FAITH IN ACTION 04 MAY 2019 | Issue 6716 | $1.50
Radical Love: Welcoming in the Foster Child On the Road with the International Leaders of Women's Ministries Senior Singles May Be Better Off
‘Together We Build’ for Indonesia
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Beautiful Thing: Stan Walker’s Offering
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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, Matt Gillon | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Hugh Collins, Major Shar Davis | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford, Vivienne Hill | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Thom Productions 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.
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Radical Acts During this season in the Christian calendar, the first disciples were in the midst of a radical journey of realisation. Today, Jews are waiting for a messiah who will re-build the temple, re-instate the Sanhedrin and become King. That’s what the disciples of Jesus were expecting— until Jesus started reappearing to them after rising from the dead! Everything the disciples had believed about the Messiah was shaken upside down and turned inside out. Jesus was fulfilling the longed-for prophesies in completely unexpected ways. Instead of overthrowing Rome, the Kingdom of Jesus would overthrow unseen forces of oppression. His revolution would be one of shalom, not violence. Justice would prevail through acts of love, not force. It astounds me that, within a generation, the disciples of Jesus had become fully convinced that he was God. They began to live lives of such radical hospitality, equality and acceptance, that it rocked the fabric of society. Today, we are still working out what it means to live out this eternal Kingdom. This week, I talked to two couples living lives of radical hospitality by welcoming in foster children. Co-founder of the Open Home Foundation, Ewen Laurenson, said its vision is that Christians ‘empty the foster care institutions’ of New Zealand by welcoming these children into our homes. Imagine if we took Jesus’ Kingdom seriously in this one area? It would truly revolutionise our culture and show people who Jesus really is. Ingrid Barratt Editor
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 6716 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
2 WarCry STAR WARS DAY 2019
Happy Mothers’ Day, 12 May A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretence and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. Maya Angelou
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Ihāia 1:17 Ākona te mahi pai; rapua te whakawā; whakatikaia tā te tangata e tūkinotia ana; whakawākia tā te pani; tohea tā te pouaru.
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e are thrilled to launch our Red Shield Appeal for 2019, featuring the face of none other than legendary All Blacks captain Kieran Read. On March 10, three commercials dropped that play on our rugby-loving culture and feature some familiar Salvation Army faces. Behind the scenes of the TV ads, Kieran was very down to earth and more than happy to lend his time to the project, says Salvation Army marketing manager James Craw. Kieran even made an impromptu visit to Home League—a Salvation Army women’s group—that happened to be occurring inside Christchurch City Corps during the filming. The ads also feature Salvation Army Captain Denise Daly, who says she was initially hesitant about being on camera, but wanted to do it for her family. ‘It was kind of fun and really uncomfortable all at once,’ Denise says. ‘I’ve got three girls so they were all pretty happy, one of them was actually pretty jealous.’ Denise said that Kieran Read even met her mother-in-law at the Home League meeting! Christchurch City Corps soldier Josh Mosa’ati also appears in the ads and says working with Kieran Read was both surreal and nerve wracking. ‘He related to the young and old,’ Josh says. A rugby player for Christchurch’s Burnside Rugby Club, Josh immediately clicked with the All Black Number 8. ‘He was telling me how he played for a club in Christchurch, and was saying his club wasn’t too good at the time. But my club I play for was always pretty good.’
The annual Red Shield Appeal is about calling on New Zealanders to support the work we do on the frontlines for over 120,000 people each year. Securing a well-known face to front the campaign is a different direction for the annual appeal. ‘Instead of being needs- and client-based, we wanted more of an organisational focused approach, something that was much more positive and engaging,’ James says. ‘We wanted someone who the average New Zealander would know. And having them as part of the appeal would help to endorse it and raise its profile while giving it some good backing.’ But it was a coup to get the All Blacks captain: ‘I didn’t think we’d be successful in getting Kieran Read, just because he’s such a hot commodity at the moment. Everyone wants his time.’ Each year, one in 40 Kiwi come to The Salvation Army for help—enough people to completely fill Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium four times over, and bigger than the entire population of Tauranga. It’s a massive and heart-breaking number, which speaks of the real and growing need that many New Zealanders face every day in this country. While we’ve been able to provide people with support in the form of housing, budgeting, counselling and many other services, there are even more families out there who desperately need help. With your support, we can give these people the help needed to make genuine change in their lives. Please support our Red Shield Appeal. Visit salvationarmy.org.nz/redshield BY HUGH COLLINS
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OURPEOPLE Louise Parry Territorial Media Officer Louise joined the Comms team on the eve of the Red Shield Appeal—a baptism of fire, in a way! She has a long background in journalism and editing, including publishing The Eastbourne Herald in her home suburb. She lives with a crazy Border Terrier, and is adjusting to life with just one of her three children still living at home. Louise is excited to be part of an organisation with a social justice and support focus.
QUIKQUIZ
1 W hat day of the year is known as ’Star Wars Day’? 2 W hat is Star Wars’ most famous misquote? 3 What is the name of Han Solo’s ship? 4 What is Yoda’s last name?
5 W hat did Herod do when he realised the Magi had tricked him? Answers on page 22
Heritage Series Captures Army History If you consider yourself a bit of a history buff then we may have found your next bedtime reading.
TOPFIVE— MOTHER’S DAYSPECIAL!
On 28 March The Salvation Army Heritage Centre and Archives launched its new ‘Heritage Series’, an extension of the research undertaken by Archives.
Five things only our mothers can get away with …
Through a collection of publications, the series will explore the history of The Salvation Army in Aotearoa and the wider territory.
5. Keeping our personal hygiene in check—don’t even dream of skipping a shower.
Heritage Series 1 is a look at Salvation Army uniform portraits—with some stunning and haunting photographs, it includes an historical photo of a kaumātua wearing a korowai and Salvation Army crested scarf.
4. Keeping an on eye our diets— NEVER EVER have McDonalds or KFC around your mother. 3. Finding things we’ve lost around the house. Is this actually a superpower? 2. Giving us a telling off. Let’s be honest, our mothers are the only people with a licence to criticise us when we need it. 1. Make us feel better when we’re sick. No matter how old we get, there’s only one person we want when bogged down in bed. 4 WarCry 04 MAY 2019
Heritage Series 2 looks at The Salvation Army Soldiership Symposium in 1891, and includes various clippings from War Cry. In one letter to the editor, an unnamed soldier explains why he joined the Army: ‘Gradually sinking lower and lower, I, as a poor drunkard and gambler, was at last in an Army meeting, showed that there was a ray of hope even for me. After a few days’ feeble resistance, I gave in and claimed salvation from God!’ Territorial Archivist Sharon Burton says it is important the history held at Archives isn’t just for those who work there or have had the privilege of a tour. ‘We don’t intend the series to be pieces of ‘academic’ work, more as vessels to stimulate discussion and further research,’ says Sharon. ‘We intend for the Heritage Series to be an ongoing project, every week we are discovering more and more about the history of
Action & Adventure, Science Fiction Avengers: Endgame (M, violence) Anthony & Joe Russo
Beef Tacos
If you’re going to watch Avengers: End Game, prepare yourself for all the feels. It is an emotional rollercoaster of grief, desperation, hope and tension as the remnants of earth try and undo the destruction that Thanos brought as the curtain closed on Avengers: Infinity War. If you’ve never seen a Marvel film before, this film will confuse you, but for those at home in the Marvel Universe, there is so much to enjoy and delight in. Flashbacks provide a nostalgic journey, while inserting the current crisis to keep you grounded in the tension of whether there’ll be a ‘happily ever after’. Embrace the uncertainty of the story and savour the moments these heroes face—for some, it may be their last. (Reviewed by Shar Davis)
God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. Rudyard Kipling
our territory and the contribution and work of those who have served within The Salvation Army.’
Weird of the Week: Rollercoasters were actually invented to distract Americans from sin. In the 1880s, businessman LaMarcus Thompson hated that Americans were tempted by places like brothels and saloons. So he set out to build a rollercoaster at New York’s Coney Island theme park— good, wholesome fun!
The man pictured is Candidate William Beets, and was taken in 1893. It turns out he is actually the great grandfather of Salvation Army marketing and communications specialist George Cook. However, George says the connection is purely coincidental— something he only learned of a year into the job! To purchase the Heritage Series | archives@salvationarmy.org.nz
Ingredients 1 Tbsp oil
For the Salsa ½ red onion, chopped finely
1 onion, chopped
½ red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tomatoes, chopped
400g beef mince
½ cup cucumber, diced
1 Tbsp taco seasoning mix
½ avocado, diced
1 cup tomato puree
½ cup chopped coriander
8 small tortilla shells
2 Tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)
2 cups shredded red cabbage ½ cup sour cream
Heat oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes to soften. Add the mince and fry until brown, squashing with a fork to break it up. Stir through the seasoning, then add the puree and salt and pepper, cooking until the mixture has thickened. Keep warm. To make the salsa: combine the onion, pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, coriander, lemon, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste in a small bowl and mix well. Warm the tortillas in a microwave for 1 minute, or wrap in tinfoil and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Serve the taco with some cabbage, mince, a dollop of sour cream and salsa. Source: Angela Casley/bite.co.nz
WARCRY INHISTORY
1 September 1917 Captain Medland and Captain Hill are pictured on horseback in front of the Tauranga Officers’ Quarters. Image by Envoy Kareti Sept 1, 1917 Source: Booth College of Mission Heritage and Archives Centre 04 MAY 2019 WarCry 5
Left: Ewen and Gillian Laurenson. Right: Andrea Lopdell.
Two ordinary families answered the call to look after our modern-day orphans—and have made an extraordinary difference to children growing up in foster care. BY INGRID BARRATT
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hey may insist they’re just everyday people, but one family’s radical act of love has forever changed the lives of four siblings in foster care. When Andrea and John Lopdell—along with their four birth children—signed up to do foster care, they had no idea of the extraordinary journey awaiting them. But the signposts had been slowly revealing themselves over the years. ‘We’ve always been mission-minded and were always interested in orphanage work,’ says Andrea, as she cradles a 15-month-old girl on her knee, and a threemonth-old baby sleeps in his bouncer. After having four of their own children, the couple—who attend The Salvation Army’s Miramar Corps—started to think seriously about orphanage work or adopting from overseas. They got in touch with Oranga Tamariki, the New Zealand agency for foster care and adoption: ‘We went to an information evening, but that night we discovered the immense need that is in our own backyard, and we really had no idea of how desperate the need was and how many kids there are in the system. Immediately, it felt like this is what we’re going to do, obviously. It was so obvious to us.’ There are currently around 6000 children and young people in foster care in New Zealand, due to severe abuse or neglect. By far the greatest need is for foster parents to look after children for a time, while social workers assist families so their children can return safely to them. Andrea and John took a giant leap of faith, building another dwelling on their family property to accommodate extra children. But nothing could have prepared them for the realities of transitional foster care: ‘Our first foster children were a newborn and a three-year-old. We had them for seven months, and that near broke me when they left. It was just so incredibly difficult, I actually had to have two goes at handing the baby over—I felt like I was abandoning him.’ Despite the heartbreak, the Lopdells have now taken in 30 foster children— with an average stay of about seven months. Andrea prepares for their departure by creating photo albums that include letters from her, so that the children can grow up knowing they are loved. ‘It’s not a comfortable thing to do and there is plenty of sacrifice,’ admits Andrea. ‘It’s just a sacrifice that we see as worth it. At our church we give money to missions, and that’s an awesome thing to do. But pulling a couple of coins out of our wallet costs us nothing in terms of actual sacrifice. ‘The joyful part is giving them a home and sometimes seeing little signs that it is making a difference for them. It’s when you catch up with kids that have been with us and they’re doing really well—you can’t even describe how that feels,’ she says. 04 MAY 2019 WarCry 7
Giving your life over But the Lopdell’s lives were to take another radical departure, when a two-year-old arrived in their care. He already had three other placements break down because of his difficult behaviour. ‘He came to us with a head full of lice, he had no speech so he was very frustrated, and he would just scream these bloodcurdling screams through the night,’ recalls Andrea. ‘It was very hard to comfort him, and he couldn’t sleep by himself, so I started off with him falling asleep on my knee. Little by little, he started to get to know us and trust us.’ During these incredibly difficult days, the family discovered a profound truth: ‘We got very, very attached to him, because it was such an investment so early on. You literally give your life over for them, and that creates an incredibly strong bond.’ Almost a year went by, and no permanent home could be found for the toddler. So the Lopdells decided to make the ultimate commitment and give him a Home for Life. Soon, an older sibling joined him. Since then, the birth mother has had two more children, who have also joined the family—the youngest is only three months old. They have committed to giving all the siblings a Home for Life and today have a lively family of eight children. But Andrea and John are still passionate about walking alongside families, so they can better care for their children themselves. ‘The mother to our foster children is such a lovely girl, but is in such abusive relationships—she was beaten so badly when she was pregnant with one child that she had to spend two months in hospital and they didn’t think the baby would survive in utero.’ But she did survive. And, today, the children are thriving. This Mother’s Day, the family have invited the siblings’ birth mother to join them in celebrations. ‘To be able to build that relationship and make a difference to the mother, too, feels like such a privilege,’ reflects Andrea.
A fire in their hearts It was a heart for seeing children thriving in families that first captivated Ewen and Gillian Laurenson, who founded New Zealand’s Christian foster care agency Open Home Foundation, in 1977. Like the Lopdells, they had a heart for mission and had worked as missionaries in Tonga. Having adopted two children, they had a dream of providing foster care—in their retirement. But soon after their return home to Wellington, they were offered a voluntary position as house parents for a church 8 WarCry 04 MAY 2019
‘IT IS NOT AN OPTIONAL CALL, IT IS AN INJUNCTION FROM THE LORD TO CARE FOR THE ORPHAN AND THE NEEDY … IF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY REALLY PICKED THAT UP AND WENT FOR IT, WE WOULD EMPTY OUR INSTITUTIONS.’ family group home. This is accommodation for young people who, because of their difficult behaviours, can’t be placed in ordinary families. Family Group Homes still operate today. They were charged with caring for six highly troubled teens. ‘Those two years really broke us,’ says Ewen honestly. ‘The kids were very difficult, and from very traumatised backgrounds— some came from institutional care, there was drug involvement, criminal activity, some walked the fine line between sanity and insanity. It shattered that dream of building a stable, loving family environment where kids could feel they belong.’ But, while they were still there, they happened upon a book called Love is an Open Door. ‘It was a call for all Christians to open their homes and hearts to care for needy children. It is not an optional call, it is an injunction from the Lord to care for the orphan and the needy that we see from Genesis to Revelation. If the Christian community really picked that up and went for it, we would empty our institutions.’ With a fire burning in their hearts, Gillian and Ewen began to dream of a Christian agency that would see every foster child safe and nurtured with a Christian family. At a meeting, the couple shared the idea with other organisations—including The Salvation Army—expecting them to take up the vision. Until, one day, they got a call from Presbyterian Support Services asking if their ‘new agency’ would take in a young girl. They said yes. Initially, the newly-formed Open Home Foundation placed children with three families from around Wellington. Miracle after miracle happened. Referrals were coming in quicker than they could keep pace, and families from the wider Christian community put up their hands to care for children. Ewen and
Gillian converted the basement of their Wellington home into bedrooms without any financial cost, as people rallied to help. Soon it became clear that Ewen would have to leave his paid job to devote himself to the fledgling ministry—and so, they took another leap of faith. At the beginning, families came to the Open Home Foundation voluntarily, and their motto became ‘families helping families’. ‘It was all about working with the natural family and asking, “What’s wrong? What’s the stress?” And then endeavouring to improve things so one day the child could go back home—if not to their immediate family, then to the wider family,’ says Ewen. It’s a concept since adopted by our government agencies, and today is considered best practice in foster care. One young boy who the Laurensons took in at the age of seven became a permanent family member. The mother had a bipolar disorder, and doctors eventually said she would never be able to care for him by herself. Instead, the mother became part of the family, too. ‘One day, she rang and she had been baptised in the spirit in her room. She was almost illiterate, but she could read the Bible. She spent hours on our couch reading the Bible, it was extraordinary,’ says Gillian. But circumstances continued to be extremely difficult, with the mother’s health failing. As an adult, the son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He is still part of the family and continues to be loved and cared for. ‘A family—that’s what every troubled, unhappy youngster needs, a family to care for them. That’s what motivated us. Kids must have a family, somewhere long term where they’re safe and loved,’ says Ewen.
Why can’t the church do this? One of the comments Andrea hears the most is: ‘I could never do what you’re doing’. She admits to finding it a little frustrating. ‘I’m not any different from anyone. Of course not everybody is able to do it. But a lot of people are.’ Like the Open Home Foundation, she is also passionate about the Christian community caring for our modern-day orphans. One five-year-old girl came to them for transition when a Home for Life placement broke down after only six weeks. When she left their care after seven months, the Lopdells stayed in touch and she continued to go to church with them. After a year, her second Home for Life fell over. Then, recently, another Home for Life broke down.
‘Yes, she’s angry. She’s got a right to be angry. She’s now eight and she’s on a very negative cycle, so it’s really amazing that she is part of our church, she has a relationship with God and church is important to her. This girl is a true orphan that needs a family so desperately. There has to be somebody in the church that can take her. You think, “Why can’t the church find a way to do this?”’ Ewen admits that choosing to dedicate their lives to loving the sometimes unlovable ‘has not always been a swimmingly nice journey’—at times they have even been in physical danger. ‘But our lives have been very rich. God has been faithful through the ups and downs. Open Home Foundation came about by the grace of God, and it spread through people with the love of God in their hearts taking on the role sacrificially. ‘The vision is still the same—of loving homes, Christian homes, open to children in every town, city and village in the land.’ ‘It can be crazy and hard, and there are frequently tears,’ sums up Andrea. ‘But it’s worth it.’
The Ways You Can Care Respite: Give a foster or birth family who are struggling a break. Emergency: On-call to take children in when they are in imminent danger and need urgent care. Transitional: The greatest need in New Zealand is foster parents who can provide a safe place for children until they are able to return home, from a few weeks to several months. Home for Life: Giving a permanent home to a child for life, where they are taken out of the foster care system and into your family. OPEN HOME FOUNDATION | www.ohf.org.nz ORANGA TAMARIKI | www.orangatamariki.govt.nz
James 1:27 (TPT)
True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of our Father God is to make a difference in the lives of the orphans, and widows in their troubles, and to refuse to be corrupted by the world’s values. 04 MAY 2019 WarCry 9
Senior Singles are Better Off Controversial pop psychologist Jordan Petersen caused a media storm when he was in New Zealand, telling Hayley Holt that ‘life without a family after 45 gets pretty lonesome’. But psychologist Bella DePaul says that senior singles are actually more resilient later in life. Recent studies show that of the three categories of ‘unmarried’ people (lifelong, divorced and widowed singles), lifelong singles had the most positive outlook—reporting the lowest levels of what social scientists call ‘single-strain’ later in life. Hundreds of ‘unmarried’ seniors (65+) were asked to comment on these five facets of senior life: 1. It’s more difficult for you to have an active social life 2. You don’t have the intimacy with another person that you would like 3. The future looks more difficult 4. There’s no one to take care of you if you ever need it 5. There’s no one to share day-to-day experiences. Perhaps not surprisingly, the widowed seniors reported the most strain, having primarily relied on their spouse to take up the slack in these areas. Lifelong singles, however, tended to have a much broader spectrum of supportive relationships. DePaulo explains that, ‘Lifelong single people never leaned on a spouse. They have been looking to other people, such as friends and relatives, their whole life.’ This flies in the face of conventional wisdom that singles ‘have no one to look after them when they are old’. In fact, the studies showed that staying single greatly increases an individual’s capacity to accumulate skills and resources helpful in later life— such as autonomy, self-reliance, and the mastery of a broad range of skills. They have their freedom—their autonomy and self-reliance,’ DePaulo affirms. Taking a good hard look, then, at the extent—or lack—of our supportive friendships and networks is something we could all give attention to, regardless of our age or marital status. Noticing the gaps in the lives of others is also an invitation each of us could respond to. Churches, of course, are one of the enduring bastions that have the very real potential to not only reduce ‘single-strain’ later in life for all, but enrich each of our lives now. The question is, are we helping enhance relationships in our faith communities, or are we only consuming its benefits? Is our pursuit for connection focused on others, or on ourselves? We must understand that ‘life in Christ’ together will never be all we desire (and need) if we’re only in it to meet our own needs.
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IS OUR PURSUIT FOR CONNECTION FOCUSED ON OTHERS, OR ON OURSELVES? But choosing to be intentional and authentic so that the entire Body of Christ benefits is a great way to reflect Jesus’ command to ‘love one another’. Lifelong singles who have maintained broader relationships are a great example. They have a lot to offer of strengthening our faith communities, so that all are looked after in later life!
Creating Connection at Every Age Students: Interview a senior for a history or social studies assignment. Mid-lifers: Share the things that are worrying you with a senior, for a bit of perspective from someone who can help you see your struggles through life’s longer lens. Youth Leaders: Run a ‘Bring your Senior’ to youth group and interview them about what life was like when they were 16. Parents: Share a parenting challenge with a senior and ask for prayer. Singles: Throw a party and invite all your favourite people—for no reason at all!
TESTIFY! Eighteen-year-old Nicole Dunford, who attends Dunedin City Corps, writes about the female leaders that inspire her—and honours someone ‘who is not at all famous’ as her biggest role model. To me a female leader is someone who is confident and perseveres in a nurturing way to give back to their community, and to act in such a way that others want to follow them. I look up to many women in my community and places around the world as role models. Just a few of the women I admire include Jacinda Ardern, who at 37 became the youngest Prime Minister to be elected in New Zealand, which makes her an inspiration in my eyes. Ellen Degeneres is 61 years old, and while not an official leader, she is a very passionate activist, because people in this world can be unaccepting and she knows that everyone should be treated equally no matter what. Emma Watson is 29 years old and is currently an actress, model and activist. Not only do I love Emma for her acting in Harry Potter and Beauty and The Beast, but I love that she has strong opinions on human rights and is an activist. In 2014, she made a speech at the UN called #HeForShe, where she gave her opinion on gender equality and became the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. This event showed the skills of a leader and proved to the world that women hold and use power positively. My biggest inspiration is my mother. She is 48 years old and my ultimate role model. Ever since I was born, she has been there supporting me and teaching me right from wrong. My mum is not at all famous, but she has always cared for me and given me all of the help and skills that I need. My mother was raised in a Christian family and has brought me up in the
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE ALL OF THESE WOMEN IN MY LIFE AS ROLE MODELS, WHO SHOW ME THAT YOU CAN BE FEMALE, HAVE AN OPINION AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE ALL AT THE SAME TIME. same sort of environment, and through this I have been able to volunteer more in my community. One of my mother’s role models—who has also inspired me—is Catherine Booth. Although she is deceased, she has played a very important part in both my mum’s life and my life. Catherine passed away due to breast cancer at the age of 61 and would be 190 years old today. Alongside her husband, Catherine was the founder of The Salvation Army. My mother was brought up within this church, and I have been lucky enough to follow in her footsteps, by helping out in the church as much as I possibly can. I have been involved with doing the sound system and the computer Powerpoint; I am a Sunday school leader and attend the Bible study group, youth group and our new night church called Exchange.
I think of Catherine as a leader because she used her passion for Christianity to inspire many people, all over the world. I hope to encourage my friends and peers to get to know God like I have. She did missionary work and ministry, and created such a powerful organisation that it still runs globally today. I am so grateful to have all of these women in my life as role models, who show me that you can be female, have an opinion and make a difference all at the same time. I hope to be another strong leader to help give inspiration to those younger than me, and I hope to help people build relationships with God. This is an excerpt of an article by Nicole Dunford, which first appeared in the Otago Daily Times.
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Beautiful thing Singer and Kiwi treasure Stan Walker returns to his home marae to record a soulful rendition of ‘Ma Te Marie’, as part of the Offering project. In his own words, he describes how ‘momentous’ it is for him to share his heritage with the world, and why he will always be there for The Salvation Army. So today we are here at Tamapahore, my marae in Tauranga. This is actually my Nannie’s marae and we’re now onto our second wharenui because the original burnt down. I think this place is really beautiful—there’s a lot of history here and plenty of carvings, both old and new. We’ve come to sing a Māori hymn we grew up with called ‘Ma Te Marie’. My great-grandmother is the oldest of all her lot and she died when I was about three years old. This was a big loss. I was brought up by her brother and her sister-inlaw and saw them as my great grandparents, along with my other nannies. Three weeks ago, I had my two nannies die a week apart. They were both laid here, which is quite special, as this is now a chance for me to come back and breathe new life into the place. ‘Ma Ta Marie’ is a Māori hymn which we have sung since the beginning of time. Well, since I’ve been born anyway. It’s part of the Rātana Church and Nga Iwi Morehu, and is one of the first songs I ever learned to sing—it’s just beautiful and has so much life. But it also takes me back to every single person we’ve lost. I believe singing it how we did today has given it some new life.
WHĀNAU O TE WHENUA In this song I am reflecting on how I am Whānau o te Whenua, a Māori from Aotearoa. I love showing off not just myself and what I can do, but more what we can do, or what the people can do—I always feel like I’m stronger when I have a collective behind me. Today has been quite beautiful. I was picturing both of my nans sitting there—little old ladies holding 12 firezone.co.nz 04 MAY 2019
my hands. I think they would have loved this and been really proud. Not because of me, but because of the legacy we’re carrying on for them. I also think today is a momentous occasion for me and my whānau because of where I’ve come from. I have always been connected to my home and my marae. It was where I was brought up and I still consider myself a marae kid. I was raised with many different parents, and my various cousins were my best mates and worst enemies, but I know they’ve got my back till I die. It’s a beautiful thing coming here. While I’ve been a part of lots of events on different marae, this is kind of my last stop. When I started singing, I had this vision that I was going to come home—a dream I’ve had for over ten years now. Yet I never actually imagined I’d be singing my own language here, in an event that’s not just for Māori, but something for everyone. It’s actually quite a big deal because we don’t usually do this. For me to bring people into my world, and into my everyday life, and to see how I was brought up, and to sing the song on my marae and with my family—man, that is beautiful. Not many people can say they’ve done that before. We are by-products of our parents’ sacrifices, we are their legacy and we get to do things they couldn’t even dream of.
SALLIES GO GANGSTA
One of the things about this project that’s awesome for me, aside from the fact we’re doing a song in Māori and performing it on my marae, is that the Offering project is connected to The Salvation Army, with proceeds going to their life-changing work.
MANY LOOK AT [THE SALLIES] AS BEING A BUNCH OF NICE OLD PEOPLE, BUT I’M TELLING YOU, THESE PEOPLE ARE GANGSTA! not ready for! And they do it all because they want to serve people, and they want to serve people at their worst. They want to love, help and rehabilitate them through hardships, so they can become the best they can be. They are the kind of people who are there in the pits and dark alleyways, places where people are found at their worst. The places where everyone else goes ‘yuck’ or ‘I feel sorry for them’, yet still walk past. The Salvation Army are the selfless ones who actually get stuck in. They may look nice but trust me, they are actually total gangstas!
Ma Te Marie Ma te marie a te Atua Tatou katoa e tiaki; Mana ano e whakau 0 tatou ngakau ki te pai
The peace of God keep us all. He will confirm our hearts in goodness.
Ma te Atua Tamaiti ra, Ma te Wairua Tapu hoki, Ratou, Atua kotahi nei. Tatou katoa e whakapai.
May the Son of God and the Holy Spirit too, one God, bless us all.
Amine.
Amen.
Photography by Thom Productions.
While I’ve always been a part of giving back, I was especially drawn to the Offering because of its partnership with them. I have long been a big fan of what the Sallies do, who they are and what they represent. I was also excited because I loved the idea of being able to sing something we don’t really perform on a regular basis—all while being part of the kaupapa. I have done a lot with The Salvation Army in the past—I’ve written two different songs for two different campaigns and got to see firsthand the amazing work they do. What they do is incredible. Many look at [the Sallies] as being a bunch of nice old people, but I’m telling you, these people are gangsta! They have to deal with things you’re
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(From left) Captain Krista Andrews and Commissioners Rosalie Peddle and Bronwyn Buckingham.
On the Road with Women’s Ministries In a four-day whirlwind tour throughout New Zealand, up to 1000 people were blessed by the ministry of Commissioners Rosalie Peddle and Bronwyn Buckingham, along with Captain Krista Andrews from Australia. BY SHAR DAVIS
Organised by Women’s Ministries (WM), the tour was a homecoming of sorts for the international leaders, with Rosalie having served in the Northern Division as divisional leader for two years and Bronwyn being a proud Kiwi. The tour began in Christchurch, on Saturday, 30 April. After the recent terrorist attacks, the encouragement, support and spiritual investment they brought were perfectly timed. Women from all over the South Island travelled to be a part of the much anticipated #WMtour2019 event, with 220 in attendance on Saturday, before a combined service on Sunday morning. Bridget McLay came from Ōamaru for the event and said it was a wonderful day ‘just for her’, but where God was the most important person. ‘The thing that stood out for me was that I can do all things, great and mighty things through God—but it’s important to stay humble because it is God who is great and mighty, not me.’ The sessions were themed ‘women of value’ and ‘women of valour’ and were full of creativity with dances in each session, a spoken word performance, beautiful displays on stage and in the foyer, and a special keepsake for each woman to remind them of their value as daughters of God. 14 WarCry 04 MAY 2019
One of the most moving moments took place early on Sunday morning as the tour party laid fresh roses outside the Masjid Al Noor Mosque, where 42 people had died on Friday, 15 March. After laying the flowers, the group stood silently, arms around each other, before Rosalie prayed for everyone impacted by the unimaginable actions fueled by hatred: ‘Help us be the instruments of love and peace, help us to love our neighbour.’ She prayed for the city of Christchurch and its people, that they would know God’s love and peace as they begin to rebuild from this tragedy, as well as praying for the Christian community of the city. During the morning church service, Bronwyn spoke of the prayer support from around the world for Christchurch and what it was like to be so far from home during these days. She shared a phrase from the sermon at London’s Regent Hall, the Sunday after the attack: ‘We saw on the television images of people coming together, united in love—regardless of religion, regardless of race—the Holy happening amidst agony … And [today] I saw amidst those flowers, the messages, and thought again, “The Holy does happen amidst agony”.’
‘ … YOUNG WOMEN WERE ASSURED THEIR VOICES WERE IMPORTANT AND VALUED … ’
The tour moved north to Wellington on Monday, beginning with a day for officers from across Central Division. It included an ‘on the couch’ session, with Major Christina Tyson interviewing Bronwyn, Krista and Rosy Keane on a range of meaty topics, including gender equity, faith and relationships— as well as a few more light-hearted moments, like how they met their husbands. The division held a coffee and dessert evening at Johnsonville with women travelling from as far away as Levin, for a night of inspiration and encouragement. Major Julie Cope was one of the around 160 women who were blessed to sit under the ministry of Rosalie and Bronwyn at the dessert evening. ‘Women’s ministries in The Salvation Army—both internationally and territorially— is certainly heading in the right direction,’ said Julie. ‘As always Johnsonville Corps excelled themselves as excellent hosts of this event.’ Rosy emceed the evening and presented spoken word, Krista danced, and Rosalie spoke. She preached with passion and zeal each time—it didn’t matter whether it was to an overflowing congregation in Christchurch, intimate officers gatherings or public evenings in Wellington and Auckland. Seeing the mercy seats lined with people responding to God’s Holy Spirit was a great encouragement and reflected the hunger for more of God in the territory. Rosalie’s message about living with outrageous courage and unshakable confidence particularly resonated with women, young and older, across the country. Sharing her testimony, Bronwyn said how good it was to be home in a ministry capacity since leaving six years ago to serve overseas. Speaking from her personal experience of the cost of saying ‘yes’ to God, Bronwyn encouraged women to take up their cross and place their confidence in God, who is trustworthy. Krista ministered throughout the tour with singing and a blend of sign language, dance and mime. ‘I don’t really know what to call it,’ she said with her infectious laugh. Whatever label you want to give it, it drew people into God’s presence and expressed his great, all-consuming love for them, and transitioned people into a reflective space before each sermon. In Auckland, 42 young women and corps leaders ‘chewed the fat’ over pizza with the international leaders at the ‘exchange’ dinner. It was a chance for young women in the division to engage with international Women’s Ministries leadership, said Divisional Youth Secretary Captain Naomi Holt. There were some tough questions asked back and forth and it was great to see such engagement and passion from everyone. ‘The young women were assured their voices were important and valued, and they
were encouraged by Rosalie and Bronwyn to find mentors who will lift them up,’ said Naomi. The Commissioners both spoke of their heart for young women, and their desire to see change that benefits the coming generation of women leaders. At the public event that evening, a stunning rendition of ‘Nau Mai Rā—Welcome Home’ was performed as the leaders were brought to the platform to be greeted by the 200-plus crowd. It was of special significance because the English version had been sung to Commissioner Rosalie and General Brian Peddle, when they were welcomed as divisional leaders to the Northern Division all those years ago. Major Marilyn Tremain brought four women from Glenfield Corps and they were absolutely delighted by the evening. ‘One of the ladies said that it was the best ladies’ worship event she had experienced since coming to The Salvation Army,’ said Marilyn. Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Yvonne Westrupp reflected: ‘Women came with expectation and encountered God. There was Holy Spirit energy and power at each gathering. I was personally encouraged in my own spiritual journey and sense that God is at work in the territory in a powerful way. I am so grateful to Commissioners Rosalie Peddle and Bronwyn Buckingham and Captain Krista Andrews for their ministry. They were God’s gift to us for this time.’
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Let’s Build Together! Women’s Ministries (WM) is inviting the Army to join together and help build three homes destroyed in Indonesia’s earthquakes. ‘Together We Build’—an initiative of Women’s Ministries New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga Territory—aims to raise $44,500 to rebuild three officers’ quarters (homes) destroyed in the earthquake in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia Territory in 2018. On 28 September 2018, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province, triggering a tsunami that killed 2000 people and displaced more than 1.5 million. ‘I could not stand. I felt my body was lifted up here and there, slammed against something hard,’ recalls Captain Susana Asah from Jonoogi Corps in Indonesia. ‘I heard a loud noise behind me and when I turned my head, I saw that the wall was cracked as the ground split. I heard furniture falling everywhere but I did not understand any of it. I could only say in my heart, “God save me”.’ The Salvation Army Indonesia Territory, known locally as ‘Bala Keselamatan’, had a major presence in the clean-up— but its work isn’t done. ‘During the earthquake and tsunami, The Salvation Army lost over 100 properties that were either destroyed (collapsed), or severely damaged beyond repair. These include
corps buildings, officers’ quarters and schools,’ explains Commissioner Jennifer Walker, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in Indonesia. Government restrictions forbid the use of public funds to rebuild Salvation Army buildings. Its houses and churches lie in rubble, and some corps meet only under tarpaulin. WM invites all groups, centres and corps in our territory to join the Together We Build effort. Use whatever you can to help raise funds for our sisters and brothers in need! Get your friends involved and use the hashtag #togetherwebuild2019 to share your ideas on social media with the wider Army. Personal donations from individuals are also welcome. Or get a group together to make a financial gift.
Dream of Integrated Mission Comes True What does integrated Salvation Army mission look like in Whangārei? It looks like Whangārei Corps, Community Ministries, Māori Ministry and Bridge services coming together to share a day of dedication, as we embark on a building project together. For over 17 years, Whangārei Corps has dreamed of a new, more appropriate facility. And many have hoped the Bridge would be part of that. But it had always seemed impossible to include the Bridge in this dream.
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However, in recent years it became obvious that the majority of Whangārei Bridge clients were also engaged with Salvation Army Community Ministries— whether via the foodbank, waiata group, financial mentoring or emergency housing. This knowledge became the catalyst to dream big by praying and planning for the Bridge to be part of the Whangārei Salvation Army building project. The dream became to do the right thing by offering those seeking Salvation Army support a holistic package of care. Although this dream initially hit a ‘No, this can never happen’ response, miracles do happen! With the generous support of legacies left to The Salvation Army, a comprehensive plan to fund this project has been established. The building project is a tangible commitment to integrated mission in Northland, with Whangārei preparing to act as a hub to support other expressions of Salvation Army mission.
The Dedication Day to bless the building project land, demonstrated integrated mission with corps and Bridge staff leading the day together. Starting with a dawn blessing of the land by Ngāpuhi kaumatua, a dedication church service involving the Bridge, corps, Community Ministries and Māori Ministry followed. Divisional Commander Major Ian Gainsford preached, reminding us that when we replace a well-worn pair of shoes the new shoes can feel uncomfortable at first, but will serve us well into the future. This captured something of the journey ahead. The congregation finally moved outside to be joined by neighbours of the corps. Along with Ian, ASARS National Director Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Hutson and Building Project Manager Trevor Griffiths, offered words of encouragement. Then, a square of earth was symbolically turned by Major Donald Walker before
GAZETTE
‘That night we hugged, the three of us, thankful to God for his salvation to our family and to everybody else in Jono Oge [region]. We knew and believed God was there at that time and he was always by our side. When we were afraid and worried, feeling helpless, he was there. As we called his name and asked for help, when we believed on his promises, he was there—and answered our prayers right on time,’ says Susana. Our last WM territorial project was a massive success, with over NZ$ 31,192.22 raised in 2017 for The Haven and Sunshine Home in Sri Lanka. The money raised is going towards building a two-storey block for the preschool and adult classrooms, construction of a small canteen shop to raise money and sell products created in the adult programmes, and redevelopment of the main building front. We look forward to seeing how we can build together a new hope for The Salvation Army in Indonesia, and to see those three quarters built to keep the gospel spreading. Get involved: Contact your corps officer to get started. If you don’t belong to a corps, email togetherwebuild@salvationarmy.org.nz for help with donating. #togetherwebuild2019
Whangārei Corps Band at the service of dedication. Major Donald Walker turning the square of earth.
he symbolically handed the land over to the Building Project Manager. A dream, 17 years in the making, is finally coming true.
Promotion to Glory: Major Margaret Medland, from Napier, on Sunday, 7 April 2019, aged 74 years. Margaret Jean Skilton was born on 29 October 1944 in Christchurch. Margaret entered The Salvation Army Training College from Christchurch City Corps as a member of the Victorious Session in 1970. Following commissioning on 15 January 1972, Margaret was appointed to Terrace End Corps (Palmerston North) as Corps Assistant. In 1973 she was appointed to Territorial Headquarters as Youth Department Assistant. In 1981 she was appointed to Central North Divisional Headquarters as Divisional Secretary, with an additional appointment as Area Guide Organiser for Red Shield Guiding in 1982. Margaret was then appointed back to Territorial Headquarters in 1984 as Secretary, Property Department, becoming Assistant Property Secretary in 1988. In July 1991 Margaret was appointed as Assistant Officer to Omahanui Village (Napier) and in 1992 as Assistant Manager. Margaret retired on 1 June 1994, marrying Major Ivan Medland later that month. An appointment in retirement in 1995 saw Margaret became the Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers in the Midland Division and she also assisted the Midland Divisional Public Relations Department with responsibilities for Wills and Bequests. Please uphold Major Ivan Medland and extended family in your prayers during this time of grief. Well done, victorious and faithful servant of Jesus! Promotion to Glory: Major Patricia Pinkerton from Palmerston North, on 5 April 2019 , aged 74 years. Patricia Rae Egan was born in Tauranga on 25 April 1945. Patricia married Raymond (Ray) Pinkerton on 24 February 1964. Patricia and Ray were warranted as Divisional Envoys on 20 September 1983 and appointed to Cambridge Corps, followed by an appointment to Naenae Corps, during which time they became Auxiliary Captains from 1985. Commissioned to substantive rank of Captain in January 1995 they were appointed to Levin Corps, then in 1997 to Gisborne Corps, with an additional appointment as Referral Officers for Independent Living Units. In 1999 they received a further additional appointment as Managers of Community and Family Services. In 2000 they were appointed to Auckland Bridge as Recovery Church Leaders and it is from this appointment that Patricia and Ray retired from active service on 5 December 2004. During 2007 and 2008 Patricia and Ray gave oversight of Whanganui Corps for several months in retirement. We honour Major Patricia Pinkerton for her 36 years of active service and continued ministry in retirement through the Levin Corps. Please uphold Major Ray Pinkerton, their children Stephen, Brett, Tracey, Nigel and Leanne, and extended family members in prayer during this time of grief and loss. Well done good and faithful servant of Christ! Appointment Rescinded: Effective 9 April 2019, Lieutenants Patricia and Tau Mataki, Hēkeretari O Te Ao Māori Te Manatū Māori (Territorial Secretaries for Māori Ministry). Lieutenants Patricia and Tauhuia Mataki are now awaiting appointment. Please uphold them in your prayer in the days ahead. Promotion to Major: Effective 5 April 2019, Captain Karl Saunders, New Lynn Corps. Additional Appointment: Effective 15 April 2019, Major Linda Bateman, Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers, Northern Division. International Appointment: Effective 1 August 2019, Major Rebecca Samuel and Major Samuel John Mubarik, of Pakistan Territory, are appointed to the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory as Assistants to the Chief Secretary. Please pray for Majors Rebecca and Samuel as they prepare for this appointment, and for visa/work permits to become available in a timely fashion. Appointment to International College for Officers: Captain Stuart Tong, Session 244, 15 January to 24 February 2020; Captain Rebecca Gane Session 245, 15 April to 25 May 2020; Captain Robert Adams Session 246, 15 July to 24 August 2020.
BY MAJOR SUE HAY 04 MAY 2019 WarCry 17
‘Prepared for Anything’ on Fiji Mission Trip Mission accomplished! Nine women from Levin Corps recently returned from an amazing week of ‘doing mission together’ with Salvation Army Women’s Ministries in Suva, Fiji. The week was exhausting and life-changing for those who took part; we went to give but in return received so many rich and rewarding experiences. It had long been the desire of Levin Corps Council to set up a sister mission partnership with a corps in Fiji, through which to channel our monthly sponsorship funds and have an ongoing relationship. Through Suva Central Corps, we spent mornings at the Family Care Centre, home league, sewing programme, and Tiny Tots’ kindergarten. On another morning, two went to a women’s correction facility and the rest of the group to Lomaivuna Corps. The ready welcome and warmth of the Fijian people made it easy to fit in and share crafts and prayer ministry together. Three of the group had prepared lots of children’s material and activities, others had prepared various crafts, handwork and a drama. Each person also prepared either a testimony, devotional, ‘God-spot’, or Bible message and made various contributions throughout the week to needs we were met with.
‘BPFA’ was our catch-phrase: ‘be prepared for anything!’ This was put into practice daily as we learned to go with the flow, when suddenly put on the spot to say a word or do an item! Three extra suitcases of resources were donated by corps folk and these will be distributed in an ongoing way. A highlight of the week was the annual combined women’s rally, with exuberant singing, dancing and fun from six participating corps and outposts. It was a fundraiser for the 2019 territorial Women’s Ministries project ‘Together We Build’, raising $2395 for Salvation Army rebuilding work in Indonesia [See story on p. 16]. Our group comprised two teenagers, six retireds and two ‘inbetweeners’—but there was a great sense of team and bonding together. The young ones readily made new friends at youth group, and the Sunday morning meeting was a culmination of a wonderful week of ministry. The sumptuous shared lunch was followed by time with Corps Officers Lieutenants Mere Gina and Saimone Gatarua and their leadership team, to discuss plans for the ongoing partnership and sponsorships. These were noted for action! All participants
Standing on the Promises of God—Literally.
Major Janee Sawyer just loves walking into her new office with the assurance that she is quite literally standing on the promises of God! During the building refurbishments, Bible verses significant to members of the faith community were gathered and placed under the new flooring. But wait there’s more! Eighteen different languages feature in the promises undergirding the worship hall itself. A rich diversity of ethnicity and culture make up New Lynn Corps and this is strongly representative of the West Auckland community it serves and dwells amongst.
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On Saturday, 23 February, at 5.30am, a dawn blessing by kaumātua took place followed by a mihi whakatau and breakfast. New Lynn Corps Officer Major Janee explains that this part of the opening was ‘warm and beautiful’, and she was thrilled with the turn out of 45 at such an early hour. An ‘Opening and Dedication’ service took place at 2pm with special guests Commissioner Andy and Yvonne Westrupp, and local MP for New Lynn Dr Deborah Russell. Vocalists preformed ‘Ma Te Kahukura’, which speaks of a bird who has grown tired, the beauty of its plummage long since faded. As the song progresses the bird’s strength is renewed and the colour of it’s plummage restored. It was an appropriate and beautiful metaphor for the New Lynn building itself, said Auxilliary Captain Eric Turner. A ‘Worship and Celebration’ service on Sunday attracted 200 people, some of whom had ‘come home’ especially. Cultural items presented by Samoan and Filippino corps members, coupled with a band offering composed by Jim Denny called ‘New Lynn Prelude—O Lord We Come’, made up some of the
‘ … HE TAKES DELIGHT IN EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US.’ funded the trip themselves—with many already starting to save up again for any future opportunities. A big thanks also to the Fiji Division staff and leaders Majors Anne and Alister Irwin for all the arrangements and open home hospitality, which made the trip such a success. Each evening was a time of debriefing and sharing some of the heart-tugging or hair-raising experiences. We were blessed beyond measure and all touched immensely in our spirits. We praise God for the privilege of doing mission together with our Fijian friends, and give God all the glory and honour for calling us to be his followers. BY MAJOR COLLEEN MARSHALL
‘Mothering Sunday’ is a day when we take time to honour the mother of the family, to celebrate motherhood and to acknowledge the influence of mothers in society. If you are a mother on 12 May—known formally as Mothering Sunday—you may be served a cup of tea, or even breakfast in bed (watch out for the crumbs!). Maybe your little darlings will cook up a storm in the kitchen so that you can take the day at your ease and sit with your feet up enjoying some ‘R & R’ (rest and relaxation). Being a mother of two, and now a grandmother of three, I reminisce about the days when our children would do their best to make Mothering Sunday a special time. I remember the joy of seeing the concentration on the faces of our children as they navigated a tray of drinks and food through the door in hushed tones— and then, the big SURPRISE! Although separated by many miles from our children and families in this season of life, there is a real sense of connectedness and close bonds from the love we share with each other, which no one can take away. We may not be near each other physically, but we share a depth of love that surpasses human understanding. As I reminisce on the love, joy and pleasure I received from those early years, it reminds me of the greater joy and pleasure God receives in us. He sees each one of us as we share his love with everyone we come into contact with and do our best to bring in his Kingdom. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) says: For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
special components of the morning. Speaking from Haggai 2:9, Janee quoted, ‘The glory of this present house, will be greater than the glory of the former house and in this place I will grant peace’. Given the excellent mission of New Lynn Corps, this is a promise to not only stand on, but one that is sure to be fulfilled.
These words are so encouraging, they remind us that God is not someone outside of our humanity, he is our mighty Saviour. Even though he is mighty and powerful—Lord of all things past, present and to come—he takes delight in each and every one of us. I encourage you to take some time today if possible, or in the days to come this week, and think over these words from Zephaniah for yourself. Know that God is always with you; know his heart is gladdened when we make time and space just to be with him. Listen for the joyful song he is singing over your life. Colonel Suzanne Fincham Chief Secretary 04 MAY 2019 WarCry 19
Prayer at the Loose Ends PART 3
How do we pray when we’re overwhelmed … or, let’s be honest, just can’t be bothered? BY BARBARA SAMPSON
Week Five: Prayer when my heart is overwhelmed There are certain things that make me feel overwhelmed—too many people to start with. They come crowding into my dreams at night like unruly children, messy teenagers, demanding adults who won’t listen to me and refuse to leave. Too many appointments, one after the other. A diary too full. Wherever did I get the idea that salvation was to be found in a full schedule? I recall a senior Salvation Army officer telling our session of cadets that he had not been home for dinner with his family for the past month. He wore this badge of busyness with considerable pride, but to my way of thinking, it was something to be ashamed of. So, how did I get to that same place? What changed within me? Surely not just the demands of the role? Something within me allowed myself to get into what my son calls ‘scheduleslam’. I dislike the phrase almost as much as I hate the experience of going to bed at night with my head in a whirl, thinking not of what I’ve got done through the day, but rather all that I’ve haven’t yet accomplished. That’s a sure recipe for anxiety and insomnia. I feel overwhelmed at times with people’s needs and anguish. Sure, I can pray for this person or that need, but when planes disappear and new pockets of the world suddenly become war zones and floods or earthquakes wreak their devastating havoc, I don’t know how to pray. How to carry such heaviness and burden? God says, ‘Pass it on up to me’. So, like an escalator I pass up the prayers to God. ‘Lord, here’s my friend today as she waits for surgery. Here’s my family member who needs your help in a very specific matter. Here’s the situation in Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria. Here’s the situation in Christchurch, today. I’m passing them all up to you. Please be in every place of anguish.’ Whether it’s other people’s huge needs or my own failures and sinfulness or workload, I often feel overwhelmed.
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‘LORD, LIKE A HOT AIR BALLOON, GIVE LIFT TO ALL THAT WEIGHS HEAVILY ON MY MIND, MY SHOULDERS, MY HEART THIS DAY.’ In these moments I’ve learned to turn to Psalm 61:1–2: ‘When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I’—a place of new perspective, reassurance, consolation. I suspect I get to this high place on my knees. Lord, let my overwhelm become your overflow.
They afflict me quite often, usually striking without warning. When I’m not looking they creep up on me, find a chink in my armour of busyness, crawl inside and find a snug corner in which to settle. It usually happens when I’m tired or hungry. Long week, lots of people, had enough.
At a contemplative prayer day a while ago, I sat at a table with two others and drew myself as a stick figure holding a knapsack on my back. The knapsack had become full to overflowing and I was weighed down, scarcely able to move. Silently, prayerfully, the three of us passed our drawings round the table. One of the others looked at mine for a long time then, with gentle strokes of crayon, drew a hot air balloon above me, holding me and my backpack up, helping me soar and fly. When he handed my picture back to me, it was clear that the weight of the load on my back was being upheld by something, or rather Someone, much greater and stronger than me. This new perspective changed everything.
I don’t take pride in this affliction, but it has been helpful to take them by the scruff of the neck, look them in the eye and speak straight.
So now, when I find myself in a place where my heart feels overwhelmed, I pray: ‘Lord, like a hot air balloon, give lift to all that weighs heavily on my mind, my shoulders, my heart this day. Please bring your answer to every person whom I lift up to you. May my overwhelm turn into your overflow of grace and blessing.’
Week Six: Prayer in the CBBs Here, I tell myself, you’ve got a job to do, a pile to clear, a friend to call. You’ve been putting it off for too long. Sorry, I respond, I can’t. Can’t? Why not? I’m sick, very sick in fact. Are you? I didn’t know that. What’s wrong with you? I’ve got a bad dose of the ‘CBBs’. Oh no, I groan to myself, not again. My counsellor friends would call it loss of empathy. Other people call it compassion fatigue. I don’t give it such a lofty title. I simply call it the CBBs—the can’t-bebothereds.
THE ‘CBBs’ ARE SIMPLY MY INMOST BEING BEGGING FOR SOME SPACE SO THAT BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT CAN ALL CATCH UP TOGETHER AGAIN. Now, look here, I say. What do you and I need to do? The CBBs shrug their shoulders. Dunno. That’s not good enough, I reply. What do we need to do? Usual thing, I guess, they respond. Take a nap, take a break, take a KitKat. Okay, I concede, let’s do that. This afternoon we will, we really will. Whatever, the CBBs respond with a shrug. As if they care. The point is they don’t loosen their grip until I do what they demand, so I’ve learned to face the reality and give in. A long nap, a good book, some time out, usually settles them down. The ancients had their own name for this affliction. Acedie—the sloth who struck at noon day. Acedie was considered one of the most dreadful of the deadly sins because it sneaks up on you, like an unwelcome guest who turns up right on
dinner time, or the neighbour’s cat who invites himself onto your favourite chair. ‘Who let you in?’ you ask, but you get only a supercilious stare. When they pounce, I know there are some steps I need to take: First step— don’t fight them. If they say, ‘Time to rest’, then that’s what I need to do. Give myself a day off, go for a bike ride, meet a friend for coffee, take a nap, go somewhere into the guilt-free zone and chill out for a while. Second step—don’t humour them. Don’t let them pull me into the downward slope to depression or self-pity. Third step—don’t be surprised when they appear. They are not sins, nor evidence of guilt or transgression or great moral failure. The CBBs are simply my inmost being begging for some space so that body, soul and spirit can all catch up together again. And when even prayer feels like too much effort in the midst of a CBB assault, I have found my hands help me. Palms open, facing down. Letting go, letting go, letting go. Thank you God. Then, palms turned upwards. Ready to receive, ready for filling, for inspiration, for grace. Thank you God. You might know them by another name, but if something like the CBBs creep up and pounce on you now and again, try this simple way of prayer: Just open your hands, facing down, facing up. No words needed. Let God, who can always be bothered, do the rest.
Prayer is an act of love; words are not needed. Even if sickness distracts from thoughts, all that is needed is the will to love. Saint Teresa of Avila
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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 7 May: Red Shield Breakfast, Auckland 8 May: Red Shield Breakfast, Wellington 12 May: Central Taranaki Corps, Stratford Colonels Suzanne (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Secretary for Programme) 7 May: Red Shield Breakfast, Auckland 8 May: Red Shield Breakfast, Wellington 17 May: Jeff Farm, Kaiwera (Melvin only) 19 May: Dunedin City Corps, Dunedin (Melvin only) 20–22 May: General’s Consultative Council, London (Suzanne only)
PRAY Savusavu Corps and Saweni Corps in Fiji, Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, New Zealand
Southern Division Corps and Community Ministries and Divisional Headquarters; The Salvation Army in Kenya East.
SPIRITUAL RETREAT Open to all Salvationists
Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 5 May: Woodville Corps, Woodville 7 May: Red Shield Breakfast, Auckland 8 May: Red Shield Breakfast, Wellington 20–24 May: Officers’ Retreat, Featherston
Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: salvationarmy.org.nz/employment
8–11 July 2019
Bellbird Heights, Living Springs Camp & Conference Centre, Christchurch Limited to 14 participants $180.00 + travel Expressions of interest now being received: heather.rodwell@salvationarmy.org.nz or 027 481 6421
Shop online at
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salvationarmy.org.nz/shop
Go to inspiredadventures.co.nz/events/tsa-fiji-2019/
Want to Know More? 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
For more information email: mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz
Quiz Answers: 1 4 May (May the fourth be with you), 2 ‘Luke I am your father’ (it’s actually ‘No, I am your father’), 3 Millennium Falcon, 4 He doesn’t have one, 5 He ordered all 2-year-old boys in Bethlehem area be killed (Matthew 2:16).
22 WarCry 04 MAY 2019
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Expiration date: NEVER!
[2]
Expiration date: NEVER!
[1]
Q&A with Twins Nathaniel and Ethan, age 11
Nathaniel (left) and Ethan Vemoa.
What’s the best thing about being a twin? [1]
This entitles Mum to
Give this to [1]
This entitles Mum to
Give this to
to redeem your coupon.
[2]
to redeem your coupon.
Expiration date: NEVER!
[2]
Expiration date: NEVER!
Ethan: Umm, when you get in trouble you can blame it on the other twin, sometimes … Nathaniel: The best thing … hmmm. I know, I get to brag about being a twin.
What is your favourite Bible story? Ethan: David and Goliath, because a little dude killed a massive dude. David had no advantages but he still won. Nathaniel: Samson, because he’s strong, but then his hair gets cut and he becomes weak.
Who is God?
Ethan: God is God hahaha. God is my bestest friend. Nathaniel: I think of him like a steering wheel, he guides me along a big long road.
Funniest joke you know?
INSTRUCTIONS: Fill each coupon out with the following— [ 1 ] a) A chore you can do for your mum b) Hugs and kisses c) Something nice for mum (like breakfast in bed, or running a bubble bath … or think of your own idea!) d) Something you can do with mum (like going for a walk or taking her to a café—think of something you like doing together). [2] Your name! Cut them out , put a hole in the corner and tie them together with a ribbon! This is a Mother’s Day pressie your mum, or someone special to you, will LOVE!
•
Ethan: What’s the story of the broken pencil? Nevermind, it’s pointless. Nathaniel: (laughs) I’m so good at sleeping, I can do it with my eyes closed.
Favourite food?
Ethan: Pesto gnocchi. Nathaniel: Chocolate and Lasagne. Would you like to be interviewed for War Cry? Get your whānau to send us an email! warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz
STAR WARS DAY 2019 WarCry 23