FAITH IN ACTION | 02 April 2016 | Issue 6639 | $1.50
‘SEW LOVE’ AND A VAN NAMED CECIL MOVING MOUNTAINS IN PRAYER NEW CADETS ENTER TRAINING AN ACCOUNTABLE SALVATION ARMY FIREZONE: KEEPING IT SWEET FOR FIJI FILM REVIEW: RISEN
Let’s Talk | 03
02 WarCry 02 April 2016
Kia ora Blessed by mercy 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, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS
Kris Singh (music reviewer) PROOF READING
Major Jill Gainsford OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Phone (04) 384 5649 Fax (04) 382 0716 Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0768 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz
While at high school, my English class spent one entire term reading through Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’. Every lesson, we simply swapped parts and read through the play. Ad infinitum … or as ‘ad infinitum’ as lots of things feel when you’re 14 or 15. Consequently, these lines remain with me: The quality of mercy is not strain’d / It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven / Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: / It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. Portia is asking the money lender Shylock to show mercy. She can’t demand it, so she subtly reminds him that such mercy might benefit him as giver, as much as the one who receives his mercy. I remain challenged by those words. For there seems to be a natural human inclination for mercy only to be given when it is deserved, yet Jesus taught mercy was an essential component of true religion and of Christianity. The imagery of mercy falling like ‘gentle rain from heaven’ reminds me of Jesus’ words that the rain falls on both the ‘just’ and the ‘unjust’ (Matthew 5:45). In other words, if we’ve a farmer desperate for rain on our parched soil, whether or not that rain comes doesn’t depend on whether we’re ‘good’ or ‘bad’ people. Sometimes it will rain, sometimes it will not—the blessing of rain is not evidence of God showing anyone special favour. So it is with mercy, it is not just to be given to those who ‘deserve’ it—those who have never messed up or made a mistake. It is meant to be available equally to all. What a challenge then to read Robin Raymond’s interview with Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft, who shows that a commitment to both justice and mercy truly can bless those who give and those who receive. Mercy does not mean an absence of justice—the two ideally co-exist. When they do, people may choose to respond with gratitude, and perhaps even change the direction of their lives as a result. Christina Tyson
PAPER Novatech is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under environmental management system ISO14001 using FSC® Certified, Mixed Source, ECF pulp from responsible sources and legally harvested forests. Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 132 years
BIBLE VERSE
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2 Peter 3:18 Contemporary English Version
‘Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing.’ 2 Pita 3:18
‘Engari kia neke ake i runga i te aroha noa, i te mātauranga o tō tātou Ariki, arā o te Kaiwhakaora, o Īhu Karaiti.’
ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6639 Please pass on or recycle this magazine
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WISE WORDS
If I invited you to take a walk, you’d think I was crazy if I became angry after the first few steps because we hadn’t yet arrived at our destination. We can understand ordinary things like this, yet we have a difficult time understanding that God expects it to take some time for us to grow spiritually. Joyce Meyer
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young woman, armed with just her sewing machine and a van called Cecil, is travelling New Zealand with a mission to teach us how to sew. Sarah Lancaster, the creative genius behind Sew Love, has transformed an old campervan into a mobile sewing hub. Travelling throughout the North Island, Sarah could be found camped out at an op shop near you. She sets up for the day, offering sewing lessons to local op shoppers so they can hem items, or even use fabrics to make something completely new. If you’ve found a good item but it looks a little tired, Sarah can show you how to give it new life with some lace, beads or buttons. She can even show you how to make a tote bag using just a pillow case and a man’s tie. So, why is she a woman on a mission? ‘It just makes so much sense,’ says Sarah, ‘Remodelling or sewing from old fabrics is cheap, it’s sustainable and by buying from op shops you’re supporting something great because your money goes to a good cause.’ Her van is fitted with solar panels to power the sewing machines, and she tries to keep textile waste to a minimum. ‘It’s all about looking around you and seeing what resources we already have, rather than bringing new things into the planet. I see op shops as resource centres.’ It was at The Salvation Army Family Store in Sarah’s hometown of Thames that her love of op shops was first ignited, and where she began her ‘crazy obsession’ with finding old sheets and fabric and transforming them into clothing. But her greatest passion is empowering other people to re-discover the lost art of sewing for themselves. ‘People say,
“Can you sew me something?”, but for the same amount of money they can learn to do it themselves. One guy came in to get his jeans hemmed, which costs $20. But, instead I got him to sit down at the machine and taught him how to sew the hem himself. So he learnt a new skill, overcame his fear of the sewing machine, and he was just so chuffed.’ The household skill of sewing started to decline in the ’80s, when fast fashion hit mainstream New Zealand. ‘If you can buy a shirt for $10, then local industry can’t compete with that. But I ask, “What is the true cost?” How is it possible to produce a $10 shirt and fly it across the world without slave or sweatshop labour, as well as chemicals and pesticides that go into the fabric production?’ But more than anything, Sarah is simply about the joy of sewing: ‘You feel such a buzz when you’re wearing something you’ve made yourself, and I want others to feel that same pride.’ Although some op shops have been uncertain about how Sew Love will fit in with their environment, ‘by the end of the day, we’re all hugging. One person told me it was the best day they’d ever had at work’. Meeting the diverse op shop volunteers around the country has been one of the highlights of Sarah’s road trip, she says. ‘It’s very special; they invite you for a cup of tea and tell their family history or their charity’s history. They’re very proud of their work.’ If you want to sew love for yourself, all you have to do is ‘have the courage to be unique’, says Sarah. If you’d like a visit from Sew Love, email hello@sewlove.nz
04 WarCry 02 April 2016
Bookshelf Business Rookie Smarts Liz Wiseman Is it possible to be at your best even when you are underqualified or doing something for the first time? After decades of experience, is it possible to recapture youthful enthusiasm and curiosity? Leadership expert Liz Wiseman says in a rapidly changing world, experience can be a curse, and being new, naïve, and even clueless can be an asset. Sometimes even the rookies can outdo the veterans! Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church recommends this for those whose rookie years are behind them, but who still want to cultivate their own ‘rookie smarts’ and empower the rookies they lead. (Harper Business)
Playlist
Health & Fitness Leading from Behind Niva Retimanu Newsreader Niva Retimanu tells how she went from being an overweight, heavy-drinking junkfood fan to a motivated, healthconscious marathon runner—and how much fun she’s had along the way. After losing both her parents Retimanu started by attending counselling. She decided ‘enough is enough’, quit smoking, cut back on drinking and got her friends walking together. A couple of weeks on from her exercise debut, she started to feel better. This is a shout out to people of all ages, shapes and sizes to get active. A down-to-earth, fun and hugely motivating read. (Penguin Random House)
Vocation Leading the War James Knaggs & Stephen Court Five simple questions posed to 26 future cadets and colleague officers around the world. The authors’ premise is that Salvation Army officership is ‘vocational extremism’, and the responses back this up. ‘We’re pretty tired of hearing people slam officership,’ the authors write. ‘It bothers us … when soldiers don’t even consider officership. The devil has really put one over us to have devised such disdain toward and disregard for the vocation.’ Kiwis Ivan Bezzant, Margaret Hay, Garth McKenzie, and War Cry’s Shar Davis contribute, alongside people such as Paul Rader, John Larsson, Janet Munn, Danielle Strickland and Joe Noland. (Frontier Press)
Reel News
Acoustic/Covers Thoughts That Float On A Different Blood Dustin Kensrue Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue’s Thoughts That Float On A Different Blood is a live acoustic covers album. Thoughts makes a great statement to the strength of a well written song, and Kensrue’s stripped back style works extremely well. Opening with Cold War Kids’ ‘Hospital Beds’ and running the gamut from Springsteen to Radiohead and even Miley Cyrus, Thoughts draws out the raw essence of these songs. Kensrue’s gravelly vocals sell each line with authenticity and passion; the live atmosphere adding a sense of intimacy that enhances the flow and vibe of this record. Kensrue fans and acoustic gig lovers should pick this one up.
Alternative Rock Us and The Night 3 Doors Down Us and The Night is the latest record from Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down. Launching to fame with 2002’s hugely successful Away From The Sun, Us And The Night continues the band’s radio friendly, hook laden rock sound. In the five years since their latest effort, Us and The Night doesn’t show much in the way of musical progression, sitting comfortably in the band’s rock pocket—lead single ‘In The Dark’ bounces to a southern rock groove, driven by fat punchy chords and soaring chorus vocals. Fans will definitely find more of the same band to enjoy, but those looking for something a little different could do with passing this one up.
GIVEAWAY To win our review copy of Leading from Behind, tell us a fitness goal you’d love to achieve. War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 18 April. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up winner is: G. Bezzant
Action/Drama Risen Kevin Reynolds / M (violence and content that may offend) Released in time for Easter 2016, Risen takes another look at the story surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. Unlike previous movies that focus on the days leading up to Good Friday, this film turns its attention to the 40 days after Christ’s death. Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), an agnostic Roman Centurion, has been instructed by Pontius Pilate to investigate how the body of Jesus came to be removed from the tomb. Did the disciples steal the body and if so, where is it now? How did the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb let this happen? What of the rumours that this Messiah has been seen alive and well, even though Clavius saw him die with his own eyes? Clavius goes searching for the truth as he examines the evidence and testimony of eye witnesses. The more he learns, the less he knows; the more he believes, the more he thinks it just might be true. Risen has been well received by Christians and non-Christians alike. It’s not ‘preachy’ or ‘judgy’ and lacks much of the cheese that is often associated with Christian films these days. For those concerned, this film digresses from the Bible like Noah and Exodus, it doesn’t really. If anything, Risen fills in some gaps and might make you think about the story in a deeper, fresher way. Joseph Fiennes, along with Tom Felton (from Harry Potter) as Lucius, and our very own Cliff Curtis as Yeshua lead the cast through an enjoyable film. Although Risen contains some ‘biblical violence’, compared to The Passion of the Christ it’s tame.
Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/saresources
Feature | 05
‘We are the last best shot for the community. It’s hugely exciting; it’s full of challenge, full of promise, full of potential. That’s a huge privilege, to be at the edge, the last chance for these young people.’ For 15 years as Principal Youth Court Judge His Honour Judge Andrew Becroft has dealt with the country’s worst teenage criminals. He still sees hope in every one that steps into his court room.
BY ROBIN RAYMOND Photography: New Zealand Herald
06 | WarCry 02 April 2016
udge Andrew Becroft describes his own job as the ultimate ambulance at the bottom of the cliff— society’s last resort. But even as he says it, his eyes light up. The courts he runs may be society’s last best hope, a place where you find ‘the most problematic, disordered, damaged young people in the country’, yet he remains excited about the job and cautiously optimistic about the future. People don’t realise how much better things are getting in bringing down the rate of crime among young people. New Zealand has one of the best systems in the world. But there’s still work that needs to be done, Becroft says. He grabs a ruler and turns the chart so I can see—‘If that chart continues, I think we’re looking at about May of 2019 and we’ll be out of business.’ Then he pauses and mutters, ‘Wouldn’t that be nice!’ There is good reason for his cautious optimism. Last year, 1801 young people aged 14 to 16 ended up in court in New Zealand. That’s out of about 175,000 in the country. It’s a record low for youth court appearances, and the numbers have been dropping steadily since 2007. There was also a record low number of teenagers apprehended by Police last year, another number that’s been falling consistently, down 40 per cent in five years. The caution comes with those still committing crimes. They are ‘undoubtedly becoming tougher’, Becroft says. But, in 15 years as the Principal Youth Court Judge and more than 30 years in the law, he’s seen the successes and he’s still passionate about providing justice for everyone.
The early years That passion can be seen from Becroft’s earliest days in the law. A serious speech impediment meant he required intensive speech therapy and support from his first firm in Queen Street, Auckland, before he was able to go into court. A few years later, though, he left that comfortable and prestigious job to start the Māngere Community Law Office. It was just the fifth community law office in the country at a time when ‘the movement was in its absolute infancy’, and senior lawyers advised his co-founder Johnny Moses that the pair were throwing away their legal careers. Becroft’s passion for Community Law started on a university placement providing legal advice to people visiting the office of then Ōtāhuhu MP David Lange. ‘We realised that in the whole area of Māngere, 40,000 people, there were no lawyers permanently located there.’ He wrote a dissertation on Community Law and travelled to Oregon on scholarship to study offices there, before striking out with a team to start their own. It was a merger of his passion from university and the Christian values he and his colleagues shared that drove a desire to ensure legal representation to the most marginalised with the least access. It was a tough, scary experience at times. Despite enormous support from the legal community and the wider community the centre ran out of money after three months. Their weekly team prayer meeting that week was ‘particularly earnest’, Becroft recalls. ‘Within about 10 minutes of finishing praying a representative from the Community Organisations Grants scheme came in with an envelope saying they were very sorry, they had been sitting on our application for support, but here was a cheque for $20,000. I think the representative was shocked at being called the quickest answer to prayer most of us had ever had.’ It wasn’t the last in seven rewarding years there, he says. ‘It’s trite to say it, but we truly got more back than we ever gave.’
Feature | 07
After that, Becroft became a barrister and criminal defence attorney in South Auckland, then a judge in Whanganui for five years, before being asked to apply for the role as Principal Youth Court Judge. He took the job believing he could make a difference, and it’s clear he still strongly believes it. It still feels a strange, solemn responsibility being a judge, he says. ‘You always feel the imposter syndrome: “Who, me?” It’s a sobering thing to sit in judgement of a fellow human being, seeing them sweating and shaking.’ But he wouldn’t have stayed in the job if the justice system wasn’t making a difference and turning lives around.
That history isn’t an excuse for the young people’s crime, but it is important to understand where they come from to help them and others. Judging these young people is harder, because it is a real opportunity to prevent them from becoming enmeshed in a life of crime, Becroft says. And the system works in roughly half of all cases. ‘To which people say, “What sort of strike rate is that? What sort of namby pamby, Kumbaya-singing, roman sandal-wearing outfit do you run, Judge?” But that’s 50 per cent of the 1800, the really tough group. No one in the world does better than that. Most do worst.’
Teenage realities
The perception the court is soft, he thinks comes from the fact that 80 per cent are dealt with using diversionary measures without appearing in court. While the rest, if they are not actively denying the charge (most don’t) must go through a Family Group Conference, not before a judge. However, Becroft insists that Family Group Conferences, which the victim is invited to, are not a soft option. ‘Having to confront an aggrieved, angry victim and having to hear what went on, the human dimension, for most young offenders that is quite a powerful experience—uncomfortable, unnerving, but quite a powerful experience. And about 90 per cent of victims say it was a worthwhile experience, more than they expected.’ At the conference, a trained coordinator helps prepare a plan to address the crime and meet the underlying causes of offending. Plans must be approved or modified by a judge, and if the conference agrees these plans can take from three to 18 months to complete. About 75 per cent are agreed and monitored by the court, and if they are completed the young person is released with no criminal record. In the remaining cases where a plan can’t be agreed or the young person doesn’t complete the plan, the court may issue orders that appear on a young person’s criminal record. Where the offending is too serious, cases go straight before a judge—and they don’t shy away from sending a teenager to prison if necessary, Becroft says. He talks of another youth court judge sending a 15-year-old to prison for six years for committing two violent rapes on two different females on successive Saturday nights as a 14-year-old. As a judge, Becroft is not unrealistic about the rehabilitation prospects for some, but remains hopeful nonetheless. ‘I do very occasionally meet a young person who I think is so damaged and so disordered I wonder if we can contain them. But even then I don’t know. And that is so rare. I could count them on the fingers on two hands in 15 years in this job.’ That is balanced against an overwhelming majority where there is clear hope for the future, he says. ‘It’s full of challenge and full of success. You see in the same day, sometimes in the same young person, the most spectacularly poor choices, with some very encouraging and good choices. Most progress in young people isn’t linear; it reads like a heart monitor graph.’
In Judge Becroft’s job, though, turning lives around is never straightforward. Dealing with teenagers, ‘you’re just about dealing with a different species of human being’, he says. From about age 14 the human brain starts a rapid, dramatic change that can last well into the 20s for late developers and includes higher risk-taking and pushing boundaries—including the law. But while the brain is developing nothing is set in stone, even for the worst offenders, Becroft says. Research shows about 80 per cent of youth offenders will stop offending as their brain matures. That’s where New Zealand’s system works best, offering help and good programmes, without tarnishing those young people with a criminal record.
… most New Zealanders would be profoundly shocked at the level of disorder, dysfunction and damage in most of the serious young offenders … ‘It’s probably the most successful system in the world at dealing with such a vast number of young offenders alternatively. What we’re left with in the youth court is a small group of the most problematic, disordered, damaged young people in the country.’ They are ‘strikingly similar’—80 per cent are male, 61 per cent are Māori, but just as common is their history before they reach court. Almost all are not engaged in school, have a lack of male role models, and have brain development disability, psychological disorders, or drug and alcohol problems. Child, Youth and Family have received notifications on the care and protection of about 75 per cent. Most, in fact, have been victimised and damaged before they victimise and damage others, Becroft says. ‘I would say that probably most New Zealanders would be profoundly shocked at the level of disorder, dysfunction and damage in most of the serious young offenders we see. For the majority of offenders that life of abuse, neglect and violence is at the root of their offending.’ They come to court well known to almost every agency and ‘with a thick file’. It’s easy to see them as always destined for court, but they are just a small number among a larger group of highrisk young people, the majority of whom won’t end up in court, Becroft says. Mental health is a huge factor, and the court has improved its efforts to address this in the past five years. Along with greater awareness of the issues, there are now youth forensic nurses in every court and better access to mental health reports. A new mental health unit for mentally unwell youth offenders will also open in Porirua this month.
Alternatives to court
Grateful to serve Outside the courtroom, his role as Principal Youth Court Judge involves setting the tone and direction for the court nationwide. There are huge areas to address, including mental health, and better engaging with and involving Māori. To that end, he has been a big supporter of Rangitahi Courts on local marae, which young
I hope where my faith shows itself is in the way I treat people. I always try and bear in mind that everyone in the dock is human … offenders attend for court appearances after their Family Group Conference, strengthening the youth and their family’s ties to their community and culture. It’s a huge task, but one he’s still energised for. ‘It’s a job that completely takes you over, and willingly so. I never cease to be grateful for it. We’re face-to-face with some of the most serious and challenging issues in New Zealand. And it’s a chance to play a meaningful part in bringing about change and improvement to New Zealand’s community. What could be more challenging but satisfying than that?’ His Christian faith can be a support, and he often prays silently at the courtroom door for grace, wisdom, patience and the ability to make the right decision, he says. ‘I hope where my faith shows itself is in the way I treat people. I always try and bear in mind that everyone in the dock is human and there, but for the grace of God, could I have gone also.’ And, although it’s always ominous as a judge when someone asks, ‘Do you remember me?’, people do seek him out to tell him how he changed their lives. One memorable occasion was a man he had sent to prison for five years. ‘He said, “The reason I’m coming to see you is I did a lot of the courses they offered in prison. I got off the drugs and alcohol, became a Christian and made a real change. I wanted to shake you by the hand and say, “No hard feelings, you did what you had to do.” ’
Building resilience While there will probably always be a need for courts and prisons ‘this side of Heaven’, Becroft would still like to see more efforts made to stop young people ending up in his court. A resilient young person’s life is like a chair resting on four legs of home, school, friends and community involvement—often integrated with a faith or strong values, he says. Those who end up in youth court are weak in all four areas. Keeping young people engaged in meaningful education would be the best, most effective first step to helping address youth offending, he says. That requires parents getting engaged, but also more funding at the earliest stages. ‘From all the research we know zero to two, zero to five are the crucial age groups, and it’s cheaper and more effective [to work with them] at that age than to put the money in at our stage.’ There is also ‘hugely more’ that people can do if they want to make a difference; including supporting sports teams and youth groups, providing parenting sessions, events for dads or significant male role models and children, and respite care for solo-mums and foster carers. But there is also a great team of New Zealanders who devote their time, money and resources to helping young offenders, people he meets in courts up and down the country who humble and inspire him, he says. He looks surprised a moment. ‘I mean that actually. I wasn’t going to tell you that. But they’re the guys I find really inspiring. They are some of the biggest unsung heroes in New Zealand. They’re the ones I really admire and want to support.’
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Lifestyle | 09
HEALTH
BUDGETING
Why Food Cues Make Us Fat
How to Sew a Button
Q&A Can I Break Up With a Friend?
Every day we’re faced with hundreds of images that make us want to eat. Here’s how to resist food cues and take back control. Our body tells us to eat using food cues like our feelings of hunger, the smell of food cooking and our emotions through the day. But in our culture, these natural food cues are often overridden by an avalanche of external food cues—through ads on TV, billboards, food outlets, at the petrol station and in tempting social media pics. These images cue our brain to crave food over and above our natural feelings of hunger, which can lead to weight gain. For example, when you suddenly crave some McD’s fries, think about whether that craving is spontaneous, or whether an external cue triggered it. Another way external cues prompt overeating is by producing associations in our mind. Over time, we come to link going to the movies with popcorn, eating chocolate with a reward for good behaviour, getting pizza when we’re tired … So, even if you didn’t see an image of McDonald’s fries, an association in brain may mean that whenever you feel bored, stressed, angry or lonely, you feel like McD’s. Recognising your own food cues can help you to re-train your brain. A useful acronym to remember is RORR, suggests professor in Nutrition and Dietetics Clare Collins: ΕΕ Remind yourself that you are the boss of you, not a food cue. ΕΕ Resist the tempting food or drink initially by turning your back on the cue (this gives you time to think about next steps). ΕΕ Have a pre-organised alternative behaviour to use against food cues. Grab a drink of water, walk around the block, check your phone messages, read, take a walk in the opposite direction. ΕΕ Remember your big-picture goal. Do you want to eat better to help you feel better, reduce medications, lower blood pressure, improve diabetes control or manage your weight? ΕΕ Reward yourself each time you complete your organised alternative behaviour by putting $1 in a jar. When it builds up, spend it on something you really want.
If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live? Anonymous
We begin a series of basic how to’s that will help you repair, recycle and re-use. This week, never again throw away a garment because of a missing button—follow this simple, five-minute tutorial: 1. Thread the needle: You’ll need about 60 cm of thread. Push the thread through the eye of the needle. This can be tricky, so try these hacks: put a scrap of paper in a contrasting colour (either black or white) behind the needle. Cut the thread with very sharp scissors, on an angle, so you get a nice sharp edge. 2. Knot the thread: Double over the thread. Wrap the end of the thread around your forefinger several times, roll the loops off your finger and pull into a tight knot. 3. Mark the spot: Starting on the ‘wrong side’ of the fabric (the other side to the button), pull through the needle tightly, and then through again to the back and create a small ‘x’ to show where your button is going to go. 4. Sew the button! Place the button over the ‘x’ and hold in place with your thumb and forefinger. With the other hand, run the thread through the first hole of the button. Pull tightly and run thread through opposite hole in the button. Repeat this six times until the button feels very secure. Watch that the thread doesn’t become uneven; if it does, tug on the lose thread until it is tight. 5. Create the shank: Pull the thread underneath the button and wind around six times (or if this is confusing, don’t worry about it—as long as the button is secure). 6. Tie it off: Pull the needle through to the wrong side of the fabric. You can either create a knot by pulling the thread through the back of the fabric several times, or simply cut the thread from the needle and use your fingers to make a tight knot. Cut off the loose ends.
Mango and Orange Muffins Delicious for breakfast or brunch, and a few muffins from the freezer can be useful as a quick dessert | Makes 12 regular muffins ½ cup (65g) finely chopped dried mango slices ½ cup orange and mango juice (or orange juice) 1 cup plain low-fat yoghurt, or orange or mango yoghurt ¼ cup canola or other oil 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla ½ tsp salt 2 cups self-raising flour 1 cup sugar
Heat oven to 210°C (200°C fanbake), with rack just below middle. Cut dried mango into thin (about 3mm) strips using a wet knife or scissors, then cut these into tiny cubes. Pour juice over them and microwave on High for 4 mins, or simmer for 5 mins. Leave to stand in remaining juice until cool. Measure yoghurt and next four ingredients into a large bowl. Add cooled mango and liquid, and stir together. Mix flour and sugar in another bowl, then add to liquids. Fold together, but do not overmix. If mixture looks too thick, add another 1–2 Tbsp of juice. Divide between 12 regular muffin pans that are well coated with non-stick spray. Bake for 12–15 mins until golden brown and centres spring back when pressed. Leave in pans for 3–5 mins, then remove carefully and cool on a rack.
From 100 Favourite Muffins & Slices by Alison & Simon Holst. Go to www.holst.co.nz
I’m in a friendship I find draining, and I really want to put some distance between us, but can I ‘break up’ with a friend? At their best, friendships are lifegiving. We need friends who ‘get us’, who we can confide in and who can share the burdens of life. Sometimes, though, one person will be getting all their needs met, while the other feels they are doing all the ‘giving’. It sounds like you are in this position. In our avoidant culture, we often jump to cutting people off rather than doing the hard yards and trying to repair the friendship. So before you decide to break the friendship off, clarify to yourself what is draining about the friendship. Honestly assess whether it is their issue, or whether it is triggering some issue in your life? Or, very likely, it’s a bit of both. Once you have clarified this, it’s time to set some clearer boundaries. This may cause tension at first—no one likes to be confronted—so keep it gentle and empathetic. It may mean having a difficult conversation: discussing how much time and energy you can give, or any hurts between you. But if you and your friend can adjust your boundaries, it will strengthen your friendship over time. If your friend cannot accept these new boundaries, and things are becoming unhealthy for you, you may indeed decide you need to ‘break up’. If your friend lies, gossips or betrays your trust, there may be good reasons for moving on. Forgive, but maintain your boundaries. Mostly, though, keep in mind that from a biblical perspective, friendships are always concerned with others’ needs. Jesus was a great model of friendship: he was able to guide and strengthen his friends— and in return, was vulnerable and open with them. In this way, they gained mutual support from each other. Often, the people who become our closest, most treasured allies are not the easiest of friendships, but the ones that have survived the hardest of times.
Testify Major Afolau Toluono provides a listening ear and support for those who pass through the Wellington District Courts. I have been a Salvation Army court officer at the Wellington District Court since 2014. Before that I served with The Salvation Army in Auckland and in Tonga. My job is to be a listening ear, to offer support and, if needed, assistance with welfare needs. My day begins when I get the list in the morning of who is coming to court and I start praying for them and how I might serve them. I go down to the lobby, say hello, and see if there’s anyone who needs help or needs to talk. I go to the cells as well. If somebody is distressed before they go to court I will talk with them. It’s similar to chaplaincy or pastoral care. I have had people yelling abuse and getting upset with me, but it doesn’t happen much. At the end of the conversation, sometimes you get people needing a food parcel or something and I refer them to one of our Community Ministries centres. Sometimes I recommend people visit their local Salvation Army church. It helps to get them connected to a community. Sometimes I look after children for people attending court. I have some toys they can play with, and I have some toys, donated at Christmas, that I can give to families in need. I also sit in court during the cases and listen. Part of my role is to help people getting home.
Often if they’ve come from the cells they don’t have money with them, so police, corrections officers and lawyers refer them to me and I help them get home. And sometimes the judge orders that someone make a donation to The Salvation Army, so I deal with that too. Once a month I attend the Special Circumstances Court, which is a court which addresses homelessness and other complex issues. Before or after the court session I try and chat with clients to see how they’re doing and ask if there’s anything else I can do to help, other than what their social worker is doing. Being appointed to my current work was a bit of a shock, but I never imagined becoming an officer either. I came to New Zealand when I was 24 , when my sister sponsored me for a work
Help The Salvation Army feed Kiwis in need
THE
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visa doing an office job at The Salvation Army’s Epsom Lodge in Auckland. I had a shallow faith. My parents went to church every Sunday and I followed them, because in Samoa that is what you do to obey and respect them. At Epsom Lodge I met Major David Millar and what I saw from him and his family was their caring for people and that God was an everyday God, not just a Sunday God. That is what I try to practice here at court. It can be very draining listening to what is happening in the court. It’s challenging seeing the situations people are in and thinking, ‘How can this person get out of what led them here and what can I do for them?’ I have a simple faith, so that if I see the people come in, I want to love them and offer a word of encouragement.
Let’s Talk I would like: to explore what it means to follow Jesus information about Salvation Army worship and activities prayer for the following needs: NAME: ADDRESS:
Quickly, easily and securely donate food at foodbank.org.nz
Please post to: War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org
10 | WarCry 02 April 2016
Close Up | 11
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Five relationship experts recall the best relationship advice they ever received.
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Follower of a religion from India Befuddle Hireling A midway compass point (4,9) North American songbird Kind of cuisine Adds flavour to fresh fish Type of riverboat (6,7) Secret society from USA (2,4,4) Changed Twist together Strikingly strange or unusual Sign of nervousness Way, way off
QUICK QUIZ 1 2 3 4 5
Name the strongest recorded tropical cyclone to make landfall over Fiji? What day does the observance of Lent start? What is the collective noun for gnus (a type of antelope)? Ben Affleck plays what comic book character in a newly released movie? Who God’s back, since he could not bear to see him face to face?
Take it easy: The best relationship advice I’ve ever gotten, and that I give, is ‘easy does it’. Too often we get caught up in fear-based needs to control our partner. This pull becomes a destructive compulsion that corrodes the integrity of the relationship. It replaces respect and compassion with anger and resentment. It destroys the quality of our lives and over time, the relationship. This advice impacted the way I approach romantic relationships in that I allowed for a lot more space, which in turn allowed for less reactivity, more peace, happiness, and respect. Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, marriage and family therapist.
Give 90 per cent: My parents advised me about what they did in their own marriage: ‘both of you always think about giving 90 per cent to your partner and you both will be very happy’. They meant it’s so important to think about how your partner is feeling, to stand in their shoes, to be giving and compromising, and emotionally generous. The 10 per cent is for the understanding that sometimes it’s also okay to be a bit selfish, to place your needs first, or stand firm on something. They also made clear that this only works if you are both giving 90 per cent. Dr. Gail Saltz, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian’s Weill-Cornell Medical College.
Find more Cartoons by McKerrow on www.facebook.com/cartoonsbymckerrow
You are responsible for your own happiness: It’s not my partner’s job to make me happy. If you’re looking for someone to complete you—or vice versa—you’re looking in the wrong direction for the lasting happiness, wholeness, and fulfilment that you truly seek.
This advice transformed every relationship in my life—not just the romantic ones. Before I knew these things, I was unintentionally holding my partner responsible for my happiness. When I learned that I’m responsible for my own happiness and when I learned how to consistently align with it, my entire world transformed. Jeff Bear, life coach and founder of Bear Partners.
Stop waiting and live your life: When I was single and stressed about finding love, my good friend Scott, a confirmed bachelor, told me this. He said, ‘Lisa, you need to calm down, chill out and stop expecting love to be here already. Your sense of entitlement is killing your ability to attract a good man.’ When I realised he was right, I stopped waking up every day feeling angry that love hadn’t found me yet. As cliché as it sounds, I stopped waiting and started living. Overnight, my outlook changed. Lisa Steadman, author of ‘It’s a Breakup Not a Breakdown’.
Don’t put boundaries on others: You can’t put boundaries on someone else—only yourself. If someone is treating you badly, you can’t change their behaviour. But you can ask yourself why you accept it and how you can put a boundary on yourself so that you won’t accept it again. It made me take more responsibility for my role in bad relationships. Instead of feeling like a victim of circumstance, I was empowered to reject bad treatment. Dr. Wendy Walsh, author of ‘The 30-Day Love Detox’. Source: www.cheatsheet.com
Moving Mountains A new book by John Eldredge pokes at the bruises of seemingly unanswered prayers. Over recent years we have seen an increase in #prayfor[insert name here]—whether it’s for a humanitarian crisis, a terrorist attack, an individual or a celebrity who is in some sort of strife. On someone’s Facebook post that is traumatic or requesting help you can often see ‘praying for you’ commented again and again. But how many of us follow through? When does the hashtag move us from commenting to committing? How often do we follow up our ‘praying for you’ with actual prayer. Prayer is a popular topic for writers. A quick search of Amazon reveals more than 127,000 books on prayer. I certainly own my fair share of books on the subject, so I was especially interested to read Moving Mountains by John Eldredge (Nelson Books). I’ve read John Eldredge books before. He is an author, counsellor and a teacher. He’s also the president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recovering their own hearts in God’s love and learning to live in God’s kingdom. I must confess to feeling slightly wary of a book on prayer with the tagline ‘praying with passion, confidence and authority’. Not because I didn’t believe that was possible, but rather because despite having been a Bible reading, praying follower of Jesus for many years, I’ve run smack into the side of a few mountains that refused to budge despite the passionate and confident prayers of myself and other Jesus-loving people. But within the first few pages the author manages to poke at my spirit’s bruises from seemingly unanswered prayers. And he doesn’t stop. Before long I realised that he’s calling out the elephants in the prayer room, the supposed rules around prayer and how God operates and stripping back the Christian assumptions we often carry with no awareness of what we really believe. ‘Because one of the most crippling convictions held by believers today is the idea that everything that happens is the will of God. It is a poisonous belief that will destroy your confidence in God; you will end up believing terrible things about him,’ writes Eldredge. He doesn’t tippy toe around our pain or give three easy steps to avoid it in prayer. Rather, Eldredge calls us to embrace the notion that God helps us to mature by turning pain and pressure into life and growth. He echoes the sentiments of Salvation Army ‘Leadership Jesus Way’ teacher Major Ivan Bezzant and teachings by Dennis Peacock. It’s not necessarily
a popular view, but when did being comfortable ever move a mountain? This book is exceptionally practical. Eldredge offers a number of prayers you could pray that illustrate the premise of each chapter. He gives examples from his own journey and from those he has ministered to or journeyed with. One particularly powerful chapter is on ‘Inner Healing—Restoring the Soul’. ‘Very few of us pass through this life without damage inflicted upon our heart and soul,’ says Eldredge. He reminds us of both the value and beauty of the human heart and soul. He then walks us through recognising our wounds, where they originated from, and the process of prayer that invites the Holy Spirit to lead us through healing those wounds and becoming whole.
Cancer kills, marriages crumble, dreams die. What do we do with that? How do we keep ourselves connected to God and our hearts soft towards God and others? It is not that complicated. Yet, despite having received salvation through Jesus, so many of his followers don’t walk in the full salvation made possible through the cross. The last chapter, ‘Holding the Heart’, was perhaps one of the most personally challenging and encouraging. Life does not always go as we plan. Prayers often don’t get answered the way we expect. Cancer kills, marriages crumble, dreams die. What do we do with that? How do we keep ourselves connected to God and our hearts soft towards God and others? Why would we even consider facing another mountain when we’ve been body slammed to the ground countless times before? Eldredge responds, ‘Just as we must fix our eyes on Jesus when we pray, we must also fix our hearts on this one undeniable truth: life will win. When you know that unending joy is about to be yours, you live with an unshakeable confidence, it will almost be a swagger. You can pray boldly, without fear, knowing that, “If this doesn’t work now, it will totally and completely very soon.” We can have that kingdom attitude of Daniel’s friends, who said, “God is able to deliver, and he will deliver. But if not …” we will not lose heart. Period.’
02 April 2016 WarCry | 13
CATCHING UP WITH
We write specifically with our church in mind. We’ve served there for the last seven years, so we kind of know what they will sing and what they won’t sing …
SAM HEWAT caught up with the American
Christian worship duo at this year’s Festival One
The name ‘All Sons & Daughters’ perhaps isn’t one that most Christians in New Zealand would recognise. A seemingly young worship duo out of Franklin, Tennessee, Leslie Jordan and David Leonard aren’t known for recordbreaking albums or massive live performances. However, many would be surprised at just how much of their music is being adopted by church communities worldwide.
be. Although they were obvious headliners for the festival, they did anything but show off.
In fact, some churches are even beginning to base worship sets around the harmonic simplicity of Jordan and Leonard’s songs, most of which require just two voices, a guitar and keys.
Staying connected
So, for a duo who seem overtly modest, it might seem strange that they would make their way all the way out to a rural location in the middle of the Waikato, in the small country of New Zealand. It’s the first time All Sons & Daughters has made the trip, and one of the few times they have actually ventured outside their own country’s borders. However, for Leonard and Jordan, a setting like Festival One was precisely where they love to
Instead, what festivalgoers got to experience was two fellow Christians, blessed with an unparalleled musical talent, singing praises to God, and asking the congregation to join in. No flashy lights. No big band. No stage performance. Just a time of worship. Back home, the duo spends most of their time taking their talents across the US. In fact, they nearly spend more time on the road than they do at home! Which begs the question, ‘How do you stay plugged in? When you’re away from your church family for so long, how do you stay connected?’ Leonard’s answer is simple, and he puts it down to their strong church family back home. ‘We have a great community back home. We have a lot of people plugged in with us, and the beauty of technology means we can watch our home church whenever we are on the road.’ Similarly, they realise the importance of having
a strong support group on the road so life doesn’t split into two. ‘We have a really sweet group of people that we travel with and do life together with. Whether we’re specifically talking about serious stuff or funny stuff, it always tends to get really vulnerable and it’s very intentional,’ Leonard says. This is something that helps to keep the duo both challenged and grounded in reality.
Creative process But it’s not all roadwork and travel for the in-demand pair. When they are not busy performing across the country, they’re busy writing, composing and recording their latest masterpieces. As it stands, All Sons & Daughters is in the process of recording and releasing their fourth studio album, the release date set for August/ September this year. Jordan says it is a time of both creativity and performance. Which may lead one to ask, ‘How do you stay creative, when you’re trying to write a worship song? Do you risk losing elements of
musicianship or innovation when you’re trying to cater for a singing congregation?’ This is perhaps something all Christian musicians battle with, but especially so for a duo whose songs are now being sung by millions all over the globe. Jordan explains their writing process and how they try to strike a balance. ‘A lot of it depends on the moment,’ she says. ‘We write specifically with our church in mind. We’ve served there for the last seven years, so we kind of know what they will sing and what they won’t sing, and we’ve always had that in the back of our minds when we’re writing.’ As far as the new album is concerned, Jordan says it is, ‘a bit more on the creative side’. But that doesn’t mean they are trying to make it less congregational. ‘We’ve still taken a lot of texts from old hymns, so they are all very singable, and so familiar. We’ve tried to weave in traditional melodies even in the midst of the creativity. Maybe not in your traditional “Here I am to Worship” kind of context, but there is definitely a sing-ability to it.’
For those lucky enough to have heard the duo at Festival One, it was an unbelievable experience. Two of the world’s most talented Christian musicians offering their talents in songs of praise and adoration.
Elevation Worship: Solid, energetic and innovative worship music. Great for listening with your headphones or for all-in worship on a Sunday morning. Latest album: Here As In Heaven dropped 5 February.
We can’t wait to find out what’s next when the duo’s latest album drops later this year.
The Latest and Greatest
Hillsong Young & Free: High-energy, pop, electronica worship music. Just like your faves on the radio, but all about God. Latest album: Youth Revival dropped 26 February
The Christian music scene has a lot going on right now. So many amazing albums have just dropped with plenty more coming out in the next wee while. If you like All Sons & Daughters then you’ll also love …
Phil Wickham: Solid, catchy and lyrically onpoint worship music. Phil is like the younger, slightly more modern Chris Tomlin—top-notch music and lyrics. Latest album: Children of God dropping 22 April.
Gungor: Experimental, electronic, alternative rock worship music. Sounds bizarre, but actually so good! Latest album: One Wild Life: Spirit dropped 25 March.
Rivers & Robots: Soft, indie rock worship music. These guys have a familiar indie sound not often heard in the Christian scene. Latest album: The Eternal Son dropping early to mid-2016.
Emerald Hymns: Dreamy, indie rock worship music. Pretty much unknowns at the moment, but making some sweet new sounds. Latest album: Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs dropped 22 January.
Strahan: Folky, heartfelt, personal worship music. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Strahan’s music is great and his lyrics are even better. Latest Album: Title TBC dropping sometime in May.
BY VANESSA SINGH
WILL YOU HELP THE SALVATION ARMY IN FIJI?
keeping it sweet for fiji
It’s been just over a month since Cyclone Winston caused widespread destruction and devastation in Fiji. As usual, our media has moved on to the next big story, which means it’s easy to forget there are people still suffering the effects of the cyclone. But the truth is the people of Fiji have a long road of recovery ahead to rebuild their homes and communities. Since the cyclone struck, The Salvation Army has been hard at work supporting people. We’ve been providing food and clothing, cooking equipment, emergency shelters, and helping clean up rubbish thrown around by the strongest winds ever experienced in Fiji. And we’re buying seeds to help people replant crops that were destroyed. We’ve also been providing support for children in the village of Rakiraki. Alana LePine from Upper Hutt Corps travelled from New Zealand to help out. ‘Disasters can really impact a child’s wellbeing, and if they don’t have the space to talk about it and reconnect positively with people and their environment, it can have long-term impacts on their development,’ she says. ‘Many of the children in Fiji have been through cyclones before, but never as severe as Winston, and they’ve been left feeling frightened and worried.’ Before the local school reopened, The Salvation Army ran a programme for over 100 kids. ‘There were songs and games, and the children also wrote letters to kids in New Zealand,’ says Alana. This was followed by a time of hanging out and playing that gave them time and space to chat through what they were feeling and thinking.’ A special children’s rally was also held at the school. Over 200 people attended, with each child receiving Operation Christmas Child shoebox of small gifts to enjoy. Now that school has started again, The Salvation Army is partnering with teachers to spend time with any children who are really struggling to come to terms with all that has happened. ‘People say Fiji steals a piece of your heart, and it’s true,’ says Alana. ‘I was deeply moved and challenged by the love and generosity the Fijian people display, both young and old, despite their circumstances. It was so cool to connect with such beautiful kids, who have been through so much, yet carry so much joy and love!’
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Here are some great ideas that Major Brenda Luscombe (a Kiwi who’s served in Fiji) has come up with to help the people of Fiji. We’d love to see our Kiwi youth take up these challenges—and maybe some older Salvationists would like to give it a try too? Keeping it Sweet Challenge 1: Sugar is one of the major income earners for Fiji, so we reckon it would be cool to ‘Keep it Sweet for Fiji’. The challenge is simple: over the next week (or longer if you’re up for it!) any time you use sugar, enjoy a product with sugar in it, or have a sugary craving—pray for Fiji! Keeping it Sweet Challenge 2: The second challenge is trickier, but super practical: any time you use sugar or enjoy a product with sugar in it, write this down. At the end of the week, add up how many times you have enjoyed sugar and give that amount to The Salvation Army Fiji Emergency Appeal (www.salliesgiftsofhope.org). You might set an amount ‘per sugar unit’— like $1 any time you use or eat a product with sugar, or you could donate the $ equivalent (a $1.50 chocolate bar = $1.50 to Fiji). These are such simple ways to get involved, but will definitely help the nation of Fiji. Prayer along with practical support is a powerful combination, so let’s get involved and support our neighbours in their recovery!
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:
Donate some needed items. Buy a Fiji Gift of Hope through www.salliesgiftsofhope.org. You can buy anything from mattresses to tarpaulins, to a food and hygiene pack. Donate via internet banking. Our Fiji Emergency Appeal bank account number is BNZ 02 0568 0091726 02. Hold a fundraiser. You might have a sausage sizzle or bake sale at school, local store, or outside your corps! Then put the money toward the Fiji Emergency Appeal. Take up a love offering. Chat with your Corps Officers or youth leader about the possibility of a love offering at your next service or youth event.
Our Community | 15
New Cadets Welcomed into Training
Cadets of the Messengers of the Gospel—Ngā Kārere o To Rongopai —Session were welcomed into their first year of training at Wellington City Corps on 13 March. Cadets Grant and Lynda Pitcher (Hastings Corps), Michael and Chantelle Bryan (Far North—Kaitaia—Corps), Andrew and Maree O’Brien (Waitakere Central Corps), and Sung Woo (Beany) Cho (Wellington City Corps) have taken up the challenge of God’s call to serve as Salvation Army offices. Introducing the session to the congregation, Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Pauleen Richards thanked all who had invested in the cadets’ discipleship over the years and praised the session for ‘walking in God’s ways’. ‘We have a great and diverse group here,’ Pauleen said. ‘They are mature and with life experiences that we will build on at Booth College of Mission.’ Accepting the seven cadets for training, Training Principal Captain Ian Gainsford said, ‘We will train their hearts, their heads and their hands in pursuit of God’s will as blood and fire officers of The Salvation Army.’ He was confident the session would rise to the challenge of preaching the good news, reminding them, ‘It’s not your news you’re a messenger of—it’s God’s news, and I dare you to give yourself to this news!’ Cadet Lynda Pitcher shared her testimony. When she first sensed God was calling her to be an officer she felt safe, confident her husband Grant would never agree. Thirty minutes later, Grant told her he too had been called. At first, Lynda wrestled with thoughts of inadequacy, but God continued to remind her he would be with her. ‘We know that individually and together we will grow in our relationship with God, so we can go out fully equipped,’ Lynda said. Echoing the hopes of her sessional mates, she said, ‘Above all else, I desire to be God’s messenger of the Gospel.’ Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson displayed a carved stick from Africa that he said was ‘one thing, but many things’. In the same way, the Gospel was also ‘one thing, but many things’. Jesus said the gospel was good news about life—that it was about a person being whole, healed and complete, he explained. ‘That’s what it means to be a Messenger of the Gospel: that we will give our all to bring life to those who haven’t experienced it in all its fullness.’ He emphasised the importance of Salvationists being holy in their representation of Christ. ‘In Colossians, we’re told to put off the garment of judgement and put on the garment of compassion. We can put off greed and put on generosity. We can put off criticism and gossip, and put on encouragement and praise. We can put off pride, and put on God’s cloak of humility. And the Spirit of God offers to help us in this.’ He asked that God would help all Salvationists to be messengers of the Gospel to the world. ‘Use us to bring life,’ he prayed. The evening also provided an opportunity to welcome LieutColonel Jennifer Groves home to New Zealand after leading the Army’s work in Taiwan. Jennifer is on holiday ahead of taking up her next appointment on 14 June as Assistant Divisional Commander, Ontario Great Lakes Division, Canada and Bermuda Territory. Commissioner Donaldson extended a special welcome to Fiji’s Divisional Commander, Major David Noakes, asking him to take a message of love, support and appreciation from New Zealand Salvationists to the Salvationists of Fiji following Cyclone Winston.
World Day of Prayer Staff from Territorial and Divisional Headquarters in Wellington met for the annual World Day of Prayer on Friday 4 March. Staff contributed to an offering that will be used to support the Army's work with children affected by the recent cyclone in Fiji. The service was organised by Rosy Keane of the Women’s Ministries Department as an opportunity to intercede in prayer for the children of the world and to ask God to use his people as his hands and feet. Prayers were focused on Fiji, the Philippines, South Africa, Cuba and Tonga. A different speaker from THQ staff presented a brief overview of the culture, issues facing children and the role of The Salvation Army in each country. Some of the speakers shared personal experience of having lived and/or served in the country. Staff held cut-out figures to represent shocking statistics related to poverty and human need. For instance, that two out of 10 children miss out on education in Fiji, and that 17% of children in the Philippines do not have their births registered, which severely restricts their life opportunities. ‘The World Day of Prayer affords the opportunity for incredible unity among Christians around the globe. It is a time to participate in an inviting, inclusive environment that honours Jesus and the people we serve through prayer, education and action,’ said Rosy. ‘Thanks to all who were part of the World Day of Prayer events hosted across the territory. We look forward in eager expectation to God’s powerful acts in response to our petitioning.’
Running Rewards for Epsom Lodge
Nine formerly homeless Aucklanders took to the streets in their running shoes this month to race in the city’s Round the Bays event. The Salvation Army’s Epsom Lodge Supportive Accommodation centre residents were joined by four staff and two staff partners for the 8.4 kilometre fun-run and walk. Epsom Lodge programme coordinator Dave Norman said it was the second year the centre had entered a team in the event, and a larger team had taken part this year. The idea for doing the Round the Bays race had grown out of a Saturday running group at the Lodge. The group had run weekly at nearby Cornwall Park and taking part in Round the Bays was a fun next step and new way of encouraging positive social activities for clients, Dave said. There were different levels of experience and fitness, some ran and some walked, but there was a good team atmosphere among the team who wore specially made t-shirts organised by Epson Lodge director Captain Doug Newman, Dave said. ‘For most, this was a new event. We had some who ran it last year and we had two or three who were really competitive. But we all met up at the end and it was really positive. There was a real sense of achievement and the talk in the van afterwards was all positive.’ Epsom Lodge had been promoting the event and encouraging residents to join for a couple of months and 21 people signed up initially to take part. Staff had organised training on different days during the week or on the weekend and although some were unable to make it on the day the training was still a good experience, Dave said. ‘A lot of it was just about the preparation for the event; getting involved in a pro-social event, and getting some exercise. And it creates the opportunity for setting goals and self-motivation. It’s a good way to build relationships and connections, and to have a bit of fun outside of the Lodge.’
16 | WarCry 02 April 2016
Our Community | 17
Hunger for Colour Back for a Second Year Resene ColorShops were busy adding colour to Kiwi homes and putting food on the table for thousands with their second Hunger for Colour fundraiser, which ran from 1-29 February. This year’s Hunger for Colour saw Kiwis swap more than 24,000 cans of food for 55-80ml testpots of Resene paint at 65 Resene ColorShops and resellers around the country. The cans were donated to their local Salvation Army food banks. Resene Marketing Manager Karen Warman says the company first collected cans for The Salvation Army after the Canterbury earthquakes. Staff and customers loved the idea and the company had been looking for ways to give back ever since, she said. ‘We had fantastic feedback after last year’s campaign and so are really pleased to be able to run it once again. People liked donating food knowing it was going directly to help someone in need and the testpots are a popular, versatile product which encouraged people to come in,’ she says. ‘The stores loved it, customers loved it and we loved it!’ Resene Johnsonville ColorShop manager Jeseka Pile said staff were excited to see strong community supported for the campaign, especially at such a critical time of the year for The Salvation Army. Major Pamela Waugh, Territorial Secretary for Social Services, said the cans collected through Hunger for Colour were a major boost to the Army’s food bank supplies. ‘It was great to see such a helpful business
GAZETTE Appointment Effective 1 April: Capt David Daly, Divisional Commander, Central Division. Bereaved Col Doreen Bridge of her brother, David Matheson, on 14 March, from Christchurch. Mjrs Christine and Graham Rattray of their daughter, Amanda McEwen, on Sunday 13 March 2016, in Dunedin.
Resene Johnsonville ColorShop manager Jeseka Pile with Major Lesley Nicolson of Johnsonville Salvation Army partnership right around the country, including Gisborne, Invercargill and Palmerston North, which were especially strong supporters of Hunger for Colour this year.’
Australian Territories to Merge
(l-r) Commissioners James and Jan Condon, Brian Peddle (Chief of the Staff), and Tracey and Floyd Tidd The General has decided that from 1 January 2019, The Salvation Army’s two Australian territories, Australia Eastern and Australia Southern, will operate as one territory: the Australia Territory. The intricate process of bringing these two significant territories together will begin on 1 June 2016, when a National Commander will be appointed to guide the required changes. At the beginning of 2017, a National Chief Secretary will be appointed to give support to the National Commander. The target date of 1 January 2019 for launching the Australia Territory may seem far distant, but the General wants to afford ample time for the intricacies of the process to be worked through efficiently and effectively, without undue haste. If, at a later stage, it is felt that the target date could realistically be brought forward, that possibility will be given serious consideration and, if deemed appropriate, adjustments will be made to the timetable. The developing national team, under the leadership of the National Commander and National Chief Secretary, will support the process until such time as the single territory becomes operative, and at that point the terms ‘National Commander’ and ‘National Chief Secretary’ will be replaced by the usual ‘Territorial Commander’ and ‘Chief Secretary’, with a single territorial headquarters providing oversight for the Army’s mission throughout Australia. The national leaders will work closely with both territorial leadership teams as steps are taken towards the implementation of a single territorial team that will ultimately head up the Australia Territory. The eventual location of the territorial headquarters for the one territory is yet to be determined.
This decision has been reached following a lengthy and exhaustive review that has involved in-depth discussion with Salvation Army leadership, officers and soldiers in Australia, advisory board input from both existing territories, the administrative expertise of Colonel Glen Shepherd (Canada)—to bring an independent mind to the proposal— and, finally, consideration by the International Management Council at International Headquarters, under the chairmanship of the General. At various times since The Salvation Army in Australia was separated into two territories in 1921, there have been discussions within Australia and at International Headquarters about whether the mission of The Salvation Army might be better served by the unification of the two territories. In early 2015, Colonel Shepherd—a retired officer currently serving as a divisional secretary in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, and having seen service as both chief secretary and territorial commander during his years of active service—was engaged by the Australian territories to determine if there was a business case for their unification. The study was mandated to examine the costs and benefits (financial and missional) of such an approach, as well as the issues to be considered in the implementation of any form of unification. A financial analysis of the proposal has resulted in a confident expectation that the unification of these territories will bring about substantial savings, which will be invested in a Mission Development Endowment Fund to ensure the sustainability and further development of effective mission in a single Australia Territory. The creation of this single territory will also ensure that the Army speaks in Australia with a single voice and has a consistency of approach in all of its programmes, personnel management and business dealings. The Salvation Army has announced the appointment of Commissioner Floyd Tidd as its inaugural National Commander in Australia, effective 1 June 2016. Commissioner Tidd is currently Territorial Commander for the Australia Southern Territory and has had an extensive international career with the organisation. Commissioner Tracey Tidd is appointed National President of Women’s Ministries. ‘This is an important milestone that will further enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to provide life‐changing social and spiritual services to the people of Australia,’ said Commissioner Floyd Tidd. ‘I am delighted yet humbled by my appointment and ready to meet the challenge to ensure we strengthen our ability to provide social and spiritual services around the country.’ The international leadership of the Army seeks the prayers of all for the ongoing process of bringing these two territories together. It is believed, most sincerely, that the outcome will be the strengthening of the Army’s ministry in the beautiful land of Australia, and the enrichment of officers, soldiers and friends who work within the Army structure or offer valuable support from the sidelines.
TRIBUTE
Major Neil Waugh Neil Waugh was born in Patutahi, a small country settlement near Gisborne on 10 March 1965. He was promoted to Glory from active duty on Saturday 29 August 2015, aged 50 years, having given 22 years and seven months of service. Neil was born into a loving Christian family, with his parents and both sets of grandparents having a strong and active faith. He was the youngest of three children and was described by his sister as treasured and loving, yet cheeky. Neil’s father owned the local garage and workshop (Waugh’s Garage) in Patutahi and they were an extremely well known and respected family in the area. It is no surprise then that Neil’s love for cars and all things mechanical began at an early age. He trained to become a motor mechanic, working alongside his father. Neil entered The Salvation Army Training College from Gisborne Corps in the Ambassadors for Christ Session on 7 April 1988. Following his commissioning on 20 January 1990, Neil married Lieutenant Gillian Knight on 27 January 1990, and together they were appointed as Corps Officers, Alexandra. In January 1994, Neil and Gill were appointed as Corps Officers, Mosgiel, and Referral Officers for the independent living units. In January 2000, following a short break in service, Neil and Gill were appointed as Corps Officers, Gisborne, where Neil was also the Director of Community and Family Services, and Referral Officer, independent living units. In January 2007, they were appointed to West Auckland as Corps Officers, Waitakere Central Corps. Neil also had the additional appointment of Director, Community Ministries, Waitakere. In January 2013, Neil and Gill were appointed to the Belfast Corps, Christchurch, with the additional appointment for Neil of Referral Officer, Independent Living Units. It was while in Christchurch that Neil’s 18-month journey with cancer began.
Throughout the process of treatment, Neil and Gill lived out an authentic and unwavering faith in their Lord. They chose to worship in the midst of their pain; they chose joy. This is no surprise as it exemplifies the lifestyle Neil demonstrated throughout his life. Neil was a man with a large vision who thought outside the box and loved without judgement. For Neil, it was about family. His love for his own family: Gill and his boys Caleb and Ethan, adopted daughter-in-love Shannon, pop to Soraya and Maniai (and later daughter-in-law-to-be Nive and grandson Josias) was evident to all who knew him. Neil’s whole ministry was founded on the knowledge that God is about family too. Every tribute at his funeral spoke of being welcomed into Neil’s family, of being loved by Neil as a spiritual father, brother, son. Neil spent his life pursuing revival —a move of the Spirit, on earth as it is in heaven. On Sunday 23 August, just six days before he went to be with Jesus, Neil preached his final sermon, at the launch of the new Christchurch North Corps. This was Neil’s vision for Belfast Corps being realised. To the end of his days Neil was about seeing God work in the lives of people and believing for breakthrough. Throughout this unexpected and unwanted journey with cancer, Neil testified to an overwhelming sense of the presence of God. The words of the old hymn ‘It is Well With My Soul’ rang true for Neil. Major Ivan Bezzant, who led the service of thanksgiving for Neil’s life, challenged everyone that Neil had run his race well and they must now carry the baton. That, as Neil had prayed and believed for, we would see again a mighty move of the Spirit in our Army. And so we who knew Neil salute him and say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ We pick up the baton and say, ‘More, Lord, more.’
Promoted to Glory Lt-Col Enid Weggery on Friday 18 March from Dunedin, aged 89. Enid Arnland was born on the 20 Oct 1926 in Calcutta, India, to Danish missionary officers. Enid met Lawrence Weggery in India during Lawrence’s active service in the RNZAF. They married in October 1944. After Lawrence returned to New Zealand with Enid, they entered the Officer Training College from Lower Hutt Corps on 4 August 1945 as members of the Fearless Session. They were commissioned on 28 Jan 1946, and appointed Corps Officers, Terrace End Corps. For the next 17 years, they served as Corps Officers in Dunedin North, New Plymouth, Woodville, Palmerston North, Wanganui City, Newton, Christchurch City, and Wellington City. In 1964, Majors Enid and Lawrence Weggery were appointed to Territorial Headquarters, where Enid supported her husband as he served in various appointments in the Public Relations Department. In 1973, they returned to Dunedin, where Lawrence was appointed Divisional Commander and Enid was Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries. In 1976, the Weggerys were transferred to the Hong Kong Command as Officers Commanding. Four years later they returned to New Zealand, with Lawrence appointed as Divisional Commander, Wellington Division, and Enid appointed as Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries. Enid’s final appointment was as the Territorial Outer Circle Home League Secretary. The Weggerys retired on 1 January 1986, having completed 39 years of active officership. LieutColonel Lawrence Weggery was promoted to Glory on 11 May 2006. We honour Lieut- Colonel Enid Weggery for her 39 years of faithful active service and her continued ministry in retirement. Please uphold Enid’s family, her son Lyndon and daughters Ingrid and Commissioner Astrid Herring, and other family members in prayer. A celebration of Enid’s life was held at Dunedin City Corps on 20 March, conducted by Lieut-Colonel Lyn Buttar. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus! Mjr Thomas (John) Bailey on 15 March from Summerset Hospital, Flat Bush, Auckland, aged 82. Thomas was born in Wellington on 11 July 1933. He and Lola Bailey entered the Officer Training College from Lower Hutt Corps in 1969 as
members of The Evangelists Session. They were commissioned on 17 Jan 1970 and appointed to Epsom Lodge, Auckland. This was followed by appointments as Corps Officers in Temuka, Port Chalmers and Balclutha. From 1977, John and Lola Bailey spent 11 years in Auckland. They were appointed back to Epsom Lodge as assistants, and served at Auckland Bridge, Auckland Social Services and Resthaven Eventide Home. In 1988, John and Lola were appointed to Omaio Village in Nelson as Assistant Managers. In 1989, John and Lola were appointed as assistants on Rotoroa Island where John was the Business Manager. The couple’s final appointment was at Community and Family Services, Auckland. During this time John was also a Police Diversion Officer. They retired from active service on 1 August 1998. We honour Major John Bailey for his 28 years and six months of active officership and his continued service in retirement. Please uphold Major Lola Bailey, Mercedes, Avon and Narina, and other family members in prayer. A celebration of John’s life was held Otahuhu Corps on 19 March 2016, conducted by Mjr Judith Bennett. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus! Mjr Winsome Ferguson on 13 March from Mossbrae Hospital, Mosgiel, aged 82. Winsome Ruth Ferguson was born in Dunedin on 25 Nov 1933. She entered the Officer Training College from Dunedin South Corps in 1956 as a member of the Sword Bearer Session. Following her commissioning on 19 Jan 1957, Winsome was appointed to Port Chalmers as Corps Officer, followed by an appointment to the Bethany Hospital, Wellington, in 1958. Over the next four years, she served at Bethany Hospitals in Wellington and Christchurch, and at Redroofs Maternity Hospital, Dunedin. During this time she completed her midwifery training and was also The Salvation Army’s Ecumenical Representative in Dunedin in 1959. In 1962, Winsome commenced her overseas service. Between 1962 and 1989, she served in Indonesia at the Turen Hospital, the Semaran Eye Hospital and the Makasill Clinic, all in Djakarta. In 1989, Winsome moved to Africa, serving first in the Ghana Territory before moving in 1991 to Kenya East Territory. On 30 Jan 1997, Winsome retired and returned home to New Zealand. We honour Major Winsome Ferguson for her 40 years of active officership and her continued service in retirement. Please uphold extended family members in prayer. A celebration of Major Winsome Ferguson’s life was held at The Salvation Army, 4 Lanark Street, Mosgiel, on 16 March, conducted by Col Margaret Hay. Well done good and faithful servant of Jesus!
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Mission Matters | 19
LEADERSHIP LINKS
The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga exists to bring life to others. At our ‘Now is the Time’ Congress in September we will celebrate the success of 10 years of Territorial Strategic Mission Plan (TSMP) focus. During this time, congregational attendances have increased, we’ve maintained soldier enrolment numbers, seen more people involved in social justice, increased our mission focus, and invested in leadership development. However, in recent months we have noticed a dropping off in congregational and kids church attendances, and in soldier enrolments. Since September 2015, the Territorial Governance Board and the Territorial Executive Council have worked together to examine our current position, identify key issues, and establish a proposal for a strategic focus from 2017 to 2019. TSMP has been about action—the ‘what’. We want to make disciples, increase soldiers, fight injustice and develop leaders so we can care for people, transform lives and reform society. Our proposed new Mission Plan draws our attention to ‘why’ and ‘who’. Why do we exist? Why do we do what we do? Who do we need to be to achieve our mission? One of the ways Jesus described the good news of the gospel that he was bringing was simply to call it ‘life’ (John 10:10, 11:25 and 14:6). Jesus defines this life as about being whole, healed and complete (Luke 10:27), and gave his disciples the job of taking the message of a salvation that brings life to the world (Mark 16:8). Wonderfully, this life-giving salvation is captured in the Māori translation for ‘The Salvation Army’, ‘Te Ope Whakaora’, which literally means, ‘the Army that brings life.’ This phrase answers that question: ‘Why do we exist?’ The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga exists to bring life to others. We walk beside the poor, the prisoner and the oppressed through social action and social service. At the same time, we bring the good news of a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. And over the next three years, it is my hope that we will see greater fruit for the kingdom by being even more intentional about this holistic mission. Over the next three years, I also hope we will see a significant improvement in the quality of our internal culture. We need to reflect the values and qualities of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We were born out of a 19th century holiness movement, and it is time to reclaim both our beliefs and our practice. So, the proposal that will be put to Salvationists over coming months is that integrated mission and Christ-like living will become our two key strategic focus areas for the next three years. You will be invited to have your say through an open consultation process, details of which will soon be announced. Your feedback is valued and important to us. God bless you. Commissioner Robert Donaldson Territorial Commander
BY DEAN PALLANT
An Accountable Army The worldwide Salvation Army is working towards a culture of accountability, explains Dean Pallant. 2016 is going to be a landmark year for The Salvation Army’s Accountability Movement. This is the time to encourage every officer, Salvationist, employee and friend to get involved. The Accountability Movement is important because it is an opportunity for people to be renewed by God’s Spirit and refocused on God’s mission to redeem his world. First of all, let’s be clear about the breadth and scope of the word ‘accountability’. Many people think it is just about money. It is much more than that. Accountability is integrally connected to stewardship. We have a responsibility to give account to those who have entrusted us with something. So much of what we hold we do not own. For example, the public trusts the Army with their money, officers trust the Army with our working lives and, most importantly, God has entrusted to the Army the gospel. For more than two years I have been involved in countless meetings and discussions at International Headquarters (IHQ) and in many territories about accountability. If meetings could change the Army we would be perfect by now! Having said that, we had to be thorough and detailed to even start to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by The Salvation Army serving in 127 countries. There is no doubt that there are many differences in our ‘One Army’. At times, even talking about ‘One Army’ seems unrealistic. How can we compare ministry in Manhattan, New York, with Army work on a remote Indonesian island? However, I am convinced that we have much more in common than we often appreciate. I have been privileged to get a glimpse of the Army’s work in 47 territories and commands. When it comes to accountability issues, we have much in common. In every country, The Salvation Army works with people who—like ourselves—live in an imperfect, fallen world. Most importantly, we all depend on the same Saviour who gives us grace, wisdom and energy to serve.
Lack of accountability On my travels, many people share their concerns about a lack of accountability in the Army. It is interesting to hear the same issues come up time and again: • poor relationships between fellow officers • a lack of financial integrity • a lack of trust between officers and soldiers • distrust between corps, centres and headquarters • sexual failings
• • •
people seeking personal power for personal benefit a lack of love for people who are different to us out-of-date procedures and systems, which are not fit for the Army’s 21st-century mission. General André Cox says IHQ is leading a process to address systemic problems [Ed—see following article]. The General is blunt and transparent when he admits, ‘I can’t do that for every territory or command.’ Territorial and command leaders need to lead the change process in their areas of responsibility. However, we will not achieve the change God wants if we only focus on fixing systems. We also need to be brave and address relational problems. Why do we allow poor relationships in our corps, centres and headquarters to go unchallenged? Why are some leaders—in corps, centres and headquarters—allowed to abuse their power? Yes, we are a hierarchical organisation. Yes, we do need to accept authority, but as the General writes: ‘Authority is entrusted to an individual for the purpose of the common good within the community’ (see 1 Kings 3:9; 1 Corinthians 12:7).
Many people think accountability is just about money. It is much more than that. Accountability is integrally connected to stewardship … but people don’t get excited by accountability! Godly influence Power can be used in many ways. It is not just hierarchical power and authority that can be used for the common good. There are many opportunities for people to use personal influence for the Kingdom. Influence does not depend on rank or position. Can you think of a person who has influence that far exceeds their position or rank? I know many who influence me positively. Of course, influence can be used negatively and frustrate God’s purposes. Any authority, power or influence we have in The Salvation Army is not for our personal benefit. If we use our appointments for selfish ends, we need to be held to account for our unfaithfulness. For this Accountability Movement to gain momentum, everyone linked to The Salvation Army—employees, junior and senior soldiers, active and retired officers, adherent members, volunteers and friends—needs to catch the vision and get involved. This is a huge communications challenge. People don’t get excited by accountability! It can make people defensive and nervous. However, the vast majority of our Army family will be inspired and convinced if they see officers are personally committed to greater accountability. Our people long to see our Army being more effective in
God’s mission. We will quickly become cynical and demotivated if we sense that this is just a pretence to keep the General happy. This is not his idea!
What does ‘love’ look like? At the Last Supper, Jesus commanded his disciples: ‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:34-35). So what does ‘love one another’ look like in practice for a 21st-century Salvation Army? I suggest it is different from some of the attitudes and culture we have accepted in the past.For example: • Let us move away from a culture of ‘why do they need to know?’ towards an open, transparent culture of ‘why shouldn’t people be told?’ People can be trusted with more information—especially about finances and stewardship of resources. Obviously there is often a need for pastoral confidentiality, but this should not be an excuse to sweep sin under the carpet. • Let us move away from a culture of ‘don’t ask difficult questions’ to encouraging people to think, discuss and debate how the Army can be more effective, efficient and faithful in doing God’s will in our communities. We are not being loyal to God or the Army when we look the other way and ‘suffer in silence’ as one African officer described this problem recently. A strong leader allows people to disagree, but is able to explain the reasons for a decision. A weak leader silences all disagreement often by abusing power. • Let us reject a culture of ‘we must protect the reputation of the Army at all costs’—even if that means hiding the truth. At times we need to confront sin, even if people misunderstand our actions. These situations are often personally very costly. The Salvation Army is a highly trusted organisation, but we cannot take that trust for granted. We need to continually build trust in our communities by being people of integrity—despite the cost. • Let us reject a culture of distrust, and encourage an attitude of mutual respect and truth-telling between Army leaders and those under their command. I have met too many officers and soldiers who presume senior leaders are incompetent or corrupt or both. Are we taking on the attitudes of the world where all leaders are distrusted—in government, business, the law, medicine and the church? Is this culture of distrust infecting relationships in the Army?
A culture of trust We do not have to be close friends with everyone, but we need to work together for God’s mission. Players from winning sports teams often refer to the importance of their team values. Players who do not buy into the team culture are dropped. If athletes recognise the importance of this to becoming a sports champion, how much more should we be
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Mission Matters | 21
The Salvation Army Accountability Movement The Army’s international leader, General André Cox, shares his desire to see an accountability culture influencing Salvation Army practices around the world. Since my election as the General I have focused on issues relating to accountability. I have spoken about this at the 2014 International Conference of Leaders (ICL), and the keynote address at the General’s Consultative Council (GCC) in January 2015 followed this theme. This focus is not something that came as a blinding revelation to me at the 2013 High Council, but is the fruit of things that have preoccupied me for much of my 36 years of service as a Salvation Army officer. The subjects of accountability and impact measurement were widely discussed at the ICL in 2014, and were indeed a significant focus of that particular conference. The need for accountability was recognised as an urgent priority and endorsed by all the territorial and command leaders present. Since then, things have moved on. willing to live out Christ’s values in ‘Team’ Salvation Army? Developing a culture of trust and mutual respect means if leaders or followers behave badly there must be consequences. The General has made it clear that everyone needs to be held to account—failings need to be addressed and robust reporting systems are required. However, we need to trust our leaders unless there is evidence to the contrary. We should give them the benefit of our doubts, but also be brave enough to tell them what we are thinking. Our leaders should respond to our opinions with grace and honesty. Where there is evidence of failure, we must find ways to address the problem inside the Army. Read Paul’s strong words to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 6:1–11) before considering other courses of action. Let us reject the practice of complaining secretly or writing anonymous letters. We need to learn how to ‘speak the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15) to each other. A new accountability culture will require effective processes to deal with whistle-blowers—but allegations must be backed up with facts, not rumours. • Let us reject a culture of ‘do nothing, so we cannot be blamed if it goes wrong’. Sometimes people are scared of taking action in case they get blamed. This climate of fear results in a wasting of Army resources and lost opportunities for Kingdom growth. Remember Jesus teaching about the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14– 30)? We are accountable for what we do not do as much as for what we do. • Let us move away from a culture of cynicism and negativity. Yes, the mission is often hard. As Edward Henry Bickersteth wrote (SASB 746, v3): ‘I know how hardly souls are wooed and won / My choicest laurels are bedewed with tears.’
Renewed and refocused When we experience failure or disappointment we must resist the temptation to become hardened and bitter. We are a people of hope, not of hopelessness—‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31). The Lord is still using the Army in many places. Let us humbly learn from others who are producing fruit. One of the key aims of the Accountability Movement is to encourage a culture of learning across the Army. We have much we can learn from each other if we are willing to listen and adapt. These are a few examples of the culture that the Accountability Movement is encouraging—and those to be rejected. My prayer is that this movement will result in deeper, more authentic relationships with God and each other. To reiterate, the aim of this movement is to give more opportunities for people to be renewed by God’s Spirit and refocused on God’s mission to redeem his world. Don’t wait for someone to tell you how to be a good steward. Pray about it, ask God for guidance and then get on with it. The Holy Spirit is already active around the Army world. There are accountability initiatives in many territories such as Pakistan, Canada and Bermuda, the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, and there is an
The four main work streams of The Salvation Army’s international Accountability Movement—governance, safeguarding (child protection), impact measurement, and finance—are now well established. Their purpose is to help us strengthen accountability across the worldwide Salvation Army. I must stress that this is something that applies to every territory, command and region around the globe. It is therefore essential that we engage in this journey at all levels. The principles apply to the office of the General right down to the remotest corps or smallest Salvation Army programme.
CORE VALUES When we forget, neglect or ignore our core values, we are in for trouble! Where there is lack of accountability, we are in for trouble! A lot of material has been produced for the business world and notfor-profit sectors dealing with ethics and good governance. Generally speaking, much of it talks about values and principles, including some that organisations such as ours should aspire to, such as: •
Fidelity to purpose; all resources, energies and activities devoted to promoting its public benefit.
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Altruism and benevolence; underlying motivation of public interest, not self-interest.
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Integrity; commitment to the highest standards of integrity.
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Optimising resources; ensuring that valuable and limited resources are spent in an appropriate manner (avoiding undue risk).
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Avoiding conflicts of interest; when a person in a position of trust makes a decision or enters into a contract from which they themselves, friends, relatives or associates stand to benefit.
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Equality and non-discrimination; proactive steps to prevent unfair discrimination in the conduct of an organisation (eg race, gender or disability).
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Democracy and empowerment; decisions should be informed by knowledge, research and a participative process allowing for wideranging consultation and feedback.
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Independence and impartiality; all eligible beneficiaries must be treated equally and fairly, without special favour or prejudice.
A THEOLOGY OF ACCOUNTABILITY Accountability is essentially about doing the right thing, not just for the sake of legal compliance. It has its foundation in a ‘theology of accountability’ that highlights principles and characteristics central in the faithful exercise of authority and practice of accountability: •
innovative collaboration between Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Southern Africa working with the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary territory. In each instance, there is a slightly different way of encouraging change, but they are all moving in the same direction of greater accountability. Let us all commit ourselves to be more accountable and better stewards. Not just for money, property or other physical resources, but also for our relationship with God and our relationships with family, friends and neighbours. As The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine explains, we have a high calling: ‘To realise Jesus’ radical ethic of love is to treat all our relationships as holy covenants. God is able to love through us.’ Let us all seek God’s will in every part of our lives and be willing to answer tough questions when our relationships fall short of a holy covenant. Remember, this is not just about rejigging Army systems or tweaking policies and regulations. The Salvation Army’s Accountability Movement will only have true Kingdom impact if our relationships are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The question is, do we really want to be accountable? Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant is Director of the International Social Justice Commission and International Accountability Movement Coordinator, International Headquarters.
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The source and example for authority and accountability is God: God the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things is the source of all authority (see John 1:3-4). He is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:15-18). It is God who gives to leaders in the Church their authority to lead (1 Corinthians 12:28). They are aCcountable first of all to him. If they are unfaithful in its use, authority can be taken away (Matthew 25:14-28). Mutual accountability: We are accountable to God and to one another for our relationships, our actions and our stewardship of resources—for justice, harmony and development within the community. We should not think too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3) but value every part of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:1231), remembering that gifts are given not only to leaders. Being accountable to each other requires us to learn how to ‘speak the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15) so we can become the mature Body of Christ. Parameters define the limits of authority: In his teaching—and by calling the disciples to account for their ministry (Luke 10:1-3, 17-20)—Jesus sets the pattern. The parameters are set within the context of relationship with God and of living in the power of the Holy Spirit. When the relationship with God—Father, Son and Spirit—is right, we live within the parameters; then right relationships with one another will follow. When necessary, the exercise of authority may require the administering of corrective discipline. Authority is entrusted to an individual for the purpose of the common good within the community: All people participating in God’s mission through The Salvation Army are accountable to God and to one another for staying within the parameters set by the Bible and applied by The Salvation Army. Authority is not about coercion or brute force. It is about leading others in the Spirit of Jesus.
It is essential that the different parts of the Body of Christ are held to account for the part they are called to do to achieve the common good (1 Corinthians 12). For example, some are called to govern while others are called to manage. These are different roles and a separation of powers is required for the common good.
While our accountability is based on Christ’s values, there is nothing in this list that conflicts with the way we should work for God. Christ’s values must be central in the way we govern The Salvation Army. Our governance structures and systems must ensure Christ’s values are protected and promoted in the way we work.
COMMITTED TO ACCOUNTABILITY To assist us in ongoing development of the Accountability Movement in The Salvation Army, each of our four work streams have endorsed the following four commitments: 1. Accountability, measurement and ongoing learning primarily help people to improve their progress on the journey. 2. A faithful culture of accountability will result in more quality and integrity in our work and ministry. 3. Accountability is part of being good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, including caring for people and his creation. 4. Accountability is strengthened by using a reflective, faith-based way of working (such as Faith-Based Facilitation and the Mission Accountability Framework). Every long journey commences with the first step, and we have begun the process of analysing our governance and accountability tools. ... People regularly point out to me any inconsistencies with things we say which do not translate into action. Sometimes I feel there is in some people’s minds a huge sense of futility when we begin to unpack everything the Accountability Movement is highlighting. Some perhaps shrug their shoulders and say, ‘What is the point? Things will never change!’ If that is indeed our attitude, then nothing will ever change! We may not yet have reached perfection, but we must never stop striving for it! Source: Both of these articles are reprinted from The Officer magazine (published by International Headquarters). The General’s article has been abridged.
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CALENDAR APRIL 8: Daylight Savings Ends in NZ 5–8: Foundations for Community Ministries / Booth College of Mission 11–13: 12 Step Course (Part 2) / Booth College of Mission 12: Red Shield Breakfast / Auckland 13: Red Shield Breakfast / Wellington 13: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 15-29 April: Kids Peak Adventure / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 19–21 April: C-Squared—Connecting & Communicating / Booth College of Mission 22-1 May: National Youth Band Tour / Perth & Melbourne, Australia 23: Taupo 7s / Taupo 23: Southern 7s / Timaru 25: Anzac Day 26–28 April: Family Store Managers Training / Booth College of Mission 29: Red Shield Breakfast / Christchurch
MAY 2–8: Red Shield Appeal 9–11: Learning & Development Conference / Booth College of Mission 13–15: Women’s Camp (Lower South) / Southern Division
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 2–4 April: Territorial Governance Board visit to Midland Division 4 April: Rotoroa Island AGM, Auckland 12 April: Red Shield Breakfast, Auckland, visits to Auckland City & East City Corps 13 April: Red Shield Breakfast, Wellington, and Spiritual Day, BCM 29 April: Red Shield Breakfast, Christchurch, visit to Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 12 April: Red Shield Breakfast / Auckland 13 April: Red Shield Breakfast / Wellington
PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Sydenham, Taupo, Tauranga, Tavenui and Tavua Corps, Children’s Mission workers, The Salvation Army in Korea.
Across: 1 Biceps, 4 Seamless, 9 Dingo, 10 Pistachio, 11 Hoof, 12 Ides, 13 On ice, 15 Sensual, 16 Ugly, 19 Plus, 20 Harpoon, 23 Xerox, 24 Edam, 25 Visa, 27 Time limit, 28 Fling, 29 Coronary, 30 Trudge. Down: 1 Buddhist, 2 Confound, 3 Peon, 5 East southeast, 6 Meadowlark, 7 Ethnic, 8 Smoker, 10 Paddle steamer, 14 Ku Klux Klan, 17 Modified, 18 Entangle, 21 Exotic, 22 Tremor, 26 Afar. Quiz Answers: 1 Cyclone Winston, 2 Ash Wednesday, 3 Implausibility, 4 Batman (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice), 5 Moses (Exodus 33:23).
WE WANT TO SEE YOU AT THE
2016 National Māori Ministry Hui Queen’s Birthday Weekend 4–6 June
OMAHU MARAE, 1857 State Highway, Fernhill, Hastings These are exciting times for Māori Ministry, and it’s a great time to come together to korero about how we can meet our visions and aspirations and to celebrate the inroads that have already been made. More details to come soon, but please get in touch NOW to register your interest in what’s sure to be a watershed weekend for Māori Ministry. Contact national Māori Ministry leaders Lieuts Tau and Trish Mataki. Email: maori_ministry@nzf.salvationarmy.org.
Words of Life
May to August Available Now The latest edition of The Salvation Army’s daily devotional is available now from Salvationist Resources. The theme is ‘The Purpose of Prayer’. e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org or p: (04) 382 0768.
Wellington South Corps 1891–2016 Celebrating 125 years in the Newtown Community 26–28 August 2016
Come and join us to honour the past, celebrate the present and anticipate the future as we look to transition from our current facilities to a new multi-purpose complex. Events include an opportunity to mix and mingle, and participate in community outreach, a dinner, a concert and Sunday worship. With guest leaders Commissioners Robert and Janine Guest Leaders: Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson Register your interest: e: wellingtonsouth.corps@gmail.com
Call for Paper: Thought Matters Conference Thought Matters is the annual conference of The Salvation Army Tri-Territorial Theological Forum (TTTF), which aims to facilitate theological discussion that informs ministry practice. This involves the three territories of Australia Eastern, Australia Southern, and New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. This year’s conference is from 14–16 October, in Melbourne, Australia. This year’s conference theme is ‘Rediscovering Salvation’. If you would like to present a paper, submit an abstracts of no more than 200 words by 29 April 2016 to www. sarmy.org.au/thoughtmatters
Māori Ministry Strategic Plan Bicultural Consultation Wānanga Sat 2 April MIDLAND Taupō Corps To be advised SOUTHERN Aranui Corps Fri 13 May NORTHERN Auck City Corps Fri 27 May NORTHERN Whangarei Corps Enquiries? Contact Lieutenants Tau or Trish Mataki e: tau_mataki@nzf.salvationarmy.org or p: 21 73 728 e: patricia_mataki@nzf.salvationarmy.org or p: 21 478 273 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you, O God, judge the people with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Psalm 67:4
SUNDAY 3 APRIL
Family
Community
Kingdom