10 March 2018 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION  10 MARCH 2018 | Issue 6687 | $1.50 Praying and Saying

What is Salvation?

New Album from Bearers Getting Brassy with NYB On the Spot with Patrick Gower

The Hit Kiwi Faith-Based Film

05

06

12

16

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 Rialto Distribution 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 6687 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

2 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

20

‘I Know Everything Now, So …’

The other day my five-year-old son made an important announcement: ‘I know everything now, so I can stop going to school.’

‘Actually, only God knows everything,’ I replied. My son looked at me doubtfully …

‘Wellll …’ He was not convinced.

When I first began working in Christian media, as editor of Soul Purpose magazine, I developed a habit of checking my conscience before God when I was writing an article—ensuring my words reflected what I believed was the truth.

Every now and again I got feedback that would cause me to check my conscience again. And sometimes it required that most uncomfortable of feelings: taking on board another point of view.

What I find fascinating—and ultimately enriching—about Christianity is that we never stop learning. There is such a depth and breadth of opinion we can have, while still remaining within the boundaries of orthodoxy. There is very little that cannot be debated, discussed and even disagreed on. This speaks to me of a boundless God that cannot be contained by us—whose ways and thoughts are indeed far beyond our own.

It also speaks to me of the depth of God’s love for us—that we know so little; we are bound to be wrong about so much—and yet God is gracious with us.

Sometimes we are like my five-year-old, saying, ‘I know everything now, so …’

And I imagine God patting us on the head and quietly chuckling.

Ultimately, our only goal is to become more and more like Jesus. May we continue to learn how to do this together.

Ingrid Barratt Editor

‘It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love.’

Billy Graham

Isaiah 55:9 ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ Īhāia 55:9 ‘Tā te mea e ikeike ake ana te rangi i te whenua, waihoki ko oku huarahi e ikeike ake ana i ō koutou huarahi, ko ōku whakaaro i ō koutou whakaaro.’

I

’ve lived by the adage ‘pray more than you God was asking me to talk to her. say’, but what happens when you ‘pray and I knew that he had asked me many times to talk don’t say’? What happens when your faith is to people, but I was afraid. I suddenly realised I didn’t ineffective? want to let God down.

I’ve often wished I could go up to a person I followed her into the bathroom … feeling like and talk to them about Jesus, or offer to pray for a stalker. I then followed her out the airport door. I them. But I am not one of those people, never have tapped her on the shoulder: ‘Hello, I know it’s weird been, never will be—or so I thought. … I don’t normally do this, but I am a Christian and Recently, I was on a flight—minding my own I believe in Jesus Christ and he wants me to pray business. I was sitting next to a lovely young for you.’ woman and, as the flight progressed, I became She looked at me: ‘Really? Does He? I’m a aware she was struggling to stay still. Her muscles Hindu, I don’t know your God. He really wants you were contracting and she looked uncomfortable. I to pray for me?’ thought how sad for such a young person. I went ‘Yes he does, and he wants me to tell you he back to reading. sees you, loves you and has a purpose and destiny I then became aware of aches on the side of my for your life.’ I felt God’s overwhelming love for this body next to hers—it got worse and worse. Soon precious woman. the muscles on my hand were contracting. I tried to After our short ‘conversation’, she hugged me and hide my discomfort and hoped she wouldn’t notice. I told me how grateful she was that I had prayed for her. prayed and said, ‘Lord what’s going on!’ I felt the inner I was so nervous, I didn’t ask her name. I may witness of the Holy Spirit impressing me to pray. never see her again, or know the result of my ‘No, I can’t pray for her, I don’t know her!’ I said. fumbled prayer, but I felt overjoyed. I had been ‘Pray for her.’ obedient to God’s promptings. I had stepped out of ‘But what if she tells me to mind my own business?’ fear, and I am no longer afraid to go up to people ‘I want you to pray for her healing.’ and speak to them.

‘She will think I’m a looney tune!’ ‘Vivienne, pray It says in Romans 10:14 (AMP): for her.’

But how will people call on him in whom they have This internal dialogue continued for the flight. not believed? And how will they believe in him of whom I told myself God was not really speaking to me. He they have not heard? And how will they hear without a doesn’t really want me to pray. The internal, gentle preacher (messenger)? pressure persisted.

I no longer live by the adage: ‘pray more than I made a deal with God that if this woman you say’; I now ‘pray and say’. disembarked and went straight to the bathroom, I would pray for her. Sure enough, she got off the

BY VIVIENNE HILL plane and headed for the bathroom. I now knew 10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 3

Walk the talk (from Aussie to Spain) A Salvation Army officer and her sister decided to become part of the solution to human trafficking, as they tackled the famous El Camino de Santiago trail in Spain.

Drama Phantom Thread (M, offensive language) Paul Thomas Anderson

The dubious drawcard for this film is that it prompted Daniel Day-Lewis to retire from acting, as the role left him feeling ‘overwhelmed with sadness’. One of the world’s most acclaimed actors—and the only male to win three lead actor Academy Awards—Day-Lewis, of course, delightfully and deeply embodies the role. He plays Reynolds Woodcock, the fastidious-to-a-fault dressmaker, in 1950s London. His perfectly precise world is interrupted when he falls in love with his much younger muse. It always bothers me how often young women are paired with much older men in films, but in this case, it works because the imbalance of power is integral to the storytelling. And unusual, sometimes baffling, and often exquisite film. (Reviewed by Ingrid Barratt)

Their 14-day journey over two sections of the trek covered 310 km, and raised $5500 for Project Futures—who partner with The Salvation Army’s only safe house in Australia, Samaritan Accommodation.

Aussie Salvation Army officer Melanie Holland, was confronted by the realities of trafficking and slavery when she was responsible for the house, as part of her officer appointment. ‘I am utterly convinced that all people were created for dignity, love, wholeness and freedom—and I am challenged to use my freedom for the sake of others,’ she says.

Juanita McMillan, Melanie’s sister, says the hardest part was the first day over the Pyrenees, ‘It just kept going up—so much up!’ But the best bit was the simplicity of it all, ‘Get up, eat, walk, eat, sleep, repeat.’

For Melanie, one of the beauties of the Camino was the rhythm of walking, which became a lovely space for meditation. ‘I feel as though I became uncluttered from the inside out.’ Reflecting on Luke’s gospel as she walked, God kept reminding her, ‘He is irresistibly drawn towards brokenness.’

The sisters are on the lookout for their next challenge, having been awakened to their capacity to make a real difference.

Find out more | 'Made to be Free' Facebook page

GOODSTUFF

At only 81 years old, it could well be the Year of Joy for our favourite author, Joy Cowley. She received the top award in the New Year’s Honours List and was recently shortlisted for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award—regarded as the premier award for children’s authors and illustrators.

The winner will be announced on 26 March. Joy told War Cry that writing for her is like prayer: ‘All writing and prayer comes from a very deep place, so I don’t confuse writing and prayer. That deep place is our connection with God,’ she says.

4 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

My home is in Heaven. I'm just travelling through this world.

Billy Graham

From left: Juanita & Melanie on the Camino trail.

QUIKQUIZ

1 What is caramelised white chocolate commonly known as in New Zealand?

2 Who was the Kiwi flag bearer at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics opening ceremony?

3 Carassius auratus is the scientific name for which common household pet?

4 Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was the first Prime Minister of which country?

5 What famous city had Nebuchadnezzar as a ruler?

Answers on page 22

ONTHESPOT

Patrick Gower We ask what goes on inside our best-known political mind.

Secret Indulgence: I like a good outdoor fire. A safe one of course, in a brazier!

Celebrity crush: Taika Waititi—coolest Kiwi, maxing out his talent to dominate the world in his craft.

Love that guy.

What I’m watching or reading: Game of Thrones, the book. I know I’m late.

I’ve always hated fantasy books, but I love this.

One thing I love: Swimming in the sea.

I love to body-surf in good waves, like at Oakura or Fitzroy beaches in Taranaki.

One thing I hate: The fact we can’t get more people to vote! One-in-five people didn’t vote this time around. Why can’t we get more people to use this incredible privilege?

Something that would surprise us behind the scenes of your job: I can’t tie a tie—Corin Dann often does it for me.

Two Minute Sticky Date Pudding Got a craving for a sweet treat and a spare two minutes? Try this delicious dessert.

Sticky Date Pudding 3 medjool dates, seeds removed and chopped

Place the medjool dates into a small bowl and cover with the boiling water.

2 tablespoons boiling water

Place the remaining ingredients into a bowl and mix to combine.

Break up any lumps with the back of your spoon. Add the dates and soaking water to the mixture and stir to combine. Spoon the mixture into a microwave safe bowl, mug or ramekin, allowing a little room for the mixture to expand. Microwave for two minutes.

2 tablespoons almond butter 2 tablespoons almond meal 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon coconut cream 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of salt Caramel Sauce 2 teaspoons hulled tahini 1 tablespoon maple syrup ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

While the pudding is cooking, place the sauce ingredients into a small bowl and mix to combine.

Remove the pudding from the microwave and drizzle over the sauce.

Eat and enjoy!

Source | wholefoodsimply.com

Weird of the Week: Dolphins can rest one half of their brain at a time, allowing them to sleep underwater with one eye open. They then switch sides and let the other half rest. Now that’s a handy trick!

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 5

The new Kiwi film Broken has achieved a rare feat: it’s a New Zealand film that opened at number one in the box office. But, more than that, it’s a film that is overtly Christian in its themes, and yet is captivating mainstream audiences. Ingrid Barratt talks to intrepid filmmaker Tarry Mortlock about the movie that is mending broken hearts.

B

roken was inspired by the powerful true story of Tārore—recently brought to life as a children’s book by author Joy Cowley. It is, indeed, a story that needs to be retold for every generation, showing the healing power of forgiveness.

In this modern re-telling, Broken follows two rival gangs at war with each other. The main character, Logan, has left gang life behind to raise his daughter. But when the unthinkable happens, Logan must decide whether to go back to the gang and seek revenge, or to find another, untrodden path.

The film was shot in Gisborne, and its watery, wild coastline perfectly aligns with the rage simmering under the surface of the film. Josh Calles is heartbreaking in his role as Logan—who is at war within himself, as much as with the world around him. The result is a genuinely moving and powerful story.

And it is a visibly Christian movie. Tori, Logan’s teenage daughter, attends the local youth group. She knows that she has been forgiven, so she can also forgive. It’s a story with heart, and at its heart is forgiveness.

A New Zealand story ‘Forgiveness is the huge theme of this film,’ says writer and director Tarry Mortlock, who was a staff member at Auckland’s City Impact Church when he first began dreaming of making Broken. ‘Forgiveness brings reconciliation, and while justice needs to prevail and wrongs need to be righted, without forgiveness there’s no moving forward.

‘I don’t consider it a gang movie, neither do I see it as a Māori film,’ he adds.

‘It’s a New Zealand film. The story of Tārore is a New Zealand story—it’s for all of us, we all need to learn the power of forgiveness.’

Since its release in February, the film’s themes have been making an impact on audiences. ‘I received a message from a young woman who had struggled with suicide. The film really touched her life and she found it a huge encouragement,’ recalls Tarry. ‘I heard yesterday about a husband and wife who saw the film— that night, they went home and reconciled their marriage because they had been holding things against each other for so long.’

The movie has been playing to full theatres around the country. Tarry recently snuck into a ‘random’ screening and struck up a conversation with the couple next to him: ‘I said, “What do you reckon bro, was there enough action for you?” He paused, and then he said: “You know this film is part of my DNA, I can totally relate. That rage that Logan feels, I know what that rage feels like.

Māori people, we are a warrior people, and to forgive goes against the grain.

But forgiveness is the answer.”

‘I said, “You’re the reason why I made this movie”.’

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 7

The guy next door So, how do you make a Christian film for mainstream audiences?

‘The bottom line is that I didn’t make a Christian film for Christians. I wanted to make a film for New Zealanders that sowed the seeds of forgiveness,’ says Tarry. ‘I set out to make a film for people that wouldn’t go to church—a film that the guy next door would go and watch.’

He adds that, ‘if you made a movie of the Old Testament, it would be full of violence and sex and people swearing, it would be full-on R18 … and if you’re authentically telling stories, you’ve got to be real about it. At the same time, I had to be true to my conscience and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, so the film doesn’t have swearing or sex scenes in it.’

This prompting from the Holy Spirit has been a guiding force since the beginning. By rights, Broken should have been a pipe-dream and nothing more. Not least because Tarry had no experience writing or directing, and had not even been on an actual film set. He spent several years working on his church’s media team—responsible for making its TV show—but creating a film would be an enormous leap.

On a shoe-string budget, Tarry gathered together the church production team, which essentially became the film crew. On location in Gisborne, a team of volunteers did everything from behind-the-scenes production to catering. Auditions were held locally, and very few of the film’s cast are experienced actors.

Josh, who gives such a stunning performance as Logan, is a police officer in Gisborne. He has never acted in a film before.

‘As a police officer I see a lot of hurt because of unforgiveness,’ says Josh. ‘The film talks about the human struggle and conflict that happens to ordinary people. These take us to the extreme of who we are.

‘I see people at their extreme, but that’s not who they are.

I hope this movie depicts that, yes, the struggle is real, but the solution is real as well.’

A committed Christian, Josh always dreamed of becoming an actor but felt that God had called him to stay in his hometown. ‘So I had this little pact with God and I said, “If [acting] is supposed to be in my destiny then it will come to me,” and it did,’ laughs Josh.

One of the few experienced actors in the film is Wayne Hapi, who featured in The Dark Horse. He plays Cruz, the head of a rival gang. ‘After reading the script and hearing about the story [of Tārore] I wanted to be part of this—to get across those messages of reconciliation, forgiveness and working towards a brighter future.’

8 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

Wayne remembers a powerful moment during filming, when these themes came to life: ‘A lot of extras had Black Power connections. Then the crew got these Mongel Mob associates to be in it too and went to pick them up. I thought it was a bit of naïvety on our crew’s part and I was a bit nervous.

But when the van pulled in, what really struck me was that the [Black Power] guys came straight over and started to mihi and hongi them. [The movie] allowed those guys to drop all that stuff, and just be real.

‘Tarry said to me the movie is all faith-driven and the Lord has his hand on this project. And I believe that.’

‘… MY IDENTITY GOT STRIPPED AWAY AND NOW MY IDENTITY IS FOUND IN JESUS AND THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE …’

Sandstone and rock Tarry believes that God only allowed him to make the movie once he had learned the hard lesson that ‘it’s not about me, it’s only about him’.

Tarry’s parents Peter and Bev Mortlock were founders of City Impact Church, which has grown into one of Auckland’s largest mega-churches. From a young age, Tarry’s life revolved around church and ministry.

‘My testimony is that at the age of four God saved me from the world, when I was at a little Bible camp and gave my life to Jesus. But at the age of 40, God saved me from myself,’ says Tarry. ‘I got to a point where I was so weighed down—trying to do stuff for God, trying to be good enough for him—I just thought, “I cannot carry this anymore”. I literally cried out loud to God, and I said, “Jesus, I need you. God, I need you”.’

That moment, has changed his life forever. ‘I thought I was building my life on rock, but I was building it on sandstone— that sandstone was ministry and being successful, trying to be a good Christian, trying to impress God and win people’s approval. The problem with sandstone is that it looks like rock, but you can only build so high before it cracks and crumbles and everything comes crashing down. God completely wrecked me and from that I was able to start building again on the true rock, which is Jesus Christ.’

Josh Calles as Logan.

Now, Tarry says that he is passionate about true identity— another theme that comes through strongly in Broken. ‘I’m very passionate about our identity in Christ, because my identity got stripped away and now my identity is found in Jesus and that makes all the difference.

‘I had to lay my burden down and pick his burden up—which is simply to love God and love people. It’s such a light and easy burden to carry. In fact, it’s not a burden, it’s a joy,’ reflects Tarry.

So, what’s next for the accidental filmmaker? He is currently taking time out with his wife’s family in Canada, and has recently completed a script based on the true story of an ex-Hell’s Angel whose life was dramatically transformed. The script is currently before producers in Los Angeles.

But, life is ‘all about God and God alone. Jesus is the answer to the world,’ sums up Tarry. And this is the real secret to becoming unbroken.

‘A HUSBAND AND WIFE SAW THE FILM—THAT NIGHT, THEY WENT HOME AND RECONCILED THEIR MARRIAGE …’

The True Story Behind Broken Tārore was the daughter of a Māori chief in the mid1800s. She learnt to read and write at a local mission, and was so accomplished that she was given her own copy of the Gospel of Luke. She kept it as a taonga in a kete around her neck.

A marauding tribe murdered the young Tārore and stole her kete. Incredibly, Tārore’s father risked bringing shame on himself by refusing to enact utu, or revenge, but instead to forgive.

The warrior that killed Tārore found the gospel in the kete, and eventually read it. He was so struck by its words of forgiveness, that he was filled with remorse. He sought out Tārore’s father to ask him for forgiveness. From the tragedy of Tārore’s death, peace was made between two warring tribes.

Above: Josh Calles (left) and Tarry Mortlock. Right: The cast of Broken. From left: Wayne Hapi, Josh Calles, Jol Sparks & Ruby Grubb.

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 9

The Untouched Single Male Why men are hurting from a lack of platonic touch.

Tobias was a single, male pastor in his forties. He once reflected that, ‘as an older single male, I feel like the most untouched species on earth. There is no one to offer me safe touch, and no one that I can offer safe touch to.’

In our culture, women have many ways to offer platonic touch—it’s perfectly okay to hug, caress an arm, give a shoulder massage. This type of touch is not available to our men.

Mark Greene, editor of The Good Men Project, writes honestly about how he trusts himself to be able to touch other men platonically, but ‘I don’t necessarily trust other men to do it’.

Because of poor behaviour from some men, ‘we believe that men can never be entirely trusted in the realm of the physical’.

We have sexualised all male touch to the point where it no longer feels safe. When there are rare moments of physical contact—like a hug or arm around a shoulder—men have learned to distrust themselves: did I enjoy that too much? ‘If you are a man, imagine five minutes of contact with another man. How quickly does that idea raise the ugly spectre of homophobia?

And why?’ challenges Greene.

Every man needs to prove himself trustworthy—and this is often done by foregoing platonic touch altogether.

‘I HOPE WE CAN HOLD HANDS EVEN WHEN HE IS A MAN.’

The result is what Greene calls ‘touch isolation’: ‘And where does this leave men?

Physically and emotionally isolated. Cut off from the deeply human physical contact that is proven to reduce stress, encourage self-esteem and create community.

Instead, we walk in the vast crowds of our cities alone in a desert of disconnection. Starving for physical connection,’ he says. Research shows that this isolation can lead to depression and physical ill health.

What we need is to re-capture non-sexual touch. We need to learn how to have physical contact with other men beyond the sports field—it’s okay to share a meaningful hug with another man. It’s okay to feel nurtured by this contact.

As a culture, we need to teach our boys and men to practice gentle, nurturing contact. We need to keep hugging and holding our boys when they become teenagers—not hand them over to girls with the message, ‘get a girlfriend or lose human contact altogether’.

Greene says his identity as a man was transformed when he became a dad and learned day-in-day-out the power of nurturing touch. As his son gets older, Greene is determined to

10 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

continue modelling this connection: ‘I hope we can hold hands even when he is a man. I hope we continue to hold hands until the day I die,’ he says.

Ultimately, we re-teach ourselves the importance of physical touch through our personal relationships. We can disperse our need (and it is a need) for touch over a wide variety of friendships. It may feel awkward, but reach out and give a hug (not a side hug, a real, proper hug). And if you know a single male—make sure you give him a hug and welcome him into safe, physical connection.

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.

Henri Nouwen

TESTIFY! Martin Barratt grew up with an abusive father, but Jesus gave him a new identity as a son in God’s family.

My father grew up in an authoritarian household and served in the Royal Marines, where he saw combat. After my sister and I were born it wasn’t long before he started to outwork that. The slightest thing would set him off—I’d scuff my shoes or didn’t do my homework on time. From when I was four or five it would be a thrashing with a stick or a belt, because that was what he knew.

He threw me down the stairs, and a couple of times he locked me out of the house, which was quite scary for a little kid sitting on the doorstep in the dark for hours.

My mum was the opposite, lovely and encouraging and would always tell us how much she loved us. He was abusive towards her, but she shielded us from it.

We were well off and I went to a prestigious boys’ school, but I was very withdrawn and I started getting bullied there. School reinforced what was happening at home and home reinforced what was happening at school.

When I was about 15, my mum became a Christian—she got saved at a Billy Graham crusade—and my sister became a Christian as well. She was going to youth group and they kept saying, ‘You should go’. I thought, ‘They can’t be worse than the people at school’. I met this amazing bunch of people—they were loving and kind, and the difference was God. I lived near some of the guys and we spent literally every day of the summer together. It was nice to be around people with a ‘normal’ family life.

I became a Christian in my last year at high school. I started volunteering as a youth worker at my church. I wanted to help other young people, but I hadn’t

‘YOU’RE NOT YOUR FATHER’S SON, YOU’RE GOD’S SON. IT WASN’T YOUR FAULT.’ addressed the brokenness underneath.

Even though I was meeting amazing people and having cool experiences I was still quite a broken child myself.

I remember going on a camp and the last night a guy came up to me and said, ‘I feel I should pray for you.’ I’d never met him, but he seemed to know everything about me and he was saying, ‘You’re not your father’s son, you’re God’s son. It wasn’t your fault.’

I’d always felt somehow it was.

That started a journey of dealing with that stuff. It’s been a journey from a certain type of imprisonment to

freedom in myself. Twenty years later it’s still an ongoing journey.

After that, I felt I wanted to stretch my faith. I’d always lived in Bristol, going to a nice church and a nice youth group. I saw an advert for work in a homeless project in Watford. I worked with people living on the streets, with addiction issues and mental health issues, who’d just come out of prison into secure units, and at least one person who was possessed. It was one extreme to the other, but I really felt this is what Christ has called us to do.

I moved to New Zealand in 2009 and now work for The Salvation Army as the territorial web manager. Even though I sit behind a desk I still feel I’m enabling the mission. People write to us with their questions, problems and their hurts—when I respond I’m the voice of The Salvation Army, and even though I’m not always the person that can resolve their issue, I want them to know they have been heard.

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 11

Next Gen Worship: More Than Music

BY INGRID BARRATT

Salvation Army movement ‘Bearers’ has a new album out. But it is about much more than the music, it’s about calling all young people to worship in their own, unique way.

‘We don’t want Bearers to be contained to just one expression,’ says Kris Singh, of Salvation Army Creative Ministries. ‘We need to talk about it as a movement where they can be part of adding to The Salvation Army’s cultural and artistic legacy.’

In many ways, Bearers is a natural follow-up to Amplify Creative Arts Camp, with its rich tapestry of creative expressions—from writing to dance to hospitality. ‘There’s a lot of talented young people in The Salvation Army, as we see at Amplify every year,’ says Kris. ‘We want to provide a platform where they can develop their expression of worship.’

And as the name ‘Bearers’ suggests, the movement is about raising the standard of Jesus high, summed up by the final lyric from one of their songs: For the one who died, who was crucified, we bear the banner of his name.

‘It’s more than a single band, idea or concept though. We’re looking for people who have the drive and passion to put their art out there, and who are committed to what The Salvation Army is all about.’

The Salvation Army has historically been at the forefront of the ‘new’, adds Kris. Our legacy is firmly placed in reading and responding to popular culture.

Bearers is simply another in that long list of responses, one that we hope will resonate with where youth are today in their faith journeys.

12 firezone.co.nz 10 MARCH 2018

If you are a young person and have a passion for sharing your faith through your creativity, send your work to Creative Ministries!

Welcome Home

Home is the debut album follow-up to 2016’s This Is Who We Are EP. The album’s theme has strong parallels with the story of the prodigal son: ‘I wanted to be real in this record—to address that youth are inevitably going to wander away from things that are good for them—and into situations, relationships and mind-sets that make that distance away from home seem further and further away’ explains Kris. ‘It’s like coming home, when no matter what you’ve been up to, your parents are always happy to see you, and glad you are safe.’

‘The core idea of the record is that no matter where you are, even when you're on the wander, there is always a place where you can return to.

Home is described as musical worship with ‘high energy synths, soaring guitars and catchy pop melodies’.

‘It’s an honest, real and relatable expression of worship, perfectly capturing the energy, excitement and enthusiasm of the youth in The Salvation Army.’

CHECK THE ALBUM OUT | Bearersonline.com, Facebook.com/bearersonline, Youtube.com/user/nzftcmd

Album artwork: Sabrina David.

‘My sins are so many, their stains are so deep, Bitter regret like a weight holding me, But You hear my cry God and answer my plea, Your waters can heal me, Flowing with a love so deep, so rich, so endless, Ocean grace, in waves rush over, Over and over and over again.' ​From ‘Over and Again (Boundless)’ by Bearers.

Inspired by ‘O Boundless Salvation’.

‘William Booth, one of the founders of The Salvation Army, wrote a lot of songs. Probably his most wellknown song “O Boundless Salvation” is full of amazing imagery—comparing God’s endless love for us to a rich, deep ocean. It also talks about us, and the type of people we can be.

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE ON THE WANDER, THERE IS ALWAYS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN RETURN TO.

There’s the question of our own sins and our own regrets, preventing us from accepting that God will love us. [There’s the] fear of judgement, fear or risk, fear of change.

God calls us out into this ocean. He calls us to be brave and when we listen for his voice it makes us bold. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by listening for, and obeying, his voice. Even when we mess up, his life-giving water will always be available to us if we choose to come back and dive in.’

–Kris Singh

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 13

Photography: Juanita Buckingham.

Getting Brassy with the National Youth Band

Neighbours of Silverstream Retreat may have wondered what all the noise was, when over 70 young people gathered for the annual National Youth Band (NYB) and Brass Academy weekend recently.

BY SHAR DAVIS

NYB has been a part of this territory’s creative expression since the early 1990s. While the membership has sometimes stretched the term ‘youth’, the current ensemble is 34 youth ranging from 14 to 30 years old. They are from all over New Zealand, with one delegate each from Tonga and Fiji.

The Brass Academy is a recent addition to the NYB ‘band camp’ weekend and is an opportunity for learners to benefit from the intensive development experience the camp offers.

Forty learners from Wellington City Corp’s Brass Academy, Christchurch City Corp’s Just Brass and individuals from Hamilton City, Levin and Nelson Tasman Bays Corps were part of this third Brass Academy intensive.

The special guest for the weekend was Ken Waterworth— Melbourne Staff Bandmaster and Creative Arts Director for Australia Southern, along with Martin Robertson (Christchurch City) and Stewart Stanbridge (Hamilton City) who also conducted throughout the weekend.

14 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

At the Waitangi Day concert, territorial director of Creative Ministries Jim Downey, said Ken was a great teacher for the kids. ‘He has a reputation for being really hard but the kids responded well to that.’ That respect was obvious each time Ken conducted one of the bands during the concert.

Speaking to those in attendance, Ken explained his key message to his students: ‘It’s not about the notes you play but how you play them.’ He spoke about his love for working with young people and saw it as a gift that God had given him. Ken said music allows him ‘to express some of my love for God’ and he encourages young people to give their best to Jesus through their music.

There were some great pieces of music performed by the two development bands and National Youth Band, but perhaps the most moving piece was Manchester. Richard Wainwright’s tune, arranged by Andy Cook, was dedicated to the victims of the Manchester bombing in May last year, and dedicated to the people of Manchester for their spirit and courage. Starlake was another crowd favourite.

NYB worked hard during their rehearsal times as they prepared for the year ahead, which will include a trip to America just after Christmas. It’s the 100-year celebration of The Salvation Army’s involvement with the Rose Parade. Seven youth bands from across the world will meet in Los Angeles for a week-long band camp. As a combined-band, they will take part in the parade as well as local corps outreaches and community involvement.

This year saw the introduction of Night Church to the programme, and Captain Daniel Buckingham (executive officer, alongside his wife Juanita) preached, with the NYB music team leading worship. Seeing God’s spirit at work over the weekend in a new and exciting way was the highlight for Juanita. ‘There was a sense of God’s presence all weekend, and he was at work in people’s lives—lives were changed, people were restored and so many people are seeking after serving God more.’

As Seen on Facebook Flaxmere-Pāharakeke enrols its latest soldier— congratulations Tuia!

Any excuse to get into those chaps eh Karl?!

Dressing up for Napier’s art deco weekend.

Photography: Shar Davis.

LIVES WERE CHANGED, PEOPLE WERE RESTORED AND SO MANY PEOPLE ARE SEEKING AFTER SERVING GOD MORE. Lives were changed, people were restored and so many people are seeking after serving God more.

Daniel and Juanita are passionate about NYB and see it as a ‘training ground for young leaders, an expression of Salvation Army worship, a place to belong and an evangelistic wing for the Army in this territory.’ They believe it is an ‘important discipleship group’ and as a band meet regularly throughout the year.

It wasn’t all hard work according with plenty of organised fun thanks to Ben Maxwell (THQ youth department) as well as an afternoon at H2O Extreme swimming complex in Upper Hutt. Stewart Irwin set up the café used at Amplify and this was very popular amongst the learners and staff alike. Two campers got a particular mention for their eagerness to help out in the café. According to Jim, Lachie was a natural salesman while Brianna was a natural accountant—both important skills for any successful café. Sammie Osborn from Just Brass in Christchurch said ‘I loved learning new songs, playing and hanging out with my friends’ a sentiment echoed by others who attended the weekend.

With the talent on display in the development band, the National Youth Band is in no danger of running out of talented, passionate, young people any time soon.

Miriama, Rod and Jenny model the new Salvation Army Samoa tee-shirts.

Get one from the Territorial Youth Department | firezone.co.nz

Northern Division visits Manurewa Marae. Ka kino te haere!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK | SalvationarmyNZFijiTonga

Send us 400–600 words with one or two captioned photos.

Promotion to Glory tributes are approximately 300 words.

Email reports and large, highquality jpeg images to: warcry@ salvationarmy.org.nz

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 15

Special FX Night is a Hit At East City Corps in Howick, we run an FX (Family Xperience) twice a term, on Friday evenings. The purpose is to bring people from all walks of life together—corps families, youth parents, drop-in centre families—and use it to create fun, meaningful and memorable experiences over food and fellowship.

The first one was held on 2 December 2017—with a total of 107 people attending, a lot more than anticipated! It was especially well attended by those who come to our drop-in centre through the week.

Our theme was ‘Simply Christmas’ and was a great way to start the season. We had a beautiful pre-Christmas dinner, and families had the chance to make a wreath together. We set up a photo booth for families to have their photos taken, which we printed off on the night so they could take it home and put on their fridge with a magnetic frame we provided. The feedback was overwhelmiwngly positive and we were thrilled with how the evening went.

Our second one was held on 9 February this year, with a ‘Kiwiana’ theme. Families were welcomed in and invited to get their meals, followed by a table quiz and devotion on identity. To finish, there was dessert and a family craft. Again, it was well attended with 93 people. The response was positive—particularly when it came to the craft.

IT’S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE CHRIST’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THROUGH US. The inspiration for FX came from reading articles and hearing about Messy Church in our division and the Re-think Groups (Orange) Family Xperience. We brought all those ideas together and adapted it to fit our East City context. Offering a place to belong, thinking holistically, caring for people—these were three values of The Salvation Army’s Mission Plan that were important to include in our FX.

Photography: Nathan Herbert

We have had so many wonderful wins to celebrate from these two FX nights: watching families work together with crafts, seeing our corps families being intentional with others they don’t know and praying together, having our teens invite their parents along, seeing everyone muck in to tidy up, and watching our kids running around together and making new friends!

16 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

Our prayer is that everyone who walks through those doors on a Friday night will remember the love, care and joy that was shared within a community of people. FX has reminded me that sometimes we have a tendency to crowd out what’s really important with other ‘stuff’—but really it comes back to relationships and whanaungatanga. It’s our responsibility to allow people to experience Christ’s unconditional love through us. It’s as simple as that!

BY LASHANA DALE

The Good News or the Bad News?

The Salvation Army launched its annual State of the Nation report, which includes an overview of the last ten years and how we are doing as a nation.

In February, hundreds turned out to events in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin to launch the report Kei a Tātou—It is us. In Wellington, a crowd of about 100 people, including MPs from four parties, attended the launch.

The Wellington event was held at the Cathedral of St Paul, where report author Alan Johnson from the Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, spoke about the findings of the report.

Territorial Commander, Commissioner Andy Westrupp, opened proceedings by telling the audience the State of the Nation was designed to bear witness to what was happening in New Zealand, and to give a voice to the marginalised and overlooked.

Aotearoa as a nation comes with great blessings in its environment, its institutions and its people, that required care from all of us, he said.

‘As a national community, I believe we’re better than to allow our environment to be degraded, our institutions to decay and to leave any one behind. The thing that will keep this is “all of us”, hence the title of the report, ‘Kei a Tātou—It is us.’

Also included in the report was an overview of the key figures and trends of the last ten years, which shows advancements in closing educational achievement gaps and increasing participation in early childhood education. There have also been reductions in youth suicide, infant mortality and teenage pregnancies.

The negatives include a sharp rise in methamphetamine-fuelled crime, which was one of the most

“… WE’RE BETTER THAN TO ALLOW OUR ENVIRONMENT TO BE DEGRADED, OUR INSTITUTIONS TO DECAY AND TO LEAVE ANY ONE BEHIND”. concerning trends in the report, according to Alan. He said that the rise matches reports of increasing availability and use of the drug.

Also a concern was the record prison numbers. Alan believes that the focus should be put on rehabilitation, not more prisons.

‘I liken [building more prisons] to saying “I’m going on a diet”, and then going out and buying a bigger pair of pants.’

Major themes of this year’s report included jobs and incomes.

Alan stated that this shows not all of ‘us’ were benefiting from strong economic growth. There had been little change in the number of young people who

are unemployed, in education or training. The evidence also showed wages were not growing at the same rate as housing costs, especially for the lowest income earners, as the benefits of economic growth failed to reach the most vulnerable.

This was reflected in a ‘frightening’ rise in the number of food parcels given out by The Salvation Army in 2017, up 12 per cent on the previous year—the largest year-on-year rise since the recession. ‘This comes at a time when beneficiaries and working families are being topped up with government support, but people’s incomes are being squeezed by rents. One of the things we need to make sure of is that everybody is included in in this growth,’ said Alan.

There is good news on the employment front. The number of New Zealanders in work has been rising steadily for five years. ‘The job story is a great story when you look at it in context to what’s happened in most of the rest of the western world,’ said Alan.

DOWNLOAD THE STATE OF THE NATION REPORT | salvationarmy.org.nz/ SOTN2018

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 17

Sanitary Products Keep Girls in School In February, the U By Kotex brand ran a national donation campaign, gifting 4000 packs of tampons and pads to The Salvation Army.

Countdown supermarkets joined the effort, alongside U by Kotex, with their joint ‘Donate One, Give Two’ campaign—meaning that when customers donated a ‘women’s hygiene bundle’ to the online foodbank, they matched it up to 1000 bundles.

Young women throughout New Zealand are missing school or risking their health because families can’t afford feminine care products, said Salvation Army

national manager of welfare services, Major Pam Waugh.

Foodbanks across the country are in desperate need for women’s feminine care products, to support those families in need and remove a barrier to getting their girls to school.

‘Sanitary products are a basic necessity for women and should not have to be a luxury item, but many of our young Kiwi women are staying home when they have their period, or worse, making makeshift products or recycling old pads so they can still attend school,’ she said.

‘In many cases, this is leading to even more health problems, which means more time off school and additional shame and humiliation for both the girls and the parents.’

Countdown is a long-term partner with Salvation Army foodbanks.

Kiri Hannifin, Countdown’s general manager of corporate affairs, said: ‘Since we started talking about this issue more than 29,500 feminine care products worth over $106,000 have already been donated to The Salvation Army to distribute to families where girls and young women would otherwise go without.’

General Pays Tribute to Billy Graham In his lifetime, Reverend Billy Graham shared the gospel with over 250 million people live, and with millions more through different media. General André Cox has paid tribute to Rev Graham in a letter to the Graham family: Dear friends, I am saddened to learn of your bereavement and wish to assure you of my prayers and those of my wife, Silvia, at this time of mourning.

Rev Dr Graham was an inspirational man of God with an extraordinary ministry and a passion for revival. I am sure that many Salvationists will be personally grateful to him for his involvement in their own conversion experience. Worldwide, millions of Christians will be reflecting on the global rallies which led so many to faith in Jesus Christ. From preacher and pastor to presidential spiritual advisor, his calling was evident.

I also wish to pay tribute to your father’s evangelistic writing, radio, film and TV ministries, which have also proven to be potent and effective over many years. His book The Reason for my Hope: Salvation is a cogent reminder of the vitality of God’s saving grace.

The Salvation Army has been particularly impacted by Rev Graham’s founding of the Lausanne Movement 40 years ago. The Lausanne Covenant stands as an evangelism standard-bearer for evangelical Christianity, and it has been exciting to be participants in a biblicallysound congress which reaches out to young, ethnically 18 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

diverse and influential church leaders.

Picking up the theme of Rev Graham’s 95th birthday sermon (a nation ‘in great need of a spiritual awakening’), I would like to pledge again The Salvation Army’s commitment to share the gospel message whenever and wherever possible.

We give thanks to God for the life of Billy Graham, and pray that you would find true comfort in the presence of the Saviour whom your father loved so dearly.

GAZETTE

Appointment in Retirement: Effective 15 March: Mjrs Clive and Lesley Nicolson, Chaplaincy/Bereavement and Family Support, Hospice Marlborough.

Retirement: Mjr Wayne Jellyman on 28 February 2018 after 38 years, one month of active officer service. Wayne entered the Salvation Army Training College from the Napier Corps in 1978 as a cadet in the Joyful Evangelists session. Following his commissioning on 19 January 1980, Wayne was appointed Corps Officer, Gore Corps. He married Lieut Joanne Beale on 5 July 1980. Wayne and Joanne continued to serve at Gore Corps until 1983, when they were appointed to Greymouth Corps.

In September 1985, Wayne and Joanne were appointed as Assistant Officers at Wharerangi Eventide Home, Taupō. From 1987 to 1995, Wayne and Joanne had appointments as Corps Officers at Pukekohe, East Coast Bays, and Invercargill Corps.

In January 1996, Wayne was appointed as the Divisional Youth Secretary, Central Division. After four years in this role he and Joanne were appointed as Territorial Children’s Mission Directors. In July 2002, Wayne became the Assistant Secretary for Programme, THQ. In 2004, Wayne and Joanne moved to Christchurch to lead the Canterbury Northwest Division, Wayne being the Divisional Commander, before being appointed to Fiji as Assistant Divisional Commander.

On their return to New Zealand in 2008, Wayne and Joanne were appointed as National Mission Directors, Employment Plus, before being appointed to the Territorial Planned Giving Department as Associate National Directors, then Directors.

In 2013, Wayne returned to serve in the Central Division as the Divisional Secretary for Programme before moving to Feilding, where he and Joanne have been the Corps Officers since January 2015.

In January 2018, Wayne and Joanne were appointed as the Territorial Secretaries for Retired Officers. On his retirement, Wayne will continue in a part-time Appointment in Retirement in this role. We honour and thank Wayne for his loyal and faithful service to God through The Salvation Army in New Zealand and Fiji.

Bereaved: Col Wynne Reddish and Mjr Wayne Jellyman, of their mother Milba Jellyman, on 20 February 2018. A service celebrating Milba’s life was held on 23 February. Please uphold Mjrs Wayne and Joanne Jellyman, and Cols Wynne and Graeme Reddish, and other family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.

IF WE HUMBLE OURSELVES …

REVIVAL WILL COME. I recently began my new appointment, and with it, a new adventure: as territorial secretary for corps mission. ‘What could the future look like?’ I ask myself. And without hesitation, I respond, ‘Revival!’

There are many ways in which people experience revival. Some see revival as personal restoration of their lives to God—and it is. Some see revival as an intensity of the Spirit, which causes people to come together in meetings—and it is.

But revival for me is more than that: it is the Kingdom of God invading and ruling on earth as it is in heaven. It’s about transformation of individual lives, which leads to transformation of society. It is living in a move of the Spirit which touches and influences all of society—who we are, what we believe and what we do. It is a lifestyle, led by the Spirit, which results in people loving God and loving others.

In the Bible—which I love and encourage you to read more—I read of the time in the Old Testament where the construction of the temple was complete, and the stage was set for God to fill the temple. In Chronicles 6, Solomon offered a lengthy prayer to dedicate the new temple. As he poured out his heart to God, he asked God to hear Israel’s cry, and forgive them when disaster came as a result of sin and rebellion. When Solomon finished praying, God’s glory fell like a firestorm from heaven and consumed the sacrifices (2 Chronicles 7:1).

Solomon knew that tough and terrible times would come. There would be times of spiritual decay and drift. God’s people would turn away from him. It would be bad economically, spiritually and socially. When Solomon returned to his palace, God graciously spoke to him, answering Solomon’s fears: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Although specific to Israel, its truth can be seen anytime God’s people drift away from him. Life may be dark and difficult, but if we humble ourselves, seek God, pray and repent, revival will come.

Here is a challenge as I begin this new role: will you pursue God in prayer and obedience? Will you draw God to hear from heaven, forgive people their sin and heal our lands? May New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa ignite in Holy Spirit revival.

Major Ivan Bezzant Territorial Secretary for Corps Mission

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 19

As we prepare to celebrate the great moment in history when God came to the rescue of our ‘glorious ruin’, we ask: What do we really mean by this mysterious salvation?

BY DAVID WARDLE

Christian communities across the globe are once again marking a very significant festival in the Christian calendar—the season of Easter. Millions of believers of all faith traditions meet as the body of Christ during Lent, to remember and mourn the difficult steps Jesus took to his crucifixion, and to celebrate his resurrection from death on Easter Sunday.

The Resurrection is the climax in the story of God’s redemption of the world.

Indeed, it provides the foundation of Christianity, and establishes Jesus as the second person of the Trinity. He is God incarnate, both altogether God and altogether human. He is our Lord and Saviour.

A living hope Christians have always believed that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Saviour, and they have sought to keep the two titles inextricably tied together. Any formulation that undermined ‘salvation through Christ’ was rejected—as was any view of salvation that left room for other lords and saviours or for salvation by other means.

A Glorious Ruin 20 WarCry 10 FEBRUARY 2018

In light of this, Christians have also always believed that anyone who chooses to follow Jesus receives ‘…a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…’ (1 Peter 1:2). Through faith in God, those who follow Jesus receive salvation and may walk in a new way of life (Romans 6:1–9).

At the heart of the ‘work of Christ’, is the Christian belief in Christ’s atonement.

Atonement is an English word that means reconciliation, and refers to the work of Christ by which he brought humanity and God together in spite of humanity’s sinfulness and God’s holiness.

This is echoed in our Salvation Army doctrines which state that ‘the Lord Jesus Christ has, by his suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever will may be saved’ (Article of Faith 6).

Our statement of faith is in no way unique. All the major Christological creeds say that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour, but none sets forth what Christians must believe about how he saves. In other words, there is no uniform Christian doctrine of salvation.

‘SALVATION ULTIMATELY MEANS CREATION HEALED.’ Beyond words The early church believed that ‘God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ … ’ (2 Cor 5:19). In some mysterious way, beyond full human comprehension, Christ’s death on the cross was a sacrifice for sin, a conquest of evil powers that enslave, and an example of perfect love for disciples of Jesus Christ to follow. We still hold to this!

Wonderfully, there is a tremendous diversity of language and a kaleidoscope of imagery both in the biblical story and church tradition that attempt to explain what Christ has done. They all add to the picture—but no one explanation does justice to all that happened on the cross.

The Arminian Baptist theologian Roger Olson describes it as both ‘objective’— in which something happened in the cosmic, divine order of universal history; and, ‘subjective’—in which each of us

‘CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION CHANGED THE WORLD … NOTHING IS, NOR CAN BE, THE SAME AGAIN.’ is drawn to God in repentance and faith. In other words, Christ’s death and resurrection changed the world, apart from anyone’s response to them.

Nothing is, nor can be, the same again.

But the change wrought by Christ happens in the life of an individual when that person responds to the life and teachings of Jesus. Olson summaries all this by stating that ‘Jesus Christ’s incarnation, life, death, and resurrection [I would add ‘and ascension’] objectively provide for reconciliation between God and humanity and make possible forgiveness and transformation of those who believe and trust in him’.

A glorious ruin In thinking about this, I have found the writings of CS Lewis and the protestant theologian Paul Tillich, insightful. They both speak of what it means to be human now. Lewis describes humanity as a ‘glorious ruin’—‘glorious’ because God created us ‘…a little lower than the angels…’ (Psalm 8:5–6), and honoured us with the role as his vice-regents on earth; ‘ruin’ because we have made such a mess of what God intended for us.

Similarly, Tillich says we are both ‘essentially good and existentially estranged’. We are wonderfully knitted together in the image and likeness of God, but in the reality of our current existence we are estranged from the ultimate source of being and meaning.

This paradox of human existence also manifests itself in estrangement from our own true selves, in estrangement from others, in estrangement from the rest of creation and in estrangement from life as God intended it to be. But it does not have to be this way. Tillich goes on to explain that only reunion with God, initiated by his grace, has the power to overcome our estrangement.

Creation healed One biblical portrayal of salvation is ‘as being healed’; and, according to Wesleyan theologian Howard A. Snyder in Salvation Means Creation Healed, ‘… salvation ultimately means creation healed’.

In Isaiah 19:22, God promises to hear humanity’s cries and heal them. In Isaiah 57:19, he pronounces, ‘Peace, peace, to the far and near…’, and pledges, ‘And I will heal them’. Jeremiah 3:22 says, ‘Return, O faithless children, I will heal your faithlessness’. When God’s people truly turn to him, he promises to ‘… heal their land’ (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The Old Testament word for peace— shalom—means: comprehensive wellbeing and healthy people in a flourishing land. Jesus applied Isaiah 6:9–10 to himself, proclaiming that if people would turn to him, he ‘… would heal them’ (Matt 13:15). Jesus was the Great Healer. His healing miracles powerfully signalled the presence of God’s kingdom.

Ultimately, the Bible promises a healed and restored ‘… new heavens and a new earth’ (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet 3:13).

Of course, the gospel is about justification by faith, forgiveness and new birth for each of us. But the larger truth that encompasses the healing of individuals is that families, societies, nations and all of creation are restored to true shalom.

The prophet Isaiah says of the Messiah: ‘Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases ... he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed’ (Isa 53:4–5).

Peter echoes this when he writes: ‘He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed’ (1 Pet 2:24).

I hope you all have a blessed Easter as you ponder what Jesus Christ has done for us.

‘Sin is the second most powerful force in the universe, for it sent Jesus to the cross. Only one force is greater—the love of God.’ Billy Graham

10 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 21

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

PRAY

Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 9–10 Mar: Territorial Executive Council 11 Mar: Welcome to Cadets 30 Mar–1 Apr: Easter Services at Palmerston North Corps Colonel Suzanne Finchmam (Chief Secretary) 9–10 Mar: Territorial Executive Council 11 Mar: Welcome to Cadets 29 Mar–1 Apr: Easter Services at Levin Corps Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 9–10 Mar: Territorial Executive Council 11 Mar: Welcome to Cadets 25 Mar: Westgate Corps (am), Flat Bush Corps Plant (pm)

Children’s Mission, Christchurch City and Christchurch North Corps, Clendon Corps Plant, and the THQ Communications department (we produce War Cry!); The Salvation Army in Tanzania.

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES online: salvationarmy.org.nz/ employment

WHO Families with kids aged 6–17 years.

WHAT Discover the true meaning of what it means to work together as a solid family unit. Learn things about yourself and define your role in your family. A fantastic opportunity to create lifetime memories while having an amazing adventure!

FOR MORE INFO bluemountainadventure.org.nz bmac@nzf.salvationarmy.org

“I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Luke 4:43 (NIV)

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:

Shop online at

Name

salvationarmy.or.nz/shop

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

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? For reports, regular newsletters, challenging articles and Salvation Army government submissions.

www salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

Quiz Answers: 1 Caramilk, 2 Freeskier Beau-James Wells, 3 Goldfish, 4 Fiji, 5 Babylon (2 Kings 25).

22 WarCry 10 MARCH 2018

Hooray! … God bless the King of Israel!

John 12:1 CEV

C

B

A 5 F

E

D

4

6

1 3 2

If you could meet your hero, who would it be?

What would you say to them?

What would you do?

Meeting your hero would be the greatest day of your life, right?

Would you scream, or cry, or would you play it cool?

Colour in, decorate and cut out this mask.

You can use feathers, glitter, coloured paper—anything you can find!

The greatest hero in the history of the world was Jesus. He is so famous that even 2000 years later, lots of people would still like to meet him.

One day, back when he was on earth, a huge crowd of people turned up to see Jesus. They laid out palm branches as Jesus went past. In those days, people put palm branches on the ground to welcome a king. So the people of Israel were saying they wanted Jesus to be their king.

What is your superhero name?

But Jesus did something weird. He grabbed a funny little donkey to ride—not a flash carriage, like a normal king. This was because Jesus was saying that he wasn’t a normal king—he wasn’t into wealth and power. He was a humble king, who would sacrifice everything for us.

What is your superpower?

Q: What happened when Batman and Robin got run over?

A: They became Flat Man and Ribbon!

Answers: 1=C, 2=E, 3=B, 4=F, 5=A, 6=D.

Q: What is Spider-M an’s favourite month?

A: Web-ru ary

Jesus never did become a king like the people of Israel expected.

Instead, he became a king of an invisible kingdom—one that we hold in our hearts when we ask Jesus to be our friend for life.

Thank you Jesus that you are my friend, my hero and my king.

10 MARCH 2018 WarCry 23