16 April 2022 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 16 APRIL 2022 | Issue 6789 | $1.50

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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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The Greater Love This edition of War Cry covers both Easter and Anzac Day observances. At Easter we remember the ultimate sacrifice known to humanity, when Jesus Christ willingly died for each one of us to save us from the consequences of our individual sin and rebellion. On Anzac Day we remember the sacrifice of those who have gone before us, who laid down their lives for our freedom and safety.

Christ calls us individually to a life of sacrifice. This is not a popular call, but it is one that is as relevant today as it was when Christ gave his life for us. He calls each of us to take up our own cross and follow him. It is a call to a life that looks very different to the lives that many choose today. It is a narrow, restrictive and sacrificial path, but one trod by many before us.

In a world where our every need is as close as the click of a mouse, the antithesis of sacrifice requires a resolve and strength that cannot just come from within, but is only fully realised by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Each one of us must choose the way of the cross, but we will not journey alone.

In our verse in John 19 it says that Jesus ‘gave up his spirit’. He set his will toward the task of redemption and saw it through to its triumphal end and because he had bled his last, poured out his life, gave his all for us. What more can we do than follow him to our own place of death and sacrifice … because there is no greater love that we can give to humanity than our lives given in the service of our King.

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.

Publishing for 138 years | Issue 6789 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online)

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The most sublime act is to set another before you.

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William Blake

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John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished’.

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Hoani 19:30 Ā, nō te inumanga o Ihu i te winika, ka me ia, ‘Kua oti’.

Nā ka tuohu tōna mātenga, tukua ana tōna wairua.

This Changes Everything

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here is hustle and bustle in the City of David. Crowds everywhere. The city is usually full, but now it is bursting. There is a joyful energy in the air thick with the voices of family and friends reuniting after long journeys, here to celebrate Passover.

‘Hey … have you heard the news? A new rabbi is in town. They say he speaks about God in new ways and works miracles.’

‘Really? Miracles? Has God begun to talk to us once more? It has been decades, no, hundreds of years of silence. I’ve heard the rumours too but I’ll believe it when I hear it for myself.’

Suddenly there is a commotion. Roman soldiers push the crowds aside, yelling at people to clear the way. A blood-soaked, battered figure stumbles past, a rough-hewn beam strapped to his shoulders. As the small group continues towards the city gate, a sea of people swallow the brief disruption.

‘Someone is saying that was the rabbi, Jesus?’

‘Surely not. Why on earth is he being punished by the Romans? He’s a Jew. And a rabbi!’

Confirmation came later that afternoon. ‘It was Jesus. Some of the neighbours had been out to see him. Crucified like a common thief. Apparently, it was one of his own disciples who betrayed him too.’

‘Bah, what a waste of a good and godly man. I have so many questions.’

Collapsed in a side street is a shadow of a man, wincing at the conversation. Pressed into a corner, slumped behind some barrels, he can barely be seen. He hasn’t spoken all day; last time he did, he

regretted it. His accent almost gave him away. He has been up all night and his world is shattered. His eyes, heavy with tears, give way to sleep…

Rooster crows break the crisp morning air, echoing through the neighbourhood. He staggers to his feet in the dawn light. Still groggy and barely functioning, the day is a blur of eyes everywhere and the fear of discovery. Then finally, familiar faces.

Security. Food. Quiet company, broken only by deep questions with no answers. Is it night again already? Where did the day go?

‘Peter!’ Thump, thump, thump. ‘John!’ Thump, thump, thump. Another morning, shocked awake; Peter recognises Mary’s voice, but it sounds strange.

She continues her incessant banging then bursts through the barely-open door. Chatter from the women is as fast and punchy as their knocks.

‘He’s gone! We thought they took Jesus’ body … instead, we saw angels. They asked us why we were looking for the living amongst the dead! He is alive.’

Peter, unsure, starts running, but John beats him to the tomb. From a distance he can see the stone is rolled away, and not a guard in sight. Hearts already pounding, they enter—neatly folded grave clothes, no body.

The walk home is much slower; something has shifted deep inside. Hope has been born again.

Could it be true? Is Jesus alive? And if he is, well, this changes … everything!

BY MATT GILLON

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Coming of Age Turning Red (PG, Available on Disney+) Directed by Domee Shi Meilin Lee is a 13-year-old girl navigating the struggles of puberty, from first crushes to how to afford tickets to her favourite boy band’s concert. An ever-obedient daughter, she cannot figure out how to express to her mother that her interests are changing. And, speaking of changing, she wakes up one morning to discover that she can turn into a giant red panda whenever her emotions get out of control. It’s an incredibly creative metaphor, through which Domee Shi’s feature debut explores the awkward, in-between of childhood to adolescence. Instead of portraying it as an embarrassing period of life to hide, Shi celebrates the joy, confusion and cringiness. As a bonus, to see a film about a preteen girl free from stereotypical ‘mean girl’ characters, that instead depicts an unconditionally accepting friendship group who are key to calming Meilin’s emotional state was a beautiful touch.

(Reviewed by Bethany Slaughter)

WARCRYINHISTORY

Weird of the Week: Some Disneyland Railroad trains are powered by french fry oil.

This beautiful cover from the 11 April 1936 edition of War Cry shares ‘The glorious message of Eastertide’ with us all—the angel’s message that Christ has risen from the grave!

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

TOPFIVE

Maybe these worship staples are evergreen at your church, or it’s been a decade since you heard them last … in case it’s the latter, in this week’s Top Five we’re revisiting some of our favourite 90s/ early 00s worship hits that everyone was singing come Sunday.

1. ‘Blessed Be Your Name’—Matt Redman (2002) 2. ‘Open the Eyes Of My Heart’—Paul Baloche (1998) 3. ‘Shout to the Lord’—Darlene Zschech/Hillsong (1994) 4. ‘The Heart of Worship’—Matt Redman (1999) 5. ‘My Redeemer Lives’—Hillsong Worship (1999) 4 WarCry 16 APRIL 2022

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.

Helen Keller

QUIKQUIZ

1 Who invented the magnifying glass?

2 Which chemical element takes its name from the Greek word for ‘colour’?

3 What is the first event in the decathlon?

4 Rupiah is the official currency of which country?

By the community, for the community

5 In the Bible, when Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh, how old was Aaron?

Answers on page 22

Local playgrounds and park spaces are beloved by communities, and they’re great places to meet and build relationships with our neighbours.

The Petone Playscape—Te Kōhanga Manaaki—and Hamodava Coffee Cart in Lower Hutt combine both elements of play and community with a hearty cuppa to create a space where all are welcome.

Found on the corner of Cuba and High Streets in Petone, this playscape is more than your average playground. There are slides, climbing walls, safety swings, a waterplay area (complete with a water pump), a hobbit house, wheelchair-friendly decking and a wharenui (meeting house) with stained glass windows covering a sandpit.

But you don’t need to have kids in tow to visit; anyone from the community is welcome to step through the gates to enjoy a warm beverage from the coffee cart. If you aren’t a fan of the caffeinated variety, there are hot chocolates, teas and chai lattes, as well as specials like iced tea to choose from—not to mention a selection of yummy slices and biscuits.

The Hamodava Coffee Cart is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday, while the playscape is open from 7am to 7pm seven days a week.

Easter Hot Cross Bun Pudding 7 hot cross buns 50g butter, softened 5 eggs 300ml cream ½ cup brown sugar Pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice 2 Tbsp liquid honey Icing sugar, to serve Plain yoghurt, to serve

Preheat oven to 175°C. Cut each bun into three even slices and butter. Arrange slices in a large ovenproof dish.

Whisk eggs, cream, sugar and spice, then pour over the buns. Allow to rest and soak up the cream for at least 20 minutes.

Drizzle over honey and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for a further 20 minutes or until golden and the custard has set in the centre.

Dust with icing sugar and serve with yoghurt.

Tip: Pudding can be covered with plastic wrap and chilled for up to five days.

Source: countdown.co.nz

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Anzac Day Freedom, Peace, Justice and Identity

Anzac Day is a significant day on New Zealand’s calendar, with people commemorating the day by attending services or engaging with the historical content offered by the media. Anzac Day has a mystical, sacred and spiritual quality to it. It is arguably the day in our young nation that binds us together in a way that no other day does.

BY LT-COLONEL IAN HUTSON

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s another Anzac Day draws near, I find myself reflecting on how this day came about, particularly in the context of the First World War and what it means for us today in a different world and time.

Anzac Day has a strong emotional connection for me because three of my great-uncles died in the First World War: one in Gallipoli and the other two in Belgium. I have visited their graves and wondered at the pain and grief our family endured. I caught a sense of my greatgrandmother’s intense grief when I found out that she had gone to Australia to bring home her only surviving son (my grandmother’s brother). Unlike her other sons who had fought in the New Zealand forces, he had fought in an Australian Light Horse Regiment. He didn’t come back from the conflict in a strong mental headspace, and my great-grandmother couldn’t bear to leave him lost without support after having lost her two other sons.

Our family’s loss and grief was representative of what so many other families went through in the First World War. Out of a population of just over 1 million people, around 100,000 Kiwi saw active service, 18,500 died and 41,000 were wounded. In such a small population most families would have been impacted.

War and tragedy as a uniting force War and tragedy have often brought people together in ways that peace and stability have not. In recent years, with the Canterbury earthquakes, the terrorist mosque attack and even with the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen communities pull together in inspirational ways. Joseph Henrich, in his book The Weirdest People in the World, describes a range of analyses that show how this cohesion is one outcome of wars, including citing one piece of analysis ‘that suggests the experience of war motivates people to invest in their interdependent networks…; tightens their adherence to norms; and deepens their religious commitment’. This could help explain some of the considerable social progress that took place in New Zealand after the Second World War. Though there were clearly other factors involved, it was a time when the nation prospered and the egalitarian ideal we aspired to was more evident than in more recent years, where we now see rising inequality. The generation of people who went through two world wars often displayed a strong commitment to their churches, clubs, service organisations, their employers and the nation as a whole.

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The First World War brought people together in Aotearoa New Zealand. Before this war, Pākehā New Zealanders often identified themselves with the British Empire; however, the war, and Gallipoli in particular, created a powerful bond and an emerging distinctive national identity which has helped shape our identity to this day.

Fighting for freedom At Anzac Day commemorations we hear people acknowledge the sacrifice of those who died in war by indicating that ‘they died for our freedom’ or similar sentiments. This has much truth to it. Without an army we cannot protect our borders and ensure that the laws and values of our democracy are protected.

In that sense our freedoms are protected. We wouldn’t be who we are without the sacrifice our soldiers have made. The war in Ukraine certainly reminds us of how precious freedom is as we see the Ukrainian people bravely sacrificing their lives for this freedom.

However, if we focus on the First World War, we can see that what was gained and lost often depended on who you were. There was not universal support for that war within New Zealand society. Some Māori iwi supported their men participating in the war (especially East Coast tribes, Ngā Puhi and Te Arawa) with a desire to prove their worth and to gain equality as citizens of the nation. Despite contributing hugely to the war, they too often found that their sacrifice failed to gain the respect and social inclusion that they had so fervently desired. Other Māori iwi (Waikato, Taranaki and Ngati Maniapoto), having experienced the brutal colonisation and loss of land perpetrated by the British empire, had little interest to fight for that very same empire and actively resisted conscription. This was especially so in the First World War when the memories of New Zealand’s land wars were still very fresh in the minds of many Māori.

OUR FAMILY’S LOSS AND GRIEF WAS REPRESENTATIVE OF WHAT SO MANY OTHER FAMILIES WENT THROUGH IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR. 8 WarCry 16 APRIL 2022

In his book The Great Wrong War, Eldred-Grigg highlights the way in which support for the war among Pākehā New Zealanders was divided, to a certain extent, along class lines.

Many working-class people saw the war as imperialist in nature in a way that supported existing class privilege to the disadvantage of the poor. The level of anti-war sentiment was far more prevalent and persistent throughout the war than we often imagine.

Also noted is that New Zealand politicians had serious imperialist ambitions in the Pacific and saw an opportunity in the war to annex as many as nine Pacific Island nations, inclusive of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. It didn’t look like these ambitions were designed to give Pacific Islanders anything like the kind of ‘freedom’ they would be looking for.

The outcome of the First World War saw a new world order, with the Middle East and other nations around the world seemingly carved up by the respective victorious imperialist nations. The consequent enforced modernisation and secularisation, as well as economic exploitation (oil) carried out by the imperial powers and the local leaders they supported, shaped much of the world order as we see it today.

Some of the tension and the Muslim fundamentalism evident in the Middle East has its roots in, and related consequences from, the outcome of the First World War and was further confirmed in the Second World War.

The Salvation Army and war The Salvation Army as an international organisation wrestled with how to respond to this war. General Shaw Clifton, studying the Army’s historical reactions to war over the 1899 to 1945 period, saw three main underlying principles at play in the Army’s actions: the spiritual priority of Christian evangelism and soul-saving; the practical priority of compassionate good works; and, the upholding of Christian internationalism.

The third of these principles was said to be only partially upheld. This meant that distractions from these principles, like providing strong support or opposition to the war, were largely avoided. Individual Salvationists were free to go to war to fight, to provide frontline chaplaincy or welfare support or to be conscientious objectors as they saw fit. Most Salvationists appeared to reflect the same support for the war as the wider society. However, there were Salvation Army leaders who had strong pacifist values, including some of the Booths (founding

MANY WORKING-CLASS PEOPLE SAW THE WAR AS IMPERIALIST IN NATURE IN A WAY THAT SUPPORTED EXISTING CLASS PRIVILEGE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE POOR. family). Pacifism was more prevalent in the Second World War with some senior Salvation Army leaders strongly of this persuasion.

What caused the First World War? Some of the primary reasons for the war related to a rising militarism among European powers, alliances between various nations, the rise of nationalism and the competitive nature of an expansive imperialism. It didn’t come out of the blue but was a long time in the making, even if the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo was the final spark before the war exploded in the context of these highly combustible factors. In that context it is hard to find a clear villain or virtuous saint, or to know if there was another realistic way out of that terrible war. Given the retrospective knowledge we now have regarding the terrible cost of that war it would certainly have been good to know that no effort was spared in trying everything to avoid it.

Honouring the sacrifice of those who went to war Anzac Day gives us a time to reflect on our past; to honour those who gave their life fighting for our nations; to do all we can to see that all people experience justice and freedom; to ensure that where possible peace reigns in place of the absolute

horror and futility of war; and ensure that those who have suffered mental or physical disability as a result of war are adequately supported back into full participation in our society and not cast aside once their contribution has finished.

Working for peace and justice seems a hopeless task at times. But hope is what Christians have through Christ. There are no simple answers, but through prayer and faith we need to involve ourselves in our world as Christ did—as peacemakers, prophetic voices for justice and as a force for good in our time.

When hostilities degenerate into a war of extermination, Immanuel Kant argued, all justice is destroyed and perpetual peace turns into ‘the vast burial ground of the human race’.

In this world, no bunkers can be of any help. The greater the terror of war, the more pressing the moral duty to hope. In the context of the wars of the past and the dark clouds of war in the present, let us passionately involve ourselves in the world with a hope based on the steadfast love of God. There is no other way.

Let us reflect on all this as we commemorate the fallen this Anzac Day so that they truly will not have died in vain.

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light (Psalm 36:5–9).

WORKING FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEEMS A HOPELESS TASK AT TIMES. BUT HOPE IS WHAT CHRISTIANS HAVE THROUGH CHRIST. 16 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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Conflict Between Christians As much as we try to avoid it, conflict with other people is a reality. But as Christians, we are called to love our neighbour as ourselves and this can be difficult to navigate.

It is easy to want to avoid conflict because it feels like the best way to love your brother or sister in Christ, however, Jesus himself did not avoid conflict. He faced pushback all throughout his ministry. There was even conflict amongst his disciples as to who would be greatest in heaven.

In Matthew 5:23, it says, ‘Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.

First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.’ Jesus wants reconciliation between Christians who have conflicting ideas and views. We may have differences in beliefs, but ultimately we all believe in the same God. The Bible says we are one in the Body of Christ. This does not mean we will always agree on everything, so here are some tips on how to deal with conflict in a healthy, loving way.

WHEN NAVIGATING CONFLICT WITH SOMEONE: • Before you meet, consider what you need from this discussion: an apology, changed behaviour, forgiveness or compassion.

• P ray before and after your conversation. Bless the other person and pray for patience and understanding for you both.

• Try to see the person as Jesus sees them: approach your discussion as with someone who is deeply loved and known

by God. • Understand that the other person wants to be heard as much as you do, and that the desired outcome is reconciliation, not revenge.

• Be vulnerable in discussing how you’ve been hurt or have hurt the other person. Be willing to own your part of the disagreement and how you may have contributed to the breakdown.

• Do your best to be gentle and open with them. We all carry wounds or hurt from our past. When you touch on points of hurt for other people, be generous with your apologies.

A practical way to approach your discussion is to consider what might have happened to cause the hurt. Why was it hurtful?

What do you feel you need as a result of that hurt? This can help to open up the conversation without judgement or accusation.

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DO YOUR BEST TO NOT HOLD GRUDGES, BUT BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF WHEN YOU NEED TO BRING SOMETHING UP WITH SOMEONE ELSE. It is also important to discern when it is appropriate to engage in conflict. When we are hurt by others, we may feel justified to seek confrontation, but it is wiser to consider whether this is needed.

Are you calm enough to discuss your hurt evenly and kindly with the other person? Is the situation an understandable personality difference that comes with the territory of sharing life and faith with other people?

Do your best to not hold grudges, but be honest with yourself when you need to bring something up with someone else.

Conflict can feel intimidating, but we can be encouraged that doing the difficult work of reconciliation leads to deeper love and understanding with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

TESTIFY! Bev Lukin has journeyed with The Salvation Army from Rotorua to Cambridge. She currently serves as a chaplain, and is passionate about ministering to the elderly.

I was born in Rotorua. My mother had great joy in telling everybody—before I was even born—that Bev was going to church! That was, of course, at The Salvation Army. I had an awareness of the Lord right from when I was a small child; I knew there was someone there with me. My mother used to tell me that was my guardian angel. It was a little later when I started Sunday school that I learned about the Lord, about Jesus. We had officers at that time by the name of Podmore. I still have a book that I got as a Sunday school prize with Captain Podmore’s name written inside, and every year I re-read it; it’s a beautiful story.

My siblings and I had a marvellous relationship. We loved each other. If one of us needed help, we were all there.

My father taught us that all of God’s creatures are created equal, and we were all taught to be respectful of others.

When I was 12, we went to live in Auckland (in an area which was bush and open land, but is now filled with houses!) and then we moved to Katikati. We didn’t have a car, so there was no church within any easy distance.

It wasn’t until I married and went back to Rotorua that I reconnected with the Army. One of my children (Lance) was about nine, and I promised him that we would go one Sunday and that he would love it. One day, he came up to me and said, ‘Mum, you’re a liar … you said we would go to the Army and you haven’t taken me’. I promised that we would go that Sunday—and I have never left.

It wasn’t long before I was asked to help out with the children; I was the assistant Primary leader for 20 years.

In Rotorua, I was home league secretary for twelve years. I’ve been on the corps

MY WORK HAS ALL BEEN FOR THE LORD, AND I KNOW THAT I’VE DONE MY BEST. council. For every Sunday school child, I decorated birthday gift bags and filled them with things like lollies, chalk or little toys, which just makes their birthday that little bit special. My work has all been for the Lord, and I know that I’ve done my best.

Being a chaplain is a privilege. People tell you things that sometimes they’ve never told anybody else. You realise how special that is, the trust that they put in you. Some of the stories are absolutely beautiful. I especially love my chaplaincy in aged care.

Nearly 12 years ago, we moved to Cambridge. I have to laugh, because wherever you go, the Army tracks you down! One day, we were unpacking and there was a knock on the door. Envoy Jillian Smith stood there. She said, ‘Hello, I’m just trying to find out when you’re going to come to the Army?’

I went to Cambridge Corps and, after about six years, Jillian said she wanted me to become a chaplain.

I remember one lady I went to visit every day, who was particularly interested in the disciple John. I asked her, ‘Why is it that you like John so much?’ She said, ‘Well, most of the disciples were a bit thick! They didn’t get what Jesus was telling them, but John was the one who said that he was the disciple Jesus loved. He got it.’ She said that when she went home, ‘Of course, the first one I’ll want to see is my Lord. Then, I’d like to talk to John.’

These moments are the experiences that will stay with me until the day I am called home, too.

I am now 86 and I cannot do as much as I used to (as my husband is not well), but I will work for my Lord as long as he wants me to.

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John 20:1

The Empty Tomb Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

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Peter recognis ed as the leader of the disciples, des pite his denial of Jesus was it a competit ion?

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

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Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

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Mary recognis es Jesus by hearing her name, recognis es who she is to him

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

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Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

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Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 17

John 20:31

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

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Jesus Appears to His Disciples On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

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v19, v21 & v26 – reassurance during fear; Jesus Appears to Thomas reminds me of the angel Gabrie l greeting Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, Mary, ‘do not was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other be afraid!’ disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands (Luke 1:30) 24

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and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands.

Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

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V.28 – is this the first time Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have Jesus is referre d to believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have directly as God? And by believed.”

Thomas, who is called The Purpose of John’s Gospel ‘doubting Thomas’!

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his 28

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

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disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

'bre athed on them' – Jesus’ physica l act ions to his disciples to show his very rea l pres enc e with them

Disaster in Tonga: Running for our lives

The former site of a resort in Tonga.

Only the coconut trees have survived after the eruption and tsunami.

On Saturday 15 January 2022, a devastating volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami hit the Kingdom of Tonga.

Cadet Meleseini Otainao and her husband are cadets at the School for Officer Training out of Fiji, but attending remotely from Regional Headquarters in Tonga. Meleseini shares her testimony of this day and the days following the eruption.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul and bless his holy and wonderful name. I am so grateful to be alive after the unexpected volcanic eruption and tsunami waves that hit our island nation on Saturday 15 January 2022.

On Friday I awoke to a fine day in Tonga. My husband and I went to Regional Headquarters to remotely attend class. It was orientation week. In the middle of class, we were informed that there was a tsunami warning. We were told to leave and go to safety. At the time I was thinking, What will happen? How will I deal with this situation? I thought about my grandmother who was at home alone, and I prayed for her safety because she cannot walk. To my surprise, five minutes after my silent prayer, my aunty called to say she was on her way to pick her up. In my heart and mind, I praised God, for he hears our prayers and answers them.

First warning We live near the coast so we decided to stay at the office, as this was safer. The tsunami warning was cancelled, so late in the 14 WarCry 16 APRIL 2022

afternoon we went back home and everything seemed all right.

We went out to buy dinner. On our way, the volcano started to spew smoke and ash and the clouds were turning red like a burning fire. We rushed home to gather some of our stuff and headed to my aunty’s house. We spent the night there in Folaha, and when the curfew lifted, we headed back to our home at Sopu.

On Saturday, our day started as normal. We went to town to do our shopping, have lunch and pick up a cake for my aunt’s birthday on Sunday. The day was sunny, the air was cool and everyone was living their normal lives. We dropped the cake

WE HELD HANDS, PRAYING TO GOD FOR OUR SAFETY, AS WELL AS FOR MY SIBLINGS AND THE NATION.

ON OUR WAY, THE VOLCANO STARTED TO SPEW SMOKE AND ASH AND THE CLOUDS WERE TURNING RED LIKE A BURNING FIRE. off at my aunt’s house and visited one of the pastors of the Free Wesleyan Church to talk to him about attending their service for Church Observation on Sunday. Everything was set so we headed back home.

Running for our lives It was five minutes past four, my husband was cutting the grass and I was inside lying down to rest. The first blast boomed.

Shocked, I ran outside—What is going on? I looked into the sky and these strange clouds had appeared. I grabbed the iPad and took a photo. At the same time, I was calling my husband to look, but he ignored me and continued his work. At the second blast, I put down the iPad and quickly ran outside to take in my washing and shout to my husband to stop cutting the grass and listen! The third blast sounded. My husband stopped and said to me, ‘Get in the car, run!’.

I was so afraid. My mind was not in control. I closed all the doors, grabbed both of our laptop bags and threw them into the car. The blasts continued, so loud that my ear drums were making strange noises. I ran back for our dogs.

As we exited our house, a woman stopped us. It was the mother of one of our Nuku’alofa Corps members, so we picked her and her one-year-old granddaughter up and took off to higher ground. We took a shortcut. We could see back to where we lived; it was already covered with black clouds. We felt a very cool breeze and knew the tsunami had already hit our area. We praised God that he gave us time and warning to escape to safety.

On our way, we met the corps member’s family on the side of the road. They had been on their way to get her and the granddaughter, but thinking the sea had already taken them.

We continued on our way to higher ground. A lot of people were already there. The moment we arrived, stones fell from the sky. I was really afraid, thinking it was the last day of my life.

I had left my phone charging at home on the table, so I couldn’t contact any of my siblings.

found one store still open but the water was all gone, so we just bought one bottle of orange soda to drink. We could hardly see anything because the front window was covered with ash; we prayed that God would take the wheel and take us safely to my aunt’s house. Finally, we arrived. Everyone was surprised when I called from outside the house. Our family all said, ‘Thank God you are still alive, because we have been calling your phone, it is ringing but no answer’.

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL; HE IS OUR PROTECTOR AND PROVIDER. Aftermath of a disaster Since that day, my mind keeps going back to what happened.

I am still afraid it might happen again, still looking for strange clouds, still traumatised from the sounds of the blasts.

As cadets, sometimes I think we might not be able to finish our study because we are now behind the rest of the class. But I thank God that Psalm 37:23 says, ‘The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him’. God is still in control; he is our protector and provider. This is my faith, small as a mustard seed. It reminds me that faithful is he who has called me, and he will do it. To God be the glory! I am still alive and I will fulfil his call on my life.

Day as dark as night After the stone rain, the dust rain started. I was crying, afraid of what would happen. I didn’t know what to do. We looked at each other and said that if anything happened and we got separated that we loved each other. We held hands, praying to God for our safety, as well as for my siblings and the nation.

After midday, we decided to go to my aunt’s house. Tonga was in darkness, the power was off and the internet was down.

On the road, it was like running on a zombie island. It was quiet and the road was full of dark ash. We were brave enough to just continue, even though it was far to go. We were so thirsty; we 16 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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The General's 2022 Easter Message ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes’ (Romans 1:16, NIV) My greetings to you as we recognise and celebrate Easter 2022.

The Apostle Paul made the following affirmation in chapter 1 verse 16 of his letter to the church in Rome: ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’ And I join Paul in declaring my fearless confidence in the truth, power and need of the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Easter and the preparatory time of Lent provide us with an opportunity to enter into the salvation story of God in an immersive way. It is important to remind ourselves of the foundational and overarching story of the gospel that is at the heart of both our spiritual reality and the mission of The Salvation Army.

Wherever you are in the world, whatever your age, no matter your circumstances, the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news and is directly applicable and relevant to you. The gospel encapsulates God’s love for and choice of you; it communicates the provision of grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation; it contains the power of resurrection and promise of eternal life; it is the all-encompassing story of Scripture that continues to be lived out in our lives today.

For those who are more than familiar with the events of Easter, there may be the danger of taking a blasé approach to Holy Week, but I encourage all of us to focus on Easter 2022 with fresh eyes and expectation. Jesus is still the Saviour of the world. He is still the Way that leads to God.

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Today’s world is a melting pot of cultures, faiths, viewpoints and practices.

Some people propose we de-emphasise the harder parts of the message, but it is the essence of the good news that makes the forgiveness of sin, the path of repentance and the reality of Heaven possible for each of us.

The gospel has something to say. It brings hope, and offers an eternal dimension to impart a message that is desperately needed. Yes, we need to find relevant and respectful ways to communicate the gospel in our context, but there is no need for us to lose confidence in or shy away from the saving grace of God, made manifest in Jesus. If we don’t take the opportunity to share this message at Easter, when will we?

Salvation Army, this is your moment to share the gospel with everyone—in every and any way you can. And may you know the presence of the risen Christ as you do so.

BRIAN PEDDLE, GENERAL

Ukraine Update The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services (IES) is continuing to deploy teams from countries across Europe, including Poland, Moldova and Romania to support the operation on the ground in Ukraine. The Poland Division has been working hard with IES to deliver goods into Ukraine, alongside a German Salvation Army team. Officers in Lviv received these items which were immediately distributed out to families in need.

Other officers are on their way to Hungary to support the relief operation headed by the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory.

In France, The Salvation Army is in discussion with the French state around how to best manage refugee accommodation. In Le Havre, western France, the Army is officially responsible for the social support of Ukrainian refugees, including first responses and organising more permanent accommodation.

A young Ukrainian woman has also been financially supported to travel from Brussels to Romania. She is now in temporary accommodation which has been provided by the Belgian Salvationist team.

The Spanish Government, their city councils and the Red Cross have taken on the responsibility of receiving refugees into Spain and determining levels of need based on food, shelter and resources for those who have fled Ukraine. The Salvation Army has responded with offerings to meet these needs, with some temporary accommodation available in Denia and Coruña.

We continue to pray for those affected by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and thank God for the swift and generous response from our international Army.

GAZETTE Promotion to Glory: Major Gaynor Stone was promoted to Glory on Sunday 3 April 2022, from Hamilton, aged 75 years.

Gaynor May Adele Hitchings was born in Christchurch on 1 July 1946. On 10 April 1971, Gaynor married Anthony Stone and together they entered officer training from Petone Corps as cadets in The Followers of Christ session in 1973. After their commissioning, Gaynor and Anthony were appointed corps officers, Rangiora Corps with further appointments to Westport Corps (1977); Balclutha Corps (1979); Dunedin South Corps (1982); and Lower Hutt Corps (1986). In 1990 Gaynor and Anthony were appointed to Community and Family Services, South Auckland and then directors in 1991. This was followed by appointments in the Northern Division, then a return to corps in 2000. In 2007 Gaynor and Anthony were appointed to the Midland Division, with Gaynor as divisional personnel secretary, then in 2009 Gaynor and Anthony were given an additional appointment as corps officers, Hamilton City Corps, followed by Taupō Corps and it is from this appointment that they retired in 2014, with Gaynor having completed 39 years, 5 months and 13 days of active service. Please remember in prayer Major Anthony Stone, their children Brendon, Gareth and Aaron, grandchildren and other members of the extended family at this time of grief and loss. Well done, good and faithful ‘Follower of Jesus Christ’!

Bereavement: Lt-Colonel Gordon Daly and Captain David Daly of their mother Coral Daly, on Friday 25 March 2022, from Christchurch Hospital, aged 96 years old. We ask you to uphold in prayer Lt-Colonels Gordon and Susan Daly, and Captains David and Denise Daly, along with Coral’s five other children and other family members in this time of grief and loss.

Tribute: Sister Muriel Barkman of the Dunedin City Corps ‘Some of my best men are women’, said the co-founder of The Salvation Army William Booth, and I know he would definitely have called Muriel one of his ‘best men’.

Muriel Gladys Barkman (née McBride) was born in Dunedin in March 1929, but in 1939 the family moved to Waitati, where she became friends with Grace (later Mrs Colonel McKenzie) and Joyce (later Mrs Doug Brunton) King.

Although Muriel’s family worshipped at the Presbyterian Church, on Sunday afternoons The Salvation Army ran a Sunday school in Waitati and Muriel went there along with her friends Grace and Joyce. When the McBride family moved back to Dunedin, Muriel attended the Dunedin South Corps.

Muriel was enrolled as a senior soldier of Dunedin South Corps on 14 March 1943, by the then Divisional Commander Brigadier Henry Goffin, and transferred to Dunedin Fortress Corps in 1947. It was there where Muriel met Les Barkman; they married in June 1952 and were blessed with three children: David, Lynley and Sandra. Les was Muriel’s greatest supporter, making it possible for her to be involved in so many areas of service.

That service covered many aspects of the Dunedin Fortress Corps—a Sunday school teacher for 38 years, as YPSM (young people’s sergeant major) for nine years and corps cadet guardian for a further nine years. She was very involved in

Red Shield scouting, becoming a district commissioner. Muriel led the women’s fellowship for seven years and represented The Salvation Army on the National Council of Women for 26 years (including six years on the executive council). She was the divisional medical fellowship secretary for eight years, and divisional archivist for five years.

Muriel presented the weekly radio programme on Radio 4XD called ‘Church of the Helping Hand’ for five years.

Together with Les, she led The Salvation Army’s Civil Defence Team for 10 years, attending many fires as well as the shooting at Aramoana. They were also popular caterers at various Salvation Army events.

In the 1998 Queen’s Honours list, Muriel was awarded the Queen’s Service Order for services to the community.

Her life truly was one of dedicated service, first and foremost to the Lord she loved and served. Well done, good and faithful servant!

BY SHARON LOBB

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New Project to Help Kindy Kids Thrive in Tonga

Women around the territory are gathering together to raise money for Salvation Army kindergartens in Tonga devastated by the January disaster.

The Women’s Ministries initiative will raise money to restore and upgrade Salvation Army kindergartens devastated by the eruption and tsunami that ripped through Tonga on 15 January 2022.

This will also help further develop the ground-breaking work of The Salvation Army in Tonga. ‘Preschool education is still relatively undervalued and underacknowledged in Tonga,’ explains Captain Catherine Walker, director of Women’s Ministries in Tonga. ‘But there is a growing appreciation of the importance of those early years in the development of a child.

We provide learning and developmental opportunities for children, which have been acknowledged as beneficial in setting children up for success academically and in life.’

With three established kindergartens, The Salvation Army has been at the forefront of preschool education for many years in Tonga. Last year, Queen Nanasipau’u approached the Army to establish the newest kindergarten in Pea, as part of an initiative that would place the kindy at the heart of a community hub and health centre.

‘The Queen has placed her trust in us to provide a safe, stimulating learning environment that is both bilingual and holistic. Our programme has a strong Christian emphasis and we’re continually seeking new ways to improve our programme and give our teachers professional development,’ says Catherine.

The kindergarten most affected by the tsunami is part of the Nuku’alofa Corps compound, which was inundated with seawater. The kindy lost resources, and there is extensive damage to the outdoor play area and equipment.

The Kolovai kindy was saved from the worst of the tsunami damage, but the surrounding area in north-west Tongatapu has been especially devastated.

The newest kindy in Pea is the first preschool in the large community. ‘The space we will operate from belongs to the royal family for the use of the Pea community, and we have 18 WarCry 16 APRIL 2022

outfitted and resourced this with the basics to get the kindy started,’ says Catherine.

All schools in Tonga are currently closed, due to the eruption and Covid-19 restrictions, but it’s hoped the kindergartens will reopen again in the second term. Meanwhile, the team is hard at work cleaning up the damage and restoring the facilities.

No one has been able to escape the effects of the disaster, says Catherine. ‘Everyone has experienced the trauma of the eruption and tsunami. The Army’s “usual” operations have taken on a whole new look as we’ve had to clean-up, help with the distribution of aid and provide pastoral support.’

‘Thrive Tonga’ will build on the fundraising efforts of women in the Midland Division in 2020, who raised money to upgrade Kolovai Kindergarten. ‘It has made a world of difference to the experience for our children and teachers,’ reflects Catherine.

‘Now, with “Thrive Tonga” we have an opportunity for creativity and discovery. We continue to be available to people after the tsunami, and will continue to help children in Tonga thrive through all these circumstances.’

MORE INFO | For resources for all your events go to women.salvationarmy.org.nz/thrive-tonga-2022

How can I give to Thrive Tonga?

You can make a donation through your local corps or centre—so just talk to your local corps officer about this.

How can I get involved with ‘Thrive Tonga’?

This is such a hopeful project, and the fundraising opportunities are only limited by your imagination. Meanwhile, here are just a few ideas inspired by the colour and imagination of kindy kids: •

Hold a paint party: get a group together and learn how to create a simple artwork, led by a local artist.

•

Create calendars to sell, made from artwork by kids in your corps or community.

•

Have a corps carnival, similar to a school fair, with games and bake sales.

•

Have a good old fashioned sausage sizzle.

•

Sell hand-knitted kids’ beanies for winter.

•

Hold a family movie night: get families together and sing along to Encanto or another family-friendly film.

•

Have a book and toy sale.

What better way to clean out the kids’ closets and make money for Tongan kids at the same time?!

•

Hold an art auction.

•

Hold a games night, with activities for the kids and board games for the adults.

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? Reports, regular newsletters, TSA government submissions: salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

PIVOTING IS THE RESPONSE TO A DETERMINATION TO DO OR BE SOMETHING DIFFERENT. ‘Pivot’ seems like a new buzzword, but in reality it was something the disciples did that first Easter. A definition of pivot I like is: ‘begin to run or manage (something) in a completely different way’.

Covid-19 has made us all pivot. Children pivoted to learning online, workplaces pivoted to working in hybrid locations and the Prime Minister pivoted as her government led us through the pandemic with new phrases such as ‘unprecedented times’ and ‘out of the abundance of caution’.

A Harvard Business Review (HBR) article titled ‘How Businesses Have Successfully Pivoted During the Pandemic’ reported that ‘companies that are successfully navigating the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing recession have often pivoted to a business model that’s conducive to short-term survival, and long-term resilience and growth’.

The Salvation Army has pivoted for the short term and is pivoting for the long term.

Short-term delivery of services such as food parcels were done contactlessly, while counselling and our church services moved online. These mirror HBR’s short-term survival, but what of long-term resilience and growth?

Last year The Salvation Army stated its Strategic Intent for the next few years as being a ‘faith-driven, inclusive and a unified Army that is: aligned and working together to achieve better mission outcomes, a great place to belong, work, worship and serve, and progressing sustainably’. We depict this as a canoe under the banner of He Waka Eke Noa, which refers to everyone working together without leaving anyone behind.

We are, in the words of HBR, ‘planning for long-term resilience and growth’ by reimagining a pivot of our mission model to be more sustainable and redesigning our support services to be more effective and efficient.

As my thinking of pivot, Lent and Easter blend together, I reflect on the pivoting of the disciples of Jesus, some who pivoted from being fisherman to apprentices of Jesus. Their journey included caring for crowds of people flocking to be taught and healed, walking into Jerusalem to cheering crowds and sharing that last meal where one betrayed him and all deserted and disowned him.

But the ultimate pivot was when those same disciples exited their hiding places as grieving apprentices and became courageous leaders of faith, making disciples of all nations and establishing the Church, which today has millions of members.

Pivoting is the response to a determination to do or be something different.

Covid-19 has caused us all to pivot. Our co-founder, William Booth, pivoted much, and The Salvation Army is following his example. But the greatest pivoters had to be those disciples who recognised all Jesus was, and also those today who care for people, transform lives and reform society by God’s power. I encourage you to pivot—like those disciples—with The Salvation Army.

Lt-Colonel Allan Clark Territorial Secretary for Business Administration 16 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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Jesus’

Unconditional

There are many interweaving and intersecting relationships in Jesus’ journey to the cross and his subsequent resurrection. At Easter we often focus on Jesus during his last days, but Holly Morton reflects on the interactions of those closest to Christ and how their flawed humanity played out that first Easter.

Peter and Judas are both recognisable figures in the Gospels, but for different reasons. Peter is known for his devotion to Jesus, his sometimes silly questions (such as asking if Elijah and Moses will need tents during the transfiguration) and his lead role in developing the Church after Jesus’ ascension.

On the other hand, whenever Judas is mentioned in the Gospels it always 20 WarCry 16 APRIL 2022

comes with an epithet: ‘Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor’ or ‘Judas, who betrayed him’. Like a children’s book villain, the reader is told with every appearance that Judas will betray Jesus.

Luke 22:47–48 depicts that very moment. ‘While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”’ This should have been the big shock-twist in the story, the moment when one of Jesus’ closest friends betrayed him and no one saw it coming—Judas revealed as the villain all along.

Jesus’ unconditional love But in the garden as Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss, flanked by soldiers and

JESUS ASKED THESE MEN TO FOLLOW HIM, KNOWING THEIR FAILINGS, THEIR MOMENTS OF GREAT FAITH AND GREAT DOUBT. Pharisees ready to take him away, Jesus called Judas ‘friend’ (Matthew 26:50).

Jesus knew what was happening, knew what that moment meant, knew where it would take them both, yet he still called Judas, ‘friend’.

JESUS KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING, KNEW WHAT THAT MOMENT MEANT, KNEW WHERE IT WOULD TAKE THEM BOTH, YET HE STILL CALLED JUDAS, ‘FRIEND’.

Jesus, and then at his actions when it did happen.

After seeing Jesus arrested, Peter had his own moment of weakness. He was afraid for his rabbi but also afraid for himself.

In Luke 22:60–62, after he was told by Jesus that he would deny knowing him, Peter encountered the third opportunity to do so. It says, ‘Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.’

Jesus’ foreknowledge

Judas wasn’t some mysteriously malicious figure to Jesus. Judas was someone who had been by Jesus’ side throughout his ministry. When many of Jesus’ followers left him after a difficult teaching (John 6), Jesus was left with the twelve disciples, which included Judas. While we may not see it directly in the Gospels, we can understand that Judas remained a loyal follower of Jesus—a friend, brother and confidant—for the duration of the time before his betrayal, before ‘Satan entered Judas’ (Luke 22:3).

We don’t get full insight into how Judas responded to his betrayal of his friend, although we know that after Jesus’ death he kills himself. In Matthew 27:3, Judas is said to be remorseful and tried to return the money he took.

We do know that Peter was horrified, both at the promise that he would deny

Jesus knew what would happen to himself from the early moments of his ministry; he called each disciple knowing about Peter’s denial and Judas’s betrayal. Jesus asked these men to follow him, knowing their failings, their moments of great faith and great doubt. He spent three years living with them: walking, resting, eating, mourning and laughing. He would have known that his call for them to follow him would lead to a lonely, shame-filled death for Judas, and also to Peter’s renewed faith and spreading of the gospel after Pentecost.

I wonder if Jesus in the moments before calling his disciples to follow him, being aware of what would happen

THE GRACE OF JESUS EXCEEDS AND EXTENDS BEYOND WHAT WE COULD POSSIBLY EXPECT OF HIM.

from his decision, would have hoped for a different outcome? Even if not for himself, I wonder if Jesus would have been holding out for redemption and for a different story for his friends?

Peter and Judas were in Jesus’ inner circle, those whom he trusted deeply and had shared his Father’s will with.

But in the moment when Jesus felt most alone as he prepared to go to the cross, his friends abandoned him and one turned him over to the authorities.

And yet, Jesus chose them, and when he was laid out on the cross, he prayed, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34).

This prayer included Judas; it included Peter; it includes us.

Hope for our humanity The unwavering love and grace of Jesus are threads that weave their way through the valleys in the lives of Judas and Peter. Even in the face of his own torture and death, Jesus still interceded for them amongst the many who persecuted him without understanding. The grace of Jesus exceeds and extends beyond what we could possibly expect of him.

We can see ourselves in these relationships. In the times when we feel we’ve betrayed and denied God, we can remember that Jesus chose Judas and Peter, even in their complicated, messy and sometimes painful humanity.

In the same way, God chooses us and weaves his love and grace into our lives.

There is an invitation for us to look at the betrayal and denial of Jesus and be uplifted by the overflowing and abundant grace of Christ for the ones he has called and continues to call.

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Share the health this winter with Red Seal Buy any two Red Seal vitamins in one transaction at Countdown stores nationwide and we will donate a bottle of Vitamin C to The Salvation Army’s foodbanks on your behalf.

At least

20% off

All Red Seal Vitamins only at

Promotion runs from 04/04/22 - 24/04/22. Red Seal will donate up to 7500 bottles. For full terms & conditions visit redseal.global/nz/ sharethehealth. Always read the label. Use only as directed, Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

PRAY We continue to pray for the people affected by war in

Ukraine, for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption, Manukau Central Corps, Manurewa Corps Plant, Māori Ministries, Masterton Corps, Matamata Family Store and The Salvation Army in Angola.

Want to Know More?

I would like:

Have you filled out the survey yet?

Go to

children.salvationarmy.org.nz/leaders/ your-voice-matters-survey-2021 or

firezone.co.nz

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

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Quiz Answers: 1 Roger Bacon, 2 Chromium, 3 100m, 4 Indonesia, 5 83 years (Exodus 7:7).

22 WarCry 16 APRIL 2022

Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 15–17 April: Christchurch City Easter Meetings 25 April: SPEA Zonal Leaders Fellowship (London, online) Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) No official engagements at this time.

Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) No official engagements at this time.

Chocolate Egg Nests

METHOD… 1. Line a tray with baking paper and set aside.

2. Place noodles and coconut into a mixing bowl.

YOU WILL NEED… • 170g chocolate

3. Break the chocolate into pieces in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on medium heat in 20 second bursts, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.

• 1¼ cups of dry, fried noodles (you can substitute with cornflakes or rice bubbles) • ¼ cup shredded coconut • Speckled chocolate Easter eggs, to decorate Source: thecookingcollective.com.au

‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’

Isaiah 43:19

4. Pour the melted chocolate over the noodles and coconut, and stir to combine.

5. Place spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture into separate piles on the tray (or in individual cupcake cases). Using your fingers, gently mould the mixture into the shape of a nest and press the centre.

6. Add three eggs to the centre of the nest, and refrigerate until set.

e Spot thce! n differoeu find

Can y es ifferenc eight d n the betwee es? tur two pic

METHOD… 1. Place the raw egg in a glass or bowl.

2. Cover the egg with white vinegar and make sure that the entire egg is submerged. You should see bubbles begin to collect around the shell which proves a chemical reaction is taking place.

3. Leave the egg for 24 hours.

4. If the shell still remains when you check the egg, rinse it carefully and place back in the vinegar.

5. The experiment is successful when you can see shell residue floating in the vinegar and the yolk whole inside the egg white.

6. If there is white residue on the egg, you can try to rub this off lightly with your finger but be careful. You can also try lifting the whole egg out of the vinegar, but beware that the membrane might break.

How many chocolate you bunnies can pty m e put into an et?

Easter bask fter a Just one— et sk a b e that, th won’t be empty!

Overnight Science— Make an Egg Shell Disappear YOU WILL NEED… • An egg • A large glass or small, clear bowl • White vinegar (malt vinegar will also work as a substitute) Source: science-sparks.com Image: literaryblog.net

There are lots of things in nature that symbolise new beginnings: green shoots in the ground, butterflies emerging from cocoons or rainbows catching the sunlight to signal the end of a time of heavy rain. For many of our animals on Earth, hatching out of an egg is the start of their journey. When they break through the shell, it’s the beginning of their life and its many possibilities.

This is why eggs are an important Easter symbol. They remind us of how Christ was raised from the grave on the third day and how through his sacrifice, he gave us the chance for new life.

Easter is a good time for us to reflect on Jesus’ resurrection, and remember how God is always creating new beginnings in our lives as well: he creates fresh starts, exciting opportunities, changes of direction not to mention one of the best new beginnings—inviting Jesus into your heart! And even if sometimes these beginnings are a bit scary or turn our lives upside down, we do not have to fear, because God will take care of us on the paths he has chosen for us.

I WONDER...

What are some other symbols that remind you of the meaning of Easter?

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For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:19–20