FAITH IN ACTION 07 APRIL 2018 | Issue 6689 | $1.50
Spilling Secrets
Sheryn Adamson’s new book Life Wide Open
Wahine 50: We Were There
The Truth About Mary Magdalene
Do We Need to Break Up With Pop Music? How to Take a Compliment Salvation Cycles Challenge
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL André Cox | 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 Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford, Vivienne Hill | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY David Hamilton, PhotoNZ 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 134 years | Issue 6689 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 salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft
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Making Babies When my extended family get together there is always a level of chaos that the children thrive on—my extrovert little boy loves playing with his eight cousins. Last time we were all together, he announced to the room: ‘I really want a little brother or sister but my mummy said she can’t have a baby.’ ‘But you have lots of love,’ replied my brother, coming to my rescue. My mind often wanders back to that moment—that’s what it’s like with loss. I love my job, my husband and child, and am so grateful for them. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t unanswered prayer in my life. In all of our lives, sadness usually sits alongside joy. So when I met Sheryn Adamson (see p.6), we had the kind of bond that women do when they have had similar experiences. Despite her seven-year, heart-breaking battle with infertility, she was still genuinely interested in hearing my own, much smaller, story. There is something nourishing about sharing our stories. It’s through friends who have helped carry my burdens—and I pray I have done the same in return—that I have come to understand God as an intimate friend. He is not an existential puppeteer, pulling the strings of my life; he journeys closely with me through it all. Of course, there have been times when I have asked, ‘Why, Lord?’—that is part of the Christian journey. More often than not, there is no clear answer to this question. Rather, a sense that I have been heard and am deeply known. Brothers and sisters, let us carry each others’ burdens, just as Christ carries ours. Ingrid Barratt Editor
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Ihāia 41:10 Kaua e wehi; kei a koe nei hoki ahau; kaua anō e tirotiro; ko ahau nei hoki tōu Atua: Māku koe e whakakaha, āe rā, māku koe e āwhina, ka tautokona ake anō koe e te ringa matau o tōku tika.
Mary Magdalene is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood characters in the Bible. Garth Davis—the acclaimed director of the Academy Award-nominated Lion—has re-imagined her untold story. The film Mary Magdalene does not claim to be Christian, but as Garth told War Cry, he discovered the kingdom of Jesus is for everyone. You’ve said that you’re not religious, so why did you want to take on a biblical film? When I read the script, I was just taken by Mary and her story, and the spirituality in it. Like Lion, it was another exploration of love, and they’re the emotional cornerstones of what I’m looking for in my work. It was also a very different Mary Magdalene to the one I thought I knew, and I wanted to explore that. How did making this movie influence your own spirituality? What struck me was how much it translates to our modern times, I really saw a lot of modern parallels. Through Judas, I saw how fundamentalism can develop—he was just hoping for a better world and a better place, and love blinded him. Jesus came across somewhat as a victim of his disciples’ aspirations … Ultimately, I think Jesus hoped that people would discover the message, because you have to discover it for yourself. You have to find your way to the truth, and embrace it for yourself. I loved the way you depicted Mary in a man’s world—is this a feminist film? There is a feminist aspect, absolutely. The main thing that struck me was how much more difficult it was for a woman to explore her calling in a patriarchy, and I still think that’s true today in many cultures—while making this film I was inspired by the story of Malala, who was shot by the Taliban but chose to forgive them. Jesus spoke about forgiveness and welcomed everyone.
The film has been described as ‘scandi noir’—what was the atmosphere you were trying to create? There are a lot of silences in the movie and that’s deliberate. I want to bring audiences into those silences so they start to listen to what’s inside of them—which is tricky, because a movie is designed not to do that at all, it’s designed so that we’re pulled through an experience. So this asks the audience to do some work. There is also a sense of intimacy, which was a choice creatively, because we’re trying to say that God is within us. The kingdom theme in the film is very much what Christianity is about—it was not a physical kingdom, but an unseen kingdom, spread by acts of love … That’s one thing I learnt; I got that. If we could all embrace that, if each individual got that, imagine the impact on the entire world. We wouldn’t have these wars, would we? For Christians, that’s what it’s all about, not rules and regulations … Yeah, that was one of the reasons why I have never been attracted to religion, because every time I went [to church] it didn’t make sense, it didn’t speak to me at all. But when I read this, I thought ‘Wow I can really relate to this, it’s really fascinating.’ I really believe in all of these characters and that they existed. Why did you decide to downplay the moment when Mary sees Jesus at the resurrection? I wanted to show that the resurrection happened, but I also wanted the audience to have that question—did she, or didn’t she? It’s asking the audience to have faith as well. 07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 3
The Super Cool Story of Jesus The Bible Society has spread the super cool story of Jesus to thousands of Kiwi children and teenagers with the help of The Salvation Army. Bible Society (BCNZ) has already given away almost 70,000 copies of its new children’s book The Super Cool Story of Jesus, through its own stores and Salvation Army Family Stores in the lower North Island. It is hoping to give out 100,000 copies of the book. In addition, 10,000 copies of BCNZ’s Bible companion guide, The Field Guide to the Bible, were given out to teens at Easter Camps around the country. The Super Cool Story of Jesus tells the story of Jesus’ life, in playful, rhyming language and colourful illustrations. Programme director for BCNZ, Stephen Opie, says it was a great opportunity to share the true meaning of Easter with thousands of children. ‘We hope that by getting a copy into children’s hands this Easter it will ignite a curiosity about Jesus, sparking further questions and leading them to the Bible. Imagine the difference this could make in their lives.’ The book is backed by beloved Kiwi kids’ author Joy Cowley who called its illustrations ‘stunning’. Jeremy Woods, youth and young adult specialist at BSNZ, says confusion about how the Bible fits together and connects with real life was the impetus behind The Field Guide to the Bible. The guide includes lots of Bible reading ideas and tips, as well as a timeline and narrative of key Bible events.
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TOPFIVE
The Commonwealth Games started on Wednesday, with 275 events over 11 days. Here’s our top five ‘must watch’ guide to the Games: 1 For the first time the para sports will be held at the same time, not after. Paraathlete Holly Robinson in the javelin features on posters around New Zealand for the Games. 2 Shot Put: We will be farewelling one of our greatest athletes, Dame Valerie Adams, as this is her final competition. 3 Rugby Sevens: Women’s 7s is making its debut at the games this year, with New Zealand looking to beat the Olympic champ Aussies on their home turf. 4 Pole vault: Young Aucklander Eliza McCartney burst onto the scene in Rio, and is in the running for gold on the Gold Coast. 5 Gymnastics & Mountain Biking: ‘Wow’ moments, fierce competition and a few crashes along the way— there’s always some excitement in the unlikely sports.
Drama Mary Magdalene (M, adult themes) Garth Davis
Mary struggles to find her place as a young woman in the small First Century Jewish fishing village of Magdala, before her life is changed by the rabbi and healer Jesus. The film beautifully captures everyday life in Jesus’ time. Its portrayal of Judas and the expectations of the disciples is powerful and thoughtprovoking. However, the attempt to allow space for reflection leads to an often disjointed and boring film. Combining later non-biblical and gnostic traditions and attempts to appeal to a non-Christian audience, also leads to bizarre moments and pseudo-religious messages, without making the most of Mary’s important story. While it gives a valuable reminder about not putting our expectations onto God, and that God works with us to bring the kingdom, it’s largely a frustrating, missed opportunity. (Reviewed by Robin Raymond)
TODAYINWARCRYHISTORY At 9.30 am on Thursday 26 March 1896, an explosion tore through the Brunner Mine in the West Coast’s Grey Valley. Tragically, 65 miners were killed, including six Salvationists. Fellow miners and locals worked tirelessly to find survivors. Ministering at the mine entrance were Salvation Army officers Captains David Scott and Annie McCreddon. Late on the evening of Friday 27 March, the body of John Pattinson was brought to the surface. He was immediately recognised by the corp officers. John Pattinson was a father of eight, and a junior soldier sergeant major at the Brunnerton Corps. When his body was recovered, a charred Bible was found in his hand—he died while reading his Bible on his morning break. John Pattison’s Bible is now a valuable part of the Salvation Army’s Heritage Centre & Archives historical collection.
Thai Fish Cakes An easy and tasty alternative for serving fish. The variations can be endless! | Makes 8 450g boneless fish fillets, cubed 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Combine fish, flour, oyster sauce, sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, coriander, green onions, and egg in a food processor until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
Shape mixture into patties, and dust with flour.
1 teaspoon fish sauce
Cover the bottom of a heavy skillet with oil, about one and a half centimetres deep. Heat on a medium-high heat. When the oil is hot add the fish cakes and fry for eight minutes, turning once, or until golden brown.
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon brown sugar ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander 4 spring onions, sliced 1 egg oil for frying Source | allrecipes.com
QUIKQUIZ
1 What species is on the brink of extinction with the death of 45-year-old Sudan? 2 How many ‘Ocean’s’ films have been produced? Weird of the Week: Whangamomona near Stratford declared itself a republic in 1989. It elects a president every two years and presidents have included Billy Gumboot, a goat, and Tai the poodle.
3 Who got the Whang Yuon Dai Achievement Award at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games? 4 What Commonwealth Games sport is open to women for the first time in 2018? 5 How many spies did Moses send into Canaan? Answers on page 22 07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 5
Spilling Secrets
In her debut book Life Wide Open, Sheryn Adamson bares her soul ‘warts and all’. It’s been a journey that has included romance, faith, police stories, and a seven-year battle with infertility. But God has always been the author of Sheryn’s story. BY INGRID BARRATT
S
heryn Adamson has always been a woman of action. Determined to become a police officer since she was 13 years old, she never imagined herself as a writer. But in 2015 she was put on three months bedrest after an operation. It forced her to stop, literally—and she began to reflect back on a life rich with stories. As a police officer, she had often written down difficult experiences to help her cope. Then, during her years struggling with infertility, Sheryn journaled as a healing tool. Now, these stories were flooding back. Finding it difficult to rest, Sheryn decided to go for a walk one day. She broke her stitches, and it meant an additional three months of rest. She got the message: It’s time to be still. ‘I started to realise that with the things I’ve been through, I need to say to people, “You’re not the only one”. I need to share my experiences because they are all for a purpose.’ Those six months ‘on the couch’ also had a hidden purpose— and she has just launched her debut book, Life Wide Open. ‘I’m actually a major introvert and very private person,’ muses Sheryn. ‘But I felt that everything I have been through has been for a reason, and therefore it’s not about me—it’s about sharing my journey so I can help others. ‘The book is just me from the inside out, wide open, warts and all. Life is not always awesome, it’s hard, it’s ugly, it’s sad, but—and there must be a “but”— there is a good God who is in control.’
A dream ignited Sheryn grew up in the heart of The Salvation Army, with officer parents Garth and Mel McKenzie (who later became Commissioners). Faith was modelled to her at an early age: ‘I would see Mum and Dad pray because they were short on money that week, and the next day petrol vouchers would turn up in our letterbox,’ recalls Sheryn. At the age of 14, Sheryn knew that she had to make her own decision about whether she would follow her parents’ faith. ‘I’ve always been very evidencebased—that came through in becoming a police officer—and I had seen God’s faithfulness, I couldn’t deny it.’ It was at a youth group event that her passion for policing was ignited— quite literally—when they stumbled across a house on fire. ‘I just wanted to get in that house to see if there was anyone in there, it was so hard to stand back. It was a gang-related arson, so we had to go to the police station to be interviewed. 07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 7
As soon as I walked in there, I thought, “Oh, this is me!” I went home and said that I was going to become a police officer.’ This was in the ’80s, when women were still a side-lined minority in the police. But Sheryn was unwavering. On her 19th birthday—complete with big ’80s hair and power suit— she marched into the recruitment office. ‘I walked in and there was the big, gruff policeman—just like you’d imagine—and I said, “Hi Sir, I’m Sheryn and I’m here to join the police”. He took one look at me and laughed, “You can’t become a police officer. Look at you”. I was devastated. I literally looked myself up and down and said, “I’m sorry, but I don’t see the problem”.’ A year later, Sheryn was enrolled in police college.
Rookie cop It was her first day, in her first appointment, and Sheryn got more than she bargained for. She was stationed in Palmerston North and anxious to make a good impression. ‘I had to press the buzzer to be let in, and I was really conscious of the time, so I ended up pressing the buzzer quite a few times. The next minute, the door flies open and this policeman comes bursting in and says “What the **** do you want?” ‘And I just looked at him and thought, “You’re gorgeous”.’ The young policeman was Brad Adamson. They worked a few shifts together and she began to see that—despite their first meeting—he had a kind and caring heart. There was just one problem: he didn’t have a Christian faith.
I SAID, “HI SIR, I’M SHERYN AND I’M HERE TO JOIN THE POLICE”. HE TOOK ONE LOOK AT ME AND LAUGHED. ‘Brad started coming to church and he believed in God, but I knew I couldn’t marry someone who didn’t have a personal faith, and I just kept praying, “God, I’m really falling for this guy”.’ It was a tumultuous time for them both. Then one day, when she was away for the weekend, Brad went to church without her. ‘He rang me in tears and said, “I understand!”’ Just two years after they met, Sheryn and Brad were married. Palmy was also the place where Sheryn learnt what life was like as a street cop. ‘Back then, as a female, you felt that you had to prove yourself. I remember the first fight I was in, I was 8 WarCry 07 APRIL 2018
being swung around like a ragdoll, but I thought, “I’m going to sort this guy out and prove that I can do it”, so I tackled him to the ground.’ She’ll never forget her first police chase: ‘We got the call that there was a domestic violence incident—a man had come home drunk, he’d thrown the family cat against the wall and killed it, the kids were screaming, and he got a firearm and threatened his wife, then took off in his car with the gun. ‘We chased him for a good 20 minutes from Palmerston North to Feilding, knowing he could turn around and shoot us. Suddenly he ran out of petrol. All these cop cars pulled up, it was complete silence and it felt like slow motion. Then, just as suddenly, the dogs were out, the Armed Offenders boys were yelling. I was 20, and it was the first time I realised what a serious job I had signed up for.’
LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS AWESOME, IT’S HARD, IT’S UGLY, IT’S SAD, BUT … THERE IS A GOOD GOD WHO IS IN CONTROL. Better work stories Still a young officer, Sheryn was given a real-life 21 Jump Street case: the assignment was to dress up in a local school uniform, knock on the door of a known drug dealer, and make a cannabis purchase. But things started to go wrong when the drug dealer brought Sheryn into the blacked-out house—out of view of her colleagues. Other school kids were there, quizzing her about her school, her friends and teachers. Things were looking touch-and-go, when the dealer finally handed over a tinny and Sheryn made her purchase. She got away, and they made the arrest. ‘I didn’t feel bad for him because he was selling to school kids, and I always had that black and white justice thing that, “You’re doing the wrong thing, mate, and that’s not okay”.’ But the story that haunts her to this day, is the one time Sheryn felt she could not do the right thing as a cop. A fouryear-old girl was being raised in a loving, safe environment in Fiji by her grandmother. But the mother—a total stranger to her daughter—decided she wanted her back in New Zealand. She had received a court order allowing her to take custody.
Sobbing, the grandmother handed over her precious girl, and Sheryn was tasked with taking the child to her new home. The house was ‘an absolute shambles’ and the mother appeared to have no interest in her daughter. ‘I was disgusted,’ says Sheryn—who, 20 years later, still has tears in her eyes as she remembers. ‘When the little girl realised I was leaving her there, this look of horror came across her face and she started sobbing, holding on to me for dear life. My partner and I had to pry her wee hands off my legs.’
Making babies The pain of that memory is made more acute by Sheryn’s own battle to become a mother. Diagnosed with severe endometriosis, Sheryn was told she would never have children. This began a heart-breaking journey of seven years, trying to get pregnant. IVF was not an option, since at that time many eggs had to be fertilised. The couple felt that these were individual lives, and could not be abandoned. ‘It had a huge effect on me. I was probably depressed, I had to take three months off the police because of my emotional state,’ says Sheryn. ‘I am a happy person by nature, but I was just sad all the time. ‘I got to the point where I felt that, either, “God you’re real and you’re with me, or I can’t go on like this”. I couldn’t understand how God could leave his child so broken and not fix me.’ Sheryn also had to make the heart-breaking decision to leave the police force, since the stresses of the job were creating a barrier to getting pregnant. Then, out of the blue—six years after their visit—Sheryn and Brad got a letter about changes to the IVF programme. New technology allowed them to make a smaller number of embryos. They were only given a 10 per cent chance of success, but decided to give it a go. Six embryos were created. Three failed to survive. But the first embryo implanted became their daughter, Tayla. A year and a half later, another embryo was implanted but failed to survive, then the next two also failed. They only had one more chance. The last embryo became their youngest daughter, Rylee. The journey was not yet over. After five operations for endometriosis, Sheryn had to undergo a hysterectomy. And so, she found herself on bedrest, contemplating her life so far. ‘To be honest, I would have loved to have had more children. Having the operation wasn’t just a physical removal, it was the loss of hopes and dreams. But I had to learn to be okay with that loss,’ reflects Sheryn.
And from this painful process, a new hope was birthed. ‘God is faithful. Everything you go through, and every experience is shaping you and making you the person you are meant to become,’ says Sheryn. ‘Even at my lowest point, God has never left me. I hope that in reading my book, others can know that God is in their journey too.’ Life Wide Open can be purchased at WestBowPress.com, Amazon.com, BookDepository.com, and by phoning Manna Christian bookstores, who can order it in.
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Avoiding the Compliment Cringe Actress Jennifer Lawrence was called a ‘rude, spoiled brat’ (among other things) for her response to Joanna Lumley, who called her ‘the hottest actress on the planet’ at the Bafta awards. Jennifer replied: ‘Hi, that was a bit much but thank you Joanna.’ Was she simply trying to deflect a compliment that made her feel awkward? Is her response really that different from most? When someone compliments you, do you screw up your face, or pause while trying desperately to think of something to say that won’t make you seem arrogant or prideful? Perhaps you use the classic line, ‘No, you are’. You’re not alone if you struggle to accept compliments. Author and business etiquette expert, Jacqueline Whitmore says, ‘It’s so common sociolinguists have categorised the three responses to a compliment: acceptance, deflection or rejection.’ Have you ever stopped to consider what you’re communicating when you devalue a compliment? Whitmore says, ‘You can send the message that you have low selfesteem, aren’t confident in your work or don’t respect the opinion of the person who gave you the praise.’ Here are some tips on how to accept a compliment with humility and grace.
‘DON’T DOWNPLAY THINGS … EMBRACE THE MOMENT WITH GRATEFULNESS.’
• Express your gratitude. This might seem too easy, but saying ‘thank you’ each time you receive a compliment is a ‘powerful phrase’. You could try: ‘Thank you that’s very kind of you,’ or ‘Thank you, I appreciate the compliment.’ • Share the credit. If what triggered the compliment was a team effort, make sure to share the love. Say something like ‘We all put in a lot of effort; thank you for acknowledging our hard work.’ • Receive awards with your left hand. When you get presented with a certificate or trophy by accepting it with your left hand, it leaves your right hand free to be able to shake hands with whoever presents it to you. • Use appropriate body language. Crossing your arms or appearing disinterested can be a reaction to feeling nervous or uncomfortable—but it will send the wrong signal. Try maintaining eye contact, lean forward and ‘engage those around you with warm facial expressions’.
• Never undermine the compliment. Don’t dismiss the compliment with phrases like, ‘Oh, it’s no big deal,’ or, ‘Thanks, but it was nothing.’ This could make the person who gave you the compliment feel rejected. • Avoid a compliment battle. This is particularly important when the compliment comes from someone you admire or respect. Don’t downplay things but instead, embrace the moment with gratefulness. Source: entrepreneur.com
Why We Can’t Take Compliments ... Regina: ‘You’re really pretty.’ Cady: ‘Thank you.’ Regina: ‘So you agree? You think you’re really pretty?’ Mean Girls
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TESTIFY! Heather Stone reflects on the impact of Cyclone Gita in Tonga, after her recent visit. My parents are officers and when I was nine years old we moved to Fiji for three years. I was familiar with cyclones, having lived through them. We lived in an area where there were a number of what were known as ‘Rotary houses’—because they had been built by Rotary after a hurricane. They were like little square boxes with four walls and hurricane shutters. They didn’t look like houses back home in New Zealand. I’ve been to Tonga a couple of times and was always surprised to see that a lot of the houses looked more like New Zealand homes. I had my latest trip to Tonga scheduled well before Cyclone Gita to spend time with The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator. My seven-year-old son was saying, ‘Please Mummy don’t go’, because he’d seen all the footage on television. But I felt really strongly that I needed to go. I felt it was important for someone from New Zealand to be there—so the people knew they weren’t forgotten. Having had the exposure to cyclones as a child in Fiji, I thought I knew what to expect after Cyclone Gita—but I had no idea of the level of devastation. I expected to see all those ‘housey’ looking homes as usual, but where they once stood, was just a foundation. The houses had either been completely blown away, or their roofs completely gone. It was a very real illustration of the whole ‘firm foundation’ idea—what looked by appearance to be solid, wasn’t … it was just gone! Brand new buildings, just completed and about to be opened, were absolutely decimated. Trees with corrugated iron wrapped around the branches, and concrete fences pushed over by the force of the winds. It was hard to wrap my head around the
I THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT TO EXPECT … BUT I HAD NO IDEA OF THE LEVEL OF DEVASTATION. fact that where a home for a family of seven once stood, now just lay the concrete foundation. I went with Tonga’s regional leaders Captains Sila & Malia Siufanga to three different places, taking them essential supplies like toilet paper, water, tinned corned beef, flour and sugar. I was overwhelmed with the feeling that we’d given them nothing really, in the big picture of everything they had lost. People were living in Red Cross tents, but it was too dangerous to cook inside them. Sila dropped off a tarpaulin to a lady who had been widowed just a few
weeks before the Cyclone, so she could cook under the shelter of a tarpaulin. That was what impacted me the most really: handing over stuff that will help meet an immediate need—and I guess you have to focus on that—but it’s so inadequate compared what they have lost. Sila asked me to pray with three ladies we were visiting, and I had absolutely no words that could do justice to the situation. But they were all so grateful that no lives were lost, which is amazing, a miracle really. There are definitely positives to focus on. It was really hard to leave Tonga and her people. I was going back to my reality but their reality just continues, it’s not going to suddenly change. I am so grateful for the opportunity to go and support The Salvation Army in Tonga, and am encouraged that the money raised through the Pacific Emergency Fund will help with the rebuilding of people’s lives in this beautiful nation that is part of our Territory. 07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 11
do we need to
break with pop up music? While the entertainment world claims that ‘time’s up’ for sexual harassment, the music industry continues to turn women into bikiniwearing-bootie-shakers. BY INGRID BARRATT
I have seen Justin Timberlake not once, but twice, in concert. True story: I was in London and I saw JT in Top Shop. I tried to mob him, but he got away in his blacked out SUV before I could push through his bodyguards. What I’m saying is, I am a committed pop music fan, sometimes to the point of being kinda uncool about it. But there’s something disturbing about pop music I’ve always had to ignore: the highly sexualised lyrics and the soft porn music videos. Female artists who are consistently depicted as sexual playthings, while the men get to be fully clothed in baggy street wear. Many of the songs are obsessively about lust and sex—take the two biggest songs of last year: We love Ed Sheeran, but his huge hit ‘Shape of You’ is his tribute to a woman’s body. Then there was ‘Despacito’—which seems to sum up the music industry’s attitude to relationships and sex. The Spanish lyrics are an evocative description of a sexual encounter. The men in the video get to wear 12 firezone.co.nz 07 APRIL 2018
ripped jeans, chains and plaid shirts, while the women literally gyrate against them in their bikinis. Of course, the Biebs is there—the object of many school girl fantasies—but at least he gets to sing and (mostly) wear clothes. The women in the video are there for one purpose only: as objects of sexual pleasure.
IS TIME UP FOR POP MUSIC? This sexual dynamic is so ingrained in pop music that we barely question it. But last year, as the #metoo movement gained momentum, this power imbalance became more obvious and more uncomfortable. As you know, #metoo was sparked by sexual abuse allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Behind the beautiful façade of Hollywood, ugly stories of harassment began to emerge. Women around the world found their voices, too, telling their own stories. Then in January this year, Hollywood celebrities began the Time’s Up programme—building a legal
defence fund to fight abuse and harassment. During the glitzy awards season, celebs wore black, white roses and Time’s Up pins to show their solidarity with the movement. They did the same at the Grammy’s—the music industry’s premiere awards night. There were the white roses and the pins. Singer Janelle Monae gave a stirring speech, in which she said: ‘We come in peace, but we mean business ... And to those who dare try to silence us, we offer you two words: Time’s Up. We say Time’s Up for pay inequality, discrimination or harassment of any kind, and Time’s Up for the abuse of power.’ Kesha then gave a powerful performance of her comeback hit ‘Praying’. This was her moment, after years of fighting to be freed of her producer who she claims sexually abused her—and almost destroyed her. Now she was literally being embraced by a powerhouse of female co-stars. But, suddenly, something felt very wrong. Moments before, I had been watching those ‘Despacito’ boys grinding on their bikini clad dancers. Ed had been singing his song, ‘I’m in love with your body …’ Then there was one of my faves, Bruno Mars, singing ‘Finesse’. I suddenly couldn’t help wondering, ‘Why is he wearing a big baggy t-shirt and trackies, while his rapper Carli B is literally wearing a bikini top and rapping about her a***? Why are less than 10 per cent of Grammy nominees women?—even though the likes of Taylor Swift, Rhianna, Lady Gaga and Pink are propping up the industry. It’s telling that ‘Shape of You’ won the Grammy, even though Ed was nominated with four female artists. In that moment, a spotlight shone on the hypocrisy of the industry. Pop music claims to support equality, while diminishing the women within its own ranks.
WE NEED TO BREAK UP As a pop music fan, I play a part in this hypocrisy too. I am a follower of Jesus, and as such, I believe that men and women are equal. I believe we are called to mutual respect and love. Each of us is a unique creation of God—loved, valued, and with a kaleidoscope of talents, skills, strengths and challenges. Viewing anyone—male or female—as purely an object for sexual pleasure dishonours them as a multi-faceted human being. And it dishonours God as our creator.
Not only that, but it diminishes me. How often have I sub-consciously started to feel disgust at my own, very normal body, after watching someone like Katy Perry in a music video? These are not depictions of what normal, healthy women look like (they’re not even depictions of what Katy Perry really looks like). Would I even know there was anything ‘wrong’ with my body, if I had never watched a music video, or flicked through a fashion mag or let myself be told Beyonce was the standard of beauty?
THERE’S SOMETHING DISTURBING ABOUT POP MUSIC I’VE ALWAYS HAD TO IGNORE. What I let into my life does have an influence on the way I think and behave. And if God really rules my life, he also needs to rule my playlist. So I’ve decided I can no longer listen to lyrics that turn women into objects, and men into predators. I can’t participate in the music industry’s depiction of either men or women as objects of sexual pleasure. This doesn’t mean I have to listen to Hillsong 24/7. There are glimmers of hope in pop music—one of the brightest emerging stars is Sigrid, whose signature look is startling in its modesty: sneakers, high-waisted jeans, t-shirt and a make-up free face. And her music is a sensation. The world has an abundance of talent—from our corp’s worship team, to musicians in every genre. Even pop music can surprise us, with stars like Adele and Sam Smith who refuse to fit the mould. We just need to make conscious choices that are positive and life-giving. I have to value myself as a woman, and to honour God as my creator. I’m sorry, JT, but we’re over. It’s time to break up with pop music.
07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 13
Wahine 50: We Were There …
This month we commemorate 50 years since the Wahine disaster, which sunk on 10 April 1968, killing 51 people. Salvation Army officers Joan and Gilbert Beale were there on the day. In 2013, Joan told War Cry her story of providing hope within the horror … My husband Gilbert and I were stationed at The Salvation Army in Lower Hutt in 1968. On 10 April, we awoke to a dreadful storm beating its fury on Wellington. It was about 1 pm when news came that the Wahine was on the rocks close to Seatoun, and people were to abandon ship. Gil jumped straight into action. Filling urns with tea and taking paper cups, he headed for Eastbourne, taking with him our son Stanley (17) and daughter Joanne (14). But we never imagined such a disaster was unfolding.
kept her close as they gave out drinks together. When they finally got home, Joanne was a very tired, shocked and shaken girl. Our doctor prescribed tablets to settle her. Where Stanley was I did not know. Eventually, somewhere around 7 pm, he made his way to the Eastbourne RSA, where rescue workers were being coordinated and fed. Someone eventually gave him a ride home. For the next few nights, I went to bed with Joanne wrapped in my arms.
On the rocks
At the hospital
When they got there, they were confronted with a terrible scene. Some survivors were coming ashore in rafts, but many were swept in by huge waves that threw them against the rocks. Stanley was asked to assist eight men who were carrying a well-built man with severe head injuries. It was quite a trek. The sea swell was so violent that one minute they could see the Wahine on its side off Seatoun, and the next they could not even see the hills around Seatoun. Stanley was pulled away to assist back around the coast—it was here that Stanley was confronted with a body that had not yet been recovered. Gil quickly realised this was all too much for 14-year-old Joanne to cope with, but it was too late to get her away, so he
Then, Gil went straight to Hutt Hospital, where he stayed all night. The superintendent immediately gave him two wards to oversee. Survivors had been dashed against the rocks—some suffering grave damage—and were rushed straight into surgery. Others were sedated and put to bed. When I arrived at the hospital at dawn, I heard the cries, groans and yells of shocked survivors as they came out of their induced sleep. I immediately rang The Salvation Army Training College in Te Aro and asked for a vanload of cadets to be sent out. ‘Good training for them!’ I said. I divided the cadets between the two wards, telling them to go bed-by-bed and provide comfort for those that needed to talk out the horror of what they’d gone through.
14 WarCry 07 APRIL 2018
Clockwise from left: A young boy and other survivors huddle on Seatoun Beach (Dominion Post Collection/The Salvation Army Archives and Museum); Captain David Bennett assists an elderly survivor who did not know her daughter’s whereabouts— thankfully her daughter survived (Dominion Post Collection/ The Salvation Army Archives and Museum); The Wahine sinks in Wellington Harbour (Dominion Post Collection/Alexander Turnbull Library); Majors Gilbert and Joan Beale.
The switchboard ran hot with phone calls from anxious relatives. Gil and I undertook the task of coordinating relative pick-ups, but an urgent obstacle was that most survivors were without clothing. The force of the waves and the rocks had torn the clothes off most people. One man had jumped overboard fully clothed in suit, shirt and tie, but after the first wave hit him, he came up with not a stitch of clothing on. Most were simply wearing hospital gowns. Gil went straight to Hannah’s Shoe Store and asked for a quantity of large-sized soft slippers—everyone needed larger than usual sizes because their feet were swollen and feet cut from walking those rock-strewn paths in bare feet. Then it was on to a men and women’s outfitter, where he asked for large sizes of singlets and underwear. And then to our Salvation Army thrift shop for boxes of warm clothing in any and all types and sizes.
YOU WON’T LET ME GO GRANDAD, WILL YOU? The hospital gave me the use of another room, which I set up as a clothing room. Then the work really began. A sister and nurse assisted me in washing and dressing survivors. One lady we dressed except for her feet, which were badly swollen, bruised and cut. Her feet could not take tight slippers or bandages, but needed protection. I saw a nurse with hot water bottles and asked for the covers, which I slipped on the lady’s feet. Mission accomplished! She set off home to Palmerston North.
Survivor stories A man who had been in a tour party with his wife and two daughters, had become separated from them. He did not know
if they were still alive or where they might be. As we got him ready for the road, news came through that his daughters were alive. We were able to reunite them and they set about looking for the mother. In the end, Gil accompanied him to the morgue where he found his wife so badly beaten about that he could only recognise her by the rings on her fingers. As I passed one bed, a distressed elderly man called to me. He wanted to find a little boy. The man had been standing on the deck waiting to jump when he saw a lady with a baby in her arms and a small boy. He suggested she could not manage both children and said he would take the little boy. The boy clung tightly to the old man as they jumped. He kept saying, ‘You won’t let me go Grandad, will you?’ The pair washed ashore at Eastbourne, where the man collapsed. Again, Gil continued his work of reconnecting people. He learnt the boy had been taken to Wellington Railway Station where he was reunited with his mother and the baby after they had gone ashore at Seatoun. When the old man was told, he cried and said, ‘That little boy thought I saved his life, but I didn’t; he saved mine. The belting of those waves I could not have fought but for the little boy who clung on to me and called me Grandad. I had to keep going for him.’ Then there was the man who told Gil he had a wad of notes in the pocket of his jacket. He was heading up north to start a new life. Now, all his money was gone. Gil had one of his hunches and went down to the boiler room in the hospital where an array of sodden clothes was drying. He went through them all, and finally discovered some notes in a coat pocket. He took the soaked money home and dried it. When he returned to the gentleman, and asked how much he had lost. Gil could happily report, ‘Well I’ve found that exact amount!’
After the rescue Gil had been on his feet for two straight days, but he met an elderly gentleman who was badly shocked and obviously ill, being put on a bus to Whanganui. ‘You cannot put that man on a bus unaccompanied in that state. I will take him,’ said Gil. About 14 years later, I was stopped by a lady in Wellington, who recognised my Salvation Army uniform. ‘Do you know a man by the name of Major Gilbert Beale?’ she asked. ‘Yes, I do,’ was my reply. ‘He saved my father’s life. Dad would never have made the journey back to Whanganui if it had not been for his care.’ I then told her that I was Gilbert Beale’s wife and would gladly convey their thanks to him. Since writing this account, Majors Gilbert and Joan Beale have been Promoted to Glory—but their legacy lives on. This article is an abridged reprint from War Cry 20 April 2013. For the full story go to salvationarmy.org/our-community 07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 15
Cadets Welcomed Through the Open Door ‘God chose to open a door for us, inviting us into a divine adventure,’ said Commissioner Yvonne Westrupp, at the welcome to the Messengers of the Kingdom: Ngā Kārere o te Kingitanga. Three couples are the newest cadets to begin their two-year residential training at The Salvation Army’s Booth College of Mission. They join the eight second-year Messengers of Compassion session. In her challenge to the session, Yvonne spoke of the door God opens that no one can close. Even though it is presented as an opportunity, we often delay stepping through it—and sometimes debate with God: ‘Because often open doors are not smooth sailing. Whatever’s behind this door might be tough … we don’t like not knowing.’ But Yvonne pointed out that when the open door is provided by God, it’s an opportunity for us to move ‘with God, for God’s purpose … An opportunity to grow our faith, for God to stretch our trust in him so it becomes bigger and deeper… An open door is an opportunity to step into something significant.’ With a perfect balance of biblical examples and Doctor Seuss wisdom, Yvonne wove together a message of encouragement and challenge—not only for the new cadets, but for the hundreds of people present and watching via a live stream. Cadet Lexee Dunlop spoke on behalf of the session, saying she and husband Andy had tried to run away from God by moving to Southland to go farming. ‘But God is everywhere, even in Southland ... We said a simple three-letter word, Yes! That was what God was wanting to hear from us.’ Territorial candidates’ secretary, Captain Kylie Tong, presented the cadets as ready for training, noting they had each travelled some distance to be at this point. Andy and Lexee Dunlop (Gore), Chris and Cass Henderson (Invercargill) and Jonny and Char Whybrow (Tawa/ UK) ‘travelled quite a distance physically
to be here but also quite a distance in this process,’ said Kylie. ‘A calling to officership needs to be tested for each individual. This can seem like a long process sometimes, with obstacles in the way, challenges
AN OPEN DOOR IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO STEP INTO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT. to overcome, sacrifices to make …’ She commended them for their obedience to God and stepping through this open door, encouraging them with 1 Corinthians 1:9. Major Michelle Collins, newly appointed principal of Booth College of Mission, accepted the cadets into training. She honoured those who had been influential in the cadets’ spiritual journey: family, mentors, corps officers and local communities of faith. She said their sessional name ‘has at its heart, the example of obedient, sacrificial service and triumph, the likes of which is unmatched in the world.’ Territorial Commander Commissioner Andy Westrupp reminded the cadets ‘the goal is not the training college—it is beyond—because there is work to do.’ He then challenged all those watching, asking if they should be standing on stage with the cadets: ‘The opportunities that we have to grow the kingdom of God is greater than the six cadets we have here, and all the officers and soldiers of the territory.’
From top: Training Principal Major Michelle Collins; Cadet Stu Duxfield steps through the open door; Commissioner Andy Westrupp encourages the cadets; Second-year cadets perform a haka for the new session; Former Divisional Leaders greet cadets they ‘sent’ to Booth College of Mission. Photography: Shar Davis & AJ Johnston. 16 WarCry 07 APRIL 2018
Divisional Leaders Installed in Fiji A reminder of God’s peace and a focus on what God is doing across the country was the message given, as Fijian salvationists celebrated the installation of their new divisional leaders. Majors Alister and Anne Irwin were installed in a service at Suva Central Corps in March. There to participate, were Chief Secretary Colonel Suzanne Fincham and territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Colonel Heather Rodwell. In turn, Lieutenants Seru and Ruci Napolioni were formally installed as divisional youth secretary and assistant secretary, and Major Laimaina Turaga was installed as divisional secretary for Women’s Ministries. Anne spoke on Philippians 4:6-7, describing the peace she had experienced since arriving in Fiji. The service came at the end of a weekend of officers councils. Alister preached, encouraging the officers and soldiers to live in grace and truth—the service then finished with joyful song. Fiji is the Irwins’ first appointment outside New Zealand. Alister said they were excited and blessed by the opportunity to serve in the island nation, and to journey with a vibrant and dedicated group of Salvationists.
Junior Soldiers Enrolled in Palmy Four new junior soldiers were enrolled at Palmerston North Corps on 25 February 2018. Corps officer Captain Michelle Lee explained that a junior soldier is a young person who has decided to follow Jesus and wants to make changes in their life, to step out in faith, and to make a difference in the life of others. A junior soldier also needs to publicly make the ‘junior soldier promise’. Major Katherine Sonntag, divisional children’s secretary, read from 1 Timothy 4:12: ‘Don’t let people look down on you because you are young.’ Grace Satherley read from 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
The new junior soldiers signed their promise at the mercy seat. Captain Michelle challenged the congregation about their responsibilities to uphold the junior soldiers in prayer, chat to them, encourage them, make them feel welcome in the corps family, and to be mindful of how important they are in the Kingdom of God. Left–right: Chelsea-Joy Trott, Bethanie Trott, Grace Satherley, Josiah Baken.
07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 17
Salvation Cycles Challenge
Kiwi Salvationists have the opportunity to help Salvation Army officers in Africa get access to much-needed transport. The Salvation Cycles Challenge, launched by our Territory’s Overseas Development department, is encouraging people to purchase a brand new bicycle for a newlycommissioned lieutenant in Africa. Cadets in Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya West territories head into their first appointments with no access to
reliable transport, with most appointed to rural areas. But a brand new bike can be purchased for only $120 NZD, allowing officers to extend the borders of their ministry beyond walking distance. Last year, our territory purchased 14 bikes for Malawi—allowing each new officer to receive one, so married couples didn’t need to share. However, many more bikes are required to meet the need. ‘Malawians are happy and able to cycle many, many kilometres,’ said project officer Narelle Gurney. ‘The bikes
will enable them to reach areas far from their homes.’ The territory was able to purchase female-style bikes too, making it easier for the women officers who cycle in skirts. Overseas Development officer, Major Debbie Clarke, said, ‘The Salvation Army prides itself on being an International Army. New Zealanders are global citizens and while there is much need in New Zealand, it is important we stay engaged in our support of the “poorest of the poor” around the world where the Salvation Army is present.’ The challenge has been given to corps, centres and individuals to consider how they can provide a bicycle for our comrades in Africa. The target for the year is 60 bicycles, and any additional bikes will give the programme a good headstart in 2019. So, let’s get on our bikes and start fundraising! GIVE A BICYCLE | salvationarmy.org/ justgifts
Salvation Army History Tour of Christchurch In March, members of the Christchurch Salvation Army History Group went on a field trip visiting heritage sites associated with the Army’s early years in Christchurch. The tour covered places where the Army had operated corps, rescue homes, maternity hospitals, eventide homes and other social services. Each tour member received a booklet with photos and details of each site visited. This was particularly important, given that many of the buildings have now gone—both through age and the recent earthquakes. One site of interest was the grave in Addington Cemetery of Christopher George Pollard, infant son of New Zealand pioneer Major George Pollard and his wife Alice. Christopher was only three months old when he died of bronchitis on 27 July 1885. His funeral was conducted by The Salvation Army’s Australasian Commander Marshall Ballington Booth, second son of Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth—who happened to be in New Zealand at the time. In 2008, a plaque was erected to mark the site. BY KINGSLEY SAMPSON 18 WarCry 07 APRIL 2018
The group visit the grave site of Christopher George Pollard.
GAZETTE
Promotion to Glory: Lt. Colonel Graham Waring, husband of Lt. Colonel Anne Waring, on 12 March 2018 from Upper Hutt, aged 81 years. Graham Waring was born on 28 May 1936 in Whangarei. Graham entered the Salvation Army Training College as a cadet in the Greathearts session after his marriage to Anne on 21 March 1959. Graham and Anne were commissioned on 21 January 1961 and appointed as the corps officers, Rangiora. Further appointments as corps officers followed in Oxford, Waimate, and Tamaki. In 1971, Graham was appointed to the Property Department, Territorial Headquarters, Wellington. Between 1972 and 1990 Graham and Anne were appointed as the corps officers at Miramar, Tawa, Wellington South, Christchurch City, and Upper Hutt. From 1985–1987 Graham was the Public Relations Secretary, Southern Region. In 1990, Graham and Anne moved to Fiji where they served for just over eight years. Graham was the training officer, and then regional commander in Fiji. On their return to New Zealand in 1998, Graham was appointed as the divisional commander, Central Division. Graham and Anne entered retirement from their appointment as the divisional leaders of the Central Division on 21 January 2001, having completed 40 years active service. They settled in Upper Hutt and have continued to serve in their retirement as soldiers and local officers of the Upper Hutt Corps. Please remember Anne, Graham and family Rosalie and Garrett, Marty and Vivienne, Steve and Ali, their 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and Graham’s brother Major Rex Waring in prayer at this time of grief and loss. A service celebrating the life of Lt. Colonel Graham Waring took place on Thursday 15 March, conducted by Major Darrell LePine. Well done good and faithful servant of Jesus!
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FAITH AND ACTION GO TOGETHER … Right now, all Salvation Army corps and centres around this territory are engaged in their annual budgeting exercise—doing the planning they need for the next financial year, which starts in July. This is never an easy process. Discussions, hopes and plans need to be broken down and translated into figures on a screen. The ever-present questions posed and answered: Is this a want or a need? How will this be funded? The Salvation Army doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of the world. The movement faces the same pressures on its income and expenses that any organisation does. The difficult dynamic that we—along with many other charitable organisations—face is matching up the donations and gifts we receive, against the costs we incur in meeting the needs we see all around us. We are very grateful for the support we receive from many quarters—including congregational giving, donations to Family Stores, volunteer time, and cash donations. It is all welcome! It is a privilege to be trusted with ministry to the people of our territory, with the resources others have entrusted to us. The demand on our services has not decreased. Sadly, the need is ever present. Every person involved in this annual process needs your powerful prayerful support, as we grapple with the challenges that arise every year—making every dollar count, while making sure the services we plan to provide are able to be adequately funded. Prayer for budgeting? Why not? This necessary process cannot be divorced from our faith. Indeed, financial planning was commended by Jesus himself (Luke 14:28–30) in the context of counting the cost of being his disciple. We need his guidance, resources and wisdom in this difficult task, as much as in any other aspect of our lives. Indeed, prayer ought to be something that permeates every part of our lives. Paul encouraged the believers: ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus,’ (Philippians 4:6–7). Please don’t stop at prayer though! Faith and action go together (James 2:14–26). The Salvation Army in your locality would love to be blessed by your practical support—whether that be in the form of a donation, volunteering in the annual appeal (coming up on the first week of May) or something else. I’m even told many budgeters appreciate the occasional baked treat to fortify them for their task! God bless you in your ministry for him—in whatever form that takes today. Lieutenant-Colonel David Bateman Secretary for Business Administration 07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 19
THE TRUTH ABOUT MARY MAGDALENE The latest Bible-themed movie Mary Magdalene has offered another take on the story of Mary Magdalene— one of the most discussed figures in the Bible. BY ROBIN RAYMOND
Mentioned a dozen times in the Bible, Mary Magdalene has become one of the most written about and talked about figures in it. In the various myths and mix-ups, Mary has been used as proof Christianity is nonsense, and also wrongly labelled a prostitute—it’s even been claimed that she was Jesus’ secret wife or lover. Although the film relies heavily on later made-up stories and pseudo-religious language, it does at least come closer than those accounts to catching the significance of Mary Magdalene as one of the most important people in God’s story. 20 WarCry 07 APRIL 2018
Mary Magdalene is one of four Marys in the gospels—along with Jesus’ mother, Martha and Lazarus’ sister, and ‘the mother of James’ (we don’t know which James). With about one in every five Jewish women at the time being called Mary, the gospel writers distinguish her as ‘the one from Magdala’— a small town on the shores of Galilee. She is also the most mentioned woman in the New Testament, after Jesus’ mother.
demons was a way to describe extreme illness, possibly severe mental illness.
Mary Magdalene first appears in Luke (chapter 8:1–3) and is later echoed in Mark, telling us Jesus healed her of seven demons and she was among a group of ‘many other women’ who followed Jesus around the country and financed his ministry.
Mary in the Easter story
We don’t know anything about Mary’s background or family (a few biblical scholars have speculated she was rich, but we just don’t know). But referring to seven
Joanna is also mentioned in this story: she was the wife of King Herod’s most important servant—straight from the most lavish high society set around. Yet, it is not the rich, connected Joanna who comes to the fore; it is Mary—the woman healed of severe illness—who we see again at the crucifixion. It is here we start to see Mary’s key role. Matthew, Mark and John all specifically name her as one of the women who witnessed the crucifixion. While it was probably safer for the women to go to the crucifixion than the male disciples (who were associated with the so-called treason), this was still an act of serious devotion. As followers of the condemned criminal being executed, they watched a horrible scene, risking the scorn of
passersby—while the men, apart from John, ran away. These women—Mary again named— also went with Joseph of Arimathea to see where Jesus was buried. On resurrection morning, Mary is also specifically named among the group who went to the tomb to complete the Jewish custom of preparing the body with oils and spices. In fact, she is so central to the story she’s the only woman John mentions there. They were met with a shock—an empty tomb, two angels who spoke to them and then a dead man appearing to them. The angels, and then Jesus, told them to go and tell the others. The importance of Mary as the first witness given the command by Jesus to ‘go and tell’ the transformative news of the resurrection, is remarkable. The most important moment in history was first revealed to people considered the weakest of society—lesser witnesses and, most prominently, a woman who had suffered from a severe illness or possession— because they showed the most devotion. This is the moment Mary became the woman revered by the early church as equal to the apostles—and by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches as ‘the apostle to the apostles’. Mary’s story was clearly central to the early church. She is the only person named in the gospels at every step of the Easter story as a witness and a key player. She gets referenced a lot in early church writings and mentioned in non-Christian texts, suggesting early Christians relied heavily on her account.
Radical women A hundred years later, the anti-Christian Roman writer, Celsus, holds Mary’s story as central to the whole resurrection story—arguing against it with the quip, ‘But who saw this? A hysterical female.’ This dismissive attitude might seem extreme, but it was not: In Jewish courts women were not allowed to be witnesses except in very specific cases, because they were considered over-emotional and unreliable. A Jewish man would not speak with any woman in public who was not his wife. Teaching of the Torah to women was discouraged (one extreme First Century rabbi even stated it should be burnt rather than given to a woman).
‘BUT WHO SAW [THE RESURRECTION]? A HYSTERICAL FEMALE.’ And in their daily prayers, Jewish men of the day prayed, ‘Praise be God that he has not created me a woman’. Even while the New Testament and the early church writings show a bias towards the male dominated culture of the day, they model a much more equal ideal than we often credit them with. Women receive a relatively high number of mentions in the gospels compared to other contemporary texts. And while the gospels don’t record Jesus giving explicit instructions on the place of women, they time-and-again show Jesus modelling a radical treatment of women. Jesus regularly breaks taboos around male–female interaction—from meeting alone with a Samaritan, unmarried, adulterous woman, to teaching Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus in the same way as a male disciple. He consistently defends and refuses to rebuke women, speaks personally in public to unnoticed women, refers to women as daughters of Abraham (a term equal to the regular reference of Jews as sons of Abraham), and praises women as great examples of faith. He even tells parables comparing himself and his work to women, and to typically female jobs.
THIS IS THE MOMENT MARY BECAME THE WOMAN REVERED … AS EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES … Mary’s legacy After Jesus, the legacy of Mary and the other women who followed him and paid for his ministry is seen in the many women who patronised the gospel. Modelling Jesus’ command to Mary to ‘go and tell’, there are also women church leaders mentioned in the New Testament, such as the apostle Junia; and evangelists like Phoebe and Priscilla.
There is a risk of overstating their role, but we know there were other women church leaders in the early church beyond the New Testament. In the next 400 years, we get glimpses of them in inscriptions and church records. The numbers are small, but significantly, they are found across the Mediterranean world. Christianity then remained—at least in its ideals—a religion where all were equal. It therefore appealed to some of the traditionally outcast or looked-downon sections of society. Celsus again dismissed Christianity by writing: ‘By the fact that Christians admit that these people are worthy of their God, they show that they want and are able to convince only the foolish, the dishonourable, and the stupid, only slaves, women, and little children.’ Meanwhile, Paul, in his famous societyreversing declaration, writes that, ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28). The story of Mary ‘the one from Magdala’, the woman on whom so much of the gospel rests, models an important example of the radical, out of this world nature of that message. Jesus welcomed, spoke with, touched and ate with everyone equally—including society’s outsiders. What mattered (as we see with the Pharisees) was the attitude people received him with. After Jesus healed her, Mary received him with the dedicated devotion of a disciple, giving of her time and resources, and following him through the toughest moments. She was rewarded by becoming the first person to see the risen Jesus, and to be commissioned by him to ‘go and tell’ the good news we live by.
07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 6–8 April: Gisborne Family Store re-opening, Gisborne Corps 9–11 April: Executive Women Leaders' Retreat (TPWM) 22 April: Tauranga Corps 28–29 April: Whangarei Corps Colonel Suzanne Fincham (Chief Secretary) 9–11 April: Executive Women Leaders' Retreat Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 9–11 April: Executive Women Leaders' Retreat
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Community Ministries throughout New Zealand, counselling services in Wellington, court services in Central and Northern Divisions and in Fiji, and Creative Ministries at THQ; The Salvation Army in Uganda.
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@nzf.salvationarmy.org or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Quiz Answers: 1 Northern White Rhino, 2 Five, 3 Adam Hall, 4 Rugby 7s, 5 Twelve (Numbers 13:1–16)
22 WarCry 07 APRIL 2018
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There once was a boy called Georgio Glug, The thing he loved most were big squishy slugs, He watched as they squirmed, he picked up their slime,
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‘We need someone who knows what slugs like for dessert!’ ‘They like sausage and jelly in a big coffee mug,’ Said Georgio Glug, the expert in slugs. ‘But what they love most, what will really befuddle, Is giving them a big, sloppy, slimey, slug cuddle.’ What would you like to be an expert in? An expert is someone who knows almost everything about a topic—like Georgio Slug, who was an expert in slugs. You could choose anything—Minecraft, rugby, or the world’s weirdest toenails. You just have to love it enough to spend time learning all about it, memorising facts and figures and practising lots. Guess what God is an expert in? YOU!
Help the ants take their food back home!
He loves you so much that he knows everything about you. The Bible says that God knows how many hairs you have on your head. If you ever feel worried about something, you can ask God for help. God loves you so much, that he is always looking at you and listening to you, and he wants to know everything that is going on in your life. Nothing is too small or too big to talk to God about.
Dear Jesus, thank you that you know all about me, and that I can always talk to you about anything that worries me.
07 APRIL 2018 WarCry 23
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