14 December 2019 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION  CHRISTMAS 2019 | Issue 6732 | $1.50 $1.50

Happy Christmas!

From the Communica tions te

am

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

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

& Catherine Booth

The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission.

ACTING EDITOR Major Shar Davis | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Vivienne Hill | COVER PHOTO Jessica Keane 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.

Snapshots of Christmas We’re entering that time of year where we embrace snowflakes, reindeer and roasting chestnuts on an open fire, despite living in the wrong hemisphere.

Sure it isn’t always hot, sunny weather, but we don’t live with anticipation of a white Christmas.

As I was contemplating the theme for this special Christmas edition of War Cry, I kept thinking about my own Christmas experience. We have a rule in our family, that presents are not opened until the lunch dishes are done. It’s the one time of the year the kids are itching to help with the washing up.

I began wondering about other people’s experiences. Did other people have favourite memories, or traditions? Did Christmas look very different in each of the countries in our territory, despite being relatively close geographically?

‘Snapshots of Christmas’ became my working title, and, while sorting through some boxes a month or so ago, I came across some Christmas editions of The War Cry from the 1960s. What was very exciting about the content was a number of articles about Christmas in various countries around the world. We’ve included some of them in this edition, along with some other content, including the beautiful covers.

It has been our absolute pleasure to create War Cry this year, capturing moments of triumph, tragedy and transformation. There has been so much to celebrate around the territory this year, and we close the year with a real sense of gratitude.

As you head towards Christmas Day, we’d like to remind you that God is the greatest gift-giver. The gift of Jesus is the greatest gift any of us can ever receive. And, like any present, it is up to us to receive it and unwrap it—to fully experience the gift.

Happy Christmas from the Comms team.

Shar Davis Assistant Territorial Communications Secretary

SalvationArmyNZFTS

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

@SalvationArmyNZ

Hamilton Wright Mabie

Publishing for 136 years | Issue 6732 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

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2 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

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2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Koriniti 9:15 Me whakawhetai ki te Atua mō tāna mea hōmai noa, e kore nei e taea te kōrero.

here’s been a little bit of controversy in the Comms office over the past few weeks. We put up the Christmas tree on November 21, and decorated the entire office space with lights and other Christmas-related ornaments. While most of the team were more than happy for Michael Bublé to start filling the space with his festive tunes, there was at least one who protested regularly with, ‘but it’s not December yet!’.

We talk about the ‘Christmas season’, but the exact dates of this occurance totally depend on one’s preference. If supermarkets and other retail outlets are the guide, Christmas began long before Halloween—and Easter 2020 has already commenced! Some people have a strict 1 December start date, while others would want Christmas to be 365 days a year, if their spouse or family would let them.

‘Tis the season to be jolly’ according to the popular song ‘Deck the Halls’, and we say that, even though no one really says ‘tis’ anymore and ‘jolly’ is a word rarely heard in everyday conversations.

‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ is probably the most popular slogan Christians use at Christmas.

I get the sentiment. It can sometimes feel like Christmas is all about how big and expensive our gifts are, or boozy work parties (TSA work parties excluded of course) and eating so much food we’re hoping for ‘fat pants’ in our stocking. It can be hard to remember that in the church calendar, Christmas is a time where we reflect on the birth of Jesus—far

from the glitz and glamour a new born King would normally be born into.

It feels a little cliché and actually dilutes the real reason for Christmas. It’s true, we celebrate Jesus being born to Mary in Bethlehem. Spoiler alert— he wasn’t actually born on 25 December. Christmas exists because of Easter, and Easter is a result of Christmas.

Jesus is a gift to humanity from God. Isaiah 9:6, ‘A child has been born for us; a son has been given to us ... ’. God was motivated by his absolute love for people. John 3:16 says: ‘For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life’ (Passion translation).

Jesus isn’t the reason for the season—we are!

Christmas exists because God gave the world a Saviour: Jesus. God is the greatest gift-giver—he gives light where there is darkness, hope where there is none, and truth where there has been deceit.

Jesus says, ‘The thief tries to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have life in all its fullness [or abundant life]’. You are God’s reason for the gift of Jesus. Your life matters to God. So, while Jesus deserves all the glory and honour—don’t forget why his birth matters.

Jesus isn’t the reason for the season—you are!

BY SHAR DAVIS

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 3

TOPFIVE

All over our territory, we tend to get a warm Christmas rather than a white Christmas. Barring an environmental abnormality, here are five carols that aren’t quite applicable to our sunny silly season.

5. Let it Snow! Let It Snow!

Let It Snow!: It probably won’t! Probably won’t!

Probably won’t!

Honey and Orange Glazed Carrots 4 large carrots, cut into sticks 2 Tbsp butter ¼ cup honey 1 Tbsp orange zest 2 Tbsp orange juice 1 tsp dried tarragon 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp chopped chives

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook carrots for 5–8 minutes until soft. Drain well.

4. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Hands up how many of you have ever been carolling out in the snow in New Zealand or the Pacific?

Place the butter, honey, orange zest, orange juice and tarragon in a pot and cook, stirring occasionally until it sizzles. Add the carrots and toss together.

3. The Christmas Song: It’s doubtful that many of us will be roasting chestnuts on an open fire or be dressing up like Inuit people in the December warmth.

Cook gently for 2 minutes until the mixture is sticking to the carrots.

Serve straight onto a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives.

2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Regardless of whether you find the lyrics of this carol cute or creepy, it’s certainly not cold outside for us.

Source: countdown.co.nz

1. Winter Wonderland: We’re not quite ‘walking in a Winter Wonderland’ here … more like walking on the boiling hot sand.

WARCRYINHISTORY

QUIKQUIZ

1 Who was the star of the movie titled White Christmas?

2 Stollen is the traditional fruit cake of which country?

3 How do you say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Spanish?

12 December, Christmas 1930 Young New Zealanders at play.

4 How many reindeer drive Santa’s sleigh (including Rudolph)?

Source: Booth College of Mission Heritage and Archives Centre

5 Which two gospels do not mention the birth of Christ?

Answers on page 22

4 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

Weird of the Week: The now-iconic Christmas carol ‘Jingle Bells’ was actually written to be sung during the American holiday of Thanksgiving!

LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD Crossword ACROSS

1 2

13 The spot in the Bay of Islands where the sermon of 2 Down was preached.

15 Māori name for a fortified village.

17 One kind has yellow flowers; the other has red.

18 The island with the largest lake (initials).

21 This bird cannot fly.

24 A sweet potato.

25 Often called ‘tea-tree’.

26 The Māori word for ‘food’.

27 A well-known Māori tribe.

30 A weapon used by Māori chiefs.

31 A river noted for its scenery.

32 The same as 32 Across.

34 He sailed up the West Coast in 1642.

1 What we call ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’ (initials).

4 A coastal city (initials).

6 ‘Kia … ’ 7 First two letters of the Māori word for ‘lake’.

8 A Polynesian navigator, said to have visited New Zealand about a thousand years ago.

11 A province (initials).

12 One of the canoes that reached New Zealand about 1350.

14 It has a tuft of white feathers at its throat.

16 Traditional former home of the Māori people.

19 The smallest province in the North Island (first two letters).

20 The Māori word for ‘water’.

21 This bird attacks sheep.

22 The capital city (first and last letters).

23 The island with the highest mountain (initials).

27 Māori name for the highest mountain.

28 ‘Haere … ’ 29 Used twice, this word means ‘for ever’.

31 A Māori house.

32 An inland city (initials).

33 ‘ … Tree Hill.’

34 Held when a Māori person dies.

36 He preached the sermon of 2 Down.

37 A treaty was signed here.

39 An island off the west coast of Wellington province.

42 Used before certain Māori names.

44 Spectacular when in eruption.

45 The first British visitor to New Zealand.

3 4

5 6 7 9

8

10

12

11

13

14 15 16

17 18 19

20 21

24

22 25

23

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DOWN

34 35 36

37

39

38

40

41

42 43

44

29

28

30

31 33 35 36 38 40 41 43 44

The smallest province in the South Island (first two letters).

Only its bones are to be found.

He was twice Governor and once Premier of New Zealand.

A shell used in making curios.

The largest lake in New Zealand.

A strait was named after him.

First two letters of capital of Hawke’s Bay province.

This originally appeared in the Christmas edition of The War Cry, 1967. We acknowledge that some place names have changed since the original publication.

ANSWERS

45

27

Across: 1 N.Z., 4 N.P., 6 Ora, 7 Ro, 8 Kupe, 11 H.B., 12 Tokomaru, 14 Tūī, 16 Hawaiki, 19 T, A, 20 Wai, 21 Kea, 22 W, N, 23 S.I., 27 Aorangi, 28 Mai, 29 Ake, 31 Whare, 32 P.N., 33 One, 34 Tangi, 36 Marsden, 37 Waitangi, 39 Kāpiti, 42 Te, 44 Ngāuruhoe, 45 Cook.

Down: 2 Joy, 3 D, N, 5 Pōhutukawa, 9 Poi, 10 Māui, 11 Huia, 13 Oihi, 15 Pā, 17 Kōwhai, 18 N.I., 21 Kiwi, 24 Kūmara, 25 Mānuka, 26 Kai, 27 Arawa, 30 Mere, 31 Wanganui, 32 P.N., 34 Tasman, 35 M, A, 36 Moa, 38 Grey, 40 Pāua, 41 Taupō, 43 Cook, 44 N.A.

2 From the text of the sermon on Christmas Day, 1814: ‘Behold, I bring you good tidings of great … ’ 3 Where Salvation Army work began in New Zealand (first and last letters).

5 In bloom about Christmas time.

9 Māori women twirl it to perfection.

10 He is said to have fished the North Island out of the sea.

11 Māori people prized its tail feathers.

32

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 5

Christmas in Aotearoa

BY ANIHERA CARROLL

hristmas celebration in our family was an opportunity for whakawhanaungatanga or gathering. This occurred mostly at our family home, occasionally on the marae, or in the homes of close family. Togetherness and connectedness over wonderful food were a fruit of this seasonal celebration in our family.

The feeling of Christmas in our home began at the beginning of December when Mum and Dad would unpack the Christmas decorations and we as a family would set about cutting and twirling long streamers of crepe paper with fancy edges, blowing up balloons until our cheeks were ready to burst, unfurling tinsel and ‘dressing’ the Christmas tree with glorious baubles, tinsel and lights.

On Christmas Eve, we would begin to prepare our Christmas feast. The menfolk (young and old) would prepare the hāngi tools, stones, burlap and prepare the hāngi pit. The women (young and old) would be inside preparing the vegetables, stuffing, salads and puddings.

The men would then join us to prepare the meats. The younger, but able, children would set the tables. Fun, laughter, song and tales of old would be interwoven into our work. There was always a guitar, keyboard or spoons close by for when we broke into song. We would happily work late into the night preparing the feast.

Christmas morning was a real treat for us growing up.

There was a real spirit of joy present and we were filled with expectation and anticipation as we received our gifts and gleefully unwrapped each one. Mum and Dad would always wait until last to open their gifts.

Christmas morning usually began early for the men, who would spark the hāngi up at about 7am. We would carefully pack the prepared food into the hāngi baskets and the men would transfer them into the hāngi pit—carefully layer, cover and keep an eye on things until cooked in time for Christmas lunch.

Because everything was prepared in advance, a car load of us would then go and do the ‘Christmas morning visits’ for 6 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

a couple of hours to family and friends. We would bear gifts of joy and laughter and return about half an hour before the hāngi was due out. The men would carefully lift the steaming hot hāngi out and we would slice, plate and present the feast.

Dad would say the karakia blessing and we would all ‘break bread together’ and feast on the beautiful food that we had all prepared in unity. Our Christmas tables always looked beautiful and were filled with lots of goodies to eat and drink until we were full. Clean-up would occur and the tables reset for dinner, because there was always plenty of food, love and laughter.

Sometimes we would go and celebrate Christmas with Nan and Koro, and although the venue differed, the script was the same. This was tradition in our family growing up, it is still alive and kicking in my generation and we are teaching the next generations.

Mēri Kirihīmete ki a koutou kātoa. Piki te ora, piki te kaha, me te rangimārie.

Christmas in Fiji

BY OLIVE FALANI

or me, Christmas is about family. For years, before my late husband was promoted to Glory, we made Christmas about family. It wasn’t just about food and merry-making—as we in the Pacific islands are known for—we made it more about family.

Leading up to Christmas and on the day, we would make it a time of thanksgiving. Giving thanks to God above, that as a family we have reached another Christmas. Because we always remind ourselves that Christmas is the time a divine baby was born, only to later die for our sins.

In my community of Raiwai, the Christmas spirit is felt throughout. You can see families come together, lovo or hāngi are put down, hymns of thanksgiving sung throughout the day and night, as everyone just remembers the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.

So, for me, I will continue the tradition my husband and I began. I will celebrate Christmas with my only child, Nancy, and our loved ones—celebrating the love that became flesh, born to redeem mankind.

A blessed and meaningful Christmas to you all.

Christmas in New Zealand

BY ANNE IRWIN

rowing up, I was always very excited as Christmas time drew near, as it also meant my birthday, on 24 December, was approaching.

This was a time when I received presents two days in a row. I remember (and still have) the doll I received when I was five. I have wonderful memories of going shopping with my Dad one year, and choosing something special that he would buy for me, knowing that the next Christmas he would be in Heaven. I still have that gift and the memories it holds.

I don’t ever remember my birthday being forgotten, or being told I would receive a combined birthday/Christmas present. These days I think more about Christmas than my birthday—although I still get spoilt on both days.

I remember as a child that Christmas Day was more than just our family gathered around the table, there was always extras—planned and unplanned—sharing the love, joy, peace and hope that is found in Jesus. This wasn’t always spoken, but always felt and seen.

After getting married and having my own family, we would often have extras at our place, or we would spend Christmas at the Christchurch Bridge with 40–50 other people. I remember buying Mum’s Christmas present early one year, but I didn’t get to give it to her, as she went off to Heaven before Christmas. I love sharing Christmas with my family, plus all the extras, and now have a grandson to re-tell the Christmas story to and spoil as well.

I have always loved Christmas decorations and remember as a child making many chains out of crepe paper and hanging them around the house. Then there were the delicate decorations that Mum had—we were allowed to hang them carefully on the tree.

My excitement about Christmas has increased more and more as the years go by. At least 15 years ago I really started to get ‘carried away’ (as my family would say) with the decorating of the house, inside and out.

Anne Irwin: Christmas Enthusiast!

That grew to decorating The Salvation Army centres wherever we were appointed at the time. The decorations would always include the real story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. Over the years, the decorating has increased and now starts at Labour weekend, as it takes some time.

There are over 100 nativity scenes to display. The Christmas grottoes have been set up at both home and at church. These times have seen up to 300 people coming to see the Christmas story, along with the commercialised part of Christmas. There have been the planned breakups held at home with groups from pre-schoolers to seniors and then the word-of-mouth visitors. To see the faces of the people makes it all worth it.

I make the grottoes as a place to come and reflect. To read, feel, see and hear that the birth of Jesus isn’t just a story, but a reality for everyone to know and experience that Jesus came to earth as a baby, to save the world—to give love, joy, peace and hope to people and a world that is hurting in many different ways. People have shared throughout the year that when they have visited the grotto and reflected, that they have felt the real meaning of Christmas.

This year, Alister and I will be celebrating Christmas with the lovely people of Fiji. It will be different, and we will be celebrating the lead-up to Christmas the Fijian way, which I am so excited to experience; to celebrate the birth of Jesus with them, and get my hands on some Fijian-made Christmas decorations ready for next year’s grotto.

When the celebration of Christmas comes to an end each year, the grotto and decorations are taken apart and packed away till the next year—but the celebration of Christmas never comes to an end, as right throughout the year the love, joy, peace and hope that Jesus offers is available to all peoples.

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Christmas in Samoa

BY LARISSA TOELUPE

he introduction of Christianity in 1830 by John Williams symbolised one of the most substantial European contributions to the Samoan way of life. It could well have been the starting point of two significant Christian events, Easter and Christmas, my country of birth observes to this day. Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ was a celebration we inherited ever since our ancestors accepted this pathway nearly 200 years ago.

Efforts to find any literature of the first Christmas celebration in Samoa have been unsuccessful. But I’m of the opinion the central authority of the chiefly system within villages would have made the first celebration an orderly and sustainable event in decades to come.

Christianity was the gift that moved one Samoan Chief to declare, ‘It is my wish that the Christian religion should become universal amongst us. These worshippers are superior in every respect … even their axes are hard and sharp, what valuable things they are.

I conclude that the God who has given His white worshippers these valuable things must be wiser’ (Gilson, R.P 1970).

Such rhetoric rings true of how we view Christmas today. Our obsession with gift bearing is determined by the material things and culture of any given time, much like it was when Samoan chiefs were in awe of the palagi’s farming and trading tools. Therein lies a level of superiority and a desire to have something valuable. It drives men, women and children to look for it whatever the cost, and when they find it, the meaning is lost.

My friends and I often allude to the fact we had more fun counting down to Christmas than when the day arrived, as we were tired, wasted and joyless. But without going too far into answering, ‘What is Christmas?’, I’d like to take you on a dream ride as I reminisce on what Christmas was like from my two brown eyes.

The season of joy starts once you hear every bus blasting carols two months out before the 8 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

twenty-fifth. I remember jingling along whether I’m riding or dreamily observing the traffic from the faletele.

The westbound traffic destined for the airport peaks as the dust spirals, signalling the arrival of loved ones returning to spend Christmas on the islands. Their presence elevates spirits on the rugged rugby field and worn-out store counters, as families and friends relay stories and rekindle connections.

Locals queue for a gamu, a watered-down white paint to give the front yard a budget facelift. One by one, each village will have a few Christmas trees, a whole house and garden lit.

It’s welcoming and reassuring scenery to those returning and visiting our shores.

Then there’s the 13 Days of Christmas, the only national Christmas choir rally inaugurated 22 years ago at Vaitele-uta Congregational Christian Church. It remains to this day the most popular and widely broadcasted carolling event, where dignitaries, renowned artists and local businesses showcase their best musical talents for thirteen consecutive days before Christmas Day. Every village celebrates. I remember nights filled with noise and laughter as the young and able walk around the village

christmas time at Apia Corps Plant.

Photos from Samoa Salvation Army Facebook page.

looking for a game to play. You’d pay a coin to play darts in a poorly lit outdoor space, or hide and seek while the elderly sipped tea and occasionally yelled to keep the noise down or keep count of the children playing in the dark. The smell of kerosene increases with every fagaofe shot—a traditional firecracker beast without the sparks.

As Christmas Eve comes to an end, people will gather in their chosen denomination for carolling and worship. The beautiful sounds escaping from church walls mellows the night. Both young and old fill the pews as the pastor tries to end the service as midnight strikes. There’s something special about saying Merry Christmas not a second late, and during it all is the unmistakable laughter from those who have had too much fun.

But like every culture and background, each family has their own way of celebrating Christmas Day. It was more-or-less a day for family reunion. Uniting as one big aiga usually means honouring grandparents, elders and children. The whole clan from aunts, uncles and countless cousins will gather where our grandparents served and lived. Unwrapping gifts was rare, but a banquet was common. This was a legacy we respectfully enforced until our beliefs of affordability changed all that.

For me, Christmas in my family was never about gifts but the people we love. We honour each other by a mere effort of turning up—willing to serve, indulge and play. Being available was enough, and no one and no child was disappointed when nobody came bearing gifts.

I conclude by urging you not to make the mistake of believing gifting perishable things is the main thing. Giving ourselves to God is a more worthy Christmas gift we can give each other and glorifies God. Manuia le Kirisimasi!

Christmas in South Korea

BY ARAM KWAN

n South Korea, Christmas is one of the big celebrations and probably the most festive season of the year. Like here in New Zealand, it is also recognised as a public holiday.

There are beautiful light shows, Christmas

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, at Christmas time. decorations on display, family activities and performances to celebrate this season. And if it snows on Christmas Day, it creates all the more special ‘white Christmas’. Yes, there are Santas in their red suits at public places, including some kindergartens, entertaining many children and adults.

A lot of people celebrate Christmas and, for some, this is another festive holiday season to have fun with their families and friends.

Churches around the country will have either or both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, consisting of singing carols, drama, Christmas plays and other events to serve the need of the community. The children take a big part in playing roles in the Christmas story, and other times children are invited to bring their gifts and talents in celebrating Christmas.

When I was a kid, I remember singing carols in a choir, being a part in the Christmas play, and volunteering to perform some Christmas secular songs along with sign language, with my friend. My mother told me that when she was a kid, she went carolling as a group at church and visited houses. After singing, very often the children were given some treats and goodies from the people they visited.

At the Sallies in Korea Territory, it’s a great occasion for street appeal. It’s also the coldest time of the year! Salvationists and officers collect on the street with a bell in their hands, calling for help for neighbours in need. The bucket is nice and visible in the colour red.

It’s our hope and our prayer as Korean-Kiwi Salvationists, that more people will come to Jesus, who is glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests (Luke 2:14), as we celebrate Jesus together and share his good news with others.

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 9

Christmas in Tonga

BY FILIPE SAAFI

that Tongan kids always love around Christmas called Fanapitu.

In English it is called ‘shooting bamboo’.

In our Tongan culture and values, our ‘Faa’i Kavei Koula’ (Four Core Values/Principles) are Respect, Humility, Gratitude and Loyalty. When it’s Christmas, it’s part of keeping our values. In exchanging gifts, women usually prepare tapa cloths or mats called Ngatu and give it to their brothers, and then the brothers would prepare a Tokonaki (a harvest from their farm) or raw food, like meat, to give to their sisters.

To wrap up what Christmas looks like in Tonga, it is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, spending time with family, and food.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year!

‘Ofa ke mou ma’u ha Kilisimasi Fiefia mo ha Ta’ufo’ou Monu’ia!

hristmas in Tonga is the only season in the year that everyone is excited about, because that is when we spend time with our families, decorating our homes, eating nice food, getting new clothes, being involved in community and church activities, family reunions and so on.

Christmas Day in Tonga is like Sabbath—there no shops open, no work and everyone goes to church to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas—the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ.

‘It’s time to go home’: Christmas is the only special time of the year that everyone wants to go back home to where they grew up, especially Tongans from around the world. They want to come back home, and spend time with their family and relatives.

Not only that, but people from the outer islands— who come to the main island for work and studies—go back home for Christmas.

‘There is no place like home’: for us as Tongans, if you don’t spend time with your family at Christmas—even though you get all the stuff that you want—there will be a part that is missing from you.

Here in Tonga we don’t give a gift, we all share gifts. We love to make food and share it with the neighbours and families. You can hear singing all over the place, led by a church brass band, community band or vocal groups. People also play their radio loud and everyone enjoys the music.

Singing is a big part of Christmas in Tonga. It begins the first week of December and goes until New Year’s.

Very few people can afford to buy a Christmas The children tree, so most people get their tree from the bush of vaini corps (meaning their backyard). And they decorate their performing on tree with balloons and candy—only in Tonga. christmas eve.

Part of the Christmas season here is that Photos from Vaini everyone loves to decorate their homes and put Corps Facebook page. up the Christmas lights for the season. Before fireworks came to Tonga, we had a fun activity 10 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

JOYTO THE WORLD THE IS COME LORD LET EARTHRECEIVE HER KING JOY TO THE WORLD LYRICS: ISAAC WATTS | MUSIC: GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL, ARRANGED BY LOWELL MASON

Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the spiritual gifts God has given to each of us. After all, he is the master gift-giver—God never gets it wrong.

BY JULES BADGER

There’s always that one person in every family isn’t there? That person that somehow manages to always get it just right when it comes to selecting the perfect Christmas gift. And they get so much joy from the task—it’s never a chore. But not only that, their pleasure is ongoing as they witness that look on your face when you open that perfect gift. How on earth do they do it?

For others of us, the gift selection process can be hair-raising and stressful. What on earth am I going to buy? Perhaps this year I should make 12 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

something so it’s more personal— special? And then there are those moments when something spectacular catches your eye in a store and we just have to buy it for someone—but who?

might need in the future. What season are they stepping into? What gift don’t they know they even need or want yet?

Imagine if we could see into the future and select gifts accordingly.

There’s a stark difference between these two types of gift selectors. The latter tries to fit a gift to a person—which is a bit hit-and-miss—while the former considers the person first, their likes, needs, stage of life, vocation and passions are all given thought.

Jesus, of course, received three gifts at his birth from the Magi. And we’ve heard all the jokes ever since—what good are gold, frankincense and myrrh when you need nappies, bibs and baby powder?

The ultimate skill in gift gifting of course, is anticipating what someone

But these gifts announced the truth about who Jesus was and who he would become. Gold for a king, frankincense for a high priest and myrrh for burial—

signifying the sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross. Strange gifts for a baby, and yet given the angelic encounters both Mary and Joseph experienced prior to the birth of the child they already knew to be special, such treasures must have piqued their curiosity—both delighting and frightening them simultaneously.

... HE IS THE MASTER GIFT-GIVER—HE NEVER CHOOSES SOMETHING ILL-FITTING AND NEVER GETS IT WRONG. BUT HE DOES REQUIRE OUR CO-OPERATION.

Can you imagine being given a gift that foretold your future? Perhaps you already have. I received a travel coffee mug when we were first appointed to Northern divisional headquarters in Auckland. At the time I was considerably underwhelmed by the gift. Little did I know it would soon become my constant companion, as we sat in morning traffic on the way into the Queen Street office.

The gift-giver had been so very wise and knew just what I would need—even though I was none-the-wiser when I first received it.

also testify to hearing the still small voice of God which said, and still says to me, ‘Jules my precious child, I know leadership wasn’t on top of your spiritual gift request list, but I have given you specific gifts for a purpose. If you develop your gifts, I know you will come to enjoy using them, because when you do, you’ll become who I created you to be. And as you allow that growth, you’ll find fulfilment and joy in being part of my Body—building it up and glorifying me.’

God is also a wise gift-giver. Just as Jesus received the perfect gifts at his birth—gifts that foretold his future and expressed who he was and would become—we too receive spiritual gifts from a loving father who knows who we are and who we have the potential to become. He knows everything about us—he made us and loves us and has a purpose for our lives—so he knows exactly what gifts we need to fulfil that purpose and be fulfilled in doing so.

God is the master gift-giver! Even, and especially, when at first the gift may appear ill-fitting. And he never gets it wrong.

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul says, ‘Now about spiritual gifts, I do not want you to be ignorant’. The NRSV says, ‘I do not want you to be uninformed’.

Paul makes it plain that spiritual gifts are something every Christian needs to be informed about—they’re God’s idea and part of what it means to be a Christian—part of how we live the Christian life.

Like the scratchy handknitted woollen jersey Nana knitted me for Christmas when I was young, that needed a few washes and sojourns on my body before it felt like a second skin, some of us need to give our spiritual gifts a little time. All too often we scoff at them and even reject them, instead of trying them out and wearing them in, until we are comfortable and wouldn’t feel like ourselves without them.

I can testify to struggling with one of my gifts on and off over the years. But I can

The same can be true for you.

So, what are spiritual gifts? Paul provides us with an answer. Verses 4–5 say, ‘Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit, and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.’

Spiritual gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In other words, when Christians use their gifts, the Holy Spirit is revealed—unbelievers believe, and believers are encouraged. A spiritual gift is not simply the ability to serve others, but also the channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to others.

who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses’. The Holy Spirit chooses—not us. Many of us would like to choose our own spiritual gifts, but just as I would never have chosen that travel mug, or the gift of leadership, my life wouldn’t be the same without them.

And in the case of leadership, I would not be doing the work God has called me to today—let alone becoming who he created me to be as the journey unfolds.

And of course, it’s difficult to find fulfilment and joy when you’re resisting and wrestling with God. Spiritual gifts are just that—gifts. And gifts are both given and received. Our spiritual gifts have been carefully chosen by a loving father for a precious child— you. And he is the master gift-giver—he never chooses something ill-fitting and never gets it wrong. But he does require our co-operation.

And thankfully—wonderfully—the gifts God gives us are not static possessions that belong to us, they are constantly being renewed by the Holy Spirit as we grow and move through life’s journey.

So, this Christmas, will you accept and embrace the spiritual gifts God has for you? Will you unwrap them and use them? Develop them and grow them?

Become who you were created to be?

Do what God has purposed for you?

You may feel as perplexed and frightened as Mary and Joseph at times, but just as there were moments when they marvelled, you too will marvel at the work God does in and through you, as the Holy Spirit is made manifest in your life—for his glory and the benefit of others.

Verse 11 says, ‘All these (gifts) are activated by one and the same Spirit,

... WE TOO RECEIVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS FROM A LOVING FATHER WHO KNOWS WHO WE ARE AND WHO WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME. CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 13

Christmas in Africa

BY CAPTAIN HAROLD L. HARFORD, BA (HONS), DIP ED

t midnight we were awakened by carol singing.

Putting on our dressing gowns we peered out of the window, to see four African nurses robed in white sheets, with one of their number holding aloft a kerosene lantern on a pole. They were singing at the top of their voices. We recognised the tune, but it took a few minutes to become accustomed to the English words, sung with a strong African accent.

‘Christians awake.’ What? At midnight?

We sleepily surveyed the scene, black faces in white sheets at midnight, it all looked like a photographic negative to our tired eyes. By the time the nurses were singing ‘Stee-lee night’ our two teenagers had joined us; and, a short distance away, Major Jan Watson, the nurse in charge of the hospital, was leaning out of her window. So we all joined in the singing. After several more carols had been sung, everyone came in for a cup of tea. Then the nurses wended their way to the African teachers’ houses to serenade there, and we climbed gladly back into bed.

It seemed as if we had only just closed our eyes, when we heard our younger children excitedly calling out to each other as they surveyed the parcels under the Christmas tree.

Our watches did say it was 5:30am, and it was light outside.

Suddenly there was a bang— a balloon had burst on the tree. The tree was actually a thorn bush from the sand veld, having few leaves but many spikes.

It was the nearest thing we could get to a Christmas tree in that area.

What excitement … presents for all, and the most thrilling … parcels from faraway New Zealand.

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After breakfast and tidying the house, we prepared for the Christmas service, which was being held at the hospital so that as many patients as possible could attend. At five-toten we left the house. It was like opening an oven, the heat hit one as soon as one went out the door. The merciless sun was a fiery orb in the blazen sky, and it was over 90 degrees in the shade. The heat had been like this for three months. No wonder the Africans could not understand the snow scenes on some of our Christmas cards.

We could hardly bear the oppressive heat as we made our way along the sandy road that led from the houses to the hospital. We carried bags of gifts, to be distributed to the staff and patients after the service. A few days before we had made the hundred-mile journey north to Bulawayo to buy these Christmas presents, and now we were wondering if the African men would wear the socks we were to give them, or if the women teachers would use the pepper and salt sets.

As we rounded the corner of the hospital building, a great volume of noise assailed us … everyone seemed to be talking at once. Several called out the greeting ‘Selabanani’. San Moyo, the corps leader at the village, was busy supervising the schoolboys who were bringing the forms from the assembly hall of the school and placing them in a semi-circle in the largest ward. This had been decorated by the nurses and soon echoed to the ring of carols … familiar tunes to Ndebele words.

All joined heartily in the singing. The sincere and earnest black faces showed an adoration, something of what had been shown by the shepherds of so long ago. Afterwards the gifts were handed out, to be received with a clap of the hands and then outstretched in the form of a cup … the African ‘thank you’.

After visiting each of the African staff houses we returned home for a cold lunch. A hot dinner and Christmas pudding would be hard to enjoy with the thermometer reading 96 degrees in the shade. This pleasure we saved until eight o’clock that evening when it was much cooler, and when we were joined by our nearest European neighbours, whose farm was a further eight miles south of our mission station.

We ate by candlelight, not only for the romantic atmosphere, but also not to attract too many of the plague of black midges that had come with the extreme heat. We listened in to the Christmas service relayed from Salisbury, 400 miles away, then sat back and enjoyed records of Christmas carols, played and sung by bands and songsters half a world away. This was Christmas on the low veld, at Tshelanyemba, a Salvation Army Mission station in the Southern Matabele lands of Rhodesia.

Reprinted from The War Cry New Zealand, Christmas 1965

Welcome to Bethlehem

BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RUSSELL HAMILTON, WHO VISITED THE CITY IN 1965

rather tired and faded sign saying, ‘Welcome to Bethlehem’ gave to us a sense of fulfilment as we entered this town where Christianity was first cradled. Although comparatively isolated from the main stream of tourists, it has not remained a quiet, sleepy village with the passing of the centuries. Bethlehem has awakened and grown up to become a noisy, busy city of nearly 35,000 inhabitants. Typical of any growing city, its Arab population crowd in and around its original site, concentrating on the hilly countryside.

Bethlehem!—there still is a great deal of charm and magic about its name. To many millions of people who have acknowledged Jesus Christ as God’s Son, it is a most sacred and precious spot. Thinking of Bethlehem one of course thinks of Christmas, and as we celebrate his birthday we are reminded of the One whose life and teaching have revolutionised the minds of men from every walk of life.

The Old Testament has recorded for us that a prophet had declared that in this town God’s promised Messiah would one day come. And so many years later it happened as foretold.

A handful of shepherds, who sat in dreary monotony on Bethlehem’s hillsides, were startled and frightened when the angelic host testified to them that the Christ had been born in their town.

With hurried steps the shepherds found their way to the stable of an inn. In a dark and dismal room they saw for themselves what had been told them by the angel.

As we walked along Bethlehem’s streets, all these years later, time with its manifold changes showed itself in many ways. Yet, the past still walked with the present. Large, modern cars waited impatiently with horns blaring, as donkeys made their rather hazardous journey across the street. Although a little ‘outdated’ by today’s modem modes of transport, the donkey can, even in Bethlehem, look with scorn at a number of cars that have been left battered and worn-out in the streets.

With it constant background noise of car horns, people bartering and buying on the street, the cries of children, we found it very much unlike the song-writer’s description when he penned the words: ‘O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie’.

The people there today are busy about the everyday things of life and rarely mindful of the religious, historical significance of their town. The passing years have changed the town’s face, but in no way has the truth of Christ’s coming aged or faded.

Our visit was in the height of the summer season, and the dry and barren hillsides revealed the intensity of the sun that shone unceasingly upon the hills and on our heads. A visit to a site called the ‘Shepherds’ Fields’ awakened even the dullest imagination into action. On such a hillside and near such a cave, came the news of Christ’s birth. Both the shepherd and his flock of the 20th century, we soon noted, were vastly different to our New Zealand counterparts.

We went into the Church of The Nativity where three religious orders care for the traditional site of Christ’s birth.

This place has been visited by many pilgrims and tourists and, in a rather dark and cheerless ante-room, we found ourselves gazing at a star set in the ground where tradition suggests Christ was born. At regular intervals, the priests in solemn ceremony and procession make their way to this spot, prayers are said and incense burnt.

Did we need to visit Bethlehem to know the Christ?

We who were privileged such a visit were glad of such an opportunity, but like countless others, we had ‘found’ him far from his actual place of birth. The assurance of his coming to us had come when we had allowed faith to work and this Christmas we are reminded again of the provision God has made for all people. The introduction of Christ into this world meant that God’s word was made flesh and made real. His ‘welcome’ to us has not faded or failed through the passing years. God says to all people, ‘I will meet you when you come to My Son’. Bethlehem was a place of beginning and this Christmas can be a time of beginning or re-commencing for any one of us.

Reprinted from The War Cry New Zealand, Christmas 1966

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 15

A Christmas Memory

BY CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR BRUCE ADAMS, OF HAMILTON

he soft mantle of Christmas snow had fallen over the Italian landscape, as if to cover the scars of battle in readiness for the anniversary of Christ’s birth. The stark outline of the guns in their sand-bagged gun-pits were strangely softened, and the grim stacks of ammunition behind each of them were shrouded by the snowy blanket that had driven the weary gunners, from the inadequate shelter of their ‘bivvy’ tents, to the comparative comfort of the old stone farmhouse nearby.

The farmer and his family had gradually yielded possession of the greater portion of their ancestral home, as more gunners sought space on the crowded floor for their bedrolls and haversacks.

Outside, a troubled peace seemed to have settled over that section of the front on that Christmas morning, almost as if a mutual policy of ‘live and let live’ had been agreed upon. Plodding his pious pilgrimage from unit to unit, the padre made his way to the farmhouse door.

As he reached the threshold and paused to stamp the snow from his boots, the noisy camaraderie from within, greeted him in stark contrast to the snowy silence outside.

The scene that met his gaze was common to most soldiers’ billets. Off-duty gunners were sleeping as best they could, some were playing cards on a blanket folded over the top of a haversack, a lone letter writer scrawled busily, a few were trying to dry out damp clothes, others sat and smoked, while through the inner doorway the roar of the cooking burners accompanied the clatter of metal ‘dixies’, where the cooks were preparing Christmas dinner.

Four or five soldiers responded to the padre’s invitation to participate in a Christmas service and joined him in the doorway to decide where it should be held. There was no room in the

16 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

farmhouse, so after a short reconnaissance outside, it was decided to make use of a small shelter in the yard.

The shelter was a circular construction with a thatched roof and brushwood walls, built to house hay and an assortment of small farm implements. The men quickly cleared a space in the centre, while the padre made an impromptu altar by placing his attache case on a low barrel, covering it with a small white altar cloth and setting a brass cross upon it. The hymn books, which had been in the case, were handed round and the service began. The voices of the men rose in ragged unison as they sang ‘While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the Angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around’, and, as if by some magical flashback in history, the first Christmas scene was re-enacted with a few minor changes. The soldiers replaced the shepherds. There was no room in the house. The cattle were housed close by and amid the hay and farm implements the hearts of the faithful were uplifted in worship.

Then to seal the sacred scene, ‘The Angel of the Lord came down’ and, as those war-weary soldiers knelt in the humble hay, each was conscious of the unseen yet real presence of him whom they had come to adore.

Each realised too, with fresh clarity that, ‘Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Lord enters in’.

Reprinted from The War Cry New Zealand, Christmas 1967

Our Favourite Christmas Memories

Candy:

As kids, we used to get a stocking with a toy, sweets and a piece of fruit.

My mum always used to put an orange right at the bottom of the stocking. Now, I usually have quite a small Christmas, with my husband and my parents (and our dog Finn!), but one of my favourite Christmases was one year in South

Africa, when our entire extended family spent Christmas Day together, sitting under the jacaranda trees, with our whole family gathered together and my aunt making way too much food, that’s probably a Christmas that stands out.

Staff at Territorial Headquarters share their favourite Christmas memories, both in New Zealand and around the world.

Zosia:

Christmas in Poland usually included a light evening meal on Christmas Eve, usually with food like beetroot soup and fish, breaking of the bread and then waiting in anticipation for the first star to appear before we opened the pressies.

In Poland it is winter, but in New Zealand it is a long wait for

Leslie:

A few years ago, the baby Jesus from the THQ nativity set at reception was kidnapped and went missing.

Frantic calls and a search of every nook and corner of the building didn’t show up a baby dressed in swaddling clothes. The crib was empty, as was the mood on the building. A Christmas without the baby

the first star to appear.

Christmas Day is celebrated by attendance at Mass, followed by a celebratory meal with family and friends.

in a manger!

One day a letter turned up, addressed to the Youth Department.

Was this the ransom note?

Opening it, the youth team found postcards (it was back then you know) with photos of the baby Jesus all over Wellington. Around the city, at the

railway station and even outside a staff member’s house. After some jolly negotiations, the baby was returned back to the manger anonymously and it began to look like Christmas at THQ!

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 17

TRULY HE TAUGHT US TO

LOVE ONE ANOTHER; HIS LAW IS LOVE AND HIS GOSPEL IS PEACE O HOLY NIGHT LYRICS: PLACIDE CAPPEAU (ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY JOHN SULLIVAN DWIGHT) | MUSIC: ADOLPHE ADAM

… IF THE NEXT GENERATIONS ARE GOING TO BE PRIORITISED, TRULY PRIORITISED … WE MUST BE PREPARED TO GET OUT OF THEIR WAY. In this, my final column for War Cry as one of the Territorial leaders, I want to take the opportunity to draw attention to one of the five Commitments that were launched at our recent Encounter Congress. hank you again to all who have offered their positive endorsement and support for the Commitments. We are in a good place to turn them into practical, strategic steps. I pray that the outcome will mean more people from our four nations, will be won for Christ and the Kingdom of God. The Commitment I am focusing on here is number three: ‘We commit to prioritising the next generations, cultural diversity, and in New Zealand, our Tiriti partnership’. Specifically, ‘prioritising the next generations’ is where I want to focus.

During this busy Christmas season, many of our corps and centres will be preparing programmes and events for children around the Christmas theme. If you find yourself working with, or for, children or young people at this time, thank you for your vision and ministry.

I recall a story—and I have many in my kete after years of preaching—of a territorial evangelist visiting a corps for a series of revival meetings. One night the Major was doing his level best to get any response from the hitherto lacklustre crowd. He firmly held on to the lectern with one hand causing the whole speaking rail to shake, and with the other he gesticulated with one raised finger to the bemused congregation. ‘Friends’, he warmed, ‘with the help and fire of the Holy Spirit, this corps is going to rise up and walk!’

The congregation stirred and offered polite applause in return.

Some even nodded their approval. This response far exceeded any feedback he had received up to this point, so encouraged by this modest response, the preacher raised his pitch and volume just a little, ‘Friends, with the help and power of the Holy Spirit working in us, this corps is going the rise up and run!’

The response surprised and delighted him. There was a widespread chorus of loud ‘amens’ and ‘hallelujahs’. Some even stood and punched the air while shouting their affirmation and agreement with the direction of the preacher’s now obvious prophetic gift.

r Territorial commandeestrupp commissioner Andy W

fire of the Holy Spirit, this corps is going the rise up and fly, but it’s going to cost you.’

There was dead silence. No one in the congregation moved. The stillness was deafening. The preacher, not knowing what else to do, stood like one transfixed. Then one old uniformed sister, sitting in the front row, caught his eye and shaking her head mumbled, ‘It’s okay Major, we’ll walk’.

On the face of it, a commitment towards prioritising the next generations is easy to agree to. It sounds so affirmative, reasonable and even desirable. Afterall, who among us would not want to favour our children and young people? But I know that this commitment, if truly enacted in our Army, could cause heartache.

For one thing, if the next generations are going to be prioritised, truly prioritised—meaning we intentionally make space for younger leadership in The Salvation Army—we must be prepared to get out of their way. We baby boomers would need to give up our places, our positions, our privileges. Not only that, we will need to help them, train them, offer them opportunities—even when we know we could do a better job, probably in half the time and effort. We will need to give up our premiere, front-row seats and be happy to sit in the back row and cheer them on.

A request is coming via your corps officer very soon, for places on leadership teams to be made available, if not already, for two people from the younger generations.

If we are going to make this particular Commitment work, we must offer (our) seats at the table, seats at all levels, to the next generations and let them fly by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Commissioner Andy Westrupp Territorial Commander

The preacher—sensing the move of the Spirit—knew that the moment of commitment had arrived, so using all the gravitas and solemnity he could muster he intoned, ‘You know, with the help and CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 19

Good News Needs to be Shared

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child (Luke 2:17). hen you experience something good you just can’t help talking about it. That may be a memorable meal, a good book, an enjoyable film, stirring music, dramatic theatre or beautiful countryside.

Whatever the experience, it leaves such an impression on us that we want to share it with others. We have to share it! Good news needs to be shared.

These days, when people discover they are expecting a baby, many find creative ways to share the news; some hold parties to reveal the gender of the unborn baby; some have parties and—when the child is finally born—they announce it loud and clear.

Jesus’ birth was announced through a new, bright star that appeared in the sky. An angelic choir burst into song to communicate the great news.

Unsuspecting shepherds were looking after their sheep, like any other night, when the sky lit up and they heard the most astonishing news in a most spectacular way. An angel appeared to personally deliver a message to the shepherds (Luke 2:9–12). This was a detailed message—the angel clearly described who Jesus was (v 11) and how they would find him (v 12). So the shepherds journeyed to the manger and found Jesus ‘just as they had been told’ (v 20).

Such was the impact of their experience on the hillside and in the stable, they just had to tell other people about it. The news was so joyous and tremendous that they couldn’t keep it to themselves.

The news about Jesus brought light into the darkness of a shattered world. Like the shepherds, we need to realise that this good news is not just ours—it needs to be shared.

In my message to Salvationists and friends, employees and supporters this Christmas, I’m calling us to have a renewed confidence in the gospel. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. God sent his one and 20 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

only Son into this world to save it. Jesus then sent out his disciples to , preach the good General Brian Peddle ion Army news, perform leader of the Salvat miracles and make disciples.

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to share the gospel in a myriad of languages and empowered the Early Church to spread the story of the Saviour to new lands and new people.

The apostle Paul declared: ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes’ (Romans 1:16). We are a Salvation Army—the gospel is the saving message we preach in words and express in actions.

The good news of Jesus brings hope to those who are lost, light to those in darkness, joy to those in despair. It offers real transformation to the person who is caught in addiction, disillusioned by materialism or seeking purpose and direction. We share the gospel because we have experienced its truth and power for ourselves, and we know, personally, the ‘author and perfecter’, so we have confidence in the gospel’s transformative power on others.

This Christmastime and beyond, let us follow the example set by the angels and shepherds. Let us use every opportunity and every means possible to spread the word about who Jesus is while showing people where they can find him so that they too can have a saving, personal relationship with the living Christ. It’s not just good news—it’s the best news. Let’s share it!

Brian Peddle General

TESTIFY! Blessing Mlambo experienced deep depression after leaving her home in Zimbabwe, but when she attempted to take her own life, God showed that he knew her by name. was raised in Zimbabwe and went to a Salvation Army school. I initially struggled with a fatherbased religion. My father had sixteen wives, and he was quite abusive—I am completely deaf in one ear because of a beating. I enrolled and got involved with The Salvation Army after graduation, because it was what my school friends were doing.

It was only in my late twenties after a personal encounter with Christ, that it took. I had such a vibrant prayer life. I would pass someone in the street and feel the spirit say, ‘pray for that person’, even if I didn’t know their name.

Because of the troubles in Zimbabwe, my husband and I decided to come to New Zealand with our four youngest kids. We were one of only two black families in Greymouth. People were not unkind, but I think because they are worried about offending you, they stay away. It’s an oxymoron, but I felt invisible, yet sticking out like a sore thumb. I became very depressed—I couldn’t get up, couldn’t bathe myself, I slept for hours and would weep all day.

I couldn’t pray anymore—it felt like my prayers were hitting the ceiling.

I was walking through town and saw the Salvation Army crest. It was something familiar from home. I went in mid-service and met the Corps Officers, Michael and Sharryn. It was okay, but I left soon after. I was so depressed. All I could think was, ‘Lord, you have abandoned me’. Six weeks later I tried to take my own life. Now that I am studying nursing, I know that the number of pills I took should have killed me. By the grace of God, I just

‘ … I FELT INVISIBLE YET STICKING OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB.’ got horribly sick. I was disappointed at the time and decided to make a second attempt two weeks later.

I went for a walk one last time, and ended up outside the Greymouth Corps. I said to the Lord, ‘Show me a sign that you know me by name’. All these weeks later, four people each greeted me by name as I walked in.

They were so pleased to see me. It was Christmas time, and they played the YouTube video Christmas According to Kids. For the first time in months, I laughed until tears came down my face.

At the end of the service, Michael asked if he could give me a hug. That’s my love language—my kids call me Mama Hugs. As I left, I threw away the pills and cried all the way home.

The following day, I went to the hospital.

The nurses sat with me and listened as I wept. They explained that I was feeling the grief of displacement. Because I

couldn’t afford to get the help I needed, they called me every day. The GP put me on antidepressants. Suddenly, I could sleep. Suddenly, there was hope.

Sharryn visited me at home. I broke down and shared my story. Right then, Sharryn told me that I was her daughter.

That’s why I call her Mum now.

I re-enrolled as a soldier—my paperwork from Zimbabwe had been lost—and I’ve moved to Christchurch to study nursing. Sharryn introduced me to her friends there, and they’ve become my family. When I got sick, my other mum, Grace, called to check up on me, paid for my doctor’s appointment and medication, and ensured I had cooked food for the week. My mother died when I was very young, but the Lord has always provided older women to meet my deepest needs. One of my mums, Heather, clean gave me a car—if that isn’t the Lord, I don’t know what is.

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 21

Miramar’s Christmas Competition As part of this year’s Christmas experience The Gift, Miramar Corps invited local primary and preschools to partipate in a bauble decorating competition. Each school or centre was given handmade wooden baubles for the children to decorate. They were then hung in the entrance of Miramar’s building, decorating the space where people entered The Gift.

Some entries had been painted, others were decorated using hot glue guns and items. There was a variety of very Kiwi Christmas experiences represented, more traditional imagery and some colourful creations from the youngest participants.

This is the second year that the corps has run this competition with children from the community. There was $150 for the winning school or centre and $20 for the winning individual.

Baubles were submitted from Miramar Christian School, Holy Cross School, Miramar Central Kindergarten, Kilbirnie Kindercare, Miramar North Kindergarten and the corps’ mainly music group.

Miramar’s Christmas experience has become an annual event— a 90-minute session held on the Friday night and four sessions on the Saturday. Each event holds a maximum of 60 people. This year’s event sold out at least two weeks before the event.

‘We’re wanting parents to engage with their children in the activities ... we don’t want it to be entertainment,’ said corps member Petrea Medland. The final 20 minutes is a creative presentation of the Christmas story involving members of the corps.

Want to Know More?

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

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

East City’s Family Night Festivity At their final FX (Family Experience) Night for 2019, East City Corps ended the year with some Christmas-themed fun and games.

Coordinator Tania Peek began the evening by holding up a candy cane and asking the 93 people in attendance what it represented to them. She taught them the following rhyme: Look at a candy cane, what do you see?

Stripes that are red, like the blood shed for me White for my Saviour, who’s sinless and pure J is for Jesus, my Lord that’s for sure Turn it around, a staff you will see Jesus my shepherd is coming for me!

‘I wanted them to go away with a lasting memory of Jesus in something commonly displayed and found during the Christmas season,’ Tania said.

Activities included a quiz about the birth of Jesus, playing ‘Guess the Carol’ and attempting to wrap a gift with only one hand. Following a devotion about how Jesus is the most important gift, a certain visitor in a red suit gave each child a candy cane to help them remember what they learned over the evening.

‘Our aim with FX evenings is to bring families and individuals from all walks of life together and create a fun and meaningful experience through fellowship, friendship and hospitality,’ Tania said.

‘We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback; not only from our guests, but also those volunteering on the night.’

GAZETTE

Bereavement: Major Roselynn Mason and Lieutenant-Colonel Rod Carey and Lieutenant Rochelle Reddish, of their mother and grandmother Margaret Carey on Sunday 17 November, from Hamilton, aged 87. Please uphold Majors Roselynn and Colin Mason, Lieutenant-Colonels Rod and Jenny Carey, Lieutenants Rochelle and Bevan Reddish and other family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.

Promotion to Glory: Envoy Merle Hill, from Christchurch on Sunday 17 November 2019, aged 87 years. Eleanor Merle Smith was born in Christchurch on 3 April 1932,

and married William (Bill) Hill on 7 March 1953. Merle and Bill were commissioned as Territorial Envoys and appointed to Hornby Corps in January 1986 from St Albans Corps. This was followed by an appointment to Westport Corps in 1990. In 1992, Merle was appointed as League of Mercy Secretary, Southern and Canterbury West Divisions.

Following on from their retirement on 12 January 1995, Merle and Bill were appointed to Clifton Corps for one year.

Please uphold Merle’s children, Murray, David, Christine, Lynette and Caroline, and their families, at this time of grief and loss.

Well done quiet, gentle and faithful servant of Christ!

Quiz Answers: 1 Bing Crosby, 2 Germany, 3 Feliz Navidad, 4 Nine, 5 Mark and John.

22 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2019

Draw your own SNOW GLOBE! Here in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, we don’t get snow at Christmas time, which is why decorative snow globes can be kind of fun to put up around the house.

Draw your own snow globe below. You can create a wintry, white Christmas, or you can draw the snow falling over your sunny beach barbecue—it’s up to you!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

One of my favourite Christmas traditions is watching Christmas movies with my family. We watch the movie Elf every December, and I’m sure we aren’t the only ones! In case you haven’t seen the movie, the main character’s name is Buddy. Buddy was raised as an elf in the North Pole, but learns that he is actually a human, and that his father is still alive.

As soon as he hears this news, Buddy can’t think about anything other than reuniting with his father.

Buddy walks all the way to New York City, through the snow, woodlands, the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and the Lincoln Tunnel … by foot!

Unfortunately, when he gets there, his father Walter doesn’t want to know him.

Spot the oddity!

Look at the picture above.

There are FIVE things that don’t belong. Circle the five out of place objects in this summer Christmas scene.

y the of th ou a If e C gif dd u D hr we ays istm ts giv p all a re e o 36 f Ch s Ca n ou 4 g ris rol t fee ifts tma , ‘T in lin —s s,’ wel gg v t o Bo en meo here e th er o ne the us ca wa ! nd Chr s y c istm an a in e s Ge orig tree rm an inate and y. d

That doesn’t stop Buddy, though.

Through his impressive Christmas decorating skills, helping his brother to win a snowball fight against bullies and spreading the Christmas spirit he was taught in the North Pole, he shows Walter how much he loves and wants to be a part of his new family.

God is kind of like Buddy. He never gives up on pursuing a relationship with us, and he will go to huge lengths to seek us out individually. He loves us very much, so much that he sent his only son for us—which is, after all, the real story to celebrate at Christmas!

THINK ABOUT …

What are your favourite family Christmas memories and traditions?

CHRISTMAS 2019 WarCry 23