3 November 2018 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION  03 NOVEMBER 2018 | Issue 6704 | $1.50

Overcoming Social Awkwardness Sallies Meth Programme Wins Award The Case for Going Vego

Why Do We Long For More?

A Miraculous Mountain Rescue

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS William

& Catherine Booth

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.

MANAGING EDITOR Ingrid Barratt | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Hugh Collins, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford, Vivienne Hill | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Major

Paul Gardner OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box

6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Fax (04) 382 0716, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone

(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT www.makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset

is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

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 135 years | Issue 6704 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

www.salvationarmy.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS @SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts

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It’s All About the Love If you took part in the launch of New Zeal last week, the atmosphere of praise, the beauty of the mercy seat and the stirring words of our Territorial Commander Commissioner Andy Westrupp will still be echoing in your mind—as it is in mine.

I was at Auckland City Corps for the event and afterwards interviewed several people about what they got out of the service. Almost unanimously, people said they felt that it was ‘all about the love’. How simple, and yet how profound.

As Andy said during his moving sermon, the earliest Christians only had this: ‘Jesus died, was buried and rose again’. He explained just what a radical departure this was from the rules of their native Judaism. Even today, we often fail to grasp this radical freedom: ‘We still struggle with this today: that no longer is our faith in God governed by a set of rules. Jesus was signalling a change in relationship— that faith could be just that, a relationship.

‘We’ve become so good at providing for ourselves it’s almost as if it’s dulled our need for God. We have robbed ourselves of faith. We have robbed ourselves of a belief in God’s real intervention in our lives today,’ challenged Andy.

In summary, he said: ‘I want to lead an Army that is desperate for God in these days.’ Yes and Amen. We long for you Lord. Let us discover, once more, your love.

Ingrid Barratt Editor

For Jesus there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, no people to be dominated.

Only people to be loved.

Henri Nouwen.

Acts 10: 28 & 34 But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean … I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism.

Ngā Mahi 10: 28 & 34 … otiia kua whakakitea e te Atua ki ahau kia kaua e kīia tētahi tangata he noa, he poke … Nā ka puaki te māngai o Pita, ka mea, he pono ka kite ahau kāhore a te Atua whakapai kanohi.

W

e live a little more than an hour’s drive from the Southern Alps. But a recent news story reminded me that it is a world away. Like the words to the famous song: ‘Welcome to our world, won’t you come on in, miracles they say, still happen now and then’. Well, this was a miracle …

Australian military officer and would-be mountaineer, Lieutenant Terry Harch, was attempting to climb Mt Aspiring, at a height of 3030 metres, in the middle of winter—something even experienced mountaineers do with great caution.

Newspaper reports described how he worked his way up until the last hut before the summit. Here, he left his heavier clothing to make a lighter dash for the top. It is not clear how, but somehow—in ascent or descent—disaster overtook him and he was disabled in ice and snow in sub-zero temperatures.

Providentially, he had a tracking device on him so he was able to send a distress signal. Amazingly, his signal was picked up in the United States and relayed back to New Zealand.

A team of four highly skilled rescuers prepared, but in the midst of a blizzard, the weather made it impossible to get onto the mountain.

Meanwhile, over 2000 metres up, the only thought was survival, hope and possibly prayer.

Could he survive the inevitable wait for rescue and medical attention—clad as he was in his lighter clothing, in the unforgiving cold?

Meanwhile, a systematic search began. His car?

Yes! It was still in the car park. Other possibilities were explored—but all to no avail. Days passed and the weather remained obstinately impossible. Hope was fading.

Then, a brief break in the weather. The team was ready and waiting. A skilled helicopter pilot was able to lower a search and rescue team near the site before the weather clamped down again.

As the helicopter soared up the mountain, it reverberated with the words of a previously rescued mountaineer: ‘I always knew angels had wings, now I know they also have blades’.

Unbelievably, the pilot spotted a man, waving his arms, outside a makeshift snow cave. Terry, who had been on the mountain for a week, was found.

As dark descended, the rescue team were unable to leave the mountain. Now the real work of discovery and recovery began, and it required all the skills of the mountaineers to erect shelter.

Paramedics were there to gently restore warmth, circulation, liquid, food and hope.

What did it take for these skilled, dedicated rescuers to save a life? It took accumulated years of training, planning and sacrificing—to be ready whenever the need arises.

Preparation must be made. The Bible says that God has been preparing to ‘rescue’ you from the mountain top from the very beginning: ‘But you were purchased with the precious blood of Christ the Messiah, like that of a sacrificial lamb without blemish or spot. It is true that he was chosen and ordained (destined and foreknown) before the foundation of the world’, says (1 Peter 1:19–20 Amplifed).

God is ready, waiting to respond to the beacon you send him. Are you ready to receive?

BY STAN HARRIS

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OURPEOPLE

Stan Harris (War Cry contributor) Stan Harris has been retired for a number of years—by that, he means he is still Divisional Envoy at Sydenham Corps, went to hotels with War Cry every Friday night for 50 years and, until recently, held monthly chapel services in rest homes around Christchurch.

‘Mounting years may mean reduced mobility, even ability, but stay alert for opportunities and, above all, keep in touch—humanly and divinely,’ says Stan. ‘Oh! and do listen to the present generation. Some will share hopes and dreams with you—they’re precious,’ he adds. This week Stan and his wife Lorna celebrate 60 years of marriage—congratulations you young things!

Kids Donate Birthday Money for Foodbanks When a person receives birthday money, they can typically be seen hurtling towards the nearest shopping mall. But two Taranaki kids thought they’d do things a little differently.

Riley and Ella Birkett, aged 13 and 11 respectively, were each given $90 in birthday money from their parents and nana. But instead of treating themselves, the Egmont Village School students decided to use their money to buy cans for the Wattie’s Cans For Good campaign.

But Ella and Riley’s generous spirit didn’t end there. When planning their combined birthday party, they told friends to ‘bring cans not presents’. And to top it off they spoke with their principal and encouraged fellow students to bring cans into their school—a total of 240 were collected.

‘We thought it was such a great idea so we decided to dedicate our birthdays towards giving people what they need,’ Riley said. ‘It’s the greatest feeling to know that you’ve helped someone out that much.’

‘It’s something we certainly as parents wanted to encourage with the kids, to think of others first,’ mum Tanya said. ‘Hopefully that’s really got them engaged with the idea that giving means a lot more to you sometimes than the person you give to.’

Ella and Riley’s actions meant their school won a $500 Prezzy Card after they did a ‘can creation’ depicting daffodils—a flower associated with Taranaki.

Now in its third year, the Wattie’s campaign collects cans for The Salvation Army’s foodbanks.

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Weird of the Week: The ‘sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick’ is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.

Drama, Music A Star is Born (M, sex scenes, coarse language and drug use) Bradley Cooper

This film draws you into the love story of musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) and struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). Jackson is instantly captivated by Ally when he hears her sing, and invites her to share the stage with him at his concert. As her career takes off, his addictions begin to take over his life and uncertainly grips their relationship. Bradley Cooper’s performance holds its own alongside Lady Gaga’s incredible voice.

It’s a smorgasbord of emotion, music and acting— bound to be recognised come awards season. It tackles some pretty tough topics and while not a squeaky-clean film, has a beautifully raw honesty about it.

(Reviewed by Shar Davis)

WARCRYINHISTORY The Army’s Mobile Red Shield Canteen became a familiar sight during World War II, when there were movements of troops. ‘Many hundreds of the servicemen have enjoyed the Red Shield cup of tea, lining up for a refresher before commencing the final stretch of their journey home,’ reported War Cry in September 1945. At Wellington Wharf, the Canteen served ‘returning men, as well as to Allied servicemen from overseas, transport drivers, and military officers who have long hours of heavy service in directing and oversighting troop movements.’

Source: Booth College of Mission Heritage and Archives Centre

QUIKQUIZ

1 What is the birthstone for November?

Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Cakes

2 What date is All Saints Day celebrated?

The salt of the feta goes well with the sweetness of pumpkin. Makes 12 large cakes.

3 What year did Margaret Thatcher resign as the British Prime Minister?

TOPFIVE If someone in your family is busy studying for school exams this week, take a break with these inspirational exam answers.

1 Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread which is bread made without any ingredients.

Moses died before he ever reached Canada.

4 What is the point of the Movember challenge to grow a moustache?

5 What man of Bethany did Jesus bring back to life?

Answers on page 22

250g peeled and cubed pumpkin 2 large eggs ¼ cup milk 125g frozen spinach, thawed 100–125g feta, crumbled ½ cup self-raising flour ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp curry powder ½ tsp salt Pepper to taste 2–3 Tbsp oil for frying

4 Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.

5 There are rings on Saturn because God liked it, so he put a ring on it.

Break the eggs into a medium-sized bowl, then add the milk, spinach and feta. Add the mashed pumpkin and stir until well mixed. Sprinkle in the flour, cumin, curry powder, salt and pepper. Gently fold together until just combined.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick pan. Drop servingspoonfuls of batter into the pan, leaving space for turning. Cook over a medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Arrange cooked cakes on a double layer of paper towels and keep warm until finished cooking all of them.

Serve with salads, and sauces such as sweet chilli, tomato or raita.

2 The Greeks had myths. A myth is a female moth.

3 ‘Solomom’ had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines.

Place the pumpkin in a small bowl and microwave on high for 4–5 minutes, stirring after two minutes, until tender. Mash roughly then set aside.

Reprinted with permission from The Ultimate Vegetarian Collection by Alison and Simon Holst.

It takes considerable knowledge just to realise the extent of your own ignorance.

Thomas Sowell Economist

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Salvationist Petrina's moko has the cross at the centre, symbolising the reconciliation and forgiveness found in Christ. It is this gospel that inspired the peaceful protests at Parihaka. Photography: Major Paul Gardner.

There is a growing movement to commemorate Parihaka Day on 5 November—the day in 1881 that a peaceful Māori village was ransacked by 1600 troops. Is this part of our history best left in the past, or is it still shaping our nation?

BY HUGH COLLINS

hen you think of 5 November, it’s likely you have warm memories of lighting fireworks on the back lawn. Guy Fawkes has always been a great excuse to get together with friends and family in the name of a few colourful explosives. But for the tangata whenua of our land, 5 November runs a little darker.

On that day in 1881, 1600 troops invaded the community of Parihaka, a Māori village which had come to symbolise the peaceful resistance to the European confiscation of Māori land. But what relevance does this have for us 137 years later? Its brutal colonial characteristics means Parihaka can be a challenging part of our history to engage with. Yet, when we dig a little deeper, we find its core themes can play an imperative role in building a nation of love and grace.

The power of peaceful resistance In 1863, the New Zealand Parliament introduced the New Zealand Settlements Act, a law which gave the government power to confiscate Māori land. This was about punishing Iwi who were said to have rebelled against the authority of Queen Victoria. Subsequently, around three million acres of Māori land across the North Island was taken and seized by the British. Around the same time, the government also introduced the Suppression of Rebellion Act; this meant any Māori that fought against British forces could be arrested and detained indefinitely without trial.

Founded in 1866, Parihaka was established on government-seized land by chiefs Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi. Located directly to the west of Mount Taranaki, it attracted Māori who had been driven off their land as a result of the ongoing confiscations. The village gradually grew to over 2000 and impressed many Europeans with its crops and self-sufficiency.

As the Taranaki region grew with European settlers, so, too, did demand for farmland. While some Māori accepted government payments for their land, others in the region rejected them—the government began making plans to seize their land anyway and, by 1878, began preparing for its sale. As compensation for these confiscations, the Europeans promised Māori they would be allowed to occupy specific reserves. They also promised that significant burial, cultivation and fishing grounds would be left alone.

However, it quickly became clear the settlers would not be keeping their promises. So, in an expression of non-violent protest, Te Whiti, Tohu and 03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 7

a number of followers began ploughing settlers’ farmland and placing fences across roadways. By the end of May 1879, protestors had ploughed settler land across the Taranaki region. As a result, more than 400 of Te Whiti and Tohu’s followers were arrested without trial.

The fascinating thing about Te Whiti and Tohu was that they believed in peaceful, non-violent resistance; much in the vein of Matthew 5:38–40. The two leaders were, in fact, deeply religious people who drew their ethics about peace from the Bible.

Senior lecturer of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, Geoff Troughton, says a peace ethic of non-violence and forgiveness was a core feature of the teachings circulating within Māori Christian communities at the time and also at Parihaka. ‘Often we hear about Parihaka and Te Whiti’s movement as an independent Māori prophetic movement, apparently espousing quite novel ideas. There is something to this, but it was also informed thoroughly by biblical Christian teaching,’ Geoff says. ‘It comes through a creative integration of Māori sensibility, Māori peace-making priorities and a Christian ethic about non-violence and non-retaliation.’

Geoff talks of John Ward, a government-appointed interpreter who spent time with Te Whiti and Tohu [when they were taken to the South Island] and wrote of his impressions. Ward attempted to get the Māori leaders to read Western literature—such as Robinson Crusoe—however, they only wanted to read the Bible. ‘Ward thinks these guys are religious nutters, he calls them religious maniacs because they take the Bible so seriously.’

Invasion day As Pākehā grew increasingly concerned about ongoing Māori resistance, the government decided it was time to take action. It was then, on 5 November, that 1600 volunteer and Armed Constabulary troops descended upon Parihaka. Native Minister John Bryce ordered the arrest of its leaders and the destruction of its village. Yet the community refused to show signs of violent resistance—they even sent children out to greet the government troops with food and songs.

Te Whiti and Tohu were arrested and charged with ‘wickedly, maliciously, and seditiously contriving and intending to disturb the peace’. Parihaka was placed under strict military supervision, with 70 soldiers and five officers based at the village. The people of this once thriving community were left demoralised and landless.

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To prevent further Māori resistance, the government introduced The Indemnity Act of 1882—intended to give legal protection to the politicians and soldiers involved. The introduction of The West Coast Preservation Act also meant it became illegal for a group of 50 or more Māori to gather in one place. Naturally this was devastating for Māori, who are deeply embedded in community.

Te Whiti and Tohu were jailed without a fair trial. After two years, they were sent back to Parihaka. The crown kept around 5000 acres of reserves—land that was originally promised to Māori—as ‘compensation’ for the ‘cost’ of military activities.

What does Parihaka have to do with us?

It can be tempting to see Parihaka as an event best forgotten.

After all, those directly affected are long gone. But peaceful resistance stories such as Parihaka remind us there are other ways to live out and narrate New Zealand’s story, says Geoff.

‘We’re happy to remember World War I and the impact that has had on New Zealand history and culture. But we have to be real about violence closer to home from an earlier period— violence that was met with great patience and forbearance,’ reflects Geoff.

‘Many of our stories of nationhood and what it means to be a New Zealander, are forged in conflict. We like to think of ourselves as a peaceful nation. But why don’t we tell peace stories more? Why don’t we have more of a story of our nationhood that’s grounded in actual peace-making?

‘It doesn’t have to be all about Gallipoli or about sacrifice in battle. It can be about stories of people struggling to overcome injustice and other problems, but giving up their right to vengeance, self-assertion and the temptation to dominate others out of a preference for love and for non-violence.’

Salvation Army Māori Ministry leader Lieutenant Tau Mataki says recognising the atrocities of Parihaka, and others like it, can play a significant part in the continuing restoration of Aotearoa.

‘You’re actually seeing Māori want to talk about restoration, as opposed to saying “give me back what you took”.’

He says while the vast land confiscations are not easy stories for Pākehā to tell, it’s vital to recognise our past if we want move forward. ‘I am seeing through the examples of Parihaka the need for us to actually acknowledge those wrongs from non-Māori,’ adds Tau. ‘In Parihaka, they stood there as a faith community, they knew it didn’t matter what happened, they were covered by the blood of the lamb.’

Taranaki Peace Walk 2016 saw hundreds of people walk from New Plymouth to Parihaka. Photography: Jane Dove Juneau.

‘WE LOVE THE HEROISM AND THE BEAUTY OF THE PARIHAKA STORY, BUT IT’S A CHALLENGING STORY. NONVIOLENCE IS REALLY, REALLY CHALLENGING.’ An overdue apology On 10 June 2017, then-Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Chris Finlayson publicly apologised to the people of Parihaka at a historic reconciliation ceremony. ‘The Crown profoundly regrets these actions, which have burdened the people of Parihaka with an intergenerational legacy of grievance and deprivation, and which have burdened the Crown with a legacy of shame,’ Finlayson said.

‘For the vision of Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai was not one of protest and resistance. Theirs was a vision of self-determination, co-operation and peace.

‘In the past, the Crown felt threatened by that vision and sought to undermine it. Today the Crown comes to Parihaka to make a contribution to the fulfilment of that vision.’

Part of this reconciliation process included a nine million dollar development fund from the government. Yet Chair of the Parihaka Papakainga Trust asserted that reconciliation was about more than just money and legislation—it was about the reconciliation of spirit. ‘That is the priority, healing and reconciliation of intergenerational trauma which still exists today,’ she told Stuff. ‘This event will not settle it or take it away, it is not an end, it is only a beginning’.

‘For a long time, it was about Parihaka being able to maintain its own integrity and autonomy, and now, with this reconciliation process, our rangatahi feel like we have that relationship,’ added Parihaka resident Te Akau Wharehoka.

Geoff says New Zealanders can’t avoid the fact that colonial atrocities such as Parihaka helped make modern New Zealand what it is. ‘It’s important to listen carefully to those most affected by such actions if we are to understand the longerterm effects and how we might address them.’

Yet he says the Parihaka story is challenging as its pacifist nature doesn’t always fit comfortably with the human

condition: ‘We love the heroism and the beauty of the Parihaka story, but it’s a challenging story. Non-violence is really, really challenging. It can be very costly and painful.

‘We do need to be honest with ourselves about the extent of violence in New Zealand’s cultures and communities. If we pay careful attention, we find that violent logic runs pretty deep in our attitudes and social structures,’ reflects Geoff.

‘If we want to overcome this, we need to think carefully about the things we value, honour and celebrate, and the stories we tell ourselves. We also need to cultivate communities that practise what they preach about peace.

‘I’d love to see more accounts of these sorts of actions and these parts of New Zealand stories being elevated and put in front of people and promoted and encouraged.’

It’s a shame the story of Parihaka isn’t shared in the same way we talk of soldiers who perished on the hills of Gallipoli.

While it’s not easy to look back and acknowledge these atrocities, they can help us shape where we’re headed. There’s no doubt the love and non-violence shown by Te Whiti and Tohu can not only have a huge impact on the ethics of our nation, but on how we approach relationships in our own lives.

Parihaka vs Guy Fawkes For a number of years there has been considerable public discussion about the replacement of Guy Fawkes with Parihaka Day, on 5 November.

In 2015, then-Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox told Radio New Zealand that it made more sense for New Zealanders to recognise the significance of Parihaka rather than Guy Fawkes—a foiled act of terrorism in a faraway land. ‘We could celebrate peaceful action, but also peace amongst families, peace amongst communities and advocate for something that is not a terrorist action in a far-off country that we hold very little allegiance to in this day and age.’

What do you think?

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A Man Walked Into a Room …

For many of us, the idea of walking into a crowded room and striking up a conversation is no joke. As a nation, we’re not great conversationalists, but we can overcome our terror of small talk.

Its may be a sweeping generalisation, but it’s fair to say that the aristocratic art of conversation got lost somewhere én route to the colonies. We see ourselves as a nation of hard workers, not the ‘chattering classes’.

But there is a downside to this. Arguably, our awkward conversation skills are part of the reason for our binge-drinking culture. In a panel interview that included broadcasters Hayley Holt and Claire Robbie, they admitted their social anxiety was the reason they started drinking as teenagers and slid into alcoholism. In getting sober, Hayley had to learn that ‘everyone is self-conscious, everyone thinks they’re the biggest idiot in the room … enjoy the awkward’.

We can all learn to ‘enjoy the awkward’ with a few key skills.

The first is to reframe our thinking. If we’re caught up with worrying about ourselves, it’s hard to focus on someone else. So shift your focus onto the other person. See it as an opportunity to find out their story—everyone has one to tell.

Learn to ask questions. The four ‘Ws’ of fact-finding are useful to remember when opening a conversation: who, what, why, where, how. Who are they? What do they do for a living? (Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s simply a conversation opener). Where do they come from? Why are they in here? For example: You: What do you do?

WE CAN ALL LEARN TO ‘ENJOY THE AWKWARD’ WITH A FEW KEY SKILLS. If the person doesn’t ask questions back, then they’re a jerk.

Just joking, take heart that you are more skilled in the art of conversation than them.

Random person: I’m a neuro-surgeon.

You: [Help! They’re so brainy! What do I say? What do I know about neuro stuff, that’s brain stuff right? Aaaaarggh!] Oh fascinating. You must have done some amazing work. What does your job entail, exactly?

But don’t just fire off questions. Reflect on their answers, and give feedback. There is almost always something that you can relate to in what another person is saying. For example: ‘Wow, neuro-surgeon … it must give you a sense of real purpose. I think it’s really important to have purpose in life. I’m a rubbish collector and I think if I didn’t do my job, it would put the health of our community in jeopardy.’

Embrace small talk. For many of us, it doesn’t come naturally— but see it as the doorway to deeper connection. We build trust through those initial ‘surface conversations’ and as we discover the other person is kind and empathetic, we begin to open up.

Small talk is just the starting point for friendship.

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Enjoy the Awkward Interview with journalist Claire Robbie, broadcaster Hayley Holt and comedian Guy Williams, by Jehan Casinader on The Inside Word: Guy: Everyone feels awkward—at a party, at your job, doing stand-up comedy. Everyone feels awkward, and it’s fine to feel awkward.

Claire: So you’re just super okay with that awful, uncomfortable feeling that kicks in?

Guy: Yeah, you get used to it more and more. I enjoy feeling uncomfortable.

Jehan: So, Hayley, what does freedom look like?

Hayley: Freedom looks like embracing all of your flaws.

TESTIFY! Michal Baken knew she had a calling on her life, but a chronic illness left her wondering how it could happen. Now, she has been accepted for training as a cadet at Booth College of Mission.

I was born into a Salvationist family, the daughter of Don and Margaret Anne Baken, and cannot remember a time where I didn’t believe in God. I have no memory of a ‘moment of conversion’, just many memories of different moments along the journey.

When I was nine my family left The Salvation Army Corps in Palmerston North and began to attend St. Albans Presbyterian Church.

Then, when I was 17, God asked me to put aside my own dreams and follow his plans for my life. He didn’t give me many specifics of what those plans were, but he did ask me to attend Laidlaw Bible College. So I did.

Six months into my study I experienced a physical burn out that resulted in a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Sydrome (CFS). I was unable to study or work, and most weeks couldn’t even attend church. CFS is an illness that is currently incurable, but, through my period of illness, my understanding of God’s call on my life continued to grow. As impossible as it seemed, I knew God was calling me to full-time ministry. I just didn’t know what kind of ministry that would be.

Many people prayed for me during this time but, discouragingly, there never seemed to be any change in my health.

Then five years after my diagnosis, I received yet another prayer for healing and by God’s grace my health began to improve. Hallelujah!

This was a very exciting time for me. My health wasn’t a hundred percent, but it was enough that I could study part time. Six months after I was partially

‘I HAD A BIZARRE EXPERIENCE: SOMEONE TOLD ME DURING A CASUAL CONVERSATION OVER COFFEE TO, “GO HOME”.’ healed, God called me to work as a youth pastor at St. David’s Presbyterian Church in Palmerston North. This was a period of intense learning for me, and during my time there, God showed me the next piece of his plan for my life—he was calling me to be a minister.

I just didn’t know which church I was supposed to be a minister with.

Then a few years later, I had a bizarre experience: someone told me during a casual conversation over coffee to, ‘go home’. As weird as it sounds, I knew immediately that it was a word from God. The only problem was that I didn’t know where my ‘home’ was.

It took several months of prayer and discussion with family and friends, but I eventually realised that The Salvation Army was my home.

I started attending The Salvation Army at the beginning of 2017, and it became very clear to me that God was calling me to officership. The only problem was that I was still not fully healed. I wrestled with God over my health, reminding him that I couldn’t follow his call with my health the way it was, and I eventually decided to visit the local Healing Rooms for further prayer. Two days later, I woke up and suddenly realised that I was one hundred per cent well. Hallelujah! God is good!

My life has been quite the journey with God so far, but he has proved his faithfulness each step of the way. I am very excited to be taking the next step in the journey over the next two years and I trust that whatever struggles there might be ahead, my God is faithful! As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:24: ‘The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.’

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R O F E A CAS O G E V G GOIN

BY INGRID BARRATT

A growing number of Christians are getting woke and quitting meat because of its environmental and ethical impact. Can going vego be an expression of faith?

It was the punk and hardcore music scene that first got Sam Coates thinking about meat. ‘I grew up in a meat-and-potatoes family, and never gave it any consideration,’ he says. But there was a strong subculture in hardcore that was ‘deeply concerned with ecology, environmentalism and animal rights.’

Sam, who was lead singer of hardcore band Declaration AD, says it was a challenge to his faith: ‘My Christianity began and ended with saving people’s souls, and didn’t have any connection to the wider creation,’ he reflects. ‘I admired that moral conviction about what it means to care for animals and treat all of life as sacred within the punk and hardcore community, and I got more and more uncomfortable about the blazé attitude many Christians had towards animal care. I felt like, “How can I be a positive Christian influence in the punk and hardcore scene when, in some ways, my life isn’t as moral as the people I am trying to reach?”’

Sam was also sifting through a lot of new ideas: he read CS Lewis’ book Miracles, which argued that Christ’s redemption is not just for human souls, but for all creatures and all creation. ‘Another really influential thing was this idea that Jesus is on the side of the oppressed, not the oppressor. When we oppress the earth, we are not bringing the Kingdom of God.’ He was challenged by the inhumane conditions in factory farms, where animals are bred in crowded, intense environments—often with no natural light or room to turn around. Chickens bred for meat are so ‘top heavy’ they may not be able to stand. Their natural life spans are also hugely reduced: chickens naturally live for up to eight years, but meat chickens are slaughtered after six weeks, and even laying chickens only live for 18 months. Cows, which naturally live for 15–20 years are slaughtered at 18 months, and even dairy cows only live six years.

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Finally, Sam reflected on the Old Testament practice of sacrifice and its relationship with animals.

‘Sacrifice actually meant something because they knew those animals, they raised them and cared for them by hand. It was a very personal, intimate thing.’

He realised that he would not be willing to kill an animal himself, so ‘I had to be really honest and say to myself, “Well I don’t have the right to eat the animal”.’

Sam has been vegetarian ever since, and although it began as his own sacrifice for God’s Kingdom, he feels it has only enriched his life.

MOO! YOU ATE ME It might be surprising to discover that vegetarianism is part of The Salvation Army’s holiness tradition.

William and Catherine Booth were both vegetarians, and if they had their way the Army would have been a vegetarian movement, say commentators. ‘When [General Bramwell Booth] was campaigning for a vegetarian diet, as he did occasionally, he depicted animals coming to us in the afterlife and saying, “Moo! You ate me”. We youngsters loved it …’ wrote General Albert Osborn.

While it’s a largely forgotten part of our history, Tim Pate, who grew up in Napier Corps, is continuing the tradition as a vegan. ‘When William Booth talks about “others”, animals are also the “others”,’ argues Tim. ‘Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you … ” Animals are God’s creations and they are sentient, they do feel pain, have language and families.

I don’t think God would be okay with the way we treat his creatures.’

‘Some people don’t want to buy it,’ he adds.

‘They say humans have been given dominion over the earth, but that argument is rubbish. We’ve been given dominion to take care of the earth. If our diet is destroying the earth, that’s not taking care of it.’

‘I DON’T THINK GOD WOULD BE OKAY WITH THE WAY WE TREAT HIS CREATURES.’ There is a growing belief that, biblically, not eating meat is, indeed, the right thing to do. In Genesis 1: 30, God says that for all creatures, ‘I have given every green plant for food’. This may indicate that God did not intend for us to eat meat, and we only became omnivores after ‘the fall’ from the Garden of Eden.

In that case, meat-eating is part of our fallen world.

And cutting out meat could be part of re-discovering God’s Kingdom here on earth ‘as it is in heaven’.

Potently, the whole theme of the Bible is about redemption, grace and mercy—does this extend to animals and creation as well? The ‘creation care’ movement among Christians argues it does.

IS MEAT THE BADDIE? The science also supports the idea of a vegetarian diet.

The meat and dairy industry is on track to become the biggest baddie when it comes to the environment, according to latest research. ‘Meat production uses the vast majority—83 percent—of farmland and produces 60 percent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions,’ reported a recent comprehensive study.

Growing food for animals is the greatest reason for the world’s deforestation, which in turn, is the biggest factor in mass wild-life extinction. ‘Avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet,’ concludes the report.

If the world became vegetarian, it could even end world hunger—currently richer countries grow crops for animals, while poorer countries suffer from starvation. If crops were used directly for humans, we could literally feed the world.

If you’re thinking of going vego, Tim says take your time to make sure your reasons are solid, and take it

step-by-step. ‘Make sure you have your own reasons for doing it—otherwise you’re more likely to give up. Do it gradually and take the time to learn about it.’

And he has a final word of advice: ‘If you do decide to be vegetarian or vegan you will stuff it up. Don’t beat yourself up. There is no such thing as a perfect vegetarian or vegan, just the same as there is no perfect Christian.’ * currently a meateater but feeling convicted.

What is it?

Vegetarian: Doesn’t eat meat.

Vegan: Doesn’t eat meat or any animal products, such as dairy.

Flexitarian: A mainly plant-based diet, with one serving of meat per week.

Pescatarian: Doesn’t eat meat, except fish.

Omnivore: (Most humans) Eats both plants and animals.

03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 13

Unique Northland Meth Programme Wins Innovation Award

A Northland methamphetamine programme has been acknowledged for its unique approach to the treatment of those battling addictions.

BY HUGH COLLINS

The Te Ara Oranga Methamphetamine Demand Reduction Programme took out a Matua Raki Workforce Innovation Award in Rotorua on 13 September, a prize which recognises innovation in work practices contributing to workforce development and wellbeing.

Director of the Northland Salvation Army Regional Bridge services Sue Hay says the programme was innovative in its collaboration with police, Northland DHB Mental Health Services and non-government addiction agencies, including The Salvation Army Northland Regional Bridge service.

‘It brings together a whole lot of agencies who don’t normally work together and creates referral pathways between us,’ Sue says. ‘This is about putting the person at the centre of the process and thinking about how to engage the user or their family, and to support them in a way that leads to the transformation of their lives.’

The programme drew inspiration from five hui, attended by around 800 people across the Northland region, in 2017. These gatherings were about hearing directly from the community and what they thought a programme of this kind really needed.

‘We were really clear that we wanted this to be community driven,’ says Sue.‘We’ve honoured what came out of those hui in terms of creating local content that is relevant for Northland.’

Te Ara Oranga offers a model that dramatically improves 14 WarCry 03 NOVEMBER 2018

the opportunity to not only reduce methamphetamine supply through enforcement by police, but reduce demand for the Class A drug by supporting individual users to quit their addiction. A challenge of the programme was learning to work across different agencies—something which ultimately worked in its favour.

‘IT’S THE WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD—HAVING YOUR KIDS SNATCHED FROM YOUR ARMS. I NEVER FELT SO HURT AND ALONE.’ Key elements of the project’s success include: the establishment of referral pathways from police into treatment; earlier and more timely treatment and assertive outreach; employment support; the development of community networks; and, carrying out community consultation to shape the resources that have been developed for communities.

Sue says statistics show methamphetamine use in Northland

‘THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOW COMING TO US FOR TREATMENT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO LEAVE A LEGACY FOR THEIR KIDS.’ is higher than any other region in New Zealand (twice that of Auckland and three to four times that of Christchurch).

The New Zealand Drug Harm Index suggests the level of use in Northland has had a total estimated personal and social harm cost of $25 million per year.

Historically, meth users do not engage readily with treatment providers—it often takes up to seven years for a methamphetamine user to seek help.

‘We were wanting to establish a project that would address that harm and start to intervene at a much earlier point of a substance user’s journey.’

A number of success stories have been shared from the programme.

Radio New Zealand reported on the story of Wiremu, a father-of-two who lost his children to foster care when someone complained they weren’t being looked after. ‘I was on a benefit and I was spending $200 a week on meth. I used to lie about having food in the house for the kids,’ Wiremu said. ‘It’s the worst feeling in the world—having your kids snatched from your arms. I never felt so hurt and alone.’

This, along with the death of his mum, prompted Wiremu to go to The Salvation Army for help—a move he says saved his life.

‘It was hard to quit: I had the shakes, I had the spews, woke up 50 times a night but I got off it. We got the kids back just before Christmas and I couldn’t be happier.’

Wiremu and his wife are both employed again and living with their children in emergency housing.

Sue said another mother gave up meth use and became more available for her children. She is now able to support a child in their pursuit of representative level sport. ‘I think it would be fair to say that there are a number of government ministers who will be watching this initiative with interest,’ Sue says.

‘I think one of the beauties of this project is that all agencies have been so focused on doing what is right for Northland and for individuals and whānau. There are people who are now coming to us for treatment because they want to leave a legacy for their kids. They want to re-engage with their kids and they want to change and turn the next generation around.’

‘THIS IS ABOUT PUTTING THE PERSON AT THE CENTRE OF THE PROCESS AND THINKING ABOUT HOW TO ENGAGE THE USER OR THEIR FAMILY.’

Ms C—The Road to Recovery With a partner who has a lengthy criminal record and strong gang connections, Ms C was identified by the Te Ara Oranga policing team as someone who could make headway with breaking the cycle of drug addiction and criminal offending. After her partner was imprisoned in 2017 for charges relating to dealing meth, it became apparent she, too, was using and selling the drug. As a result she was charged with offering to supply meth. She was periodically seen by a member of the Te Ara Oranga policing team and by late 2017 had signed a referral for treatment.

However, when visited earlier in the year, it appeared she was still very much a meth user. She subsequently pled guilty to her charges and was sentenced to six months home detention. However, she has since joined the Salvation Army programme and says the group feels like a second family.

‘I didn’t realise how much [meth] consumed me and how much time it took away from the kids,’ Ms C said.

She is hugely grateful for the programme, even though her initial attitude didn’t show it.

‘It’s the best thing to happen to me. Like seriously, thank you guys. Thank you. You have really changed my life.

‘I’m really undecided what to do in the future. It’s going to be really hard for me. I know that, but I’m starting to think ahead now.

‘I really want to do something working with kids one day. I’m looking forward to getting back into exercise when I get my home detention bracelet off.

It’s something I used to do a lot of and I want to start doing things like that again.’

03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 15

Salvationists Smash It For Cycles

Free Cappuccinos for Porirua Corps

Salvationists across the territory have shattered the fundraising goal of 60 Salvation Cycles by the end of the year—with the tally already surpassing 160.

The gift of a free coffee machine is giving Porirua Corps a (caffeine) boost.

It came to the corps as a donation from software corporation SAP, after their commercial cleaning company Supercare saw it was being neglected.

Supercare service delivery manager Troy Morrell then went on the hunt to see if any of his clients who took donations would give it some love—the call was answered by Salvation Army property coordinator Claire Winter.

Corps Officer Nicki Dutton says the donation has been an answer to prayer as many who visit the corps can’t afford to buy coffee. ‘It’s about honouring and valuing people,’ Nicki says.

A focus of the Porirua Corps has been manaakitanga (hospitality), and making people feel welcome in their space, she says. ‘It’s an opportunity to show people that they’re important, valued and cared for, just through a cup of coffee,’ she says. ‘This is a real joy that we can bless people in a way they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.’

Claire says after a recent visit to the Porirua Corps, the property team wanted to do something to help. The corps then mentioned they really wanted a coffee machine. ‘We were at odds to figure out how we’d make that happen and it’s amazing that we didn’t even need to do anything at all. God did it,’ Claire says.

‘A really good coffee makes people feel warm and welcomed and valued, and that’s what I hope to see happen with this donation.’

As part of the Overseas Development Department’s Just Gifts programme, Salvation Cycles is about providing a bicycle to newly commissioned lieutenants in Tanzania, Kenya West and Malawi Territories.

Many of the lieutenants are sent to remote rural areas, where there is limited transport, and without bikes, they have to walk many kilometres. The bikes enable them to do ministry and be more able to get on with the mission of The Salvation Army, and reach areas far from their homes.

Overseas Development officer, Major Debbie Clark said, ‘This year we will be sending funds to Tanzania (35 bikes) and Kenya West (17 bikes) so they can purchase new bicycles in time for their commissioning at the end of the year.’

A number of donations came from individuals or couples, as well as many corps and centres coming up with creative ways to fundraise.

In Ashburton Corps, four junior soldiers took up the challenge after it was announced in a Sunday morning meeting. They made a bike out of coins, and spent a Saturday baking so it could be auctioned off on the Sunday.

Corps Officer Major June Allwright said, ‘Most people who bought the baking paid over the asking price and then a few people just donated extra money as well.’ The corps raised over $600 and are presenting the children with thank you certificates.

Northern Divisional Headquarters team held a superheroes mufti day where people each paid five dollars and dressed as something beginning with either S or A. They also invited the ASARS national office and PR teams, held a bake sale, and auctioned off some prints the youth department had left over from Easter Camp. After all their efforts, they collected $840 for the appeal.

Last year, Malawi Territory received 14 bicycles from the programme. In their letter of thanks they said, ‘We had a great time giving the bicycles to the new lieutenants yesterday with much laughing. Today and yesterday they all left for their appointments, leaving the packaging on the bikes for protection. Your territory has really blessed Malawi.

We would not have been able to give them bicycles without your donation, and it will make a significant difference to their ministry, both in practical terms and morale. So thank you again.’

The Just Gifts programme is available all year round and has a number of projects and bundles that can be purchased to support mission around the world.

Look out for the next Just Gifts campaign ‘Period Poverty for the Pacific’ and see what you could do in your community to raise money to support our overseas development work.

MORE INFO | justgifts.org.nz 16 WarCry 03 NOVEMBER 2018

Coffee crew: (from left) Nick Quin of SAP, Troy Morrell of Supercare and Porirua Corps Officer Nicki Dutton.

Subscribe today!

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Celebrations as Christchurch Bridge Re-Opens becomes possible. But those places often look very ordinary—to anyone driving past, it’s just another place in the community.

This is one of those places.’

Lynette reflected on the centre’s commencement thanks to someone’s hope and vision. ‘The Salvation Army picked that up in the days when addictions treatment was in its very formative state … [they] made the commitment to open the programme here.

‘This place remains a place of light, a place of hope, a place of change. There’s never anyone who cannot change, and sometimes it’s those who seem most hopeless who surprise us the most,’ said Lynette.

Colonel Melvin Fincham and MP Poto Williams with the plaque commemorating the re-opening of the Bridge centre.

Christchurch Bridge celebrated the extensive renovations of their Collins Street site with a re-opening and dedication service on 9 October 2018.

What began as a leaky roof replacement became a comprehensive modernising and updating of the entire complex, including residential areas, office and administration, interview rooms and a chapel.

The seven-month renovation will make a significant difference to staff and clients. Bridge Director Michael Douglas said, ‘It provides a modern, comfortable, functional and safe family/whānau-friendly environment to learn about oneself and practice recovery.’

Guests were welcomed into the building by way of a karanga by whaea Cathy Nalder, a member of Aranui Corps who teaches Māori language classes at Christchurch Bridge. They then gathered in the chapel for a short service of dedication.

MP Poto Williams is welcomed onto the site of the Bridge centre with Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Hutson.

Former centre director and head of The Salvation Army’s addiction services, Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Hutson said, ‘There are places in our community that are places of miracles, places where transformation happens, where the impossible

The Bridge centre cake, in all its splendour.

Colonel Melvin Fincham and Christchurch East MP Poto Williams unveiled the plaque marking the significant occasion.

‘Christchurch Bridge—as part of a suite of addiction services provided by The Salvation Army—is an integral part of the alcohol and other drugs system in Canterbury, and it’s wellrespected throughout our community,’ said Ms Williams.

She recognised the important work Bridge did in the early days after the Christchurch earthquakes, establishing a phonebased central point of contact for all addiction services. ‘Now part of the centralised access pathway, you continue your strong local partnerships and work in collaboration with the District Health Board and NGOs.’ Melvin prayed a dedicatory prayer and reminded those present that as clients come to the centre, ‘Their lives will be transformed by the peace, by the hope and by the love and joy of God’s presence here within this house.’

After the formal part of the gathering was completed, everyone shared in a delicious morning tea and former director Major Wendy Andrews cut the cake—made in the shape of the Bridge centre, complete with Red Shield and plaque.

A number of former directors, staff and clients were present to celebrate this significant milestone for a truly lifetransforming part of The Salvation Army’s work in Christchurch and in the area of addictions.

BY SHAR DAVIS 03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 17

INREVIEW

‘ ... a uniquely different approach to church history ... ’ Sunday Best Peter Lineham

For anyone who has an interest or fascination with the church and its history in New Zealand, this book is a treasure. Author Peter Lineham captures so many unique perspectives on the church across time and is inclusive of most denominations. Along with the mainline denominations such as the Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist Churches and others, The Salvation Army gets frequent mention—perhaps even out of proportion to our comparative size.

Somehow, the book manages to describe the changing attitudes and practices over time, within individual denominations, as well as across the entire church. The range of issues and aspects of church life and practice that are covered is staggering: from sacred days, church buildings, worship, attitudes to money, clergy, social life, gender and more; the changing culture and sub-cultures of the church are revealed. The book illustrates these elements within the church with many good photos—including several scenes involving Salvation Army corps life.

The demographics of the various denominations and associated dynamics are featured in this book. This includes Scottish Presbyterians, Irish Catholics, the English class system within the Anglican Church and the involvement with the working class of The Salvation Army in its early years here in New Zealand. Māori involvement in the church is also strongly featured.

The book is not a light and fluffy book that is a quick, easy read. Its detailed objective analysis does not make it the kind of book people might turn to for instant spiritual inspiration.

Instead, in all kinds of different ways, it shows the human face of the church over time from many different perspectives.

We see people in the culture of their time—sometimes expressions of Christianity that have passed and are no more, as well as other expressions of church now emerging. All of this is done sensitively and without judgement.

This book is a uniquely different approach to church history, one that many will find refreshing and enriching.

BY IAN HUTSON Sunday Best, published by Massey University Press, masseypress.ac.nz. Also available on Book Depository.

18 WarCry 03 NOVEMBER 2018

University of Otago to Connect Faith and Business The University of Otago is set to bridge the academic worlds of theology and business—but not so Christians can learn how to get rich!

From February 2019, managers and leaders in faithbased organisations will be able to work towards either a Postgraduate Diploma or Masters in Faith-Based Leadership and Management. Both are being offered in conjunction with the Otago Business School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.

Salvation Army Principal Advisor Greg Coyle says the qualifications were much needed—an MBA was too focused on profits, but general theological study didn’t provide practical business knowledge.

‘It will assist The Salvation Army and many other faithbased organisations in career development for our staff … this will build the capacity of the Army,’ Greg says. ‘We need to have people who have a passion for learning, who want to expand the way they think.’

As many faith-based organisations work with large amounts of money, Salvation Army staff and officers need to have core business knowledge, Greg says. ‘These new degrees will provide a high level of skill in managing people and budgets, and will provide the funders of these services with assurance that they are being run by competent and welleducated people, with a Christian perspective.’

MORE INFO | email Professor Paul Trebilco— paul.trebilco@otago.ac.nz

On Friday of Labour Weekend, a chemical spill north of Wellington closed State Highway One for 17 hours, stranding around 400 trucks. Salvation Army Emergency Services was there for over 12 hours, providing hot drinks, food and a much-needed portaloo!

GAZETTE

Appointmen in Retirement: Effective 1 November: Major Margaret Ousey, Mission and Tenant Support Officer, Carterton (part-time).

New Appointment: Effective 10 January: Major Denise Crump, Chaplain, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre.

Promotion to Glory: Major Dulcie Smith, on Saturday 20 October 2018, from Radius St Joan’s Hospital & Rest Care, Hamilton, aged 91 years. Dulcie May Smith was born in Auckland on 15 July 1927. Dulcie entered The Salvation Army Training College from Wellington City Corps as a member of the Servants of Christ session in 1962.

Following her commissioning on 19 January 1963, Dulcie was appointed as Assistant Officer to Redroofs Hospital, Dunedin. Over the next 21 years Dulcie’s appointments included Assistant Officer roles at Edward Murphy Hospital Gisborne, Bethany Hospital Christchurch, Bethany Hospital Wellington, and Resthaven Auckland.

She was also Manager of Bethany Day Care Centre Wellington, and Matron of Resthaven, Auckland, with an additional appointment in Northern Division as Nurses Fellowship Secretary. Major Dulcie Smith retired on 22 January 1988, having given 25 years of active officer service. We give thanks for Dulcie’s active service and her continued service in retirement. Please uphold Major Dulcie Smith’s extended family in prayer at this time of grief and loss.

CHANGES TO ANNUAL GENERAL CHANGE 2018

Central Division: Effective 10 January: Majors Glenda and Ivan Bezzant, Corps Officers, Hutt City Corps and Directors Hutt City Community Ministries; Lieutenants Andrew and Sarah Green, Corps Officers, Kapiti Corps. Majors David and Vyvyenne Noakes, Hutt City Corps, entering retirement on 31 January 2019.

Southern Division: Effective 10 January: Major Kathleen Garbett, Corps Officer, Oamaru Corps. This is a continuation of Major Kathleen Garbett’s current appointment. Major Russell Garbett entering retirement 31 January 2019.

Appointments: Captain Michelle Lee, Captain Philip Mellsop, Major Marika Serevi. The International Secretary for South Pacific East Asia has approved the appointment of the these officers to the South Pacific East Asia College for Officers from 9–31 March 2019.

‘ … MAY WE ALL BE PART OF GOD’S GREAT CROWD OF WITNESSES.’ You will read about Parihaka Day in this week’s War Cry. Crowds down through the ages have been able to reconcile the past and pave the way for the future, giving and restoring mana … achieving justice and peace.

I am reminded of the different crowds that people have been part of: corps worship meetings, shops, marathons, an All Blacks game … Some of us have memories of the International Boundless Congress, and the ‘wow’ experience that was.

I read recently how a crowd of people gathered to see Commissioner Harry Read, who, at 94 years of age, completed a parachute skydive for antihuman trafficking and modern day slavery. Commissioner Harry, 74 years ago, parachuted into Normandy on D-Day. The crowds cheered as he landed.

Crowds gather for many different reasons, to make a difference to what is going on. Queuing to get on public transport, standing to be first in the queue—even if you have a seat number. People around the world are the same!

I am reminded of the crowds of people who came to see Jesus—some out of curiosity, some with needs, others just hungry for the word of God. Then, in Hebrews 12:1, we read of the great crowd of witnesses that surround us. They are the saints that have lived and died so valiantly by faith—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah—just to name a few. They have run before us and gathered like a crowd at a marathon, cheering the runners on. They still cheer us on, as by faith we run our journey of life.

As crowds of God’s disciples, may we be encouraged along our journey.

Encouraged by people from our past. Encouraged by disciples who are cheering us on today. Encouraged by our future in Christ that gives us hope and promise that we will have a triumphant end, if we keep our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus.

The crowd of witnesses in Christ encourage us, and confirm that we are not alone. Others walk with us on our journey. To walk effectively we must follow Jesus with our eyes fixed on him, having him always in our sight.

At a recent Officers’ Fellowship, as a crowd of God’s people, we sang together: There is but one love And it is Your love Ko te mea nui [The most important thing] Ko te aroha [Is love] It was a very spiritual moment when heaven and earth met with the divine and human—God’s promised presence was tangible. Today, may we all be part of God’s great crowd of witnesses.

Colonel Melvin Fincham Secretary for Programme and Communications 03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 19

Longing

More for

things longed for that never seemed to work out. It is a common experience.

As well as stories of ‘more than we can imagine’, I want to explore some of the reasons why we long for more.

An unexpected outpouring In my late 30s, when we worked at Chikankata Mission in Zambia, we put on a Bible School during the school break for promising students who had become believers. We had 20 or so students, in their late teens or early twenties.

I was asked to speak about the work of the Holy Spirit. But before I could begin the message, one of the young men put his hand up and said, ‘Please can we pray’. I said, ‘Sure … ’ And they all immediately got on their knees by their chairs and began to weep and wail! A deep repentance had fallen on them. All of them at once! It was astonishing, and terribly noisy!

Kath Wells examines the ache of being limited humans, with an eternal heart. This is part two, in an excerpt from her book Four Degrees of Wonder.

As we look back on our years of walking with the Lord we have a deep sense of thankfulness, because we see that God has done more than we ever expected when we first met him. But, then, maybe we also carry pockets of disappointment or frustration for what has not happened— 20 WarCry 03 NOVEMBER 2018

We went to each one individually and said, ‘Look at Jesus. Look at the cross.

You are forgiven—now thank him and praise him’. One by one they did, standing up and shouting out their thanks with tears streaming down their faces. They were lost in wonder, love and praise, quite literally, all the time unaware of the others who were also praying. Then they all began to speak in tongues. We had not taught on this at all. Then I heard prophecy coming out of some of them. Finally, after about half an hour, a glorious quietness descended on us all.

It felt like we were suspended between earth and heaven in awe and wonder. A little later, as they became aware of what had happened to them, we began to talk and share and great gales of laughter, of astonished joy, rippled around.

It was entirely a visitation of the Spirit and we were never the same! It was a new benchmark for us of what God could do.

Knowing what the Lord can do, makes

our hearts ache for him to do it again, or do even more, please Holy Spirit!

The burden of eternity But sometimes we are puzzled by the aching in our heart, the sense of something we cannot describe. I once saw a sunset so beautiful that I could not look at it for long. It left an ache, an inner pain, that seemed uncomfortable.

Later, I was mulling over the familiar passage in Ecclesiastes 3: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … ’ (v. 1–2). I had become very aware of what seasonal creatures we are, and I was exploring how this affects our walk with God. But I was not prepared for the impact of the verses that followed: ‘What does the worker gain from his toil?’ the writer asks. ‘I have seen the burden God has laid on men and women. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men and women; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end,’ (v. 9–11).

WE HAVE AN ACHE FOR PERFECTION, FOR JUSTICE, FOR TRUTH ... BUT, TOO OFTEN, WE ARE DISAPPOINTED. I began to see the burden of eternity in the human heart. ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time... ’ Not continuously, but only in its time, only in its season. We cannot get the same enjoyment or satisfaction out of something when it is out of its season.

We have to live with this reality that life is seasonal.

But God has also ‘set eternity’ in our hearts. We have an ache for perfection, for justice, for truth, for purity, for the full beauty of life ... But, too often, we are disappointed because we never quite find these qualities in full measure.

We have to settle for less, and that can develop into either a passivity about life, or to diverting our ache into blaming—

WE ARE ALLOWED TO GROAN IN PRAYER BEFORE THE LORD. blaming others or blaming God. Some people get stuck in their disappointment and blame. They feel God has failed them.

Was it that simple? Perhaps I should have tried it years ago when our sons were young and rumpty!

Paul seems to touch on this when he writes in Romans 8: ‘We know that the whole of creation has been groaning … ’ Our groaning is not a sign of weakness.

We are allowed to groan in prayer before the Lord. The groaning of creation is linked to our own groaning as we wait to be made complete.

We cannot with our natural mind imagine or conceive what wonders God has prepared for us. But his Spirit has begun to reveal it to us, as we continue walking with him with an open, expectant heart.

I once listened to a woman telling her story at a conference about coming out of an abusive early life, finding the Lord, and being on the way to restoration. She said this amazing thing: ‘For so long I felt broken and a failure. I could not see how God could use me. Then one day I realised that pain is not sin and suffering is not failure.’

Standing on tiptoes But we missed a crucial verse in Romans 8: 19: ‘For even the whole creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed.’ There is the sense of being on tiptoe with expectation.

Take a moment …

How have you experienced this longing for ‘more’?

How do you hold your groanings and longings with hope—with a constant expectation of good?

Do you need to forgive any people who you feel have ‘robbed’ you of the ‘more’ you anticipated?

The whole of creation knows about our mandate to manage the earth—like Jesus ruled over the wind and the waves, and multiplied food, and dismissed disease.

I remember getting a tiny taste of ‘creation waits’ when we rescued an old, bossy cat called Fluffy, after a neighbour had to go into a rest home. We already had a young cat called Cinnamon. Fluffy promptly decided my lap belonged to her, which greatly offended Cinnamon.

She used to sneak up and swipe the old cat’s rear end when she was asleep on my lap! I’m sure you can imagine the explosion that followed!

Well, after a year, Fluffy got sick and passed on. But Cinnamon would not even consider sitting on my lap again.

She was still in a huff. One day, in exasperation, I scooped her up and without premeditation said, ‘Cinnamon, in Jesus’ name you are to forgive Fluffy.

You are to let it all go and sit on my lap again.’ And she did! She really did. That very night she slept on my lap.

This is an abridged excerpt from Four Degrees of Wonder by Kath Wells. Buy at Manna Bookshops, bookdepository.com, or at wellsprings@xtra.co.nz.

03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 21

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 7–8 Nov: Rātana Centenary Celebrations, Rātana 10–12 Nov: Midland Division Governance Board visit, Hamilton 17–18 Nov: Pukekohe Corps visit, Pukekohe Colonels Suzanne Fincham (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Territorial Secretary for Programme and Communications) 4 Nov: Nelson/Tasman Bays Corps visit, Nelson 7–8 Nov: Rātana Centenary Celebrations, Rātana 10–12 Nov: Midland Division Governance Board visit, Hamilton 14 Nov: Spiritual Day at Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt 17–18 Nov: Woodville Corps Hall opening, Woodville Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 7–8 Nov: Rātana Centenary Celebrations, Rātana 10–12 Nov: Midland Division Governance Board visit, Hamilton 14 Nov: Spiritual Day at Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt

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INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? For reports, regular newsletters, challenging articles and Salvation Army government submissions: salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

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I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:

Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

400–600 words with one or two captioned photos.

Promotion to Glory tributes are approx 300 words. Email reports and large, high-quality jpeg images to: warcry@nzf. salvationarmy.org

Help Women and Children in Fiji BECOME A FAMILY CARE CENTRE SPONSOR Our Family Care Centres are safe houses for women escaping domestic violence, homelessness and human trafficking.

For $25 a month, you can help support this work.

Become a sponsor today Contact Major Debbie Clark (Child Sponsorship Secretary), e: debbie.clark@salvationarmy.org.nz, p: (04) 384 5649 or download a form from our website

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/FijiFamilyCentreSponsor

Quiz Answers: 1 Topaz, 2 1 November, 3 1990 (22 November), 4 Raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and men’s suicide, 5 Lazarus (John 11).

22 WarCry 03 NOVEMBER 2018

‘Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.’

Circus animal popcorn!

Get your parents to help you make this popcorn treat!

2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV

Ingredients 1 bag microwave popcorn 40g white chocolate chips 2 tablespoons sprinkles 1 cup crushed animal biscuits

Instructions Pop the popcorn according to the directions on the bag. Pour into a medium size bowl and set aside.

Have you ever made popcorn?

It’s exciting seeing those little kernels of corn begin to explore—Pop! Pow! Wham! It gets louder and louder … and suddenly you have a bowl full of delicious popcorn. Yum!

Place the white chocolate chips into a microwaveable bowl. Set the microwave to 50 percent power and heat for one minute. Stir and heat for another 30 seconds. Repeat until melted. (Should be about two-and-a-half minutes).

Pour the melted chocolate over the popcorn and stir gently to coat all of the popcorn in the chocolate.

Pour the popcorn out onto a baking pan covered in baking paper. Cover with sprinkles, and place in the refrigerator for about five minutes to cool. Top with cookie crumbles and enjoy!

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Source: houseofyumm.com

Hand animal!

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1 Draw around your hand 2 Draw a beak at the end of your thumb 3 Put an eye in the middle of your thumb 4 Draw two bird legs under your palm 5 Brightly colour the fingers and palm

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How can God be three and one at the same time?

It’s mysterious!

But look at your hand—you have a thumb, four fingers and a palm. Together they make up one hand. God has three parts, but is one God.

The little hard kernel becomes a fluffy, delicious snack. It has become completely different because it changed inside.

This is what happens to us when we live with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is part of God, and is our helper and friend. When we pray, the Spirit guides our thoughts and helps us change—from the inside out! The Holy Spirit is like the ‘Pop!’ that helps us live like Jesus—teaching us how to be kind, generous and loving.

HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

You've made a bird!

We've done an example for you—see the steps to the right. You can do a lot of different types of birds—try a couple!

The corn kernel is a hard shell. Inside this shell is a teeny, tiny drop of water.

When the kernel gets heated that teeny droplet of water turns into steam. This builds lots of pressure inside the kernel until the shell can’t take it anymore and … POP! The kernel explodes.

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Have you ever heard the Holy Spirit/God whisper to you in your mind or heart?

Has the Holy Spirit/God ever helped you do something hard?

Has Holy Spirit/God ever answered your prayer?

03 NOVEMBER 2018 WarCry 23

E rere kau mai te awa nui nei Mai i te kÄ hui maunga ki Tangaroa Ko au te awa Ko te awa ko au.

The river flows From the mountains to the sea I am the river The river is me.