14 May 2022 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 14 MAY 2022 | Issue 6791 | $1.50

Stories of the call to officership Central Division gathering through a pandemic Living a sacramental life

Strategic Pilot for Northern Division How to spend time with family

What’s your next YES?

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS Catherine

& William 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.

EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS

Hope Burmeister, Holly Morton, David Youngmeyer | PROOF READING Major Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,

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

(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT 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.

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Our Place in The Family of God In Paul’s teachings in the Bible on the structure of the Church, there is a framework for a Christian to identify their gifting and calling and to find their place in the Body of Christ.

Candidates Sunday on 22 May (see page 6) is the ideal time to pause and consider not only whether you are called to be a Salvation Army officer, but to also come aside and ask God his opinion on what you are currently putting your time and energy into.

It is very easy in life to be so focussed on the routines, minor problems and pressing needs, that we fail to consider the more important and weighty matters which ultimately shape our life and give it meaning and purpose.

Not everyone ‘called’ into ministry has had a word from God, but many have had conversations with peers and mentors, the witness of the Holy Spirit internally and also a desire to serve in The Salvation Army. This is a unique call and deserves deep consideration and reflection. It also deserves a conversation with your Creator.

Not all are called to this type of ministry, but all Christians are called to some type of ministry. We all have our place in the Body of Christ and we all have the same commission from Christ: ‘He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”’ (Mark 16:15). How you do this is up to you and God, but ultimately this begins with being intentional and taking the time to pray and also taking the time to listen.

Vivienne Hill Editor

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.

SalvationArmyNZFTS

The family circle is the supreme conductor of Christianity.

@SalvationArmyNZ

Henry Drummond

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Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Korohe 3:15 Ā, waiho mā te rangimārie a te Karaiti te whakahaere tikanga i roto i ō koutou ngākau: i karangatia hoki koutou ki tēnei i roto i te tinana kotahi; kia whakawhetai hoki koutou.

A time for everything Recently, one of our office discussions turned into a journey down memory lane reminiscing about children’s party games: musical chairs, pass the parcel, the Kiwi classic ‘flour game’ and, my favourite contribution, the donut game.

Here’s the rundown: parents buy a 12-pack of budget cinnamon donuts and hang them from the washing line with string. Then, every child stands in position, arms behind their backs, ready to gobble down their donut, hands-free, at the word ‘Go’. The result: a bunch of shoulders bumping and heads twirling as children try to get purchase on swinging donuts. Even without finishing first, they still get to eat a donut—it is a no-lose situation.

However, while the donut game does not discriminate by age, some games may be better suited to children—like, as I recently learned at life group games night, the Chocolate Game.

The Chocolate Game is chaotic gluttony, whichever of its rule variations you choose to play.

We were split into two teams, both armed with a dice generator app (because there’s now even an app to replace every set of board game dice that ever went missing) and a block of chocolate. Every time each team ‘rolled’ a six, a member of the opposing team had to put on dress-up items and eat the block piece by piece—only stopping when another six was rolled and they had to swap the dress-ups with another member, who took over.

There is no skill nor reason to this game, just ticking time pressure as you battle to finish first. And

when your team of three is tasked with a Cadbury Marvellous Creations Jelly Popping Candy bar, your head will still be fizzing when you try to sleep later that night. I’m not sure that I ever truly had the tolerance to speed-eat chocolate without feeling sick, but if I did, the time was when I was too small of a child to question if this game was a choking hazard.

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’. It goes on to list some of these examples—‘a time to be born and to die, to search and to give up, to be silent and to speak’. Just like: there is a time for playing the Chocolate Game, and a time for sharing a bag of Pineapple Lumps while watching a movie.

The final examples in verse 8—‘a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace’—are particularly sage given the recent conflicts and disasters we have witnessed across the globe; amidst hopelessness, these verses provide confidence that the time for peace will come.

That the times of mourning give way to dancing; times of tears give way to laughter. That God has equipped each of us for every season, with the right capabilities, values and interests we need to face for each of them.

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

14 MAY 2022 WarCry

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Photography: Samoa Observer.

Weird of the Week: Bee stings are acidic, while wasp stings are alkaline.

Pilot Reading Programme to Boost Literacy A Salvation Army pilot reading programme to be launched in the Samoa Region aims to encourage children to stay longer at school by improving their reading ability.

Scheduled to start in the middle of the year, the six- to eight-week pilot will involve a small group of primary school-aged children who attend The Salvation Army Apia Corps. The children will gather after school at Samoa Regional Headquarters, where qualified teaching staff will work with each of them to practise and improve their reading skills.

TENYEARSON

10 things that happened 10 years ago in 2012.

1.

6 February: Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee (60 years as queen!)

2.

11 February: Whitney Houston passed away.

3.

25 February: World Health Organisation removed India from the list of polio endemic countries.

4.

27 July: United Kingdom hosted Olympic Games with epic opening ceremony featuring Mr Bean, James Bond and a giant inflatable Voldemort puppet.

5.

31 July: The worst power outage in world history caused 670 million people in India to be affected.

‘The initiative will help give children the confidence to continue at school and prepare for higher levels of skilled work opportunities in the future.’

6.

6 August: Mount Tongariro erupted for the first time in a century.

Milton says that once the pilot is completed, it is hoped that the programme can be scaled up and rolled out to larger numbers of children in Samoa, including those in the wider community, as an outreach activity.

7.

16 August: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was granted political asylum by Ecuador.

8.

6 October: The extrasolar planet Alpha Centauri Bb was discovered.

9.

9 October: Malala Yousafzai was shot by extremists.

Leading the pilot are Major Miriama Simanu, corps officer at Apia Corps and a former teacher, and Dr Anita Latai Niusulu, the head of the Department of Social Sciences at the National University of Samoa.

‘The Child Sponsorship Department is pleased to promote this new initiative, which will support children in Samoa to extend their reading skills and develop strong literacy,’ says Lt-Colonel Milton Collins, Territorial International Development and Support Secretary.

‘This new reading programme will set children up for better education, wider opportunities for employment and leadership, potentially making a significant economic and social difference for families in Samoa.

The initiative is seeking sponsors to partner in this new programme and make a difference for children in Samoa by signing up for $30 per month.

For a sponsorship application form, contact childsponsorship@salvationarmy.org.nz | Supporters can also help children get back to school with a one-off donation through justgifts.org.nz 4 WarCry 14 MAY 2022

10. 14 October: Austrian skydiver jumped from space.

WARCRYINHISTORY

Better than a taxi ride home? The Mulheim, Germany Drunkards’ Brigade featured in the 10 September 1904 edition of War Cry, carried an intoxicated man to safe lodgings for the night, and after putting him to bed, ‘talk plainly [to him] about spiritual things’.

Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Plowman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission.

QUIKQUIZ 1 The strongest earthquake ever recorded was in which country?

2 What was the name of the weekly literary club attended

by JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis?

3 Caracas is the capital of which country?

4 What type of rock results from the cooling of lava or magma?

5 In the Bible, which plant is a symbol for sorrow and disaster?

Answers on page 22

Orange Cornflake Cookies 1 carrot, grated 80g dried apricots, chopped ½ orange zest ¼ cup self-raising flour ¼ cup rolled oats ¼ cup margarine, melted 2 Tbsp yoghurt 2 tsp pure honey Pinch of nutmeg 2 cups cornflakes, roughly crushed

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line two trays with baking paper.

Combine carrot, apricots, orange zest, flour, oats, margarine, yoghurt, honey and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add crushed cornflakes and stir to combine.

Shape into rough balls, place on tray and bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Cool on trays.

Source: countdown.co.nz

The day we find the perfect church, it becomes imperfect the moment we join it.

Charles Spurgeon

Historical Drama Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG) Directed by Simon Curtis As someone who is a big fan of the series, the second film is most definitely for people like me. It’s a return to the beautiful Crawley estate and the characters many of us have come to know and love.

Despite it being a show that dealt with modern issues of the day, there was often resistance to modern technology, such as the electric toaster, telephone and radio (which was even called a ‘fad’). This film depicts a turning point in their world as they enter the 1930s—they’re confronted with modernity when a picture is filmed on their estate.

It’s most entertaining to see how they respond to this unfamiliar territory and, incidentally, get tangled up in it. Overall, I would say it’s worth seeing if you’re a long-time fan. However, if you haven’t seen the series or first film, you might want to at least see one of these first. (Reviewed by Hope Burmeister) 14 MAY 2022 WarCry

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Sunday 22 May is Candidates Sunday. Four serving Salvation Army officers share what led them to devote their lives to a ministry with The Salvation Army. They also share their experiences of being called to serve God and offer advice for people considering following in the same path.

BY DAVID YOUNGMEYER AND THE CANDIDATES DEPARTMENT

Captain Kylie Overbye

Corps (church) Officer, Tauranga Corps (with husband Ralph).

When I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to follow the Lord, but I didn’t have a clear direction. My ambition was to be a homemaker and have children.

I did a variety of jobs including dental assistant, account management, sales and merchandising. These were just jobs to pay the bills and I struggled to know what to do with my life. I started fellowship with The Salvation Army in 2002 when I went with a friend to a Salvation Army service.

In 2010, I remember a real prompting from the Lord to become an officer, but I felt I wasn’t good enough for that. My husband wanted to do full-time ministry, but I was busy raising children. Even though being a mum was living my dream, I had a feeling that there was more I needed to do around my faith. I shut that feeling out for a while.

In 2013, I felt my heart was practically beating outside my chest over going to officer training. I felt a sense of urgency, that the time was now.

I hadn’t previously finished high school and had young children, so I felt a lot of doubt. My heart was really torn, but God helped to alleviate those concerns.

I did my officer training with Ralph in 2014 and 2015.

Since graduating, I have been a corps officer with Ralph at Rotorua Corps, and since January of this year at Tauranga Corps.

It’s an absolute privilege to be able to go through life doing discipleship and serving the Lord every day.

When I was younger, I had a yearning at some point to study something, but I was apprehensive about the changes that it would involve. I encourage people to be courageous and not afraid of change. It may not be easy, but there are so many rewards from taking that step.

Lieutenant Semi Ratu

Corps Officer, Ashburton Corps (with wife Elizabeth).

Although my parents were Salvation Army officers in Fiji, I wanted to become a general practitioner.

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At around age 16, I got a strong calling from God, but I pushed it aside. The more I pushed back, the more it returned.

In 2011, I attended the Tri-Territorial Youth Conference in Sydney where a speaker read out a verse from Isaiah 6:8: ‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”’

That message really hit home for me as I had been trying to figure out what to do. This time I didn’t push it away: I felt that God was calling me. I had a conversation with the Lord, where I said: ‘Here I am, send me’.

I also met my then-future wife, Elizabeth, at the conference.

After we married in 2012, she had a calling too, but we spent some time reflecting.

I worked in the tourism industry in Queenstown, part-time at a Salvation Army Family Store, then with Air New Zealand, followed by a year in Queenstown working for the local corps.

Elizabeth and I embarked on officer training in 2019 and 2020. We’re now in the second year of our first appointment.

I like connecting with people and building relationships with them while serving God at the same time. I also enjoy being who I am and getting to that point where people feel they can come to me when they face challenges.

For those considering officership, I would say just listen to that calling and don’t push it away. The more you push it away, the more it comes back. Be patient and let God work through you. That waiting period after you are called is God moulding you, shaping or preparing you. Let God’s timing prevail.

As I was seated, a gentle breeze blew over pages in my open Bible and my eye fell on 2 Timothy 4:1–2, ‘I give you this charge: Preach the word…’

This activity was clearly a chance for God to speak and I knew then that God was calling me. Wendy did the same activity and found verses along the lines of ‘I will support you’.

That all challenged me so much I felt that I needed to do something, so Wendy and I did officer training during 1995 and 1996.

Over the years, Wendy and I have served as corps officers at Westport, Paeroa, Thames, , Alexandra, Tīmaru and Waihi. This year we started at Invercargill Corps.

Previously I was a maintenance carpenter at high schools in Dunedin.

This experience has been very useful, as there have always been building-related projects throughout all my appointments with The Salvation Army.

I find the best thing about being an officer is that I get to tell jokes and give people the opportunity to laugh, which leads people to God through humour.

My advice to people considering a life of ministry: The Carpenter of Nazareth requires joiners! Apply within. Talk to others about what’s happening in the church and remember that listening to God is always a good idea.

Major Murray Sanson

I was introduced to The Salvation Army at age 11 when I had my first encounter with God at a Salvation Army children’s camp at Totara Springs.

As an adult, I worked in nutrition and food at Health Waikato for many years. This gave me resilience, experience in guiding and caring for people and management experience, all of which would later come in useful within The Salvation Army.

I was blessed to meet Stu, and with our blended family of five kids, life was busy. We decided we needed a fresh start, so moved to Blenheim, joining The Salvation Army corps where

Corps Officer, Invercargill Corps (with wife Wendy).

W hen I started going out with Wendy, she signalled that she had been called by God at age 14. It wasn’t my choice at first and I fought it off bravely, but I finally gave in.

My calling came one weekend in 1993 during a future leaders’ course at a camp near Dunedin, which I attended with Wendy. Participants did an activity where we handed in our watches and went away by ourselves with a Bible.

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Captain Michelle Lee

Corps Officer, Palmerston North Corps (with husband Stewart).

my parents were the officers.

We loved this corps and settled in well, getting involved in corps life. Through this we grew in faith and got closer to God, enrolling as soldiers.

Rather than a specific event, my call to ministry was very much a gradual process. It’s hard to explain, but I felt this unshakeable joy that God was prompting me to do something amazing.

Stu had already had a strong calling at a Sallie Rally in Nelson.

We knew God was preparing the way for us as everything just fell into place.

We studied at the Booth College of Mission in Upper Hutt during 2009 and 2010.

Since being commissioned and graduating we have been blessed to be corps officers in Westport and Winton and currently Palmerston North. We will move to Hamilton City Corps soon to take up our new posting as corps officers.

I love seeing people change through the transformation and power of the Holy Spirit working in and through lives.

My advice for when you are thinking about a future in ministry is to keep exploring and learning from God and his Word. The closer you get to God, the more answers you will get.

Talk to your leaders, they will help you, and pray always.

As followers of Christ, we are a chosen people, a called people. We are called to accept God’s grace and salvation.

We are called to become more Christ-like. We are called to love God and love others. Sometimes we are called to work or volunteer in specific jobs, ministries or areas. And some people are called specifically to say ‘Yes!’ to full-time spiritual leadership through The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa offers a variety of pathways to full-time service, including officership through the cadet pathway (this includes a period of residential training at Booth College of Mission), officership as an auxiliary captain (for those with significant life and ministry experience, with individualised training provided) and envoyship (where the

Applications are now open for officer training in 2023 for the Champions of the Mission Ngā Toa o te Mīhana session in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Champions of the Mission session in Fiji.

Applications close June 2022.

Have a chat to the Candidates Secretary in your division/region for more information.

CANDIDATES SECRETARIES • Northern Division: Captain Denise Daly (denise.daly@salvationarmy.org.nz) • Midland Division: Captain Missy Ditchburn (missy.ditchburn@salvationarmy.org.nz) • Central Division: Major Glenda Bezzant (glenda.bezzant@salvationarmy.org.nz) and Major Ivan Bezzant (ivan.bezzant@salvationarmy.org.nz) • Southern Division: Major Joanne Wardle (joanne.wardle@salvationarmy.org.nz) • Fiji Division: Major Marika Serevi (marika.serevi@salvationarmy.org.fj) • Tonga Region: Captain Selalina Prescott (selalina_prescott@salvationarmy.to)

role of an officer is taken on for renewable terms of three years, with individualised training provided).

If you feel God is asking you to say ‘Yes’ to becoming an officer, envoy or auxiliary captain—or even if you just wonder if that might be the case—explore this further by talking to your corps officer or to the candidates secretary in your division/region, and let them know you’re interested in more information. They will be able to discuss with you which of the pathways may be best suited to you.

MORE INFO | For more information regarding officership, the candidates application process, training or to hear stories of those who have already said ‘Yes!’, please visit salvationarmy.org.nz/SayYes

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How to Spend Time with Family It can be easy adhering to a family routine—wake up, get everyone off to school and work—and then doing it all over again the next day. However, it is beneficial to make time every week to do something fun or educational together.

Being intentional builds new, enjoyable routines that you can stick to. This also builds unity and relationship with each other.

Here are some ways to start spending more time together as a family.

IDEAS FOR FAMILY TIME: • Share a meal together. Having dinner together is a good way to spend time as a family. It could be sitting at a dining table, no phones, making conversation. It could also be more casual, sitting in the lounge, eating takeaways and watching TV. • Help with homework. Your child might be struggling with a certain subject at school; additional help from a family member could engage them and create more interest in the subject while also improving their grades. Involve your whole family and create a quiz night on the particular subject.

• Find a hobby. Find out what your child is interested in and join in. Whether that’s arts and crafts, playing a sport or baking, get involved with what they’re doing. You could even make it into a family event by having a bake-off or playing a game of sport.

• Family game night. Try to make a regular game night, whether that’s weekly or monthly. This could be playing board games, card games or even video games.

• Go on a family outing. Make time to do something out of the house. Try a day trip to the beach or a shorter trip to a park; even just going for a drive or a walk to get an ice cream at the dairy.

• Go to church together. Attending a weekly Sunday service is a great way to meet other families while

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INVESTING YOUR TIME INTO YOUR FAMILY IS INVALUABLE AND BUILDS LIFELONG RELATIONSHIPS. DON’T TAKE THIS TIME FOR GRANTED. also teaching your children about faith. You could also make time to go out for lunch after church and discuss what you all learned at the service.

Investing your time into your family is invaluable and builds lifelong relationships. Don’t take this time for granted. Spend time with your children in all areas of life, whether that’s something fun, helping them with their schoolwork or teaching them about God. It reassures children to know you are personally interested in them as individuals and willing to share your time and attention. It also builds invaluable memories for the entire family.

Source: allprodad.com

TESTIFY! Gaye Clarke is a member of the Cambridge Corps community and works at the Family Store. Family has always been central to her journey—in fact, her children were the reason she was introduced to The Salvation Army.

Family is very important to me. I have mothered three children, who are all grown up now, and I see quite a bit of my grandchildren, which is good. My parents have passed away, and I don’t see a great deal of my brothers and sisters because we’re scattered all over the place, but we make contact by phone.

My father was a farmer, so we were raised out in the country. We all had to do our share on the farm, like milking the cows. I left home when I was 16 years old and lived in Matamata for some time, then I shifted to Cambridge and got married at 18.

We moved to Rotorua, where I worked at the Old Grand Hotel and we got involved with volunteering at the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The SPCA was in its baby stages, it was just starting to form. I have been amongst animals all of my life, so caring for them is something I am passionate about.

My two eldest children were born in Rotorua, before we shifted from there to Hamilton. I worked in the hospital as a cleaner, had a third baby and then while we were in Hamilton my marriage broke up after 16 years. The children and I returned to Rotorua, where we knew people and had made friends, and we did things as a family in Rotorua.

I remarried, and that marriage lasted eight and a half years.

I didn’t find God until I shifted to Cambridge, and it was my family who steered me in that direction. I had such a lot of unhappiness in my life. My children were the ones who introduced

I DIDN’T FIND GOD UNTIL I SHIFTED TO CAMBRIDGE, AND IT WAS MY FAMILY WHO STEERED ME IN THAT DIRECTION. I HAD SUCH A LOT OF UNHAPPINESS IN MY LIFE. me to The Salvation Army. My son-inlaw did a few sermons, and I looked forward to hearing them.

The Salvation Army has brought us closer together as a family. I like the old style. I’ve found a lot of churches that are only interested in money; they’re

not interested in people as people. But The Salvation Army deals with people first and helps them. That’s been part of my upbringing, to help others, and so I enjoy it. I believe I’ve found God, and I have been part of Cambridge Corps for nine years. I attend church every Sunday and I get a lot out of it.

I go to Bible study once a week as well.

We’re all grandmothers, so you know as grandmothers we do compare notes!

I work in the Cambridge Family Store and I have done so for seven years now. It keeps me busy, gives me something to do. You get your regulars who come in, and I like how there’s always somebody to talk to, somebody different. I know that we’re helping other people. We get some people with problems who come into the shop, and we can direct them to where they need to go to solve them.

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' t a h W r e t t a M ' No lternatives a p m a c r e t s a E y r o t i r r e t e h t across itional sulted in the trad ur re ic em d an p e o The ef fects of th t it did not stop u b , ed ll ce n ca eing ting Easter camps b eatively connec cr m o fr le p eo p g was 'No territory’s youn year. The theme is th d n ke ee w to how over Easter uth to respond yo ed sk a h ic h hat’.

Matter What', w in, no matter w ll ‘a ’s at th h it e a fa their faith can b

NORTHERN DIVISION

Many corps (churches) across the division went to great efforts to ensure rangitahi (youth) could connect over Easter. Activities included camping at the beach; sleepovers at the corps; tenting at a corps sergeant major’s house; an amazing race; trips to Rainbow’s End; paintball (with someone from the Warriors); scavenger hunts; ice creams at Pokeno; kai (food) together; firepits; games; sunrise walks; prayer; online Easter camp content; leading the Easter Sunday service.

One corps used this weekend as an opportunity to mark a new season in their youth ministry, which included presenting their youth with a specially designed hoodie that communicates the mission of their youth group and the rich history of belonging and identity expressed by Salvationists throughout the years. The hoodies were presented to them by the corps’ eldest Salvationist—who has been a soldier for 70 years.

MIDLAND DIVISION

Corps in Midland Division have had a close relationship with Baptist Youth Ministries Northern Easter Camp for more than 10 years. The massive event held at Mystery Creek, Ōhaupō has been an impacting and formational moment for so many of our rangitahi. When camp director Blue Bradley had to make the difficult call to cancel this year’s camp, he reminded us that the banner for this year’s camp was to be ‘No Matter What’—although we had to let go of camp, we could all still hold on to this call! Youth from across our corps and centres were encouraged to stay local and get involved in what their corps was hosting for the weekend. Youth 12 firezone.co.nz 14 MAY 2022

got involved at all sorts of events; stations of the cross; prayer nights; Easter walk-throughs; Friday and Sunday gatherings; dawn services and breakfasts by lakesides. Woven through this we connected across all divisions in Aotearoa online on Instagram, TikTok and by hosting the live stream of Northern Easter Camp online (complete with worship, artistic presentations, amazing communicators and tribal wars!). Although not the same as being together at camp, through our corps and connecting online, we were able to rally around that call for Easter camp—No Matter What!

CENTRAL DIVISION

Rangitahi had an epic weekend together. Nine corps from around the division organised events ranging from camping to sleepovers, ‘the Good Friday experience’ to a McDonald’s brekky. All of them involved fun! All of them involved encounters with Jesus.

Hutt City Corps took 12 young people away to Raumati Beach for two nights for a weekend of connection and encounter. Their young people were responsive to what was shared via the Easter camp video messages. They grappled with what faith means to them and what it means to be ‘all in, no matter what’.

Tawa Corps had two nights sleeping over at the corps, with worship; Easter camp online sessions; games; prepping for a community project; building a gokart; small groups, and ended with a circle of encouragement which saw each young person encourage every single person in the room. It was more intimate and, on

the smaller scale, easier to engage with teachings, small groups and each other.

SOUTHERN DIVISION

Easter in the division was a lot quieter, with the opportunity to enjoy some relaxing fellowship in cabins, while for others it was time to keep the traditions alive and set up a ‘tent city’. Activities included hot pools, mini golf, high ropes and laser strike.

We even had a group who went on an experiential journey of the first Easter. The time away involved the usual shenanigans, but there was time set aside for reflection. Easter Saturday provided the opportunity to be still and simply listen to God’s still voice. This was rated the most significant part of the weekend for young people.

‘No Matter What’ was the topic of discussion for many across the division. Life’s circumstances can change in a minute. The disciples lost their Jesus.

The lesson for our young people to take away was that we need to wait for the story to finish and to keep at it ‘No Matter What’ to see God’s plan for us all.

determined to showcase the Easter gospel message, fully aware that when Christ was on the cross, we were on his mind.

ALTHOUGH NOT THE SAME AS BEING TOGETHER AT CAMP … WE WERE ABLE TONGA REGION region was still in TO RALLY AROUND THAT The lockdown for Easter so corps did ‘Easter CALL FOR EASTER CAMP— every at home’ celebrations, which included the youth.

NO MATTER WHAT! Gathering is still very limited, although half of the corps had services.

FIJI DIVISION

Suva Central Corps in Fiji held an outreach to their community over the weekend, with hundreds of people experiencing an opportunity to hear of the great hope of Easter. Nasinu Corps’ young people re-enacted Christ’s passion and crucifixion amidst a sudden downpour. The young people were fully

SAMOA REGION

The region was just emerging from a full lockdown and still has restrictions; for example, no children under 12 are allowed in public. This in turn curtailed the region’s Easter activities. Also, many families were sick with Covid-19. But the youth leaders connected with their young people via social media across the weekend.

Central Divisional Headquarters: Corps gathering in the face of Covid-19 Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the way that corps (churches) have traditionally gathered has had to change.

With restrictions on the number of people attending and vaccine passes required, corps officers have had to get creative and consider how to connect as a church body in ways they may never have before. War Cry asked four corps from the Central Division how they have maintained relationships with their community and corps through this turbulent period.

Levin Corps Levin Corps has been gathering in house groups—composed of 11 small groups for seven weeks—while there were limited restrictions because of Covid-19.

Although they have now started gathering in-person as one congregation, Captain Ben Schischka, corps officer, said there had been value in the small gatherings.

‘One of the biggest things that people said out of this is that we’ve actually grown in relationship with one another. We’ve got to know people in ways we hadn’t before.’

The groups were run by one facilitator or a couple, but they made sure to have another facilitator who could step up and lead if the other had to go into isolation.

It had previously been a struggle for the congregation to gather in life groups during the week, due to busy schedules; however, Ben hoped this experience would encourage people to take time during the week to attend a small group.

The leadership are now considering ways they can continue to facilitate smaller gatherings and ways the corps members can connect with each other.

‘The fact that most of our people were willing to give this house church model a go, we were really encouraged by that because that took a lot of courage and that was a big change,’ he said.

‘So, I think it certainly has given our people more of a capacity 14 WarCry 14 MAY 2022

and a courage to be willing to change if and when things need to change, without losing the whole structure of our culture and what’s important for people as far as how they connect with God.’

Dannevirke Corps The Dannevirke Corps came up with creative ways to engage and uplift their congregation in changing times. Major Bruce Tong, corps officer, said the sending of homemade cards had encouraged prayerful connection for their people.

The corps took seriously the call to ‘go out into the world and share’, so they used what they had and kept it simple.

Through a wonderful gift that Major Valerie Tong, corps officer, has of making cards, God inspired Dannevirke Corps to each find a person in their community and give them a card of encouragement.

A simple way of saying ‘thank you, for who you are’.

For one person in their community, this was transforming.

‘She was in a difficult place and at odds with her children when she was given a card. The giver did not know the effect this had, until one of the children came and found the giver and said, ‘I don’t know what you wrote in that card, but it has changed Mum’, said Bruce.

God continued to show the corps how simple it was to show his love. This encouraged the corps to continue to use this card method again, but this time by sitting with God and asking for two people to pray for, and then praying for them for one week.

particularly those people who wouldn’t usually accept help from others,’ she said. ‘They actually couldn’t go out of their houses, so they needed help from others.’

Sarah said doing hybrid church has helped them appreciate the simplicity of gathering together, especially given restrictions during the pandemic. ‘I think it has helped us to keep things simple, like let’s not try and be too big because actually we can do things on a much simpler scale and I think that’s a really helpful reset.’

Johnsonville Corps

At the end of the week, they sent them a card simply saying that they had been prayed for.

‘It sounds simple,’ says Bruce, ‘yet that was all God was asking us to do: offering a word of encouragement and a prayer as we wrestled with ways to engage with our community here in Dannevirke.’

Johnsonville Corps considered the varied needs of their people and utilised a mixture of services to best support their congregation. Captain Susan Adams, corps officer, shared some of her reflections on this time.

‘We, like many corps over the last two years, have been challenged with lockdowns, local outbreaks, individuals and families having to isolate or who have contracted Covid-19, as well as vaccine mandates,’ she said. ‘At the end of 2021, we decided as a church to go “online only” through December and January, to allow space for people to rest and adjust to the new Covid-19 Protection Framework.’

It was a big call for the corps to ‘close our doors’ but Susan shares that looking back it was the right decision, with many of their ministry teams and leaders realising how exhausted they were from what the last two years had thrown at them.

Miramar Corps In order to cater for all church members, Miramar Corps has been doing ‘hybrid church’, which is a mixture of in-person and online gatherings.

What is unique about their online gathering is that they do it live, via a Zoom call, including live worship and games, such as charades.

Captain Sarah Green, corps officer, said they connected this way because they wanted the interaction: ‘We’ve had this hybrid thing going that people could really engage in, feeling like we are together and we are gathering together, even though we might be at home’.

She said some of the older corps members wanted to meet in person. The corps also wanted to offer an online service for those isolating or those who didn’t feel comfortable meeting in person because of Covid-19.

They have also been providing Covid-19 wellness packs for those isolating, and making sure to check in with people who tune into the online service.

‘I think it’s definitely given space for people to care for each other,

‘In February 2022, our leadership team decided our goal for the next season of Covid-19 was to offer as many options as we could for people to engage or connect.

‘There were the vaccinated, the unvaccinated, children, the immuno-compromised, those who wanted to gather, those who weren’t ready to gather—a multitude of different groups to try and care for.’ Their strategy was to open the doors where they could, which meant vaccine passport Sunday services with restricted numbers, but they also live streamed.

‘We also had a space where we held kids’ church as a separate entity,’ said Susan. ‘We started a house church on Sunday evenings open to all, and also focussed on getting people connected into life groups.’ This strategy served them well over the last few months, however, they were very excited when vaccine mandates ended and they were able to gather back together as a congregation again.

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He Waka Eke Noa—All Of Us Together: Strategic Pilot for Northern Division There has been a strong call for leadership of The Salvation Army in the territory to put mission first, to work together for greater missional impact and to engage in life with all its fullness for everyone coming into contact with The Salvation Army. There is a commitment to see front-line ministry flourish, but there is concern that the current structure of the Army needs to be more agile in order to navigate both its present and future mission aspirations.

Territorial leader, Commissioner Mark Campbell, says that the current structure ‘doesn’t seem to lend itself to our “one waka” culture. And it doesn’t always lend itself to working together across our ministry expressions as effectively as it should.

‘In order to improve front-line delivery of services, the Army requires cohesiveness and flexibility and so an alternative delivery model, called Local Integrated Mission Delivery Model, is proposed to better deliver mission, ministry and support to see God’s kingdom advance in even greater ways.’

The new model will be trialled in a pilot programme proposed for the Northern Division. The proposed change will see this area model replace the existing divisional structure of the Northern Division.

The Northern Division has been chosen as the proposed pilot

site as it allows for a trial of the Area Leadership Team (ALT) and Area Officer roles in both rural/provincial settings and closely grouped urban areas with a number of already established local connection points.

The pilot will see the establishment of two areas with five ALTs; first, the Northland/Te Tai Tokerau area; second, the Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau area, which comprises four ALTs within the boundaries of greater Auckland: North Auckland, Central/East Auckland, West Auckland and South Auckland.

‘The aim of the pilot is to test and develop what works and what doesn’t with the new model, and identify gaps in strategic mission alignment, mission and service delivery and mission enabling,’ says Mark. ‘The hope is that the new model will ensure we are more integrated and less siloed in how we support and sustain mission as “one Army”.’

The proposed pilot will be implemented on 1 August 2022 and run for eight months. A steering group will be appointed to assess and measure outcomes of the pilot in order to refine service delivery, and a formal review and evaluation process with an external provider will be established. Critical success factors will be reviewed externally to ensure that they are measurable.

MORE INFO | to find out more, speak to your corps officer or centre manager.

Serving with love: Evangeline Booth Ambon Clinic Indonesia Territory’s Evangeline Booth Ambon Clinic has recently undergone renovations to improve the centre through a collaboration between The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory’s International Development office and the Indonesia Territory project office. The Ambon Clinic is a public medical clinic that was established in 2006, initially serving as a recovery house to offer counselling to those living in Ambon during the Maluku riots in 2000. Since then, the clinic has focussed on providing special hospitalisation services for mothers and children in need, and will now be able to offer greater medical support for about 300 adults and 100 children per week.

The renovations to the clinic began in November last year and were able to be completed in April of 2022. These renovations 16 WarCry 14 MAY 2022

were completely funded by our territory and included the purchase of new medical equipment. They have also helped to improve the aesthetics of the wider community that the clinic is located in. Ambon Clinic is now open 24 hours a day, with a team of doctors, midwives, nurses and other medical personnel.

They have a fully stocked pharmacy and will be able to offer some delivery services to patients.

We pray for those that are involved with the clinic, both the medical practitioners working there and the patients of the clinic. We also pray for Major Femmy Tulumang, who is the officer in charge of Ambon Clinic, for guidance and support in her work, and for Major Stefi Tulumang, the Ambon corps officer who provides pastoral oversight to the clinic.

Military Chaplain Commission Salvation Army officer Major Nigel Luscombe has been commissioned as a military chaplain with the New Zealand Army Reserves.

Nigel takes on the rank of Chaplain Class 4, which is equivalent to Captain in the New Zealand Army. Posted to the Southern Region—which includes the area from Wellington to Stewart Island—he is likely to be attached to 5/7 Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, a Reserve Infantry Battalion based at Trentham Military Camp.

Nigel has been a member of The Salvation Army since childhood. Later he became a branch manager with a bank and saw service in the Army Reserves during the 1980s and early 1990s.

After 11 and a half years as an intelligence operator—a role where he collected and analysed battlefield intelligence—Nigel left both the bank and the military to focus more on ministry, training as a Salvation Army officer. He has since seen service with The Salvation Army in a variety of locations, including Christchurch, Fiji, Japan and Wellington.

Nigel says although he had served with the Army Reserves in the past and was familiar with many aspects of the military, he still had to go through the same entry fitness tests as new recruits.

‘This was exciting in many ways but also challenging for someone in their late 50s,’ says Nigel.

The military chaplain is a support role that is an integral part of the military support network. It involves talking to soldiers about issues they face, such as problems with alcohol and drugs, and providing emotional, spiritual and practical support. The chaplain also leads chapel services and is available to officiate at weddings and christenings.

‘The role is very broad and varied, with chaplains responding to a wide range of needs, so it will be interesting to see how it

Nigel’s wife Major Brenda Luscombe and son Joshua Luscombe pinning pips onto Nigel’s lapels as part of the commissioning ceremony.

develops,’ says Nigel. ‘What I’m most looking forward to is being there when team members need someone to talk to and helping them to overcome any issues they have.’

Although the military chaplain post is a non-combat role, Nigel says it is necessary to be familiar with basic military procedures, such as knowing how to make a weapon safe in an incident. He also needs to wear a sidearm, which for a chaplain is strictly for self-defence purposes.

His uniform is the same as for a combat officer, except that he wears a cross on each lapel along with chaplain emblem badges.

Nigel says that he is currently the only Salvation Army officer serving as a military chaplain, but that he would like to see more officers look at this as a ministry option.

The New Zealand Army has 26 regular force chaplains and 10 in the reserve force.

(Left) Major Nigel Luscombe speaking at the 2022 Anzac Service at Territorial Headquarters.

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Ukraine Update The Salvation Army in Eastern European countries is responding to the various needs in their region. In the Ukraine Division, officers are providing shelter for those who can’t travel due to debris on the railway tracks and those who don’t want to leave but need refuge. The corps are currently receiving aid from International Emergency Services. With government support, they’re also hoping to create a camp with bathroom and kitchen facilities, along with a school, in Lviv. Amidst the bombing in Ukrainian cities, The Salvation Army continues to provide meals, food parcels and hygiene items.

In Moldova, there is an increased need for food as displaced people are running out of money. The Moldova Division is looking to open another distribution centre due to this desperate need. Churches are assisting with donations, and officers are looking to provide food and hot drinks at the train station.

In Romania, the number of people arriving at the borders is reducing, but the division continues to provide food vouchers. Many other countries, such as Bulgaria and Georgia, are also seeing fewer displaced people arriving but there’s an increase of people wanting to return home.

In this time of distress, the Army volunteers are there to be a listening ear and pray for those who have had to leave their homes and don’t have access to basic necessities.

GAZETTE Bereavement: Captain Christine De Maine, of her grandmother Lucy Karuhi Kepa (née More) from Ngā Puhi, who passed away on Wednesday 27 April 2022, surrounded by whānau. We ask you to uphold in prayer Captains Christine and Nigel De Maine, their sons Eli and Joseph, along with other family members in this time of grief and loss.

Commissioning: Major Nigel Luscombe has been commissioned as a Military Chaplain with the rank of Chaplain Class 4 (which is equivalent to Captain in the New Zealand Army), on Saturday 9 April 2022. He has been posted to the Southern Region and will be attached to 5/7 Battalion RNZIR (a Reserve Infantry Battalion based at Trentham Military Camp). May God’s richest blessing

18 WarCry 14 MAY 2022

Please continue to pray for those in Eastern Europe to be able to safely return home and for volunteers to have the strength and courage to reach those in need.

Most importantly, pray for God’s peace amidst a war.

be on Major Nigel Luscombe in his continued ministry in this additional appointment.

Resignation: The Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Captains Misikone and Sheree Vemoa, effective Wednesday 1 June 2022. Misikone and Sheree entered training as cadets of the Messengers of Light session in February 2014. Following their commissioning on 12 December 2015, Misikone and Sheree were appointed as corps officers, Far North (Kaitaia) Corps, with additional appointments as chaplains, Bridge Kaitaia (and chaplains, Education & Employment Kaitaia until 2019). We thank Captains Misikone and Sheree Vemoa for 6 years, 5 months and 20 days of active service and pray God’s blessing on them and their family in the days ahead.

Called to be a Soldier—An International Focus This month there has been an invitation from the World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to read together as an Army, Called to be a Soldier, and reflect on how we live out our faith.

The General launched this booklet as one of two new resources in 2021, alongside Day by Day Call to Mission, as an encouragement for Salvationists exploring what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Each week for the next three months, a different chapter of the book will be discussed on the International Spiritual Life Development Facebook and Instagram pages, with the opportunity to engage with reflection questions and share your thoughts around the content.

There are also opportunities within corps or in small groups to meet up and read and reflect together.

General Brian Peddle advocates for the thoughtful reading and consideration of the different aspects of our faith and service, ‘Our actions as Salvationists are determined by what we believe. So it follows that we should take time to study our own calling, to reflect upon these beliefs and consider the implications for how we live.’

MORE INFO | For more information on how to get involved in the discussion, or to find out how to receive a copy of Called to be a Soldier, visit the International Spiritual Life Development Facebook page facebook.com/salvarmyspirituallife or Instagram page instagram.com/ salvarmyspirituallife.

Subscribe today! War Cry DIRECT to your door Annual subscription (including p&p) $75 (within NZ). To subscribe, contact Salvationist Resources, p: (04) 382 0740, e: mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz

‘IF YOU WANT TO WALK FAST, WALK ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO WALK FAR, WALK TOGETHER’.

By God’s grace, all believers are in ministry—servants of Christ together in community, called to worship him and sent out into our communities on mission. We are a ‘salvation’ people, who express the holy and holistic love of Jesus to all people, especially the marginalised. We seek to do this through an integrated and united community of mission. We are He Waka Eke Noa—All of us together.

We are Te Ope Whakaora—the Army that brings life. We want people to have the full and eternal life that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our passion is to see greater mission impact and better mission connection across all of our corps and centres. We want everyone who connects with The Salvation Army anywhere, to experience the fullness of life in Jesus.

Our relationship first and foremost with Jesus and then with others is the road our Salvation movement collectively and individually travels along. Our movement is often described as ‘Christianity with its sleeves rolled up’—getting stuck in, being engaged and journeying in relationship with individuals and their family/whānau.

When each of us, no matter what setting, takes the opportunity of journeying alongside someone, it is a privilege. Do not think you can’t do this because you are not trained or don’t know what to say; Jesus goes before us and often the simplest of actions and words can begin that journey of a relationship with him.

Matthew 10:42 says, ‘And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward’.

We believe in a ministry that addresses the person’s spiritual, physical, emotional and social needs. The Salvation Army is well positioned to meet the needs of individuals or their whānau in holistic ways. This is illustrated by Te Whare Tapu Whā: taha wairua, spiritual wellbeing; taha hinengaro, mental and emotional wellbeing; taha tinana, physical wellbeing; taha whānau, family and social wellbeing. It is this integrated holistic ministry that leads to true life transformation.

Each week God brings through our doors thousands of people who only see one red shield, one organisation. Irrespective of which particular door they enter, we need to be united and integrated so we can wrap around people and their whānau with the love of Jesus.

We can achieve so much more together for our mission by being an integrated and united Salvation Army community, pooling our respective kete (baskets) of all the resources God continues to bestow on us.

Colonel Gerry Walker Chief Secretary 14 MAY 2022 WarCry

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LIVING A SACRAMENTAL LIFE

When I was growing up, my friends from other churches always thought I was weird for not being baptised in water or taking communion. To be honest, I didn’t understand why I didn’t either, other than that it was something we simply did not ‘do’ in The Salvation Army, but why was that?

BY CADET REBECCA MOFFAT

The Salvation Army is distinctive within the Church and Body of Christ in that we are one of only two denominations that do not formally observe the sacramental rituals of water baptism and communion. In 1883, co-founders William and Catherine Booth decided that The Salvation Army would no longer observe the sacraments, influenced strongly by the Quakers. While there were practical reasons for this, including their focus on mission, division in the wider Church, a belief in the priesthood of believers and equality for women, the Booths, especially Catherine, became convinced that the sacraments were not necessary to a person’s salvation or growth in grace.

The Common Book of Prayer (originally from the Anglican Communion) describes a sacrament as ‘an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace’. Over time, The Salvation

20 WarCry 14 MAY 2022

WE CAN FIND JESUS CHRIST IN EVERYTHING AND EVERY MOMENT, WHETHER SACRED OR SECULAR, PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL, SPECIAL OR MUNDANE. Army’s position on the sacraments moved from claiming that the rituals were not necessary, to expressing that our very lives can be these outward and visible signs of God’s grace within us.

Our whole lives can be sacramental!

General Albert Orsborn conveys this in the words of his dearly loved hymn, ‘My life must be Christ’s broken bread, my love his outpoured wine’.

Christ in our everyday lives While words like ‘sacrament’ can be offputting, at its heart, living a sacramental life means that God’s grace is freely and readily accessible at any time. We can find Jesus Christ in everything and every moment, whether sacred or secular, personal or professional, special or mundane. This breaks down barriers and the way that we often compartmentalise our lives, with one part being sacred and the other parts not. Living a sacramental life means that truly all of life can be ministry because every part of our everyday lives can be sacred and a place of meeting with God—for ourselves and for others through Christ in us.

There is no doubt that the practice of water baptism and communion are vital aspects of many Christians’ outworking

ALL ASPECTS OF SOMEONE’S LIFE, INCLUDING THEIR CULTURE, CAN BE CONSIDERED SACRAMENTAL, HOLY, A SIGN AND MEANS OF GOD’S GRACE.

of faith; The Salvation Army does not discount that. However, for Salvationists who grasp the concept of our whole lives being sacramental and being able to encounter God’s grace in every moment through the Holy Spirit, observing particular rituals can become less important. Instead, there can be a sense of freedom; freedom in how we worship and freedom in how we can come into the presence of God.

The witness of a sacramental life The idea of sacramental living is about far more than just our own lives though; it becomes about other people.

The Salvation Army has always been focussed towards others, and this is no different. When we live with the intention of our lives being sacramental, the emphasis is taken off ourselves because it’s no longer only about our personal relationship with God in isolation, but about others. God makes us holy through his Spirit dwelling in us, and this then means that our lives can be a sign and means of God’s grace for others, an embodiment of Christ to others by the way we live. Retired officer Commissioner Phil Needham wrote, ‘The sacramental life means that holiness is grounded in the world’. It is not some otherworldly thing that has no impact right here and today. It is a holiness that impacts every single moment of every single day, where we can meet God and others can meet him through us. This is holiness not for my sake, but for others.

It is always about other people.

What would it look like if every person connected to The Salvation Army throughout our territory went through their day-to-day activities with a perspective of living a sacramental life? What would it look like for a social worker to be a sign of God’s grace to someone as they sat with them over a cup of tea? What would it look like for a youth leader to be a sign of God’s grace to one of their youth as they listened to them talk about their week at school?

What would it look like for a soldier to be a sign of God’s grace to their workplace when holding a staff meeting? Our most profound conversations and our most mundane interactions—they can all be a sign of God’s grace because of the Holy Spirit within us. What a thought!

Traditions, rituals and cultural identity There can be a risk when we start talking about sacraments in The Salvation Army though, as it can sound like we are against rituals (which is definitely not true!). One Māori Salvationist shared that because their cultural traditions and rituals are extremely important and meaningful to them, the way Salvationists talk about the sacramental rituals as not necessary is confusing, because it can sound like their cultural rituals are then not necessary either.

Are we aware of the impact that this misunderstanding can have on someone?

Instead, the heart of the sacramental life actually has the potential to bring cultures together through a Christian lens, by fully embracing all elements of cultural identity, including cultural rituals and traditions. All aspects of someone’s life, including their culture, can be considered sacramental, holy, a sign and means of God’s grace.

Our territory is made up of four nations, with a multitude of different cultures within, and God is working in each one.

What if the idea of living a sacramental life could unite us, and not divide? What if the idea of living a sacramental life could help us to see God’s grace through every interaction of our everyday, regardless of what culture someone is from and whether they do things differently?

God is moving and active in all cultures.

Perhaps shifting our perspective to sacramental living could help us to open our eyes and see this in the world around us.

This article is based on a group report on The Salvation Army’s sacramental theology as part of the cadet training programme. Other group members were Cadets Ben Cola, Barry Kirby, Natalie Kirby, Nick Moffat and Tammy Mohi.

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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) No official engagements at this time.

Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 18 May: Spiritual Day, Booth College of Mission 28 May: Whangārei Corps Building Blessing Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) 18 May: Spiritual Day, Booth College of Mission 28 May: Whangārei Corps Building Blessing

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PRAY We continue to pray

for the people affected by war in Ukraine, for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption, Mt Albert Corps, Nadi Corps, Napier Corps, Nasinu Corps, National ASARS programmes in New Zealand and The Salvation Army in Bangladesh.

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TE OPE WHAKAORA

THE ARMY THAT BRINGS LIFE

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A message of thanks from Commissioner Freda Larsson My family and I have been touched and overwhelmed by reading the many kind and thoughtful messages, cards and letters we have received over recent weeks, since the promotion to Glory of my husband, General John Larsson.

Some of these contained stories that we had never heard before and were so very heart warming.

It is simply not possible to respond to all of these personally and so we wish to take this opportunity to say a very warm collective thank you to everyone who has been in contact or shared in the Thanksgiving Service—either in person or online.

– Freda Larsson Commissioner

A COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS ON THE SALVATION ARMY & MAORI 1884–2007 EDITED BY HAROLD HILL

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Quiz Answers: 1 Chile (the 1960 Valdivia earthquake), 2 The Inklings, 3 Venezuela, 4 Igneous, 5 Wormwood (Proverbs 5:4, Amos 5:7, Revelations 8:11 [NKJV]).

22 WarCry 14 MAY 2022

‘Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.’

Create a paper house!

YOU WILL NEED… • Construction or craft paper in different colours • Scissors • Glue • Ruler • Pencil • Coloured markers dacoupon.com Source: twokidsan

METHOD… 1. Cut out your shapes, either copying the shapes below—but larger!—or by downloading the template at tinyurl.com/KidsCraftHouse

Ephesians 2:19–20

2. Make folds on each of the lines.

3. Apply a small amount of glue on the seams of the wall; dry completely.

4. Glue the window and door to the front of the house.

5. Colour the outlines on the windows and other fun details with your markers.

6. Have fun decorating your house with cut out trees, chimneys or other details.

7. Fold the rectangle piece of paper for the roof and carefully glue it to the top of your paper house.

Join-the-dots challenge!

umans Fun fact: H ent erc share 50 p A with of their DN bananas.

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23 26

19 25

21 15

27 Starting at the red ‘1’ dot, can you 31 13 24 18 20 16 35 32 follow the numbers (all the way up to 11 9 30 28 36 7 5 270!) to uncover the hidden image?

56 17 14 2 34 29 Take your time with it, and draw 1 37 60 57 10 6 40 52 33 61 carefully. The lines do cross over 39 53 59 55 42 63 64 each other, so don't worry that 51 38 43 44 65 62 58 73 74 46 54 69 48 70 72 you’ve made a mistake! What is 49 68 80 50 75 67 47 66 the hidden image?

77 79 96 71

Boy: ‘Dad, can you explain a solar eclipse to me?’

Dad: ‘No sun.’

a me g . d l n i to ox dad t b d My abou misse . e e I k n jo ess chli I gu e pun th

Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts.

We all belong to a family and may live with our mother, father, brothers, sisters, caregivers or grandparents. You may also know some of your extended family, like your aunties, uncles and cousins. But do you know you’re part of God’s big family?

You have many brothers and sisters in Christ, even if you don’t necessarily have a biological brother or sister.

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3

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83 95 76 82 99 100 98 92 78 86 89 97 94 85 103 84 102 90 91 87 104 101 93 120 88 125 119 115 116 121 107 110 111 117 124 114 112 118 122 126 140 109 113 123 141 108 139 135 106 105 146 145 131 130 136 152 147 138 134 142 144 129 137 156 153 151 177 132 127 148 150 143 176 133 128 155 157 149 178 182 172 154 167 171 183 187 175 173 181 158 162 166 170 168 174 180 179 186 184 188 161 185 169 210 205 204 193 160 165 163 211 203 194 189 209 199 164 192 159 198 216 215 206 208 200 221 217 212 214 202 195 197 191 237 207 222 238 201 243 196 190 218 220 213 236 242 223 219 231 232 233 241 239 244 247 248 235 227 230 240 228 234 246 245249 226 224 258 259 253 229 257 254 252 251 225 263 262 264 255 256 250 260 268 261 265 267 266 270 269

The Bible says we were ‘strangers’ to God, which means we didn’t know and trust in him. We trusted in our own ability to take care of ourselves. But now that we belong to God’s family, he cares for us like his own child. God may have thousands of children around the world but he knows you personally; you’re special to him.

Being part of God’s family is a privilege.

We’re only able to be part of it because Jesus is the ‘cornerstone’. A cornerstone is the most important part in construction because it keeps a building together.

Without Christ, this family would fall apart. But because he holds us all together, this family will never break or crumble. You are part of God’s family which is international and eternal.

Challenge yourself to get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ at church, or wherever you might meet. Maybe you can pray for each other together or at home with your parent(s).

I WONDER...

What’s something you can pray for, for your brothers and sisters in Christ?

14 MAY 2022 WarCry

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WE’RE NOT SHAKING BUCKETS THIS YEAR BUT WE’RE STILL COLLECTING.

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PLEASE DONATE TODAY Call 0800 53 00 00 SalvationArmy.org.nz/RedShield