ages and skill ranges having a go, but there was one standout team across the day. Team Timaz from Timaru Corps went through the round-robin competition unbeaten, clocking up eight wins. This gave them the advantage and their choice of sport for the semi-finals, and then the grand final. Choosing Netball, Team Timaz defeated Christchurch City 1 in the semi-finals, and Queenstown Supers in the grand final, making them the 2014 Southern 7s Champions. Nelson Tasman Bay Corps took out the Team Spirit award—displaying awesome camaraderie, encouragement and unity throughout the day. A big thank you to all the teams that travelled to Timaru and made the day such a success. Thanks also to the team coordinators whose leadership and organisation made for a very smooth day. We’re all looking forward to Southern Sevens 2015 and another great event. Bring it on!

LAZARETTO

Blues Rock

Jack White

Jack White’s latest record Lazaretto is a fun, energetic album that has a sense of musical depth fairly divorced from the minimalism of The White Stripes. It’s laden with riﬀs which are surprisingly polished considering the sonic chaos that embodies much of White’s music. There’s a massive and varied range of sounds on oﬀer here, from White’s trademark fuzz guitar to African percussion. ‘High Ball Stepper’ is a great example of the experimental nature of the album, opening with a reversed slide guitar and a very ‘interesting’ vocal line that needs to be heard. This solid album is worth checking out.

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

ALBUM REVIEW

Timaru put on a fantastic day for this year’s Southern 7s competition.

BY NICK ALLWRIGHT

VXV

Wolves At The Gate

Metal/Hardcore

Vxv (pronounced Five by Five) is the second record from Ohio band Wolves at the Gate. It’s a fairly standard genre album, ﬁlled with harsh screams alternating with soaring clean melodies, heavy down-tuned chugs and precise, massive drums. Lead single ‘Dust to Dust’ showcases the band’s style best, with its groovy main riﬀ and melodic guitar breakdowns. There’s a massive Underoath/Oh Sleeper vibe, and some of the rhythmic grooves are absolutely crushing. The production is constrained enough to let the power of the music carry the record, and while it’s not overly original, it’s still a great listen.

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

Fun4Kids | 

JOIN THE DOTS

TICKS & CROSSES Put a TICK a CROSS

1. Look before you cross the road. 2. Don’t share your things with others. 3. Don’t ever run with scissors. 4. Always shout at your teacher. 5. Eat fruit and veges every day. 6. Wash your hands before you eat. 7. Say sorry when you hurt someone’s feelings. 8. Always put your seatbelt on when you’re driving in the car. 9. Say mean things about people when they’re not there. 10. Watch at least ﬁve hours of TV every day. 11. Tell an adult if anything online makes you feel scared, uncomfortable or confused. 12. Always pet a dog when it is eating.

PYRAMID PUZZLES Can you ﬁll in the pyramids with the missing numbers? The number in each space is the total of the two numbers below it.

 











 





What do y o call a pig th u knows kara at te A PORK CH ? OP!

zero t did ght? a h W to ei say E BELT! NIC



LET’S TALK

Will

by the helpful rules and by the unhelpful rules.

God gives us instructions about how to live because he doesn’t want us to just be guessing about what is the best thing to do. It’s like when we buy something and need to follow the instructions to put it together. If we don’t read the instructions, it won’t work right. And if we don’t follow God’s instructions, life doesn’t work right either. When Jesus came, the Jewish people had over 600 rules to obey, which was really hard! When they couldn’t keep all those rules they felt bad because they thought God wasn’t pleased with them. But Jesus reminded people that God is kind and isn’t just waiting to tell us oﬀ if we get things wrong. God gives us the Bibl, which has lots of great advice. And the Holy Spirit who speaks to us. All of this helps us to follow God’s rules more easily.

an’t Why c and up s cle t E a bicy f ? BECAUS l e ! s D t i E be O-TIR IT’S TW Wh and at’s blac k and white, w bl whit hite, bla ack c e ROLL ? A PENG k and ING DOW UIN NA HILL !

READ IT

‘Don’t let sin keep ruling your lives. You are ruled by God’s kindness …’ Romans :14, CEV

LET’S PRAY Dear God, sometimes I do the wrong thing but I know you never stop loving me. Help me to follow your rules for life and thank you for helping me every day. Amen.