Revive (October 2016)

VOL 8 NO 4

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016

THE COST OF

GIVING

REFLECTING GOD’S GRACE

GRACE

FROM HURT TO HOPE

THE UNDESERVED GIFT

LYDIA’S STORY

God gives

GIVING AS

E Q U I P P I N G

W O M E N

F O R

M I N I S T R Y

+

M I S S I O N

inside

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Giving as God gives

04 Falling in love

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08 Reflecting and radiating

God’s grace

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016

revive@salvationarmy.org

11 The cost of giving BIBLE STUDY 14 Someone in need is

my friend indeed SOCIAL ISSUES

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16 From hurt to hope MY STORY 22

Transformed into God’s image WORLD PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S MINISTRY

COLUMNS

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 The undeserved gift SPIRITUAL LIFE

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18 The Prayer House

Editorial

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23 Resource

Front cover: Photo of Sarah Micula Back cover: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB) in English and Italian, illustration by Berni Georges All Bible quotations throughout this edition of Revive are from the New International Version 2011 unless stated otherwise; TM - The Message, GW - God’s Word, NASB - New American Standard Bible, NKJV - New King James Version, TLB -The Living Bible, ESV - English Standard Version, KJV - King James Version, GNB - Good News Bible, NLT - New Living Translation, SASB - The Song Book of The Salvation Army

Articles on any subject of interest to women in ministry are welcomed by the editor. To send an article, write to revive@salvationarmy.org

A RESOURCE MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY AND MISSION Publisher: Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries Editor: Major Deslea Maxwell Editorial assistance: Paul Mortlock and Kevin Sims Designer: Berni Georges © André Cox, General of The Salvation Army, 2016 Founders of The Salvation Army: William and Catherine Booth Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd

CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: revive@salvationarmy.org

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Subscription details at:

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from the editor

The Good Shepherd Major Deslea Maxwell EDITOR

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‘He restores my soul’ Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

salm 23 is perhaps the best well-known psalm even for those who are not professing Christians – and is often the go-to Scripture passage when it comes to funerals.

I remember learning this psalm as a child and reciting it in Sunday School. To be honest, I would have to say that as I grew older and matured in my faith this psalm became just another well-known passage of Scripture.

But lately God has taken me back to these verses many times.

In recent days my life has been quite hectic – information to gather, deadlines to meet, meetings to attend, decision to make, prayers to be prayed for family and friends who are going through difficult times. I have been drawn back to these familiar words. At times, I have longed for the restoration that David speaks about in this psalm – the ‘green pastures’, ‘quiet waters’, guidance and the peace the Lord gives.

‘Assurance comes, rest comes, refreshment comes when we are AWARE OF HIS PRESENCE’

The words ‘make’, ‘will’, ‘leads’ always made me feel like I was being made to do something, but then when reading through this passage again, I became aware that in order for the sheep to lie down, rest or enjoy green pastures, they needed to be free – free from fear, free from friction from other sheep, free from the torment of flies and parasites, free from hunger pangs. Then I realised that these freedoms depended on the diligence of the shepherd, not the sheep. Assurance comes, rest comes, refreshment comes when we are aware of his presence.

If I am going to reflect and radiate the grace of God in my daily life then, rather than wrestling to achieve it, I need to rely on the Good Shepherd’s presence and power to do it for me. God wants relationship-building time with us, which means time at his feet – in his presence – in order for us to be refreshed and restored so as to reflect and radiate his goodness and grace to others. Choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus requires decisive planning, purposeful scheduling and determination.

I am grateful for the contributions of our columnists this year. Commissioner Nancy Roberts has shown us the different ways we ‘do’ prayer according to our personalities and LieutColonel Vanlalnungi Thiak and Major Ridia Nenewa have shared with us the way in which the Lord has been leading them to reflect and radiate his goodness through their ministry. I am grateful to these women for their insight and humble attitude to God’s leading and pray God’s blessing will continue to flow through them to others.

My prayer for you as the reader is that through these pages you will open yourself to the leading of the Good Shepherd. That no matter what pasture he leads you to, or what ‘quiet waters’ he leads you beside, you might know his goodness, power and presence in your life, and that in turn you will be a true representation of him to others – touching their lives with his goodness and grace.

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Ronda Gilger

Falling in Love

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eing appointed to Moldova was much like falling in love. I find myself both inspired and overwhelmed on a daily basis. Perhaps most engaging are the people themselves and the ways in which they have learned to approach life ‘richly’ despite the economic and political uncertainties knocking on their doors.

The well-groomed land, the ageing and crumbling European architecture, the Orthodox churches, shepherds with their flocks of sheep and goats, and the horse carts loaded with twisted vines heavy with grapes that have ripened in the fields, all become the backdrop for the silent poverty that screams in the face of all this beauty.

The weight of history and oppression runs through the blood of the Moldovan people, who have long memories.

Moldova is living with her third president in 12 months, with a historic presidential election ‘by’ the people occurring in the near future. Daily protests and marches are the norm.

Corruption reigns supreme. Taxes and processes weigh down political and economic systems of a failing economy caught somewhere between a Soviet-governed past and the European Union’s pull towards the West. The freedom brought by the independence of 1991 led to hope of a future that will be – someday – but today ‘freedom doesn’t buy food or much else’.

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Moldova is a source country for human trafficking. Over the past five years about 20 per cent of the population has left the country. The Salvation Army ministers to the children of a ‘missing generation’ who have left the country desperate to support their families. Entire schoolrooms of children have lost their parents, who make unthinkable choices to be able to send just a little support back to their families. This becomes the framework for their falling prey to those who would take advantage of their desperation.

You can see the loneliness and abandonment in the eyes of Moldova’s social orphans. You understand that these children’s dreams begin with things we take for granted – the love of a parent, daily food, warmth and health. Prisons are full and penalties severe – all part of a compendium of hopelessness.

Humbled by Grace

These factors are shared not to depress, but to allow you to surround yourself with some of what it means to want more, expect less and find hope in the shadows. The Salvation Army (Armata Salvarii) of Moldova is a shining light reflecting the compassionate Saviour who offers a living relationship beyond the ritual religion many Moldovans have known. Officers are entrepreneurs of the Spirit and I find myself inspired by the

feature Opposite page: Roma children in Moldova This page, top: children take part in SeeMe After-School Outreach Programme Below left and right: Salvationists provide assistance to those in need Bottom left: two Romanian traditional dancers who performed during the congress in the Eastern Europe Territory

ways in which they are faithful to their calling. Men and women take strong roles in the pulpit, their style relational and theologically sound. I am moved by the humble spirit I see which stands in contrast to the selfentitlement of our age. There is an understanding that their resources are small, and yet they spin gold from straw. Every gathering of believers becomes a Moldovan feast where no one is a stranger.

‘Therefore I … beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace’ (Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT).

‘These children’s dreams begin with THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED – the love of a parent, daily food, warmth and health’

Rusca Prison: Road to Freedom

I go to sleep each evening with images of their faces in my mind’s eye. Voices, memories and new realities swirl in my mind. I see the woman inmate hugging me tightly, with tears running down her face and onto my uniform. ‘Don’t let the world forget us … we’re here’, she sobbed. Anna Stasiuk, our project manager, has become the ‘Mother Teresa’ of Rusca Prison as she shares the gospel and the generous compassion of Christ in every conversation, with every holy breath and sacred touch. She is both tough and tender in spirit. As the women receive their diplomas for their two-year Computer Proficiency Course, sponsored by The Salvation Army in partnership with the Moldovan Government, there’s a pride that we feel along with each of them for their accomplishment, and for the grace invested into them over those years. Perhaps this is where the mind is renewed, the heart reclaimed and where restoration continues – marching forward from the dark place.

‘For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

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True Treasure

I see the three children who sleep in a double bed under a tattered and torn family heirloom quilt. Their mother has backed their bed against a little stove that she lights for warmth during the bitter winter months so they will be warm. She sleeps in a chair in this hovel of a house. No utilities. No water.

No toilet. This stone house is so small that you can barely turn around inside. ‘Momma’ stands and greets us, welcoming us into her home wearing a heavy coat, scarf and galoshes. She smiles and says: ‘I am blessed to have this home. My children are my treasure. The Lord is here with us. The Salvation Army has been so good to us.’

Divine Moments Envoy Zinaida Jardin and I conduct a home visit in Hinchesti.

A humble man cries as he stands in the corner of the room where his paralysed wife lies. The sights and smells are beyond description but pale against the love I see. Food and basic supplies are placed on the table and we bow down to put our arms around this child of God. She speaks in Russian but I understand enough … ‘Armata Salvarii, Armata Salvarii …

Thank you …’ Over and over these words echo her gratitude.

It’s not about the food, but it’s about our presence and compassion that create divine moments where God’s presence is as real as the oxygen we breathe.

My life has been forever changed and this love has left me breathless. I walk forward with heart and eyes wide open – ready to watch God’s working – open to lead in ways that

honour the people of Moldova. For God is also in love with Moldova – these are his people.

‘No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:37-39 NLT).

Transnestria: The Country that Doesn’t Exist Nestled between Moldova and Ukraine is a region that refuses to be governed, instead claiming its right to be a country.

Transnestria has set up its own government systems, banks, and currency. Troops and financial support have been sent in from Moscow to hold a stronghold west of Ukraine. Said to be more Russian than Russia, Transnestria is much like the Russia of the 1950s.

The Salvation Army’s Dubossari Corps (church) operates out of a small house as it awaits the re-registration that is in the custody of the new government. Every day its presence is a miracle of grace. Sunday morning worship begins and the little room is completely filled and spilling out into the entryway.

Praise and worship choruses begin and you can almost feel hearts lifted. The joy

‘There is an understanding that their resources are small, and yet THEY SPIN GOLD FROM STRAW’ 6 Revive

feature Photos on these pages show Salvationists giving practical assistance to their local communities through meals, visitation, pastoral care and worship

is palpable. These are the humble saints of Dubossari. They pray to the Lord, asking him to work on behalf of the place they love, to allow The Salvation Army to be recognised as a church and to legally be able to move throughout the country freely.

Identity is important.

‘Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later’ (Romans 8:18 NLT).

Over the years Dubossari has sent more cadets to the Institute for Officer Training than any other corps in the Eastern Europe Territory. Persecution has bred maturity and passion. There is a strength seen in the officers (ministers) and soldiers (church members) as they stand strong, facing obstacles that might crush weaker leaders.

Captains Victor and Christina Stasiuc are teaching women basic life skills, inviting the public to take part in English classes and teaching their soldiery to engage in outreach. Dubossari Corps sees outreach – reaching out for the sake of the gospel – in every food box that is taken to the home of the hungry, in the face of the child who is part of the SeeMe After-school Social Impact Programme, and as Christmas gifts are literally smuggled over the Dneister River for children in the villages.

Leaving the Impossible to God Moldova’s mighty ‘redemptive Army’ gets up every morning to do those things against very real struggles. When they have poured out all their energy – they leave the impossible to God, who will be faithful to complete what Moldovan Salvationists have begun, as they confidently wait and pray.

To serve alongside officers in Moldova is to see God’s grace on a daily basis. Still in those moments where fears rise in my soul I allow them to drive me back to my Saviour – and when he intercedes, I find inspiration and a new peace and strength to step forward again. This is the ‘dance of the Spirit’ that keeps me honest before God. ‘And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life’ (1 John 5:20 NLT).

Please join me in praying for the officers, soldiers and those we serve in this country. Pray for Moldova in this time of unrest and for Transnestria – for our registration – and for continued health and strength of spirit for those who are weary.

Major Ronda Gilger

DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, MOLDOVA DIVISION EASTERN EUROPE TERRITORY

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‘… in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus’ Ephesians 2:7

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race empowers us. It strengthens us in our daily lives and helps us to hold firmly to the end. We need to do what is required of God so that we may receive his abundant grace.

Grace is what we receive without a cost – it’s a free gift. Out of pure grace, the Lord Jesus Christ of his own accord laid down his life for our sins on the Cross.

Over my life I have experienced and witnessed the abundant overflow of the Lord’s love. He has always met me at my point of need, showering me with his abundant grace and providing me with more than I could ask, think of or imagine.

Over the past few years as an officer (minister), I have had my family’s help and support. They have encouraged me in my ministry and, whenever I brought an overseas student home, they would welcome them and attend to their needs just as they did mine. They showed God’s love through what they did, no matter who the person was or what they had – they shared love.

In Taiwan, there is a saying: ‘Depend on your parents when you’re home and rely on your friends when you’re away from home.’ It is not hard to understand why we have this saying and how it works in our society. My elders have spread the aroma and likeness of Christ through their deeds, and their faith has left a beautiful legacy for their offspring.

Therefore, in my ministry I chose to reach out to students from overseas, to get to know them and try to empathise

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with them in their difficulties as they come to terms with studying within a new culture and language. When they lack something in their lives, I look for resources in order to provide for their needs. When they are weak in heart, I keep them company and share relevant Scripture with them to feed them spiritually.

Because I have received grace, strength and help from my Lord, I am able to build relationships with others and introduce them to Jesus. I would never be able to count his blessings and measure his endless love if I had not experienced such abundant grace for myself.

‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong’ (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

What can I do? What do you want me to do? Have you ever asked these questions of God? If not, talk to him, ask him what he wants you to do in order to fulfil his purpose for your life. How amazing is God’s grace and faithfulness?

I was called to be a Salvation Army officer when I was grieving over the loss of a family member. I was devastated,

helpless, regretful and I blamed myself – I was filled with negative emotions.

My commitment to officership is not my way to find consolation or relational attachment, but it has helped me to see how God is using my gifts to accomplish different missions. God’s grace was freely given to me and it transformed my life.

Life is full of challenges – it has its ups and downs – but we need to keep in mind that God’s gracious hand is always near to protect us. The stumbling blocks, the knocks and the hurts we face will be turned into something that is going to help us in the future.

‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you’ (John 15:16).

Nurtured in Grace

Grace is priceless. I have grown to understand that I need to walk the way of grace with care. My grace cost God dearly and so I have grown to cherish it and the mission he has entrusted to me.

Growing up I was nurtured and cared for by my family. In my ministry I look back on the nurturing of my parents, the Church and everyone else who left indelible imprints on my life, and I have come to realise that I was nurtured by grace – growing steadier in my faith on the journey. This at times came through words, actions or sacrifices, but they all

‘My real desire is to be someone who can influence others and WALK WITH THEM on their journey’

feature Ellen Pan

have been a constant reminder to keep marching forward with courage and devotion.

What these various people have done may seem insignificant on the surface but it was their way of giving generously – and God sees their hearts. Whenever I receive such grace I feel tremendously blessed.

God’s grace. I know what it means to be influenced by others and so I ask God to continue to guide me in moving forward with courage and to walk in his light. My prayer is that those I encounter on this journey will, through me, taste the Lord’s sweetness and become aware of the wonder of his grace and blessings.

An Influential Life

‘In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:5-7).

If we want to build a relationship with God, we need to humble ourselves to receive his grace. When we come into the presence of God, and admit that there are certain parts of our life that need to change, God will satisfy our needs with his abundant grace. When we trust God he will transform our hearts and minds.

How, then, are we going to experience God’s grace? We must come to him when we feel weak, powerless and sinful, choose to believe his love and his power to transform us, and rest in his grace. In 2 Peter 3:18 it says: ‘But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’

I am a minister and serve others not because I am capable, but because others have given and showered me with grace.

I have countless stories about how God’s grace gives me the ability to stand and act and I give thanks to God and his people who have tenderly cared for me.

Because I have experienced grace I want those around me to also experience and receive grace. It is so precious that one life can influence another. My predecessors did this and now I will carry on their work.

A lot of people have come and gone during these early years of my ministry.

Some stay for a while, others only for a short period of time, and with others I have only had a one-time connection.

My real desire is to be someone who can influence others and walk with them on their journey, but I do realise that I may never see the seeds I have sown come to fruition. However, I believe God has his ways of doing things and blesses in all things. I used to have my own hopes and dreams but God turned my life around through the lives of others.

God used many other people to change how I approach life and spirituality. This turnabout has completely transformed me and changed the direction of my life.

During my time at the student centre at Puli Corps (church) I have pastored university students, ministering to them and influencing their lives. I haven’t done this in my own strength but because I have experienced and been enabled by

Go and do This

Lieutenant Ellen Pan YOUTH OFFICER, TAIWAN REGION

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Lieut-Colonel Vanlalnungi Thiak TERRITORIAL HOME LEAGUE SECRETARY INDIA EASTERN TERRITORY

The undeserved

Columnist for 2016

‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God’ Ephesians 2:8

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his is one of my favourite Bible verses because it helps me understand salvation and transformation, and inspires and motivates me for life-long service. If Salvation had to be earned by ability or good works, I would fail, but – since it is God’s free gift of grace through faith – I can thank him for his saving power in my life and for the privilege of serving him.

Grace is the undeserved gift of God’s love shown in action to everyone and is reflected and radiated through the life and death of Jesus Christ. Grace is the only way we can enter into a relationship with God. A person receives salvation not because of good works but only because of God’s grace.

A magazine published the story of a 20-year-old woman who, because of health issues, had both legs amputated when she was 12. A man read her story and his heart was moved with compassion. With the help of the magazine’s editor he contacted her and offered his help. After a period of time and many meetings, his feelings towards her grew so strong that he fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. Despite the difficulties they married and live in a rented house. In order to earn a living, the husband – carrying his wife on his back – would daily go door to door selling goods.

One rainy night the league of mercy secretary from Chalglang Corps (church) saw them in a corner of a roadside shop. She wondered why she saw two heads but only two legs so she stopped to have a closer look. To her surprise she saw the husband carrying his wife, taking shelter from the rain. Her heart was so moved that she offered to drive them home. From that meeting the league of mercy workers have been giving monthly financial support to the couple to offset the costly medication the wife needed following surgery.

Upon hearing this story I was reminded, through the kindness of the husband and league of mercy workers, of God’s work of grace within our lives. It’s an ongoing work – it continues every day. He does not stop helping, guiding, supporting or loving us once we are saved, but works continuously in our lives. Since we have received God’s grace, we are to be gracious and serve others.

Does your life reflect the grace of God to the people you meet each day? My prayer is that you will indeed be gracious and reflect his grace to others through your daily living.

‘Grace is the UNDESERVED GIFT of God’s love shown in action to everyone’ 10 Revive

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THE

COST OF

GIVING Luz H. Nesterenko

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once heard a preacher speak on ‘Expensive Grace … Cheap Grace’ and it made me ask the question: ‘How much has God’s grace actually cost me?’

I often reflect and wonder if we truly value God’s daily provision of grace.

When I go shopping, if I can’t see the price displayed on an item, I will always ask the shop assistant how much it is.

When they tell me the price sometimes I will say, ‘Oh, that’s expensive’ or ‘That’s cheap’ – if it’s reasonably priced – ‘I’ll take it’.

It is easy to go into a shop and buy something I need, but I cannot just go into a shop and buy a new ‘me’ – a clean heart. We cannot buy forgiveness or a safe place where our souls will go when we die. So we need to learn to value

God’s great gift of grace and extend that grace to others.

God in his infinite love purchased each one of us with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it a ‘free gift’ (Ephesians 2:8), God’s undeserved love and grace for you and me.

To be like God and give freely is a great challenge. Although nothing of what we do will be as extravagant as God’s free gift to us, when Christ comes into our hearts and transforms us, it does demand from us a life commitment.

What has God given us?

Salvation

We are saved by grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul says: ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and

this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.’ This is the grace of God in us – love given to those who do not deserve it. God is love. He gave his Son to die on the Cross to give us the opportunity to have our sins forgiven and have eternal life. He placed love over our faults, impurities, sins and rebellion, and cleansed us. Our response back to God should be a life lived in service and surrender to him.

How much does it cost me to ensure I have a place in Heaven with Jesus?

Nothing! All that is required is that I believe in God. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’

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Love

‘Sometimes it is easier to give what is left over ... and it’s MORE DIFFICULT to give all we have’ It costs us nothing, we just have to believe! It was God who paid the highest price – just for you and me. questions and challenge

What changes have taken place in your life as a result of God’s free gift of grace? ●● Are there areas in your life that the Lord has been challenging you about that you have not yet surrendered to him? ●● Are you serving him unconditionally? ●● Are you sharing the good news of salvation with others?

Acknowledge the many promises of God that have been fulfilled in your life because of God’s grace. ●●

In Ephesians 2:3-9 it says: ‘All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.

Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.’

This passage reminds us that God’s gift of our salvation, through faith, came not because of anything we have done, but simply because God loves us.

The challenge is to give: ●● when no one asks us to give ●● when our supervisor or boss isn’t watching ●● because we just want to give back to God for our salvation purchased through his Son’s blood ●● because he has given us so much.

We give our lives unreservedly to the Saviour in order to serve and honour him.

An opportunity to give

I recently learned a chorus that says: ‘It’s great to have faith in small things ... in small things that just can’t be seen.’ The chorus reminded me 12 Revive

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of Mark 12:38-44 where Jesus spoke about the teachers of the law – those with financial means – who lacked humility, and about the poor widow who offered all she had, two ‘very small’ copper coins. The chorus reminded me that it was the motivation behind the gift that was important, not the gift itself.

Sometimes it is easier to give what is left over – what we don’t want or need – and it’s more difficult to give all we have, including things of great value.

The cost of giving from the heart is greater. And while it may be insignificant to the human eye, it means immeasurably more to God. Jesus witnessed – and praised – the poor widow’s act of giving.

Lieut-Colonel Alicia Garrido Moya, who passed away many years ago, blessed me when she gave her testimony because she would often speak about wanting to give her all to God until her ‘bones were spoiled’. How those words struck me – not just because she said them with strength and tenacity, but because she meant them with all her heart.

More and more!

Galatians 5:22-26 states: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.’

I love this passage because it reminds me daily of the ingredients needed to make a difference in the world. No matter where we live, no matter the values of the world around us – meaning and power are available.

As life moves on, sometimes we give less credence to the promises we have made to God. We try to justify doing less for him, or not giving him our all or our best. This can happen due to health issues, financial burdens or just because we feel that no one really cares about us. I would call it ‘cheap grace’. But this grace – our freedom – cost Jesus everything.

Galatians 5:1 reminds us that we should stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us and not

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be burdened by slavery. Sin restricts us in giving our all to him and others. Verses 13-18 go on to remind us that this freedom is lived through the Spirit of God. It’s his character, his love, his thoughts, his desire that flow through us and are evident to others.

How can I show the grace of God in my life? I do it by being a living testimony to his goodness and grace and by giving to others.

People like Lieut-Colonel Moya, who I mentioned earlier, can have a great impact on our lives. And often, once they have retired or passed away, there are stories shared of their influence – both physically and spiritually. They have not only spoken the word of God but through their practical giving they have assisted others in need.

Their life testimonies transcend time.

How will you and I be remembered? The Spirit of God is in us and changes us. We have love for one another – the nice and not so nice; we have joy even in the difficult times; we know peace even when the storms of life are raging; we show

kindness despite the actions of others; we are faithful; and we radiate God’s grace in every aspect of our lives.

The adventure of serving God sometimes takes us onto paths we never imagine we would walk, to places where we never dreamed we would be and to people we never thought we would never meet.

Life can be confusing and sometimes our priorities can be wrong, but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, endeavour to love and serve God and not take for granted his great grace, then he will live through us and use us to help others experience this grace for themselves.

Lieut-Colonel Luz H. Nesterenko TERRITORIAL SECRETARY FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRIES SOUTH AMERICA WEST TERRITORY

gentleness

self-control

Revive 13

social issues

W

e often hear from the pulpit that we should give as God gives.

Usually the core of the message revolves around the powerful sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. But before we begin to think about how we should give like God, let us reflect on what God has given us.

After the fall of humankind into temptation and sin God did not abandon his creation. He saw our need, was birthed in the likeness of his creation – took on human flesh in Jesus – and ultimately paid the price for our sins by giving his life on the Cross.

In my country, India, one third of the population lives below the poverty line, with most having difficulty in receiving one meal a day. When I walk the streets, or take a walk in the park, I can see quite clearly those who are in need – I can see the longing in their eyes for something better. How can we help them?

Jesus is the Son of God. He could have chosen to shower those in need on the earth with his provision from Heaven – as God did in Exodus Chapter 16 in the form of manna, quail and water – but

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Kabita Sahu when he came to this earth as a man, he came to serve (Matthew 20:28). He showed us an example of godly giving.

God does not need our ‘things’ but he wants us to give ourselves fully to him. In the Bible we see many people who God called to obey him and fulfil his will.

He called Abram, Moses, Samuel, the disciples and Paul, providing for their needs.

Much of the world today is stricken with starvation, poverty, anguish and grief. People need our love and our time. This should hold true in all our relationships – we should value people not things. No amount of toys a father buys for his son can take the place of the time he spends with him. It is not always the things that we give to our loved ones that matter, it’s ourselves – people want us to be there for them.

In Matthew 25:35-36 we read: ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Sometimes we find it easier to give money to those in need rather than be involved in their lives. But it is the sacrificial value of service that the Lord delights in. Giving money is never as costly as the giving of our lives – our time. God wants servants – Christians who are willing to invest in the lives of others. We are to be the gift of God to people by showing the Master in our attitude. We should

not wait to be called to help, instead we are to be ready to reach out to those in need. This can only happen when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.

Jesus called his disciples and said: ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Matthew 20:28).

There is a need for sacrifice. God wants to use our talents, possessions and time for the service of others. Whether it is teaching a Sunday school class, being part of a committee to clean up the church after a special function, cooking meals for a hungry family, taking care of a motherless child, providing clothing for someone who has nothing or paying a visit to people in prison who need encouragement – as the children of God, he has given us the responsibility of taking care of the people around us and showing Jesus through our actions and reactions.

Jesus did not come for the righteous – he came for the sinner and the oppressed. With that in mind, let us set aside time in our lives to serve others.

Let us find someone who is in need and who we can befriend in Jesus’ name.

Lieut-Colonel Kabita Sahu SECRETARY FOR MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP AND SILVER STAR INDIA NORTHERN TERRITORY

social issues

Revive 15

my story

From hurt to HOPE A story of hope amid the struggles in Liberia

M

Lydia McKay

y name is Lydia. I am from a little village in Lofa County, Liberia, where I was one of two daughters born to very poor parents who had no formal education. I am married to Morris, have three lovely daughters and was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer (minister) on 31 July 2005.

As a child I walked many miles to school and earned a high school diploma. During my school years war broke out in Liberia. My father and mother – along with my sister, her three small children and me with my small daughter – fled to Guinea as refugees. Life in Guinea became increasingly difficult for us following the death of both my father and sister. My mother and I suddenly had the responsibility of caring for my sister’s three small children, with me becoming the breadwinner for the family by selling small items in the refugee camp, just to be able to get food for each day. I began to lose hope and the pain in my heart was so strong that I was certain God had forgotten me. Even though I didn’t recognise it at the time, God’s grace was keeping me alive and working in my life.

After the war ceased and we returned to Liberia I began to see my life like that of Naomi in the first chapter of the book of

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Ruth. I faced sadness and loss of family members in Guinea just as Naomi had lost her husband and two sons in a foreign land.

My life too seemed full of bitterness – but I never gave up the fight.

My mother and I started life all over again with the four children and I took up farming to support the family.

It wasn’t long before another war broke out in Liberia.

This time I was determined not to go to a strange land again so I left for Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, while my mother and nieces fled to Sierra Leone. When I arrived in Monrovia I had no idea where to go or what to do. However, one of my sister’s relatives came to my aid. She was a businesswoman and encouraged me to start selling bananas. She said it would be a start to a better life. Soon after I commenced my business I was able to rent my own place.

Just as things started improving for me war broke out again.

One day, when I went out to look for food, fighting broke out and the rebels started shooting. One of the bullets hit me

‘ONE OF THE BULLETS HIT ME but at the time I didn’t realise it.’

my story

but at the time I didn’t realise it. It was only when I got home that I began to feel the pain. I told myself that I was not going to make it, but God spared my life. He kept saving me for a purpose, even when I didn’t realise what that purpose was.

When war finally ended I believed that God wanted me to work for him, but I had no idea where that calling would take me.

It was during a Salvation Army meeting (church service) that God called me to officership. I said: ‘God, you must be kidding!’ I didn’t feel I could do what God wanted me to do. I told him that I could do anything in the church, but I couldn’t be a pastor. Like Moses, I was trying to give excuses to God (Exodus 3:11-15). I was not a good speaker and didn’t have the same level of education as other high school graduates. I said: ‘What will I say to your people?’

But God said to me: ‘My daughter, “My grace is sufficient for you”’ (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Becoming an officer was a difficult thing for me to do. There have been so many challenges but, in the midst of it all, God has continued to keep me strong through his grace.

Matthew 9:20-22 records the story of the woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for 12 years. She said: ‘If only I

touch his cloak, I will get well’ (GNB). This story has helped me realise God’s precious presence in the everyday issues of life, knowing that one day all will be well both in this life and the life to come.

I am thankful for God’s abiding presence and his grace in my life and for the opportunities he gives me through The Salvation Army to reach out to others who are discouraged, feeling hopeless or going through sorrowful times. Everything that has happened in my life is being used for God’s glory and allows my heart to connect with the hurts of others and bring them into the hope that is found in Christ.

Captain Lydia McKay CORPS OFFICER MONROVIA CITY CORPS AND SECTIONAL DIRECTOR FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRIES LIBERIA COMMAND

Revive 17

THE

prayer

HOUSE

‘They all joined together constantly in prayer’ (Acts 1:14)

Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain’

H

Isaiah 35:6-7 (MSG)

ow often do you say to yourself, ‘I want to know God better; I want to feel him close; I hunger and thirst for the Lord; I need to recognise him working in my life and in the life of those I love’?

Most of us are familiar with these sentiments because we have either thought or spoken them. We relate closely to the writer of Psalm 42 who expressed his searching for God this way: ‘As the deer pants for the water So my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship you’ (SASB 571). We relate not just to the psalmist of long ago but to many other believers from centuries past. We know (head knowledge) that we can turn to God in prayer at any time and any place and that we can speak them audibly or silently, basing our prayers on trust – trusting that God hears them. Trust is good. However, we often want and need to feel more. This trust – believing that God hears us – becomes the foundation that brings about the desire of our heart to know him better, to feel him more closely, to hear him speaking and sense him actively working in our lives.

In the past three issues of this magazine I have shared with you how our personalities play a large part in us finding and experiencing God in prayer. I have also shared different ways that might be used to communicate with and draw closer to God. We are all different, with distinct personalities and temperaments, so therefore our way of approaching God and feeling him near 18 Revive

Splashing love Nancy Roberts

Silencing com reading

will vary. We come into his presence from different perspectives as well as different cultures. Studies have been conducted that have proved helpful in understanding personality and temperament types and how they affect one’s prayer life (I have listed a few resources at the end of this article that might be both interesting and helpful for those who wish to read more). It is important to try new ways and explore new methods until you find one that is both comfortable and helpful, but also challenges you to grow in your spiritual life.

In this my final article I would like to leave with you the very powerful way of praying and connecting with God known as Lectio Divina (Latin for ‘Divine Reading’) that includes praying with the Scriptures. This contemplative method of drawing close to God and understanding

‘This form of prayer will take TIME, EFFORT and DEDICATION, and cannot be rushed’

& in

meditating praying

grace

mtemplating him – of being better able to share in conversation with him, and feeling him in our lives – has been in use for many centuries. You will recognise various parts or adapted forms of this way of praying which have become popular and are often used today. To pray or practise and benefit from this form or style of praying, in its entirety, requires time and the use of all six of the steps.

These six steps are: Silencing – or quieting – oneself, reading the Word of God, meditating or ‘chewing over’ the Word of God (which may even include researching commentaries), praying and pouring out your heart to God in relation to the texts you have read, as well as contemplating or ‘digesting’ and ‘absorbing’ further the Word into your

life, and finishing with embodying or allowing the Word to become active in your daily life.

If all six steps are used, it quickly becomes obvious that this form of prayer will take time, effort and dedication, and cannot be rushed. The results, however, will prove powerful and life-changing.

Within this prayer form, thinking and feeling processes are united, as are internal and external data, and the spiritual (intuitive) and factual (sensing) are experienced.

Whatever your personality or temperament type, you will find your way in this method, as there is something for everyone when we take the time to be present with God. He will speak to you and you will discover new insights that will draw you closer to him and give you a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. You will see God working in and through Bible characters in ways that will help you understand and recognise his

Resources

Prayer and Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality Types, Chester P. Michael and Marie C. Norrisey, 1991. Published by The Open Door, Charlottesville, VA 22902, Knowing Me, Knowing God, Malcolm Goldsmith, 1997, Abingdon Press, Personality and Prayer Ruth Fowke, 2008, CWR Waverley Abbey House

working in your life today – in your own faith journey with him. In time you may well find yourself ‘splashing’ in the love and grace of God, facing the sunshine or the rain that each day brings and being more aware of his presence.

I pray that God’s blessings will burst forth in you in the days ahead and that you will know and feel the ‘Son’-shine of his love and grace permeating within you and flowing freely from you like a fountain, giving encouragement and hope to the world around.

Commissioner Nancy Roberts LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN USA CENTRAL TERRITORY

Revive 19

in the picture

women

at work and worship

Left: two young trainees at the

Catherine Booth College of Nursing in the India South Eastern Territory

Below: Commissioner Silvia Cox speaks during the Easter weekend at Boscombe, UK

Above: Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (seated second from left) with delegates to the India Women’s Capacity Leadership training seminar Right: Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

engages in conversation at Norwich, UK, during the Easter campaign

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in the picture

Right: women raise money for renovations in the India Central Territory

Below left: Salvationists distribute food to flood victims in the India Central Territory

Above: Romanian traditional dancers perform during the congress in the Eastern Europe Territory Left: candle fund raising initiative in India

Revive 21

NEW YEAR 2017 ‘We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being TRANSFORMED into his image with everincreasing glory.’

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Dear sisters in Christ As we reflect on 2016 and look forward to 2017 let us join with the psalmist in remembering God’s continued faithfulness and his abundant provision: ‘Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits’ (Psalm 103:1-2 NIV).

We can boldly face the future with a heavenly Father who continues to offer forgiveness, healing and redemption – who desires to crown, to satisfy and to renew us.

The General’s ‘I dream … ’ statement has once again inspired our theme for 2017, focusing on being ‘Transformed into God’s Image’ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We will reflect on our desire to be more like Jesus as we contemplate the Lord’s glory, stay in his presence, meditate upon his Word and pray.

We want to inspire Christian women to be visible and to live out Kingdom values through the power of the Holy Spirit who transforms and equips us.

Individually and collectively we will mobilise to be a force for good where God has placed us – both in our families and communities.

I am continually thankful for your engagement in Women’s Ministries. Let us work together towards being increasingly relevant to women in the societies in which we find ourselves.

Every blessing,

Silvia Cox

Commissioner WORLD PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

OFFICE OF THE WORLD PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

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Start your Embrace group today.

Visit www.uscwomensministries.com/ Embrace/ for more information, and to sign up to lead an Embrace group.

Twelve new Bible studies for 2017 have been prepared and written by women of all ages, representing The Salvation Army worldwide.

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Available in English, French Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian and Swedish

2 Corinzi 12:9 La Bibbia della Gioia (BDG)

power in weakness

Ma egli mi ha detto: « No, perché la mia grazia ti basta. La mia potenza si manifesta in pieno in quelli che sono deboli ». Ecco perché sono contento di vantarmi della mia debolezza; di essere una dimostrazione vivente della potenza di Cristo.

2 Corinthians 12:9 The Living Bible

‘He said … “I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.”

Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power … ’