19 February 2022 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 19 FEBRUARY 2022 | Issue 6785 | $1.50

Pursuing Fairness in the Digital Economy Better Together at Amplify Locals The Defenders of Justice have arrived!

Growing up with Esther Your Voice Matters

LET JUSTICE FLOW LIKE WATER

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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 Holly Morton, Bethany Slaughter, 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.

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Justice flows…

The title of this edition ‘Let Justice Flow Like Water’ is taken from Amos 5:24.

The use of the simile in the verse—likening justice to water or a river—speaks to the relentless nature of both water and justice.

Water always flows from a point down to sea level and as it flows it fills every crack and crevice in its path. Water will always find its way downward. It will also find its level, just like a balanced scale.

Justice is like water, no matter how people have tried to deny and suppress justice, it continues to make its way, like a flowing river. It is our job to let justice flow down from God, through us and out to others. We are to be aware of the injustice and corruption around us—to not just passively disagree with it, but be a voice which agitates for justice, calls out corruption and stands up for the oppressed. This is part of who God calls us to be.

The theme of justice features as the sessional name of the 2022 intake of cadets into Booth College of Mission: The Defenders of Justice—Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika. The territory recently celebrated and welcomed the cadets (p.14), and Commissioner Julie Campbell challenged them to ‘be defenders of justice in the way you live. Be honest, you women and men of integrity’—a call we can all take to heart as we look at allowing the flow of justice to permeate and flow through our lives to others.

Vivienne Hill Editor

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.

Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission.

Publishing for 138 years | Issue 6785 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online)

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Law is not law, if it violates the principles of eternal justice.

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Lydia Maria Child

Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

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Proverbs 31:8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Ngā Whakatauki 31:8 Kia puaki tōu māngai mō te wahangū, i te whakawākanga o te hunga katoa kua waiho mō te mate.

We are the smelly, sleepy beloved

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n trying to read more non-fiction, I have slowly been making my way through this excellent book, Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life. It is written by Tish Harrison Warren, who is an Anglican priest in the United States. The book is broken up into 11 chapters that follow an ordinary day with ordinary tasks recognised as sacred moments: making the bed, losing keys, sitting in traffic, checking emails and eating leftovers.

I’ve been listening to the audiobook version of this over a few months as I’ve been walking around the city, but I’ve also found myself returning to listen to the first chapter again and again.

The opening chapter of Liturgy of the Ordinary is called, ‘Waking: Baptism and Learning to be Beloved’.

As the title suggests, it centres around the very start of our days; the moments when we re-join the world from sleep and aren’t yet awake enough to be anxious or to start our list of tasks for the day.

The thing that struck me about this chapter is this idea that Tish presents: we are offered belonging and belovedness by God before anything else happens. ‘Before you know it, before you doubt it, before you confess it, before you can sing it yourself, you are beloved by God, not because of your effort but because of what Christ has done on your behalf,’ Tish explains.

Tish takes Jesus as the example of this. Before his baptism, we only hear a few stories of Jesus. At this point, Jesus hasn’t done anything miraculous; as far as is recorded in the gospels he hasn’t healed

anyone or fed thousands with bread and fish. But when John baptises Jesus in the Jordan River, God proclaims ‘this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’ (Matt 3:17). Jesus’ ministry and miracles are pre-empted by God’s unreserved love for him.

A friend of mine has a baby girl, she’s not quite a year and a half yet and he just adores her. Our group chats on Messenger are inundated with photos and videos of her, and the time when I get to see them interacting with each other is a highlight of my day. It’s been a hard couple of years for their family, but my friend’s daughter is an absolute delight for him.

And as great (and adorable) as she is, she hasn’t exactly done much with her life yet. She is still babbling, still learning to walk and doesn’t have very many achievements under her belt (or nappy).

But it doesn’t matter, her father dotes on her. Their relationship reminds me of what Tish talks about, this love and acceptance without proof of good deeds or impressive skills. It is freely given, before we even know we need it.

Although I am not very good at it, and my first thoughts of the morning tend to drift to breakfast or the strange dreams I’ve had, I like the idea of being able to wake to the certainty of God’s love for us as the first thing we know each day. We are ‘God’s smelly, sleepy beloved’—bed-hair, drool and all, and we are propelled forward into each day by love.

BY HOLLY MORTON

19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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TOPFIVE

We have combined the Top Five with our movie review, particularly since many of us are self-isolating and/ or working from home these days.

Here are David Youngmeyer’s top five modern science fiction movies.

1. Passengers (2016) [M] A passenger awakes from deep sleep around 90 years before his spaceship Avalon is due to arrive at a colony planet. Surrounded by thousands of other passengers still in hibernation and with only an android barman for company, he faces a stark moral choice and must also deal with a malfunctioning spaceship that threatens the lives of all on board.

2. The Martian (2015) [M] When a sudden dust storm hits, the Ares III mission team on the surface of Mars decides to evacuate back to their orbiting spacecraft Hermes. In the chaos, one team member is lost, presumed dead.

Based on the novel by Andy Weir, this movie is about that lost team

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Source: countdown.co.nz

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member; his determination to survive using his scientific knowledge and the struggle of his team to rescue him.

3. Tomorrowland (2015) [PG] This movie celebrates three things that we need to make the world a better place: a spirit of invention, teamwork and a sense of optimism. With the future of civilisation revealed to be on a knife-edge, teenager Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) and a cynical inventor (George Clooney) work together with an android to get to Tomorrowland—where they will try to save the world.

4. The Adjustment Bureau (2011) [M] When a US Congressman and an accomplished dancer meet by chance in a hotel bathroom, it looks like romance. But for the team from the Adjustment Bureau, the relationship is not in the ‘plan’ and so must be stopped at all costs. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, the movie pits shadowy bureaucrats against the spirit of determination and freewill.

5. Interstellar (2014) [M] Set in the future, a failing Earth puts humanity in jeopardy. An ex-NASA pilot joins forces with scientists and engineers to find a new habitable planet. Fortunately, a worm hole appears near Saturn and enables intergalactic travel.

A mash of scientific theories extrapolated throughout the movie may bring confusion to some, but delight to science buffs.

IS ON AGAIN! It’s that time of year again when New Zealanders—be they rock painters or renovators—can colour their world and help struggling families in their community.

With the Resene Hunger for Colour fundraiser, now in its eighth year, crafty Kiwi are able to swap two cans of food to receive a test pot of paint at their local Resene Colour Shop.

All donated cans will be given to local Salvation Army foodbanks.

‘This campaign is particularly helpful as there is a Resene Colour Shop almost everywhere we have a foodbank,’ says Vanessa Ronan-Pearce, Corporate Partnerships Manager for The Salvation Army. ‘Knowing that we can restock our shelves with food to share with those in need is such a relief and an amazing way to start the year.’

People can swap up to 12 cans for six Resene test pots. The campaign runs until the end of February, so don’t miss your chance to get involved.

WARCRY INHISTORY

Back on 30 January 1960, the War Cry was in the musical spirit, advertising these Australian records which ‘every Salvationist will want to own’. We wonder if there are any lingering around in your record collections or Family Stores…

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

Hamilton City Senior Soldier Myrtle Bettridge Turns 100 Hip hip hooray! Congratulations to Hamilton City Senior Soldier Myrtle Bettridge, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 25 January 2022.

Thankfully, Myrtle’s family was able to host a small gathering with her loved ones to celebrate in person that afternoon just as she wanted, after New Zealand moved into the Red alert level two days earlier.

QUIKQUIZ

1 Zagreb is the capital of which country?

2 In which decade was the Grammy awards staged for the first time?

3 What is the longest nerve in the body?

4 What is the minimum number of musicians for a band to be considered a ‘big band’?

Myrtle Bettridge (née Sawyer) was born in New Plymouth. Her parents were Salvationists, and she grew up on Rotoroa Island before moving to the Waikato.

Myrtle met her husband Edward (Eddie) Gordon Bettridge at Paeroa Corps, and they were married on 27 May 1944 by Major Albert Armstrong.

Over many decades with The Salvation Army, Myrtle has been involved with the home league for more than 70 years and made a lifetime of friends.

She has been part of Hamilton City Salvation Army for the past 40 years and counting. The corps made sure to acknowledge this by recording the Sunday gathering singing ‘Happy Birthday’, and clapping and waving to her. The video was then played to Myrtle at her home.

‘The cards and the flowers are still coming in,’ her son Barry says.

‘She’s just a marvellous woman,’ he says. ‘She’s been a wonderful mother … a wonderful friend to a lot of people.’

Weird of the Week: There are more people in Monaco’s orchestra than there are in the Monaco Army.

5 According to the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, what kind of bread is sweet to a man?

Answers on page 22 19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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The 20 February 2022 is the day set aside by the United Nations to highlight social justice. The World Day of Social Justice comes this year with the theme: ‘A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy’.

Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson asks us to view advocacy around social injustice issues as an expression of Christ’s mission and our mission as Christians.

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he call for social justice coming from world organisations that by necessity are secular in nature can leave Christians uncertain as to whether such issues have any basis in Christian mission or biblical teaching.

Christians have historically had a huge involvement in social action and the development of the values that underpin social justice. This should be no surprise as there is a strong call to social justice in mission that permeates the Bible: the books of Old Testament law incorporate it, the Exodus story of freedom for an enslaved people cannot be understood without it; and the Old Testament prophets consistently cried out for it, ‘But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’ (Amos 5:24, ESV).

Jesus and social justice Jesus came to bring the kingdom of God to Earth and this kingdom is a kingdom based on justice and righteousness.

The prayer Jesus taught us to pray incorporates this (Matthew 6:10) and Jesus frequently speaks about it—very powerfully expressed in his announcement of and personal identification with a prophetic mission and vision taken straight out of the Old Testament: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour (Luke 4:18–19).

The mission Jesus came to fulfil was counter cultural in the way it consistently raised the lowly and included the excluded. An upside-down world where ‘...the last will be first, and the first will be last’ (Matthew 20:16).

The early Church incorporated kingdom values into its life and teaching, which is beautifully captured in what is believed by some to be one of the early baptismal creeds of the Church: ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28).

These values and imperatives were astoundingly transformational and disruptive to the life and times of the world of the early Church. They are no less transformational and disruptive in today’s world where people are still excluded in subtle (and not so subtle) ways based on their race or ethnicity, by their gender or sexual orientation, disability, religion or by their economic status. Some of these issues can still create significant heat as they clearly did throughout the early Church.

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A personally confronting and disturbing aspect of mission Addressing social justice can be confronting because even though it often looks to be focused on wider generalised social issues, it frequently ends up including aspects of life where we each are a part of the problem or on the receiving end of the injustice. It is personal. To continue to openly wrestle with these issues—and especially when we attempt to actually do something about them—can be confronting and profoundly disturbing. We have seen this over the years in New Zealand when Waitangi Day has at times been a source of disruption and anger as much needed dialogue about Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and racism has boiled over. In the past there was an expressed desire by many to focus more on Anzac Day where a more comforting sense of unity was evident—in a sense a way to avoid dealing with deep-seated and troubling issues.

JESUS CAME TO BRING THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO EARTH AND THIS KINGDOM IS A KINGDOM BASED ON JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. Injustice can be seen and experienced in so many ways.

The way people as individuals reject or typecast other people based on their gender, colour or class is one thing, but injustice is often caught up in more structural processes in the way our communities and nations share wealth and manage health, welfare and education services. In recent years we have seen how government policy in areas such as housing can significantly affect whether younger and poorer families can own their own home or get warm and dry housing that is affordable. Increasingly, this hasn’t been the case with government, who are only recently seeking to turn around the homelessness and poverty that is in effect a harvest of neglect.

This kind of injustice is often less visible to people, especially those who benefit from the status quo—arguably at least some property investors in the case of housing. Those at the sharp end of the injustice can be all too aware of this 8 WarCry 19 FEBRUARY 2022

and the extreme dehumanising nature of it; for example, those paying unaffordable rent and needing extra support to cover food or power costs.

Covid-19 magnified existing areas of injustice Covid-19, in many respects, showed how the people of Aotearoa New Zealand can unite as a powerful force to prevent some of the suffering that has occurred elsewhere.

However, the rollout of the vaccination programme has demonstrated how the kind of inequalities that Māori and other marginalised groups experience in normal life can play out in times of crisis.

Some of the resistance that has been on display, particularly regarding Covid-19 restrictions or mandates about masks or vaccination, comes from groups who feel powerless in the face of authorities who have in the past appeared to act in an almost punitive and malicious way toward them and their whānau (families). The Dawn Raids that Pasifika peoples experienced and the removal of children from Māori parents and their wider whānau are just two examples of where residual feeling remains.

It could be said that this pandemic has magnified the inequality and the related division that already existed in Aotearoa.

Digital exclusion This leads back to the World Day of Social Justice and specifically its current focus on social justice in a digital economy. The increased use of digital services occurred exponentially as New Zealand sought to function while taking a health response to the pandemic, especially during lockdown periods. People increasingly resorted to buying things online. Welfare and health services were provided remotely. For lengthy periods our children received their education remotely through the use of Zoom conference call facilities. All this is understandable.

Utilising the internet in these ways has huge benefits and is a much more efficient way of doing all sorts of business. Covid-19 measures only accelerated this developing process. But, the reality is that many people got left behind in this process.

• Older people from all ethnic and socio-economic classes within society struggled to contend with the increasingly digital world they live in with a lack of digital literacy.

• Rural people sometimes had inadequate or no internet access at all.

• Banks and other critical services continued to disappear from rural towns and many city suburbs, making anything other than online access practically impossible.

LET US ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES LIKE DIGITAL EXCLUSION IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND AT A NATIONAL LEVEL AS PART OF OUR SERVICE TO GOD. • Children in poorer families had limited access to computers or digital devices that would allow them to continue to participate in the education process because of financial barriers, especially during Covid-19 lockdown periods (but prior to this as well).

• Māori and Pasifika children were and are disproportionately affected in this way (imagine a bright intelligent child keen to learn becoming discouraged when there is no practical way of keeping up with the rest of the class).

• Disabled people also found digital access challenging.

Submission for justice and inclusion The Salvation Army in our territory was so concerned about this kind of exclusion that it joined with other community organisations in supporting a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)initiated submission to Parliament.

More and more, government and other key services require people to interact digitally. Forms can be difficult to fill out and people’s stories or contexts cannot easily be described or captured in impersonal forms, making people’s situations and needs invisible to those responding.

Examples of CAB enquiries from the submission to Parliament include the following: Bronwyn doesn’t have a computer and says the cost of getting internet into her home is too expensive. She has to use a computer at the library, which only allows limited time. She wanted our help with looking for work and accessing job agencies online.

Maria has access to the internet on her mobile phone but is only able to make limited use of this due to data costs. Maria was out on bail awaiting a court hearing for drug-related offending and wanted help on issues related to the care of her children.

Pita came in to the CAB with a letter from IRD (Inland Revenue Department) stating that he hasn’t paid his tax obligations and

threatening court [action] if he doesn’t pay within 30 days. Pita is elderly, doesn’t have a computer and is not computer literate.

He hadn’t received any other communication from IRD so didn’t know how much he owed. We called IRD together and outlined the situation, including how distressed Pita was by the letter.

We came to an agreement with IRD that we would download the IR3 form for Pita and he will complete it then send it to IRD. IRD undertook to make a note of the call and to record that Pita has no computer access.

The CAB-led campaign called on the Government to develop an integrated strategy to address barriers to inclusion in New Zealand and to commit to the following: •

eave no one behind: ensure that steps are taken to address L digital exclusion and that no one is left behind or left out because they can’t or don’t wish to engage online.

• Public services accessible to all: implement accessibility and inclusion standards for the delivery of public services that include offline channels as part of the proactive design of government service delivery.

• CAB compensated for cost-shifting: ensure that the CAB is properly funded to meet the demands and cost-shifting that has resulted from government services going online.

Advocating as an expression of our faith Living in a world where digital exclusion is even raised as an issue seems so remote from the world of the Bible.

However, the related impacts of poverty that digital exclusion creates involves the very same elements of justice the Bible continually cries out for. A kingdom of God where all contribute, belong and thrive are all factors of the ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10b, NCV) that Jesus was announcing and calling the world to.

Let us advocate for social justice issues like digital exclusion in our local communities and at a national level as part of our service to God. Not just as a nod to social justice on a day set aside to recognise it internationally, but as an integral aspect of our Christian faith and practice—as one important part of proclaiming the Good News of the gospel and establishing the Kingdom of God on earth.

MORE INFO | For more information about this CAB-led campaign, visit https://tinyurl.com/TSASocialJustice2022

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How do I make myself stand out … on paper?

It could be an essay required for university entrance, a cover letter or an application for a course you want to take part in. Regardless, you’ve got the practical qualifications and interest to make you the perfect fit, but how do you communicate that on paper?

Personal essays are slightly different from the ones you were taught at school; you still want to organise each section with one main idea, but how do you express who you are in those paragraphs?

1. Set aside blocks on weekends and weekdays to write drafts, then edit. This is especially crucial if you are currently in or approaching a busy exam or study period.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO COMPLETE AN ESSAY WHICH ISN’T ONLY WELL-WRITTEN, BUT TRULY REPRESENTS WHO YOU ARE.

2. Write as many drafts as it takes. Your first will never be perfect, and if it seems to be, ask somebody to proof it. The final product will probably contain less than your original draft. Tight editing is crucial.

3. Think about who will read the essay. What are they looking for? What might make you memorable to them (in a good way)? How can you hook them from your first sentence?

4. Your memory is a goldmine. Think back to everything and anything which might be relevant as examples— from volunteer opportunities and practical experience to moments which brought out your values or taught important lessons.

5. Do your research about the school/organisation/company.

Know their values inside out, make sure you align with them and then show them. What activities or causes are you involved with, such as clubs, hobbies and volunteering and, if relevant, what level or time commitment have you invested? How do you contribute to others through these areas? How will you transfer this knowledge into the new opportunity, if given the chance?

6. Seek out a mentor to read through drafts. If your school/ university has a counsellor or relevant teacher/tutor, ask if they would mind casting an eye over it. Ask well ahead of the deadline to ensure they can fit you into their own schedule (and seek their advice before you begin writing or finish editing). If that is not possible, ask someone to proofread the text for typos.

The ultimate goal is to complete an essay which isn’t only wellwritten, but truly represents who you are. Don’t be discouraged

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if and when the first few attempts aren’t perfect; get drafting early so that you have something polished by deadline day. Be prepared to edit and refine your ideas if you want the essay to be worth the time it takes to apply.

QUICK TIPS! Read the guidelines thoroughly before you start writing, and make sure you can tick them all off before submitting.

Avoid clichés. Use your inner voice for an authentic, original spark.

Choose words and phrases you would use yourself (with the exception of casual speak and slang).

Reference any quotes or facts. If applying to a university, check online to discover their preferred referencing system.

Make sure no parts of the essay contradict or repeat each other.

Show, don’t tell; don’t just say what happened, reflect on what it taught you.

Ensure the essay’s guiding question is answered by the conclusion.

Sources: psychologytoday.com

TESTIFY! Major Linda Bateman recently spoke at the 2021 Long Service Dinner about what she has learned about God’s true calling on her life, both as a Christian and a Salvation Army officer.

When I reached the ripe old age of 27, it was with a sense of relief—because I was obviously now too old for God to call me to officership. As young marrieds, Allan and I were constantly asked when we would be going to training college. Everyone assumed that because Allan had siblings who were officers or working with The Salvation Army that we would be following in their footsteps. Our answer was always the same: ‘we haven’t been called!’ But even when I had decided I was too old, the questions kept coming, so we decided to ask God. ‘Do you want us to be officers?’ God came back with a very clear answer, ‘YES’.

Celebrating 25 years of officership has given me pause to stop and reflect. We have been all over New Zealand, from as far south as Mosgiel to as far north as Whangārei. What a privilege it has been to not only speak into the lives of so many people, but also to have them impact our lives. When I look at the long-lasting friendships, the lives that have been changed and the people who have come to faith under our watch, I am filled with gratitude. I think of Kaye Bell, who was invited to an Alpha dinner during our first appointment in Mosgiel. She couldn’t make it and felt guilty, so she decided to do the Alpha course. She discovered Jesus, invited him to lead her life and is now part of a great team working for The Salvation Army in Balclutha.

Like all officers, this journey hasn’t always been an easy one. There have been really amazing times, but equally low times. Times when I have got things right, and times when I have got things very wrong. Times when I have

…MY PRAYER IS THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO REMIND ME OF HIS FIRST CALLING ON MY LIFE. EVERYTHING ELSE IS THE ADDED EXTRA. been very happy in what I am doing, and times when I would happily walk away. No matter what, the one stability for me has been God. Without him, I would be nothing.

There is only really one calling on my life, found in the words of Matthew 22:37–39: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself”.’ This is the ultimate calling on my life—love God, and love others. It just so happens that I get to work out this calling in my role as a Salvation Army officer.

It doesn’t matter if I can preach a reasonable sermon; it doesn’t matter if I love working with numbers (my husband says I can have prayer for

that). It wouldn’t matter if my rank was lieutenant, captain, colonel, commissioner or general (and no, these aren’t my aspirations). For those I work with, those I am responsible for, those who annoy me … the calling doesn’t change, to love God and love others with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. If I can live like this most of the time (because I still get things wrong), I know I am fulfilling what God has called me to. It is a challenge for every one of us. We can get so caught up in doing the job that we forget who we are called to be, rather than what we are called to be. But my prayer is that God will continue to remind me of his first calling on my life. Everything else is the added extra.

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BY VANESSA SINGH

Nuggets. Head shaves. Human pyramids. One Outs Man. Pizza. T-shirts. Reuben.

Hundreds of young people, leaders and friends. When it became obvious that an inperson Amplify seven-day camp could not go ahead this time, the Amplify Team didn’t want to just leave January (for the first time in 13 years) without something ‘Amplify’.

So, Amplify Locals was dreamed up. Amplify Locals was a two hour online and in-person experience encouraging people to get together safely where they could, to hang out in person and hang out all together online.

From 7–9pm on 22 January 2022, hundreds of young people from all over New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa (sorry, Tonga!) spent two hours catching up, chatting online, watching videos, entering competitions and joining in the banter.

There were a range of Amplify Locals Parties (groups getting together in person) all over New Zealand and Fiji.

Unfortunately, Samoa went into a sudden lockdown just as the night was kicking off, and Tonga was in the midst of communication cut-off and disaster recovery after the eruption and tsunami.

Amplify Locals Parties were sent a bunch of treats to enjoy on the night as well as pizza deliveries, while people caught up and had fun locally. Some local parties held longer events—getting together that day or the day before to do mini-Amplify events with creative activities, sleepovers, games, workshops, etc. So good!

The online stream was hosted in a purpose-built, inperson studio at Territorial Headquarters in Wellington.

Reminiscent of classic shows like What Now or Sticky TV, there were in-person hosts that walked us through the night. The incredible Josh Burns and Kate Geddes, alongside offsider Scott Keane, hosted the night and brought the banter.

They guided us through a range of throwback videos, key moments from camps, live crossovers to a 12 firezone.co.nz 19 FEBRUARY 2022

bunch of locations completing challenges, catch ups throughout the night (sorry to those where the internet prevented us from joining live!), online and in-person competitions, as well as in-studio segments.

The team of online-experience hosts made sure the online chat was pumping and that competitions were happening and info was getting out. They also made sure everyone got their pizzas and nuggets.

The night ended with a countdown to the top three filmmaking videos from over the years, an interview with Reuben Crowe (the longest attending camper and youth leader) and a Mat Badger head shave, thanks to votes from those watching from across the territory.

The final segment was a highlights video from the past 13 years of Amplify—an emotional and encouraging look at the heart of Amplify. Praise God for the legacy of Amplify, for the lives changed, the souls saved, the friendships made, the gifts enhanced, the chains broken, the memories made, the prayers lifted, the encouragement given, the dreams birthed, the community built, the corps blessed and the impact it’s had on thousands of people and The Salvation Army.

While we may not have been able to meet in person, we know life is better together. Better together with God and better together with others. And that’s what was being encouraged—let’s get together where we can, let’s celebrate the past, create memories now and look forward to what’s to come! Bring on the next 13 years of Amplify—whatever that looks like!

• Scott Keane making as many references to Jim’s nuggs as possible.

• Reuben Crowe receiving a golden lanyard for his loyalty and service at Amplify. What a guy!

• Brittany Ward and Tamzin Ling, from Albany Bays,

ditching trying to join the human pyramid and choosing to stand next to it.

• Kase Walker’s teenage antics being called out on the live chat.

• The Hutt City crew and Jazmin Barrie winning a delivery of ‘Jim’s Nuggs’ to their local parties (thanks Maccas!)

• All the heart-warming (and sometimes cheeky) memories of Amplify over the years being shared in the live chat.

• Mat Badger becomes the Bald Badger by the end of the night, after quite possibly the worst haircut ever thanks to Reuben and Noah.

• Josh Burns getting mixed up with his intro and bursting into super loud laughter as the next video started.

teenagers in recent history has had to live through this many cancellations, right?). And there’s not a lot we can do to change it. We see you, we acknowledge your hurt and frustration, and we sit with you in this season.

Let’s get creative in how we support each other, connect and encounter Jesus in this season—tell us your ideas!

– Love, the Youth Team xx facebook.com/SallyFirezone

The entire live stream is available to watch at any time at www.amplifylocals.nz Check it out and relive the memories or get a feel for what Amplify is, so you’re ready for Amplify 2023!

Man, it would have been cool to meet again in person this year. We were as gutted as you guys that Covid-19 made it impossible to plan a safe, enjoyable and inclusive week for us all.

We know life during this season can feel pretty rubbish at times. We know that it can feel like we’re just missing out on a whole bunch of cool stuff all the time.

It’s dumb. It seems unfair (like hey, no other group of 19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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Welcome Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika, Defenders of Justice!

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

From the moment that the flag bearers entered the auditorium, the 2022 Territorial Welcome to Cadets service was a joyful celebration.

Even though the formalities had a smaller audience present, due to Red alert level restrictions, it didn’t impact the mood at Johnsonville Corps as The Salvation Army celebrated six cadets choosing to say ‘yes’ to officership.

Aux Captain Amiria Te Whiu welcomed the new cadets into the auditorium with karanga, and then she joined with LtColonel Ian Hutson to share a karakia (opening prayer).

Territorial Commander Commissioner Mark Campbell announced the names of the six Defenders of Justice to the territory: Andrew and Tamsyn Connor of Hibiscus Coast Corps, Amelia and Mosese (Moses) Kava of Westgate Corps, Naomi Tong of Wellington South Corps and Initi Tuiono of Manurewa Corps.

‘The Defenders of Justice—what a name, what a wonderful name!’ Mark exclaimed. ‘We praise God for the calling upon each of your lives.’

The first set of worship songs got everyone out of their seats and dancing. Captain Bryant Richards joined the cadets on stage to make sure everyone knew the choreography for ‘There is No One Like Jesus’, and acknowledging the strong Tongan contingent of this year’s session, half of the song was sung in the Tongan language. This was followed by a passionate rendition of ‘My Testimony’, after which Lieutenant Emma Frunt shared her journey to officership testimony via video, an encouragement to the incoming cadets.

Presenting and praying for the session Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Kylie Tong then presented the session, Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika—Defenders of Justice, sharing a verse from Lamentations 3:22–25: 14 WarCry 19 FEBRUARY 2022

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.

‘Thank you for saying yes when you felt God nudge you,’ she told the cadets, before encouraging the audience how in all circumstances, ‘we can say yes with courage and passion and anticipation because he promises his faithfulness as we follow his call’.

Training Principal Major Garth Stevenson then took to the lectern to accept the cadets on behalf of Booth College of Mission (BCM), and thanked Kylie and the territorial candidates team. He joked about how, without their hard work, ‘some of us at BCM might not have much to do!’ To the cadets: ‘Welcome to the BCM family—now, let’s do it!’

Captain Pauleen Richards had the chance to facilitate a fun segment with the cadets on stage. Each of the six cadets was

JULIE CHALLENGED THE CADETS TO BE A VOICE FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW HOW TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT ON THEIR OWN.

armed with a Yes or No paddle so that those watching could learn more about them. Questions ranged from ‘Have you used the BCM gym?’ (only one Yes paddle was raised), to ‘Were you born in New Zealand?’ (to which everyone raised No; the Defenders of Justice arrived in Aotearoa via England, Tonga and the Bahamas).

Colonel Gerry Walker then led the call to prayer and affirmation and implored the territory to lift up the new session in prayer. As a visual reminder to do this throughout the two years, prayer cards were left on every chair.

Welcome to new roles The service was also an opportunity to formally welcome Majors Liz and Ian Gainsford to their new roles at Territorial Headquarters. Liz affirmed how eager she was to get stuck into her expanded position as Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development as part of the executive leadership team. She compared her excitement in starting this new role with the emotions that the new cadets must be feeling at the beginning of their journeys at BCM.

This led to another opportunity to share in worship with the well-loved verses of ‘Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)’.

Assistant Principal Major Suzanne Stevenson read from the Bible, Micah 6:1–8, which Commissioner Julie Campbell then used as the foundation for her message about ‘a question that’s been asked throughout time’.

Addressing both the cadets and the audience, she spoke about how there are times when we all ask ourselves ‘what does God want of me?’ and she encouraged everyone to continually dwell on this question as part of a lifestyle of relationship with God. Alluding to their session name, Julie challenged the cadets to be a voice for those who don’t know how to make things right on their own. She gave the example of William and Catherine Booth, founders of The Salvation Army, who saw injustice and committed to become spokespeople for these people. ‘Be defenders of justice in the way you live. Be honest, you women and men of integrity.’

‘I Surrender All’ was chosen as the response hymn, followed by a celebratory rendition of ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’. Liz Gainsford concluded the service with a benediction, putting the full stop on the welcome service, and signalling that it is time for the Defenders of Justice to get to work.

Opposite page (from left): Cadet Naomi Tong, Cadets Andrew and Tamsyn Connor, Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell, Cadets Amelia and Moses Kava and Cadet Initi Tuono. Above left: Cadet Initi Tuono with the Ngā Kaiwawao i te Tika Defenders of Justice shield. Below: Captains Daniel and Juanita Buckingham with their children (lower left), Cadets Rebecca and Nick Moffat (standing left), Aux Captain Ian Wells and Janine Wells, Cadets Amelia and Moses Kava with their children. Photography by Lt-Colonel Milton Collins.

19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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Your Voice Matters Update This is the first update following on from the launch of the Territorial Youth and Children’s Mission team’s Next Generation: Your Voice Matters feedback and consultation for the Next Generation Plan, which will inform the territory’s strategic direction for children and youth for the next decade.

It was a Saturday night in Invercargill and it was youth group time. There was an energy in the place as young people arrived for pizza (served to them in a Covid-19 appropriate way) followed by a time of connection, worship and tribal wars. At about 8pm the night was handed over to myself and Lt-Colonel Debbie Clark to run a focus group. The amazing thing was that following on from the vibrancy of all the evening’s activity, the young people were just as keen to have their ideas heard about current issues and future hopes and dreams for The Salvation Army. In fact, this keenness for young people to be heard was evident at all five focus groups recently run in the South Island.

The Territorial Youth and Children’s Mission teams are currently undertaking an exciting project to engage with children, youth, young adults and ministry leaders of younger generations around the territory. The aim of this project is to simply listen to as many voices as possible from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and geographical spread. These conversations, and the feedback received, will influence the creation of a new Next Generation Plan.

Our methodology There are two main methods that we are using to listen and gain feedback. The first method is the online survey ‘Your Voice Matters’ which we would love all front-line people to engage with. Debbie and I are both excited that we have had over 360 people participate in the survey so far. Each country in our territory has their own version of the survey, and a huge ‘well done’ to Fiji for engaging with their people so well. Vinaka!

The second method is through face-to-face focus groups that we are hoping to have throughout the territory (as Covid-19 restrictions allow). The survey and the focus groups complement one another. So far, we have engaged with around 70 people face to face in the South Island. The ownership and buy-in of the focus groups and the way in which we were welcomed into those spaces has

BY MAJOR MAT BADGER

been truly amazing, and I would like to take a moment here to thank Southern Division’s Linwood, Christchurch City, Invercargill and Winton Corps for being such great hosts. While we won’t be able to get to every space to run a focus group, the good thing is that everyone can immerse themselves in the survey.

In terms of the survey itself, we have numerous ways for people to answer questions, depending on the category they fit into. One of those pathways is for people who have chosen to move on from the Army. Another pathway is for people who are currently involved in the Army.

The survey results so far make for fascinating reading, and we are noticing several key trends in what people are saying. Some of these trends we already knew, but from my perspective, there are also several surprises. However, while we won’t discuss these trends from our own people here publicly (as we don’t want to influence answers from those who haven’t done the survey), I would simply like to reinforce the importance of as many people as possible taking the time to have their say.

On the ground It was Tuesday afternoon in Winton. Debbie was running a focus group with around 16 children. I was sitting next to a caregiver who was listening intently to what was going on in the room. After a while this custodian leaned over to me and said, ‘I can’t believe that you guys are asking children for their opinions on these issues. This is fantastic! I’ve never seen anything like this before.’

If you are a teenager, a young adult or a leader who works with emerging generations, or maybe you are someone who has moved on from The Salvation Army, then we would love to hear from you. Please take time to do the online survey which will stay open until our focus groups are completed. And if a focus group comes to your town, then we would love you to take part.

You can access the survey online at firezone.co.nz

16 WarCry 19 FEBRUARY 2022

God’s Soldiers Reunite God’s Soldiers! Called by Sovereign Lord.

God’s Soldiers! Armed with Spirit’s Sword.

God’s Soldiers! Powered by Pentecost.

God’s Soldiers! Seeking out the lost.

These words rang out on Saturday 22 January as a recording of the God’s Soldiers session (1980–1982) singing their sessional song was played at the former William Booth Training College in Aro Street, Wellington. The visit to the place where they completed their training was a highlight for the God’s Soldiers session, who held their fortieth reunion at Booth College of Mission over the weekend of 21 to 23 January. Memories of ‘where it all began’ induced an eclectic mixture of hilarity, solemn reflection, sharing and worship which marked the whole weekend.

The reunion was attended by nine of the original God’s Soldiers (plus the husbands of three who had trained in other sessions) and Lt-Colonel Raeline Savage, who had been on staff with her husband, Peter, during their years of training.

Bev Baxter’s Retirement For Cadet Bev Hay, the reality of being called to be a Salvation Army officer began in March 1980. Forty years later, Major Bev Baxter chose to have her retirement service with session mates who began the journey with her. Despite several years out of officership, upon retiring, Bev completed 27 years, 5 months and 11 days of ministry. Her retirement service was led by Lt-Colonel Raeline Savage.

Bev shared her mihi (greeting) acknowledging her heritage, and Raeline shared words on behalf of Bev’s mother, Major Betsy Hay. She talked about how Bev was born in India to missionary parents, and at five years of age, she had to go to boarding school. This helped her in years to come as Bev learned to mix with others, be open to all cultures and languages and be adaptable.

Major Christine Kendall, on behalf of her session, spoke words of blessing over Bev’s life for the days ahead as she seeks God to find her new place in ministry. It was my privilege to share a few words from a dear friend Annette Ford (née Prattley) before reading Bev’s service record.

BY MAJOR JOANNE JELLYMAN

Messages were read— God's Soldiers session (with greetings from some of the families) in training. nine God’s Soldiers and other staff members who were unable to attend. Many happy memories were invoked as various memorabilia was shared by those in attendance. Some were given the opportunity to share personal stories of the last 40 years, and a very poignant remembrance time was conducted for those of the session and staff who have since been promoted to Glory. After taking a walk ‘down memory lane’ through the former training college on Saturday afternoon, Major Glenys Fairhurst led a wonderful reflection time in the chapel, with songs that the session sang as cadets.

It was very fitting that Major Bev Baxter, who was instrumental in organising Members of the God's the reunion, was able to Soldiers session on the steps have her session mates share of the former William Booth in her retirement service on Training College, Aro Street, Sunday morning.

Wellington.

The reunion then came to a pinnacular conclusion in a final opportunity to worship together under the inspired leadership of Majors Malcolm and Laurel Herring. In echoes of the chorus to the sessional song, Major Malcolm reminded the group of the ‘why we do what we do: our ongoing purpose to “seek out the lost” and win souls for Christ’. This was a timely, encouraging reminder that the commitments made 40 years ago are still as relevant today as they were when they left Aro Street for their first appointments.

BY MAJOR HEATHER KOPU 19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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State of the Nation 2022 Report Lays Bare Disparities The continuing Covid-19 pandemic has had an ongoing impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in New Zealand. Many whānau (families) are struggling with the rising costs of food, rent and house prices, along with the effects of increased family violence and victimisation, according to The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2022 report.

Now in its fifteenth year, the report titled ‘Navigating the rapids’, draws on existing data to provide a snapshot of our social progress as a nation.

‘The report is about painting a picture of the realities whānau are facing,’ says Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson, director of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU).

‘Our intention is to reflect what New Zealanders are seeing in the community. We aim to shine a light on the issues that affect the people most in need so that we as a nation can make the necessary changes to improve the wellbeing of the most vulnerable and make society better for everyone.’

The six sections of the report encompass Children and Youth, Work and Incomes, Housing, Crime and Punishment, Social Hazards and Māori Wellbeing.

‘A lot of families were already living on the edge when Covid-19 hit our country,’ says Ian. ‘The pandemic not only pushed some of them over the edge, but also increased the vulnerability of others, pulling them closer to desperation.’

The report found that the number of households relying on welfare benefits has increased and children in these families are the most likely to live in poverty. The report also shows that housing is ‘more than a crisis, it’s a catastrophe’ and describes a generally gloomy and challenging situation. House prices and rents have continued to soar, while the waiting list for social housing has ballooned to more than 25,000, leaving many families in unstable, temporary accommodation.

Read the full report at salvationarmy.org.nz/SOTN2022

GAZETTE Appointment: Effective 3 March 2022, Major Racheal-Lee Kendrick’s appointment as corps officer, Redcliffe Corps, Queensland Division, Australia Territory will be concluded. She will be returning to New Zealand on 3 March 2022, and will be awaiting an appointment.

Please pray for Major Racheal-Lee Kendrick as she prepares to relocate back to New Zealand.

18 WarCry 19 FEBRUARY 2022

Bikes for Kenya West Territory At the recent commissioning of the Messengers of Grace session from the Kenya West Territory, bicycles bought by funds sent from the Overseas Development Office from our territory were presented to newly graduated lieutenants.

The Kenya West Territory purchased 25 Black Mamba Bicycles, which were presented to the lieutenants by the Territorial Commander Commissioner Stephine Chepkurui, assisted by the Chief Secretary Lt-Colonel Luka Khayumbi and the Cabinet staff at their territorial headquarters.

The Kenya West Territory expressed gratitude to our territory for the gift and the ‘existing good relationship and partnership between Kenya West Territory and the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory’.

Territorial Overseas Development Officer Lt-Colonel Milton Collins said that he was pleased the financial gift was used in a way that would benefit the new lieutenants and their ministries.

Testimonial from an officer receiving a bicycle I am Lieutenant George Luvai, a newly commissioned officer of the Messengers of Grace, aged 28 years and appointed to Namubila Corps, Kolanya Division. I am totally overwhelmed by the gift you got me. It serves as a constant reminder that I have someone in my life that will always have my back. Thanks a lot for all you do. The gift will help me to reach more souls for Christ, also making good friends and getting to meet more and more people, hence widening my social circle. Once again thank you for your thoughtful present of the bicycle, which will help me reduce all that extra fat that I am too lazy to work off, hence maintaining my healthier heart rate which keeps me from having heart stroke, which is one of the leading causes of death around the world. You have made me feel honoured. You are the best.’

Update from Tonga Region Communication is still problematic for our people in Tonga, but Regional Leader Captain Kenneth Walker has sent an update to the territory.

He encourages the territory to keep praying for Tonga, particularly now that restrictions and a lockdown have been implemented and are adding complications to the distribution of aid to the vulnerable nation who are still coping with the outcomes of an eruption and subsequent tsunami.

Communication with the corps at Vava’u is still not established and there are no flights going in, but contact has been made with other officers around the region. Lieutenant Samisoni Akoteu has returned from Ha’apai after providing psycho-social support to affected families of those islands, and we continue to offer support to Tongatapu residents. There are also close contacts of people with Covid-19 who are officers and Salvationists and, due to restrictions, this affects their ability to offer community support.

Tonga Regional Headquarters initially supplied back to school resources to families—stationery packs, school uniforms and school bags—for around 300 children, since many lost everything, but school has now been delayed due to restrictions.

Areas of concern include water needs and safety in and around the region; infrastructure has been affected, particularly sanitation; there is particular concern for the elderly, children and people with disabilities; and masks will need to be distributed so people can access food and services.

‘Thanks again for your prayerful concern for Tonga and the offers of practical assistance. We continue to be mindful of God’s power at work in and around us,’ says Kenneth.

We send ofa atu mo e lotu lahi (love and prayers) to our people in Tonga.

...THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD.

In the recent weeks of what seems to be the ever-changing Covid-19 world, I have found myself reflecting on the goodness and the greatness of God. In his greatness, he is majestic, all powerful, the Creator of all. In his goodness, we experience the friendship, comfort and counsel of a God who knows and loves us intimately. Although life seems to be constantly changing around us and continues to bring uncertainty, I am reminded that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).

This certainty brings hope and reminds me that even when things might look out of control or even impossible, God is great and he is good. Nothing is too hard or difficult for him. The Bible is full of stories of how God turned the impossible to possible, of miraculous stories of his supernatural intervention.

Collectively we continue to face a pandemic, natural disasters and other global crises; on an individual level we also face tough times and personal problems, such as health concerns, broken relationships, financial burdens, anxiety and loneliness.

We all need God, who is great and good. He is the answer to all these tough times when we just don’t know how we will do it. It is God’s power that will perform the miracle that we so desperately pray for and it is his peace that will calm our minds.

I have learnt that God’s ways and plans are not always how I think they should be.

It doesn’t usually work to my schedule. However, as I trust God, he will lead me and direct me. I know that the impossible is made possible through God’s power, and he can do this for you too.

As a territory we face this year together with all its opportunities, all its challenges and the new things that God is leading us into. We can be confident that our God is the God of the impossible—he is great, he is good, he is powerful and he is close.

‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen’ (Ephesians 3:20–21).

Captain Pauleen Richards Territorial Secretary for Personnel

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19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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When I consider the Book of Esther, I am left with a reimagined and more relatable Esther to the character I admired so much as a child.

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

As a young bookworm, you could often find me switching on the lamp to read after bedtime. I thought I was being super sneaky, although undoubtedly my parents spotted the light peeking under the doorframe. While chapter books were my go-to, I also remember staying up to read my favourite Bible story: Esther.

I’m not surprised that she stood out to me as a young girl. Esther is one of the few female heroines with a book of the Bible named after her (shout out

to Ruth). Her story is a masterpiece of God’s timing, despite how his name is never mentioned directly; everything set up in the first half of the book is mirrored and resolved in the second half, like a carefully plotted murder mystery.

When I first heard Esther’s story, it slotted neatly into the ‘once upon a time’ narrative: Once upon a time, a young orphan was so beautiful that she was chosen to go to the palace, where the king fell in love with her at first sight. From this onein-a-million position, she was chosen

to become queen. When the Jews were threatened, she made the brave choice to approach the king and risk her life to save them. With the help of her trusty sidekick, a.k.a. cousin Mordecai, she was able to foil the plot of the wicked villain Haman and rescue her people.

As I grew up, reread the story and more fully understood its context, I realised that Esther’s journey to the palace wasn’t the audition of a lifetime; it was more of a sentence than an opportunity. She was forced to leave her home with the knowledge she would never come back, regardless of whether she was selected as queen or not. Her life was now confined to the palace, where the greatest

Growing up with Esther 20 WarCry 19 FEBRUARY 2022

…COURAGE ISN’T BORN FROM RECKLESSLY STEPPING INTO DANGER, BUT FROM STANDING UP WHEN THERE’S A GREAT LIKELIHOOD THAT IT COULD COST YOU GREATLY. likelihood was that she would remain in the king’s house of concubines, with no family of her own, waiting there for the rest of her life.

Of all the women summoned to the palace and condemned to this fate, Esther was the one who found favour—first from the king’s eunuch Hegai, who made sure she was in the prime position to make a good impression when it counted most, and then favour with the king himself.

Realistic bravery There is a well-known scene in The Lion King (to borrow from another childhood favourite) when Mufasa explains to his son Simba, ‘I’m only brave when I have to be’. He teaches him that courage isn’t born from recklessly stepping into danger, but from standing up when there’s a great likelihood that it could cost you greatly.

My initial impression of Esther was that she was born with courage, but in Esther 4:11 it shows me that her first instinct was to reject Mordecai’s plan. She knew that if she walked into the throne room uninvited, her life would depend on whether the king held out his sceptre.

Then, when Esther realised that she too was vulnerable to Haman’s decree to eradicate the Jews, she weighed up the significant risk compared with what she might be able to do for her people.

She fasted for three days and put her future in God’s hands. The situation was unpredictable as she entered the room.

After all, this was the same king who had banished the previous queen for offending him.

Esther didn’t have superhuman bravery.

Her decision was to act in spite of her fear, rather than because of her innate courage. Esther’s story no longer seems as fantastical as it once did—and that’s a good thing. That kind of quiet faith, choosing to act despite fear, feels far more manageable in my own life.

Beyond the royal sheen I also believe Esther must have been clever. There’s no way to know if she was book smart, but she must have had social smarts and reasonable tactical thinking. The Bible doesn’t clarify how the plan to invite the king and Haman to

the two banquets was devised, but it was Esther who needed to tread carefully and position herself well.

I wonder how she felt sitting through the first banquet, potentially recovering from the terror of risking her life earlier in the day. She had to patiently act the part of the beloved queen—dining with the man who wanted to murder her people out of spite and the king who had agreed to his scheme—so that all of the dominoes could tumble at the second banquet. By then, everything was in place to secure Haman’s punishment.

Both Esther and Mordecai had the king’s favour. Haman, on the other hand, had built the gallows intended for Mordecai and naively believed he was the one in the good books.

The story doesn’t have a happy ending as much as it has a violent one. Haman was condemned to the same fate he planned for Mordecai, while Esther was permitted to pen an additional decree for the Jews to defend themselves, which resulted in days of bloody battle.

In many ways, the version of Esther I first knew as a child is far easier to stomach. There were no girls taken to the palace against their will. There was less bloodshed.

However, knowing Esther’s tale with greater nuance means I can learn more from it. The heart of the story remains the same: that God used a woman plucked from obscurity to set an extraordinary turn of events in motion, which would save her people from genocide. But it wasn’t about being born with courage; it was about having the faith to step in the room and trust that God would handle the circumstances.

That bravery is much more achievable and makes Esther a more familiar heroine than any fairy-tale character.

…GOD USED A WOMAN PLUCKED FROM OBSCURITY TO SET AN EXTRAORDINARY TURN OF EVENTS IN MOTION… 19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 27 Feb: Installation for Divisional Commander Major Susan Goldsack, Christchurch City Corps (online) Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) No engagements at this time.

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

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Want to Know More?

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

you can make a difference By sponsorship of a child-focused programme, you not only provide a community in need with generous support, but you're also able to see your donations make a difference by knowing a child you support grows up educated, healthy and happy.

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PRAY We continue to pray for the Kingdom of Tonga in this time of need, Hastings Corps, Hāwera Corps, Hibiscus Coast Corps, Wellington Housing Programme and The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Quiz Answers: 1 Croatia, 2 1950s, 3 The sciatic nerve, 4 Ten, 5 Bread of Deceit (Proverbs 20:17).

22 WarCry 19 FEBRUARY 2022

You can’t build without a toolbox!

No builder is complete without their tools. Fill out the blank spaces to find out what’s in your toolbox. These might be people, animals, things, toys, TV programmes, places you love … all of the resources that make you who HAMMER: Somebody/ you are and give you the strength to build Something that gives you the strength to an awesome life for yourself.

DUCT TAPE: Somebody/Something that holds things together for you when it feels like they are falling apart.

TORCH: Somebody/Something that shines a light on things you didn’t see before.

SANDPAPER: Somebody/Something that makes life feel a little less rough around the edges.

TAPE MEASURE: Somebody/Something that keeps things in perspective and shows you how big or small the things in life really are.

‘…And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.’

Nehemiah 2:8b

complete hard tasks you cannot do alone.

PROTECTIVE GOGGLES: Somebody/Something that keeps you out of danger.

SPANNER: Somebody/ Something that helps you put things together.

Look at all of these cool tools you’ve got in your toolbox— now, you can draw it!

When Nehemiah learned that the wall of Jerusalem, which kept his home city safe, had been burned to the ground, he was distraught. He mourned and prayed over the situation for days.

Nehemiah worked as the king’s cupbearer, which was a very important role. One day, King Artaxerxes noticed that Nehemiah seemed unusually upset, so he asked him what was wrong.

You can draw and label these things as literal tools, or use pictures to represent the things you’ve listed above … it’s up to you how you want to illustrate the different things in your toolbox.

Nehemiah knew he had to choose his words carefully around the king, so he explained what had happened. The king sensed his distress and was moved to ask what he could do. Nehemiah boldly asked if he could go home to rebuild the wall, even asking if the king would help him by providing materials and guards for safe travels. Because of Nehemiah’s faith, God made it so that the king honoured his requests.

The process of rebuilding the wall was tough, with many obstacles, but Nehemiah continued to keep God at the centre of his ambitions and he eventually succeeded.

When faced with hard times, remember that with God on our side, we can make a great difference for good.

Which bird is most suited to work in construction?

A crane.

What kind of building has the least weight?

A lighthouse.

Which snake loves building houses?

A boa constructor.

THINK ABOUT...

How many different ways did God protect Nehemiah in this story?

19 FEBRUARY 2022 WarCry

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2022

Navigating the Rapids

Whakatere Ana I Ngā Tere

Paul Barber, Ronji Tanielu and Ana Ika Social Policy Analysts February 2022 We welcome your feedback

PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6011 Email social.policy@salvationarmy.org.nz facebook.com/SPPUNZ

This report is available for viewing or download from www.salvationarmy.org.nz/SOTN2022