24 February 2018 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 24 FEBRUARY 2018 | Issue 6686 | $1.50

‘Friending’ Adult Children

Mark’s Story: From Prison to Free Man

Support for Cyclone Gita Kiwi Leaders Take Over the UK

By Way of the Cross: A Journey For Lent

AMPLIFY

HIS NAME Recapping Amplify Creative Arts Camp 2018

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL André Cox | FOUNDERS William

& Catherine Booth

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

MANAGING EDITOR Ingrid Barratt | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford, Vivienne Hill | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kris Singh OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box

6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Fax (04) 382 0716, Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone

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

PRINT MANAGEMENT www.makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset

is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

Publishing for 134 years | Issue 6686 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

www.salvationarmy.org.nz salvationarmyNZFijiTonga @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft

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Meeting Mark One of the real joys of being part of the Salvation Army’s mission is getting to know and communing with people that I should—by rights—have nothing in common with. When someone sits down with me and entrusts me with their story, it truly is an honour. It is humbling.

This week, we have the privilege of sharing Mark’s story (p. 6). Mark never had a chance, really. He was plied with alcohol as a child. He was put to work when he was 12. By the time he was in his teens, he was the archetypal hardened criminal. Yet as Mark shared his story with me, his voice was soft and his face full of warmth. We shared a hug at the end.

We should have nothing in common, but we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

And that means we have everything in common.

Mark is great in the Kingdom of God because he was given very little, and with that he is doing much. For people like me, making good life choices is nothing more than going-with-the-flow of what my parents taught me. But for someone like Mark, it means choosing to walk a path he was never taught. While in theory we all have choices, it is much harder to make a choice that you don’t know exists.

Mark turned his back on crime. He attended the Bridge programme and has been sober for two-and-a-half years. He has a seat at God’s table. Sadly, Mark is suffering from liver failure, but his story is far from over. Please join me in praying for him.

Ingrid Barratt Editor

‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’

Winston Churchill

Luke 21:1–3 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others …’

Ruka 21:1–3 Nā ka titiro ake ia, ka kite i te hunga taonga, e maka ana i ā rātou moni hoatu noa ki te takotoranga moni. Ā ka kite ia i tētahi pouaru rawakore, e maka ana i ngā moni nohinohi rawa e rua ki reira. Nā ka mea ia, ‘He pono tāku e mea nei ki a koutou, nui kē tā tenei pouaru rawakore i maka ai i a rātou katoa … ’

S

ome topics make for great television, others … not so much. Eternal damnation isn’t usually associated with entertainment or comedy—but Netflix has done both with its award-winning show The Good Place.

Eleanor Shellstrop (Kirsten Bell) wakes up in the afterlife and meets Michael (Ted Danson) who announces that she is in ‘the good place’— a Heaven-like elysium he designed, in reward for her righteous life.

The problem is it’s a case of mistaken identity and she should have been sent to ‘the bad place’.

Eleanor must figure out how to become a good person, without getting exposed as a fraud. Eleanor enlists the help of Chidi, a professor of moral philosophy, who is matched as (the real) Eleanor’s soulmate.

Chidi begins to teach Eleanor ethics and they both quickly realise this is not going to be easy.

Every person on earth is awarded points based on all the good or bad activities they do. We soon learn that Eleanor’s score was over 4000 bad points. She definitely deserved to be sent to the bad place— each legitimate resident of ‘the good place’ had an average of one million good points.

This show isn’t so much a commentary about heaven and hell, but about grace versus works, and whether people are inherently good or bad. Eleanor is trying to tip the scales—hoping each good act will cancel out one bad one. But there is no room for repentance, no accounting for a changed life—

unless you manage to live on the ‘right side of the line’ long enough to build up enough good credit.

This pseudo-heaven operates from a worksbased, grace-stripped environment—so very different from the environment of heaven that we believe in as Christians.

The Good Place is highly entertaining and gives people the opportunity to dialogue about those things rarely talked about in the lunch room—life-after-death, what it means to live a good life, and whether God is real.

Christianity Today captured one of the great elements of the show. ‘The Good Place treats everyday decisions of Eleanor’s—how she speaks about people, behaves in the yogurt line, does or doesn’t do her share of the chores—as moments that matter.’

And isn’t that an important way to view our life? That each interaction, each action is a moment that matters—not because it adds or subtracts from our tally to get into heaven—but because it reflects what we believe and who we believe in.

God is the opposite of a cosmic good/bad calculator.

He is a God of forgiveness and grace, who wants a personal relationship with each of us.

Spoiler Alert: According to The Good Place we will be able to fly in heaven and eat any flavour of frozen yogurt whenever we want—yes and amen!

BY SHAR DAVIS 24 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 3

Action / Adventure Black Panther (M, Violence) Ryan Coogler

The latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe sees T’Challa, new king of the fictional nation of Wakanda, struggle to lead his country after the death of his father.

Vibrant colours and a bevy of strong female characters—who more than hold their own against the men—make for a compelling watch. The film explores challenging political ideas of nationhood, tradition, oppression and foreign aid, in a narrative that lays out the complex problems real-world nations are experiencing. The villains are relatable, which allows us to re-examine our preconceived ideas about how to solve the issues we face today. One drawback is a soundtrack that awkwardly flips between (truly compelling) African-inspired beats and an orchestral score, which can be disorientating. Ultimately, this film is about confronting the sins of our fathers: a call to repentance which Jesus-followers should appreciate. (Reviewed by Sam Coates)

GOODSTUFF

There are still a few days left of Resene’s Hunger For Colour campaign, where you can exchange canned goods for testpots. All the cans collected go to Salvation Army foodbanks.

Here are few simple ideas for the weekend: • Grab a metallic testpot like ‘Gold Dust’, take the paper off some empty cans and paint them to make funky vases or storage.

• Use masking tape to create geometric shapes and colour-in with pops of colour—you can use this technique to decorate walls, lampshades, flower pots, furniture … just about anything.

• Use a stencil and decorate your gumboots!

• Paint rocks from your garden and then hide them in a local park for others to find.

On Yer Bike!

When Tony Martindale decided to have the adventure of a lifetime, he also wanted to give back to The Salvation Army.

Beginning on 28 February, Tony will be riding his bike 3000 kilometres from Cape Reinga to Bluff as part of a ‘bikepacking’ event called Tour Aotearoa. This is a self-sufficient tour the length of New Zealand, which must be completed within 30 days. ‘It’s not a race, it’s tramping on a bike,’ explains Tony—who in his other life works in IT. Tony said he had always been an adventurer at heart having completed ultramarathons, but in his sixth decade and with largely grown-up kids, he has the time to take on some new adventures.

Having recently become an adherent at the Salvation Army’s Johnsonville Corps in Wellington, Tony also wanted to raise support for the Army.

‘Being a person of faith and able to do an event like this, I’m aware that I’m in a very privileged position,’ says Tony. ‘I want to use the opportunity to raise awareness of what The Salvation Army's Community Ministries does and raise funds for the work it does in supporting the community.’

And you don’t have to be ‘borderline obsessive’ about fitness to do something meaningful: ‘It’s amazing what we are all capable of when we push ourselves, not just physically but spiritually as well,’ says Tony.

Find out more or donate | ‘Tony Tours Aotearoa For the Sallies’ Facebook page

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ONTHESPOT JL Pawley Working with literacychallenged kids, Kiwi Jessica Pawley set out to write a book they would want to read. She has become a fan fave for her young adult science fiction novels, and recently released her new novel Air Born.

Secret Indulgence: Nacho cheese-flavoured corn chips.

Celebrity crush: Emma Watson.

What I’m watching or reading: Fellow Kiwi author Gareth Ward’s book The Traitor and the Thief—I love the concept of steampunk, so I’m really looking forward to it. (Also, one of my own books came runner-up to it in the Tessa Duder Award last year, so I’m looking to learn a thing or two!)

One thing I love: Inconsiderate or aggressive driving.

Something that would surprise us behind the scenes of your job: How much a manuscript is changed—or completely deleted!—before it finally makes it to print.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

Dr Seuss I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups It’s surprisingly easy to make your own fruit rollups—a great, healthy treat for lunchboxes! | Makes 12 Choose one of the following: 3 cups blueberries

QUIKQUIZ

1 What was the nationality of Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot?

or 3 cups hulled strawberries and 2 Tbsp honey or 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced, and 1 Tbsp honey

4 What type of grain is fermented to make the Japanese drink sake?

5 What prophet’s buried bones worked a miracle?

Answers on page 22

Pour the sauce onto a baking tray lined with a silicone baking mat and smooth into a thin, even layer.

Bake for six hours at 80ºC, until entire surface is just dry to the touch.

Once cool, turn the baking mat onto a cutting board and remove the silicone baking mat.

2 Everton Football Club is based in which English city?

3 What are the German pants known as ‘lederhosen’ made from?

Place fruit (and honey if required) in a food processor or blender and puree into a thick, smooth sauce.

Roll the fruit sheet and cut into 1 inch (2 cm) pieces. Enjoy!

Note: If your fruit sheet is a bit too dry and you worry that rolling will cause it to crack, cover the surface with a few damp paper towels for a few minutes and try again.

Source | tasty.co

Weird of the Week: Last month, 12 camels were disqualified from Saudi Arabia’s annual camel beauty contest after it was discovered they had received botox to make their pouts more alluring.

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Free MAN A

N

When Mark Basford walked out of Britain’s most notorious prison, he vowed to change his life of crime. And he did. Moving to New Zealand, Mark became an acclaimed chef. But alcoholism still kept him in a prison without walls. Today, though, he is a free man.

BY INGRID BARRATT

U

K-born Mark Basford had his first drink at the age of four. ‘I stole what I thought was blackcurrant juice from my nan. When I came to, I was in hospital with a stomach pump.’

At the age of six, he stole his mother’s anti-depressants, which led him to become a ward of the state. He bounced around foster care institutions throughout his early years.

By the age of 12, Mark was living rough under a bridge in Bristol. One day, he stole a charity box from a shop counter to feed himself and was caught by the local police. The police tracked down Mark’s biological grandfather, gave him some money, and dropped him off several hours away at his grandfather’s house.

‘He said, “If you’re going to turn up here you need to bring a bottle of whiskey.”

So I went to the bottle store and bought some whiskey with the money the police had given me and we started drinking together.’

Mark drank until he passed out. The next thing he remembers was being woken up by his father—it was the first time Mark had ever met his dad.

All ye who enter here …

‘My dad took me to a restaurant and left me in the car while he drank inside for a couple of hours. He came back and said, “Right, this is where you start work”.’

Mark reckons his dad owed the chef a debt, so Mark was put to work. Today, we’d call it child trafficking. But for Mark, it was just life.

It was a 13 kilometre walk to and from work each day. Sometimes Mark was so exhausted he simply slept on the side of the road outside the restaurant.

‘The chef was a violent person. One day I was piping mayonnaise and I thought I would cheat and use a spoon. The chef looked at it and reached across the front counter and bashed the hell out of me,’ he recalls.

By the time Mark was in his teens, he had become involved in violent crime and was sentenced to a detention centre. There, he earned a reputation as the toughest of the tough. ‘If a “screw”, as we called them, was upset with one of the inmates they would say to me, “You go and sort them out”. That meant a battery in a sock and just going at them. It was there that I learnt how to be a full-on criminal,’ he says.

When Mark got out there were more burglaries, fights, stolen cars and guns.

‘That worked for me because I could walk around town and everyone was scared of me. If someone upset me I would fire a shot at them.

‘I got involved with putting girls on the street for money. A lot of times I was sitting in the pub with their husbands while they were out there making me money,’ he says softly.

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One day, an armed robbery went awry and Mark was sentenced to four years in Dartmoor Prison—a place with a fierce reputation that even hardened criminals approached with trembling. As you enter the prison, a sign reads: ‘All Ye Who Enter Here Give Up All Hope’.

Reinvention This part of his life is not something Mark talks about—not even his closest friends know about his dark history. Because Mark did what seemed impossible: he reinvented himself.

After getting out of Dartmoor, Mark joined the Navy as a chef. But the drink had a hold of him, and he was expelled. He drifted in and out of other employment and back into crime.

‘One day I was drunk and emotional and I called my brother who had immigrated to New Zealand. He told me to come over, but I needed to stop all that crap. That is when my life changed.

There was no more crime, I buried that part of my life, I had been through enough by then.’ Mark was still only 20 years old.

He worked hard to build a reputation as a chef. Eventually, Mark was able to buy his own fine-dining restaurant in Wellington, Verant. A phenomenal success, it seated 56 people with a long waiting list for bookings. Mark won several accolades, including five Lamb Cuisine awards, three Taste New Zealand awards and Restaurant of the Year. Celebrity chefs visited the restaurant—Mark laughs that one even stole a dessert recipe for his TV show!

But, personally, things were not as sweet. ‘Put it this way, I wouldn’t work for me in my kitchen. I wasn’t as bad as Gordon Ramsey, but not far off.’ His wife left, taking their daughter with her. And, of course, there was always the drinking.

The money runs out And it got worse. Mark bought and sold restaurants. He did a stint as a repo man but found it too demoralising. Eventually, he bought a milk run, distributing to businesses. ‘My health was getting worse and worse. I always had a bottle of Bacardi with me. I would be doing my milk run at two in the morning, drunk as anything.’

By now, Mark had met his second wife—with whom he has had a very happy marriage. But the drink was always there, haunting their happiness. Mark’s health was quickly deteriorating and he had to have his gall bladder out. ‘My surgeon said to me that I had to do something about my drinking, but I didn’t stop.

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‘My house was a party house and every night I had 15–20 people around. I had a fear of not having people around me, and losing the mana I had with them.’

Mark had money—and that was an effective disguise. But his health deteriorated to the point that he could no longer work.

The drinking became constant and secretive. ‘I would wait for my wife to leave for work, and start drinking at 8:30 am. Then I would sleep for a few hours before she got home,’ he says. By now he was drinking a bottle and a half of vodka every day.

‘Gradually, I drank all the money away. My health issues got worse until I was told I needed a liver transplant,’ he says. A normal liver is bigger than a rugby ball, but the surgeon told Mark that his was the size of a raisin. Without an effective liver, his body couldn’t dispose of toxins, leading to obesity and diabetes.

AS YOU ENTER THE PRISON, A SIGN SAYS, ‘ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE GIVE UP ALL HOPE’.

You’ll never get me to church!

By this time, Mark was living in Upper Hutt. He often found himself visiting Booth College of Mission to help out his mate, who worked there as the chef. It wasn’t his first encounter with The Salvation Army—during his years in the hospitality industry he gave thousands of dollars in unused food to our foodbanks.

Karl Foreman, then one of the cadets at Booth College, made a nuisance of himself by always asking Mark to come to church. Karl joked that he’d get Mark to church one day, and Mark would say, ‘No way, no you won’t!’

It was a seemingly simple moment that changed everything for Mark. He went to visit his elderly mum in Australia, and she said: ‘Mark, it is not my job to bury you. It is your job to bury me.’ When he returned to New Zealand, Mark walked into The Salvation Army Upper Hutt Corps and asked for help.

Karl—who was now the corps officer (pastor) at Upper Hutt—took him to see a counsellor and helped him enrol in the Bridge programme to tackle Mark’s addiction issues. Much of his six-month stint at the Bridge is a blur. Mark was in hospital with severe liver failure as often as he was at the programme.

‘The doctors said, “Don’t push it, you’re going to die anyway”.’

‘THE BEST MOMENT FOR ME WAS WALKING BACK INTO THE BRIDGE AFTER SIX MONTHS SOBER AND TELLING MY STORY. I WAS ABLE TO SAY, “I’VE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE … ”’ ‘The only time I had ever been to church was to steal the wine. During rehab I was really anti-God. But the day after I got released, I went to my first AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting and I started to understand the spiritual journey a bit better,’ explains Mark. ‘Instead of saying “God”, we would say “Higher Power”—we knew what it meant, but for people like me it took the scary bit away.’

Mark announced to his friends that his place was now a dry house. All but two of them stopped coming around. ‘It was hard to lose my friends, but instead of turning back, I went to an AA meeting,’ says Mark.

He became involved in the Upper Hutt Corps men’s group, which was a lifeline. Karl, who became a close friend, shares his perspective on Mark’s journey: ‘What was key to Mark’s recovery is that the day after he got out of the Bridge, he headed straight to AA, and ever since he has done something every day to stay sober, including service and sharing the message. Mark is honest and real in sharing his story.’

At the group, Mark learnt more about his Higher Power.

‘I know my Higher Power is God. It’s not a religious journey; it’s a spiritual journey,’ he says. ‘I can’t believe what my spiritual journey has done for me. I can honestly say that if I had known [what a difference God could make], I would have done it years ago.’

Today, Mark shares his story in hospitals, prisons and at Salvation Army Recovery Churches. ‘The best moment for me was walking back into the Bridge after six months sober and telling my story. I was able to say, “I’ve been where you are, but I’ve done it, and so can you”.’

Mark has now been sober for two-and-a-half years.

Discovering God not only helped him give up alcohol, but taught him to tackle the challenges of life—and he has been tested through difficult waters. Mark is currently on the kidney transplant list and has been told that without a kidney, he has a month to live.

‘If God decides to take me, that’s fine. But if he wants me to carry on doing God’s work and service on earth, I pray I can do that. My attitude now is: yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here, just worry about today.’

Need help with your drinking?

0800 53 00 00 | salvationarmy.org.nz/bridge

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‘Friending’ Your Adult Child Parents of young children are often told ‘your job is to be their parent, not their friend’. But what about when your child becomes an adult?

Most parent–child relationships take a hit or two while navigating the teenage years. The good news is, it’s possible to survive these blows and develop a relationship that thrives —as long as you are willing to adjust your expectations and boundary lines.

Moving from childhood to adulthood is a massive time of change and upheaval for kids. As Dr. Henry Cloud puts it, ‘finding your sea-legs in the rocky waters of adulthood can mean temporarily pushing away from those closest to you’. As a parent, this can be hard to deal with: you might be tempted to exert more control over your child, but that’s the opposite of what they need or want.

‘We just have to be there, waiting, respectful of our adult child’s autonomy, agency and hard work … Letting them come back to you on their own terms is a way of acknowledging their adult freedom,’ says Dr. Cloud. He suggests six steps to help our relationships with our adult children.

Apologise: When you recognise you’re still trying to ‘parent’ them, apologise for any hurt caused and signal that you want to work on being friends. This opens up the conversation on what that looks like and how you’d both like to make that happen.

THE GOAL IS FRIENDSHIP NOT COMPLIANCE TO ‘YOUR WAY’ OF DOING THINGS.

Treat your adult child as an equal: No one likes to be talked down to, especially from their parents. Have you ever heard someone say, ‘Well if you’re going to treat me like a child, I’ll behave like one’? Seeing them as an equal, levels the playing field and fosters mutual respect.

Assume competence: ‘Mother knows best’ can no longer be your mantra to your adult child. Yes, you might have an opinion on what they should do, but guess what? No one likes to be told what they should do, especially from someone close to them. If they ask your opinion, remember the goal is friendship not compliance to ‘your way’ of doing things.

Respect separation: You’re not involved in everything your friends do; the same should be true for your children. If you’re feeling hurt because ‘you weren’t invited’ or you’re ‘the last to know’ about something, perhaps take a look at the richness of your own life. Are you just waiting for your kids to involve you, or are you out experiencing life, developing friendships and hobbies of your own?

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Respect freedom: Being able to make our own choices is both powerful and freeing. Trying to control others by taking away their ability to choose is a dangerous habit. You won’t agree with all their choices and they won’t agree with yours. Learning to respect their right to choose frees you from the angst of needing to control them.

Live in acceptance: Be careful how you communicate. No one likes a passive–aggressive person. Don’t slide guilt or judgement into your interactions or they’ll soon realise you’re still holding onto the role of parent and they may just say, ‘Bye Felicia!’

The day the child realises all adults are imperfect he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.’

Alden Nowlan, Canadian poet

TESTIFY! For Janice Millar, working with premature and very ill babies is an opportunity to bring hope in difficult times.

I’ve worked in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Auckland Hospital for 21 years. My parents, Shirley and David Millar, were Salvation Army officers in India for 10 years—I was born there. My mother was a nurse and they had an appointment running a hospital in Ahmednagar. One of my first memories is visiting the children’s ward, playing with the kids, and I developed a passion for children even then.

As a nurse, I worked with adults for a few years, but while I was doing a stint in London I did some work in a NICU and decided that was the area I wanted to move into.

We work with babies who are born from 23 weeks onwards and who are very sick. I have a desire to care and show God’s love, and in this job I can care for the little ones and care for the adults.

It’s a stressful environment, especially for new parents with a sick baby.

Trying to navigate how they can care for their baby while they are attached to ventilators, IV tubes and monitoring equipment is very challenging.

Medically-speaking, for some of the families we’re giving them very little hope—there’s sometimes not a lot we can do.

I try to provide care with love and hope—a realistic hope, which is often celebrating the little things.

For example, even a good morning is something to celebrate.

Sometimes the babies we’ve cared for come back and visit us. It’s amazing to see them many years after— sometimes 20 years after—and find out what they’re up to. Some have a few challenges from being born prematurely, but they’re living

EVEN IF THE HEALING DOESN’T COME …

YOU ARE GOD, YOU ARE GOOD … productive lives, and others do well in our system. It’s always a pleasure to see past patients and it’s encouraging for us in what we do.

At church, I care for the crèche and run a Mainly Music class. It has been lovely over the years to have work mates and their children become part of the group and I pray that many seeds have been planted.

One time at work, they specifically put me with a mum who also had a toddler, because they knew I do Mainly Music. That mum ended up coming to Mainly Music with her little ones.

At Mainly Music we had a little girl who got leukaemia at three—she’s someone whose family have become friends and we’ve journeyed with over the years.

She’s now 17, and she’s doing well with her passion for music. Her baby sister also went through our unit.

I still love what I do and feel this is where God wants to use me—even in the tough times. There’s a song by Kutlass that I think of with regards to my job. It says: ‘Even if the healing doesn’t come, and life falls apart and the dreams are still undone, you are God, you are good, forever faithful one’.

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WHAT DO CAMPS, CARBS AND CARPET BURNS HAVE IN COMMON?

AMPLIFY CREATIVE ARTS CAMP! Amplify 2018 was another incredible seven days of hanging out, learning more, getting creative, digging deeper, encountering Jesus and a whole heap of good times.

Amplify is The Salvation Army’s territorial creative arts camp for anyone from school year 11–30 years old. It was held at Silverstream Retreat near Upper Hutt from 15–21 January.

Delegates chose a major and minor to focus on throughout the week—such as dance, drama, photography, church production, writing, music, sports and hospitality. They also took part in a bunch of cool workshops, daily Bible studies, church services, an exhibition night and plenty of other sweet activities throughout the week.

Amplify is always an amazing time, and 2018 was no different.

Check out some of the highlights …

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BY VANESSA SINGH

TOP FIVE CLASSIC MOMENTS 1 That time we all turned up to camp to set up and realised 50 per cent of camp was now a construction zone. Massive diggers, piles of rock, deep ditches and enough industrial fencing to enclose a small town— it all added to the creative/DIY vibe of camp … we guess.

2 Who knew a smelly, dirty pile of old Family Store clothes could get people so enthused? People went nuts during the clothes pile activity in the big game—massive dives, wrestling, tackles, collisions, carpetburns … all to find that one piece of gross old clothing.

3 Tom Medland busting out a road cone during worship on the final morning of camp. Last year the lime tree made an appearance, this year one of the many road cones from around the construction zones at camp turned up to get its praise on …

4 Guest speaker, Justin Rose, attempting to stage dive during the final act of Exhibition Night. It took three goes but Justin rode that human wave like a rockstar.

5 This year’s Exhibition Night opener was the best yet—Micah Tofilau and Peter Montgomery busted out their best The Greatest Showman movie impersonations and got the crowd ready for an incredible night.

TOP FOUR BONDING MOMENTS 1 Checking out some incredible talent at the Café Acoustic Night was awesome. Such a cool night eating nuggs, drinking milkshakes, chatting with new friends and listening to the amazing talent of the Amplify campers and staff.

2 The ‘spontaneous’ (although, it’s becoming tradition now …) dance party on the final night of camp was awesome. Bringing all that energy from Exhibition Night and dancing the night away—encouraging anyone and everyone (including Jim Downey) to dance in the middle of the circle. Good times!

3 The four church services of the week were a cool opportunity to meet together, get into worship and the Word, hear from God, and get into some really meaningful discussion and prayer times together. Life changing!

4 Exhibition Night was an amazing time of encouragement and celebration of all we had learned and developed during the week. Different majors and minors had the opportunity to perform or showcase what they had been up to. And all our family and friends got to tune in online!

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AMPLIFY BY THE NUMBERS • The number of carpet burns caused by the clothes pile game: way toooo many.

• The number of carb-based meals at camp: 9/10.

• The number of seconds it took for all the free hospitality major butter chicken meals to disappear: about three!

• The number of sunny days at camp: the most ever!

• The number of nuggs sold at the café: one billion.

• The number of campers who ended up on crutches: only two! And a broken hand…

• The number of meals ordered from Silverstream McDonald’s during the week: enough to keep them in business ’till next Amplify.

• The number of cars crushed by falling trees: only one—the camp owner’s…

• The number of parties in Heaven because of the decisions and transformations across the week: too many to count!

TOP FOUR CHURCH CHALLENGES • Courtney’s ‘Weariness’ sermon: Courtney used the story of Elijah to show that even an incredible man of God like Elijah got tired and needed God to encourage him through the whisper. Courtney encouraged us that God wants to heal our weariness and for us to start afresh.

• J ustin’s ‘Desperate’ sermon: Justin used the story of the widow and the oil jars in 2 Kings to challenge us to think about what we’re desperate for.

Justin asked us, what do we have that we can offer the Lord? And are there jars we’re holding onto? We should let God fill them all!

• Courtney’s ‘Holiness’ sermon: Courtney shared Hannah’s story about being a woman with nothing, but she devoted her life to God and changed the world. Courtney shared how Hannah’s story tells us that we always have something to offer God, and that we should pursue holiness.

• Justin’s ‘Adoration’ sermon: Justin used the story of Martha and Mary to illustrate how Jesus says there is only one thing that matters—the desire to be close to Him. Justin reminded us, like Mary, to come to Jesus’ feet and to continually become less so he can become more.

14 firezone.co.nz 24 FEBRUARY 2018

CAMPER HIGHLIGHTS Christina Packer / Glen Eden / 7 Amplifys Mine would be getting to know the guest speakers more and spend time with everyone at camp. Major was Visual Art and minor was Craft.”

“

Emma Thomson / Johnsonville / 2 Amplifys I really enjoyed dancing throughout the week in Dance minor, and showcasing the finished product on exhibition night because it was just so much fun. Even though I’m not a good dancer, I felt like one and that made me happy! I can’t wait for next year.”

“

Erin Smith / Johnsonville / 1 Amplify Working with all the cool girls in Vocal minor and performing with them at exhibition night! It was so fun being able to sing in front of such a supportive audience and then being able to party until midnight afterwards! Definitely going again next year!”

“

Runa Haszard / Blenheim / 1 Amplify The three times I felt God in me and I stepped out of my comfort zone and went to the front and prayed.”

“

Jessica Rowe / New Lynn / 2 Amplifys Dance major and minor—it was an incredible dance and I had so much fun performing!

I’m definitely going again next year!”

“

Carrie Dudding / Napier / 2 Amplifys Doing the livestream for the exhibition night!

It was my second Amplify and can’t wait for next year’s!”

“

Dania Lawrence / Whangarei / 1 Amplify Loved it! Highlight was exhibition night, lowlight was leaving.”

“

Kobi Haig / Tawa / 1 Amplify Getting to know more people who share the same beliefs as me and just being able to be with me throughout the week.”

“

Georgia Eilering / Whangarei / 1 Amplify The beautiful people, but also the challenging and inspiring words from both Courtney and Justin! I definitely went away from my first experience at Amplify feeling very confronted to do more in regards to my relationship with God, which in the end will be extremely rewarding.”

“

Photography: Kris Singh, Kevin David and Georgia Cotter.

24 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 15

SALVATION ARMY LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR CYCLONE GITA In response to Cyclone Gita, The Salvation Army has launched an appeal to help support the people of Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

‘In response to this emergency across the islands and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Pacific, The Salvation Army is launching an appeal to help with the emergency and rebuilding,’ said Salvation Army chief secretary, Suzanne Fincham.

Tonga was hit by Cyclone Gita on 13 February—described as the worst storm to hit the island nation in 60 years. Winds reached up to 278 km per hour, devastating buildings, cutting power to large areas of the country and leaving 33 people injured.

About 70 per cent of the population has been affected by the cyclone and key buildings have been destroyed.

Later that day, Cyclone Gita hit the southern islands of Fiji.

The storm had already passed through Samoa leaving thousands without power and water. A state of emergency was declared there.

The Salvation Army’s six corps (churches) in Tonga opened their doors to families forced from their homes during and after the storm. They have been hard at work helping with the clean-up— providing shelter, safe food and water, and helping patch up homes.

Around 3000 people have been sheltering in evacuation centres and the Army is working with the government of Tonga to assess the best response—for both urgent needs and the longterm rebuilding.

‘Our prayers go out for the many others whose homes and lives have been battered by the storm,’ said Suzanne.

Regional commander Captain Sila Siufanga says the Army’s commitment is to support people through the emergency, and help the people of Tonga come back stronger and more resilient for the future. ‘The storm has come and the clean-up will be hard. But we know in the islands, after the storm the clouds will clear and the sun will come back, and we’re working to help that happen for all Tongans.’

The Salvation Army has a long-standing history of work in Fiji, including being heavily involved in the response to Cyclone Winston in 2016, and is in the process of establishing work in Samoa. We are working with the governments of both nations to see how we can assist their people through the emergency and in the many months and years of rebuilding afterwards.

‘We ask all Salvationists to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Pacific at this time,’ said Suzanne.

Donations in support of those affected by Cyclone Gita can be made to The Salvation Army Pacific Emergency Fund. You can either make a one-off donation online (please specify ‘Cyclone Gita’ and/or the region you’d like to support in the Comments section), or go to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/pacificemergencyfund to see other ways you can support The Salvation Army’s work to help those affected by this disaster.

Photography: John Pulu.

16 WarCry 24 FEBRUARY 2018

GAZETTE Bereaved: Karen Baker, of her stepfather Ross Conza on 9 February. Please remember Capts Karen and Shaun Baker in your prayers, along with Karen’s mum Dawn Hill and other family members, at this time of loss and grief.

Cambridge Corps Enrolments Cambridge Corps enrolled one new Soldier (Joy Beech) and three new Adherents (Lyn Hunt, Barbara Stewart and Danielle Todd) on Sunday 3 December 2017. This was an exciting time for the Corps with two of the ladies only making a decision for Christ the previous month. The service itself was well attended with many showing their support for the step of faith and commitment shown by Cambridge Corps’ newest members.

Left: Captain Karen Baker, Joy Beech, Lyn Hunt, Barbara Stewart, Danielle Todd, Captain Shaun Baker. Behind: David Ashton (Flag Bearer).

Thrills and Spills at BMAC Summit Whack! Ten seconds in and already down. This was my opening foray into the thrilling adventure that is Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (BMAC) mountain bike riding. At this point, as a city boy, I knew it was going to be a long day and the start to a long week.

This close encounter with a bike, a thistle bush, a tree and me, left me with a choice: get up and ride on or give in and call it a day. Seven crashes later, and a whole lot of mean bruises and scratches, marked the completion of the day. But the personal satisfaction of finishing and not giving up left me realising that this week was going to be full of rewarding experiences.

This was just one example of the choices that we faced during the week long adventure at BMAC’s, The Summit. These adventures provided the opportunity to push through and learn something new about ourselves and our God-breathed potential.

Around 20 campers from all over New Zealand and Tonga faced the challenge—whether it was to step out on the high ropes, squeeze

through the tight cave spaces, enter the white water rafting boats and much more.

This was a great week of adventure, encouragement, challenge, choice and thrills. It provided the springboard for these

young people to discover more about who they were created to be, and left them with the desire to experience more.

BY BEN MAXWELL

24 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 17

Dates to Decide New General Announced Plans have been announced for replacing Salvation Army General André Cox, who this year will retire as the Army’s international leader.

General Cox will complete his term on 2 August 2018, and The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters has announced plans are being developed for a High Council—the body which elects The Salvation Army General—to be held in May. The High Council will commence on Thursday 17 May 2018 in London.

A farewell to General Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries) will be held on Saturday 19 May, at Westminster Central Hall.

A High Council is comprised of all active Salvation Army commissioners (except the spouse of the serving General), territorial commanders and territorial presidents of women’s ministries. There are 111 Salvation Army officers eligible for membership of the 2018 High Council.

Any active Salvation Army officer is eligible to be elected as General, regardless of membership of the High Council.

In order to ensure that each High Council member can contribute fully in the holy tasks of prayer, worship, devotion and deliberation, translation will be provided in French, Hindi, Korean and Spanish.

Plans are also being formulated to provide updates throughout the High Council. A live webcast will be broadcast to announce the 21st General of The Salvation Army at the conclusion of proceedings.

A special section of the International Headquarters website will carry all 2018 High Council news.

HIGH COUNCIL UPDATES | salvationarmy. org/highcouncil2018

18 WarCry 24 FEBRUARY 2018

Kiwi Couple Take Over UK and Ireland

Commissioners Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham have been installed as leaders of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland (UKI).

As UKI leaders, they are travelling in the footsteps of Salvation Army founder William Booth. So it was fitting that they were officially installed in a ceremony at the William Booth Memorial Halls Corps (church) in Nottingham—less than a mile from Booth’s birthplace.

The ceremony was conducted by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Brian Peddle) and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries).

Colonel David Hinton (Chief Secretary, UKI) opened the ceremony and LauraJane Kingscott (Divisional Youth Specialist, West Midlands Division) welcomed the new territorial leaders on behalf of young people and youth leaders.

She said the most important things for young people were, ‘Going deeper in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus, authenticity, that they are valued for who they are, and [they are] given opportunities to grow in their faith and leadership’.

Greeting the new leaders on behalf of the territory’s officers, Major Anita Purkiss (Leicester West) said she realised that the Buckinghams were a very long way from home and she appreciated the sacrifice of leaving their family behind. But, she said, ‘We will promise to pray that you would know the Lord holding you close in those moments when the inevitable homesickness strikes’.

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (Territorial Leader for Leader Development) responded to the welcomes, expressing how the Bible verses from Philippians 1 were especially significant. The commissioner showed a picture of her family and described them as ‘an extension of us’. She acknowledged that ‘God who calls, always equips’.

The Chief of the Staff described the UKI Territory as a ‘God-glorifying expression, daily’, adding: ‘The days ahead are going to be incredible.’ He commended Commissioners Lyndon and Bronwyn to be ‘leaders to these, your people, shepherds of God’s flock, leading in mission and also appointed to be stewards of all that is temporal underpinning mission ... knowing that you are daily accountable to God’.

In the sacred moments that followed, the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle installed the commissioners as leaders of the territory, before praying for them. The congregation greeted the new leaders with a round of applause.

Territorial Commander, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, addressed the congregation with passion and conviction, taking as his theme ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus’. He lifted up the fantastic things happening in the territory, together with the amazing people doing the work. He acknowledged the challenges, but wanted to emphasise the mission that was being achieved.

‘It’s the courage that we find in [Christ’s] name that counts,’ he said. ‘It’s the hope that we find in his name that matters, it’s the confidence that we place in him that makes a difference. His name is Jesus and we love him. We serve him and we honour him and we march in his name.’

Tribute: Major John (Jack) McNabb

GOD DESIGNED YOU, AND HIS DESIGN DEFINES YOUR DESTINY. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently completed her first hundred days in office. This was a milestone for our nation.

‘A true inspiration’ was the description most often heard at the memorial service for Major John (Jack) McNabb. As young Lieutenants in 1955, John and Marion were transferred to the Howard Institute in Rhodesia. Apart from three years’ service in New Zealand from 1960-63, Africa became their life, and this was where their four children were raised.

The loss of Marion to cancer in 1984 was a huge blow, but the following year John was remarried to Major Maria Norgate.

They continued in active service until 1990 when they retired. They were later re-deployed for six years at Robertson Corps in Southern Africa Territory, and continued to support the Corps until poor health in his final years curtailed this.

Jack was promoted to glory on 14 January, at the age of 93 years.

Jack was a keen cyclist and prolific letter writer. Both family and friends were recipients of his regular inspirational letters, full of scripture verses and praise to the Lord.

The wonderful thanksgiving service at Linwood Corps in Christchurch, held in February, enabled the wider New Zealand family to gather in remembrance. It was led by his nephew Captain Paul Gardner, with tributes given by Ashley McNabb, his eldest son from Johannesburg, and Major Lucien Middleton, on behalf of the family. Grandaughter Linette Osterloh also participated, and Lieut-Colonel Lilian Greig read the record of officer service.

Jack had surely lived the words of the rousing final song, ‘And now hallelujah, the rest of my days shall gladly be spent in promoting his praise’, accompanied by a small band ( led by John Gardner). Well done, good and faithful servant!

BY COLLEEN MARSHALL

The Salvation Army also had a milestone, with the launch of State of the Nation— marking 10 years since it was first produced by the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU). As we reflect back over the past decade, we see the impact it has made: setting out challenges for social justice, wrestling with moral and social issues, and speaking out for those vulnerable in society. But more than that …

We are The Salvation Army in the 21st Century that continues to bring life, offering a place where all belong. We continue to lay God’s foundations, and—together with all God’s children—make a difference, giving people the chance to start again.

I like DIY and home make-over programmes. You see tired, old houses, and people who have lost the will to do anything with their homes—then the team come in and transform it. Wow! It’s amazing!

But what’s even more amazing is that God is in the business of restoration and building. In fact, he has been doing it since creation. God makes the difference.

He restores; he is the Master Builder. God—with His Son Jesus, the carpenter— don’t just move a few shelves around. They do a complete restoration. They have high aspirations for each one of their children.

God shaped each one of his children with a purpose. God designed you, and his design defines your destiny. God is creative, he is distinct, he is in control of his creation. He chose to create us and we are valuable in His eyes.

God, who created at the beginning of time, saw that it was good. Today, we are still his precious children. He is pleased with how he made us. At times, life can make us feel worthless and of little value—at these times, we must remember we are valuable to Him. God is building and restoring. God doesn’t check the weather—he created the weather! God doesn’t defy gravity—he created gravity! God is the creator, governor and preserver of all creation. He perfectly builds and restores.

As the Psalmist says in Psalm 23:3 ‘He restores my soul’: • God doesn’t reform—he restores • God doesn’t camouflage the old—he restores to new • God restores our lives—with hope.

May we continue to allow God to complete his building work within us.

Colonel Melvin Fincham Territorial Secretary for Programme and Territorial Secretary for Communications 24 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 19

BY WAY OF THE CROSS 20 WarCry 24 FEBRUARY 2018

It seems just a few weeks ago we were celebrating Jesus as a baby.

Now, we are preparing to see the man on the cross who dies for the sins of the world—yours and mine as well. What took him from the manger to the cross? Barbara Sampson continues our journey through Lent.

DAY

ONE

Taking up the cross: Matthew 10:38 ‘Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.’

This is the first mention of the cross in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus clearly has a sense of carrying a cross—a burden, a heavy load—as he lives out the commission he has been given, ‘to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ (Luke 4:18,19). Jesus now passes on that same commission to his chosen disciples as he prepares to send them out to minister in his name.

What does ‘taking up your cross and following Jesus’ mean to you in your life right now? Is this one momentous decision, or more of a daily practice?

Lord, I choose to set my heart on pilgrimage, following the way of the cross this season of Lent.

DAY

TWO

Would you have been any different? How can you ‘watch and pray’ with Jesus in these days? On whose behalf does Jesus call you to pour out your heart and soul?

Lord, help me not forget all you suffered and carried for me.

Facing the cross: Luke 9:51 ‘As the time approached for him to be taken to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.’

Jesus ministered in all the regions of Galilee yet his eyes were constantly set on Jerusalem, the Holy City, and his ultimate destiny there. He did not seem to show any desire to avoid the cross. He gave no hint of wanting to run and hide as Elijah and Jonah had done.

Jesus faced Jerusalem and all that it would mean, knowing he carried the purposes of God in his heart and would one day bear the sins of the world on his shoulders. How was he so sure of his calling? How did he remain so resolute in the face of suffering?

What do you think sustained Jesus on his journey? What people or practices sustain you on your chosen way?

DAY

‘LORD, I CHOOSE TO SET MY HEART ON PILGRIMAGE, FOLLOWING THE WAY OF THE CROSS THIS SEASON OF LENT.’ DAY

FOUR

Lord, help me walk this day in the certainty of your love and grace.

Carrying the Cross: Mark 15:21–24

THREE

‘A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.’

The looming cross: Matthew 26:38 ‘[Jesus] took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me”.’

We walk reverently into this stark scene at Gethsemane. Jesus, Lamb of God, knows that he is about to suffer on the cross. The beloved Son who has never been out of communion with the Father is about to suffer the abandonment of God for the sake of the world (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Who would not flinch under such a dreadful prospect? Jesus asks his closest friends to keep watch with him and pray him through this time.

But they, exhausted, fall asleep. How human they are!

On the way to Calvary, Jesus collapses under the weight of the cross. A man who happened to be passing by—maybe going in the opposite direction, head down, minding his own business—is suddenly pressed into service and forced to carry the cross. What happens for Simon as he does so? Simon has no choice in this matter, but as he looks into the bloodied face of Jesus, what does he see? Pain—for sure. Pity—maybe. A plea—for what?

Matthew, the author, seems to know Simon’s sons. How do you think Simon’s life was changed forever that day?

‘JESUS, KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS, HOPING, TRUSTING, LOVING, PRAYING.’ DAY

FIVE

Near the cross: Matthew 27:55–56 ‘Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.’

There was quite a crowd gathered at Calvary that day. Pilate’s soldiers were the ones in charge of the crucifixion.

Gruesome task as it was, these were hardened men and this was just another day’s work. Once the crucifixion was done they threw dice for Jesus’ clothing, then sat close by to watch him die. Chief priests, teachers of the law, elders—the whole religious spectrum was there.

Alongside Jesus, on crosses of their own, were two robbers: one spitting venom, the other more aware of who Jesus was.

Passers-by hurled their own insults.

Standing not far away was a group of women—including Jesus’ mother— watching, waiting, weeping.

What do you think it was like to be an onlooker? If you had been there that day, where would you have been standing? What would have been your stance, your attitude?

Jesus, keep me near the cross, hoping, trusting, loving, praying.

Imagine being Simon … What would your reaction be? What would you see in the face of Jesus as you walk this sorrowful way with him? How can you help Jesus carry his cross today?

Lord, let me have a Simon heart today, prepared to do whatever you ask.

24 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 21

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 25 Feb: Installation of Divisional Commanders, Northern Division 26 Feb: Northern Division Summer Councils Colonel Suzanne Fincham (Chief Secretary) 2–5 Mar: Installation of Fiji Divisional Leaders 2–5 Mar: Welcome to Officers and Officers Councils 29 Mar–1 Apr: Easter services at Levin Corps Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 2–5 Mar: Installation of Fiji Divisional Leaders 2–5 Mar: Welcome to Officers and Officers Councils

PRAY

Cambridge Corps, Carterton Corps, Central Taranaki Corps, and Child Sponsorship; The Salvation Army in Taiwan.

Northern & Midland Divisions 29 March–2 April, Mystery Creek, Hamilton Central Division 30 March–2 April Silverstream Retreat, Wellington Southern Division 30 March–2 April Spencer Park, Christchurch

WHO Kids aged 8–13 years.

WHAT A five day camp focused on developing teamwork, leadership and confidence. Tonnes of fun, full of challenges, and a chance to make new friends. An unforgettable opportunity to have a go at the coolest adventures around!

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

Want to Know More?

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

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

19–21 October 2018 Labour Weekend, 19–21 October | Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland For more info visit salvationarmy.org.nz/newzeal More info coming soon Quiz Answers: 1 Belgian, 2 Liverpool, 3 Leather, 4 Rice, 5 Elisha’s (2 Kings 13:20–21).

22 WarCry 24 FEBRUARY 2018

Colour in the picture of the knight battling the dragon!

Put on all the armour that God gives …

Ephesians 6:11 CEV

Imagine you are a brave knight. There is a ginormous, stinky-breathed, hairy-legged, slimey-scaled dragon shooting out poisonous snot! And it’s on its way to your village!

Your knees start to shake. You feel a little bit sweaty. Yep, you’re scared alright, but you march right up to the King and you tell him: ‘I will defeat that snotty-nosed dragon’!

‘Get the armour!’ calls the King.

Suddenly, 10 people are pulling you every which way. They are putting on the: • • • • • •

belt of truth breastplate of righteousness boots of the gospel shield of faith helmet of salvation sword of the Holy Spirit

You take a deep breath, and you go out to get that dragon—even nuclear-strength snot won’t get through this armour …

NOW, WRITE YOUR OWN ENDING!

Finish the story!

Fill in the blanks!

(clue: the answers are in the story …)

Belt of ________________ Breastplate of ________________ Boots of ________________ Shield of ________________ Helmet of ________________ Sword of the ________________

Read the story (on the right) and make up your own ending.

What happens after you put on your armour?

Send your story into WarCry and get a chocolate fish!

Did you know that this armour is described in the Bible? When we believe in God, it’s like holding up a shield of faith. When we speak out the truth, it’s like a belt around us. We are like knights fighting in a battle. But our enemy is not a dragon, it’s anything we’re worried about or scared of. When we ask for God’s help, he protects us—just like armour covering us completely.

Think of something you are scared of or worried about …

God, thank you that you always look after me. Please help me with my fears and worries. Please protect me and keep me safe, just like a suit of armour.

24 FEBRUARY 2018 WarCry 23

‘Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul.

It is a daily admission of one's weakness.

It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.’

Mahatma Gandhi

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2 MARCH