25 February 2017 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 25 FEBRUARY 2017 | Issue 6661 | $1.50

AMPLIFY 2017: This is Who We Are! Avoid the ‘Swim Reaper’

Mike Bryan: ‘The Day I Cracked’ On the Spot with songwriter Luke Oram The Chief of the Staff Visits New Zealand

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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.

EDITOR Major Christina Tyson | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Tanesha Dahya | STAFF WRITERS Ingrid Barratt, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford 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.

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Show me that God is real Essayist Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying. A reminder actions speak louder than words. But Quoteinvestigator.com says the likely original was: Don’t say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary. An even stronger reproach to those who don’t walk the talk.

The Psalmist tells us, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands … They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world (Psalm 19:1,4).

When I place this Bible passage alongside Emerson’s quote, I’m reminded it’s almost impossible to see the beauty of nature and not ask what this means about the existence of God. But I’m also reminded that God intends questions about his existence would be partly answered through the lives of those who follow Jesus.

Which means if the way we live doesn’t back up our professed belief, people will struggle to accept that God exists. Instead, the lack of congruence between words and action will thunder so loudly as to make our words meaningless.

This edition profiles The Salvation Army’s Amplify Creative Arts Camp, held in January. To me, the passionate and committed faith experiences of these young people absolutely backs the truth of God’s existence. When we consider God’s work in their lives, it’s hard to ignore that God is very much alive in our world!

Christina Tyson Editor

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

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

Publishing for 133 years | Issue 6661 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 salvationarmynzftwarcry @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft

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Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.

Albert Einstein

Psalm 19:1 Contemporary English Version The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.

Ngā Waiata 19:1 E kōrerotia ana e ngā rangi te korōria o te Atua; ā e whakaaturia ana e te kikorangi te mahi a ōna ringa.

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’m a real sucker for movies based on true stories. When I saw the preview for the movie Lion I knew it was one I had to see on the big screen. For me, there are movies that can handle being watched on my rather small telly—and there are those that deserve the whole cinema experience.

I knew the premise of the film going in.

Saroo, a young Indian boy gets separated from his brother and somehow ends up being adopted by an Australian couple. In his 20s he begins searching for his home using only the faded memories of his childhood to guide him.

I was unprepared for how much of an emotional impact Saroo’s story would have on me.

I felt sorry for the stranger who had to share the couch seat with me at the cinema. He was perhaps wishing he was sitting elsewhere as I sniffled and sobbed my way through the film.

Parents say that having kids changes you. I wouldn’t know that experience completely, but as I watched Saroo scared, alone and trying to navigate the dangers facing a homeless child in Calcutta I couldn’t help but think of my nephews. They are six, five and three. It felt very close to home as I tried not to imagine how it would be for them if they were in Saroo’s situation.

When Saroo arrives in Australia, dressed in a Tasmania t-shirt and matching shorts, I couldn’t help but think of the hundreds of thousands of people who find themselves in a new land, far from everything that is familiar.

Around the world there is a huge spotlight on refugees and immigrants as the world reacts to President Trump’s immediate and temporary ‘ban’ on people entering the United States. The impact of this has reached every corner of the world and has torn some families apart in an instant.

I went to see Lion, in part to escape what I saw unfolding across social media. But escape isn’t easy. Life can’t be put on hold or blocked out by a movie for too long. The story of Saroo continues to confront my emotions and thoughts. What does home look like? What does it feel like? When people are lost how can they be found? What impact does the disconnect between ethnicity and cultural experience have on someone’s sense of identity and self-worth?

As an adult, Saroo had a fragmented picture of who he was. This incredible story is about him finding his way back home both physically and emotionally. Unlike a Hollywood storyline, not everything works out as Saroo hoped, yet there is still such beauty in the tragedy.

We all dance with tragedy and pain to some degree. Saroo lets us see his dance and we can learn from it. I want to dance like the world is watching me. I hope I can dance with grace and compassion and love.

BY SHAR DAVIS

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GOODSTUFF

Anna Grinis (75) was recently crowned the fifth annual ‘Miss Holocaust Survivor’ in Israel. The annual pageant has around 300 entrants every year aged in their 70s-90s, whittled down to around 15 finalists. Russianborn Anna was only two days old when WWII broke out, escaping Nazi-occupied Europe with her mother. This pageant has been controversial, but organisers Helping Hand—which works with holocaust survivors—says it’s a celebration of life. Around 200,000 holocaust survivors live in Israel, with an estimated 45,000 living in poverty.

In 2013, a New York family bought a $3 bowl at a garage sale. It turned out to be an 11th-century Chinese bowl worth $2.2 million.

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.

Maya Angelou

Spirituality A Survival Guide for Heretics Nicky and Sila Lee ‘Heretics’ are a growing sub-culture within Christianity.

Pastor Aaron Van Voorhis re-appropriates the term to distance himself and others from church orthodoxy—which is so often associated with hypocrisy—and re-define faith in terms of God’s wider, nuanced Kingdom.

The book is formulated around Morgan Scott Peck’s famous ‘stages of faith’ mode.

Many mainstream churches operate at ‘stage two’, in which people are expected to adhere to the same set of beliefs, but Van Voorhis argues it’s possible to go beyond this and nurture a questioning congregation.

Giving people this freedom does not endanger the church, but liberates and re-vitalises Christian ‘heretics’. (Buy from morningstarpublishing.net.au)

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The Swim Reaper The Swim Reaper is part of the campaign from Water Safety NZ, aimed at males from 15-34 years old—who make up about 30 per cent of the drowning toll.

An internet ad shows Kiwi comedian Jimi Jackson and his ‘cuzzy’ daring each other to jump off a cliff into the water, while the Swim Reaper comes towards them. The ad’s tagline is: ‘Be safe around the water this summer … otherwise you’ll meet this d**khead’. It’s dark humour, admits Water Safety NZ’s CEO Jonty Mills. ‘But the macho-Kiwi attitude of “she’ll be right” that still seems to exist when men partake in water-based activities continues to be a deadly one.’

New Zealand has one of the highest preventable drowning tolls in the developed world, with 85 per cent of drownings being men.

The key things to remember are: watch out for yourself and each other, be aware of the dangers, know your limits, and avoid alcohol.

Most drownings happen when people are alone, so swimming with a buddy is key. Children should always be within arm’s length—a toddler can drown in less than a minute. And be aware of the risks in your area, before getting into the water.

If you get caught in a rip, float on your back with the current until it weakens, raise your hand and wave to show you need assistance. When the current has subsided, swim parallel to the shore for 30-40 metres before returning to shore, swimming slowly.

And finally, the question on everyone’s mind: is it ever okay to wear speedos?

‘Speedos are only acceptable if you are in a surf lifesaving competition,’ says Jonty.

Thanks for clearing that up.

QUIKQUIZ 1 Who invented the flushing toilet?

2 What is the food

fight that happens each year in Buñol, Spain?

3 What is the capital city of Tonga?

ONTHESPOT Luke Oram Best Worship Album at this year’s New Zealand Music Award was The Common Good from Edge Kingsland in Auckland. Luke Oram is the band’s songwriter.

Secret indulgence: Cruising Trade Me for taxidermy. I found a guy who dresses possums up with tiny guns.

One thing I love: Fishing. Terribly.

Standing on a dock watching an inert fishing rod for hours.

One thing I hate: I’ve been known to bring dinner parties to a halt over bad grammar.

What I love most about my job: I get to make music with some of my best friends. And that we’re still best friends despite making music together.

Something that would surprise us about your job: In our spare time, my fellow songwriter Nic Manders and I write radio jingles. One day we’ll release an album of ’em.

4 In which century

did the Industrial Revolution begin?

5 What nation’s

women did Isaiah compare to fluttering birds?

Answers on page 22

Thai Beef Salad with Crispy Noodles The original Masterchef, Brett McGregor, gives us his take on a healthy summer salad, showing it’s possible to indulge exotic tastes on a budget.

1 red chilli, finely diced 1 Tbsp olive oil 350g beef schnitzel, finely sliced ½ red onion, finely sliced 90g spinach ¼ cucumber, deseeded and sliced ½ cup chopped mint ½ cup chopped coriander 160g crispy egg noodles Dressing

To make the dressing: Throw the lime juice, fish sauce, chilli and garlic into a jar and shake to combine. Pour half into a bowl and set the remaining aside.

Heat a frypan on high. When really hot add the oil, then the beef schnitzel and stir-fry quickly. Remove and place into the bowl with the dressing.

Combine.

Add remaining ingredients to bowl, then drizzle over the rest of the dressing and combine.

2 Tbsp lime juice 2 tsp fish sauce 2 Tbsp sugar 1 clove of garlic, crushed Recipes at https://shop.countdown.co.nz/shop/recipes

Musical La La Land (M, Offensive language) Damien Chazelle With 14 Oscar nominations, there is the danger La La Land could become so over-hyped as to be underwhelming. I went expecting not to love it as much as I wanted to. But I did love it. I adored it!

It’s beautiful and dreamy, colourful and nostalgic … but surprisingly realist as well. The story revolves around two star-crossed lovers —played by nouveau Hollywood elite Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling—who wander dreamily through the film, entangled in their dreams and each other. Until, eventually, their dreams begin to entangle them. The music is not just a filler but is a love story in itself, with jazz as the central character. The bittersweet aftertaste of this film is perfection. (Reviewed by Ingrid Barratt)

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Mike in the Booth College of Mission library, Upper Hutt.

School teacher Mike Bryan tried to be a Buddhist, Taoist, pagan and Catholic before declaring himself an atheist. So when God met him one day, ‘it was really embarrassing’.

BY INGRID BARRATT

M

ike Bryan is a thinking man. A scientist educated at Cambridge University. In talking about ‘the many twists and turns’ he took in his journey of faith, Mike recalls dipping into the Chinese religion of Taoism, and practising the rituals of equinox.

‘I haven’t danced naked around a fire, but probably only because I wasn’t invited,’ he jokes.

Yet, today, Mike is possibly in the last place he ever imagined, studying to become a Salvation Army officer at Booth College of Mission. So what went wrong? I ask (jokingly, of course).

A science man A UK native, Mike grew up in Lancashire, in a liberal Catholic family with a strong sense of social justice. His dad was an academic and scientist who taught Mike to question. ‘He always said, “Believe half of what you see and nothing of what you hear.” But when I applied that to my faith as a young person, I found that to be very shaky, so I lost interest,’ explains Mike.

Mike’s rite of passage after leaving school was studying science at Cambridge University. That’s when ‘science became my faith; it was my religion.’ He admired the works of Richard Dawkins, now a famous atheist, who had just published The Selfish Gene.

It was Dawkins who coined the word ‘meme’—now co-opted by the internet—to mean a social ‘gene’ that spreads and becomes an identity in itself.

He explained religion as simply a meme that spread because it helped people to make sense of the world.

But despite Mike’s rejection of religion, there was still a yearning for spirituality. He attended the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order at university, which taught him to meditate. He also ‘dipped’ into other religions. ‘I used to describe it as a smorgasbord of religions—a bit of this, a bit of that,’ he says.

A Pago-Buddhist-Catholic His first foray back into Christianity was accidental, and somewhat irreverent.

By this time, Mike had married Chonny and they had begun a family. He worked at a care home for people with intellectual disabilities, where he often had to endure 24-hour shifts. Chonny—who was home looking after three pre-school boys—started going to the local Catholic church for some adult interaction.

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‘I kind of got sucked back in,’ says Mike. He enjoyed the familiarity of Catholic mass, and it was a great place to meet people. Even though he called himself a ‘Pago-Buddhist’, Mike began teaching Sunday school. ‘I don’t know what I was doing there; the priest should really have interviewed me,’ Mike laughs. ‘But I could see the value of children knowing Bible stories, even if it was just as part of their heritage.’

It was when Mike began working as a science teacher that he first considered the need for God in society. He worked at what is known in the UK as a ‘sink school’—for students who fail entrance exams or are expelled from other schools. It’s the toughest of the tough.

‘It was a very, very difficult, disturbing place to be.

I remember covering a class, and walking in and all the boys had their backs against the wall because they didn’t trust each other. They literally had to watch their backs. Among both the students and the teachers it was every man for himself. I had a huge realisation of what life is like when you take God out of the picture,’ he reflects.

Living the dream If this was the nightmare, Mike and his family decided to escape and follow their dream of living in New Zealand.

Mike’s utopia was having some land and living self-sufficiently.

Within four months of arriving in Kaitaia, the family had a three-acre block with chickens and a garden and Mike had secured a good job at Kaitaia College.

Mike says he related to the ‘teachers who were atheists and who seemed to have progressive ideas’. After reading The God Delusion by Dawkins, Mike decided he was going to become an atheist. ‘I thought, “Actually, I’m going to come out as an atheist.” Spirituality was just something I stuffed into a cupboard and shut.’

Meanwhile, Chonny was taking the boys to the local Salvation Army and found an authentic faith of her own. Mike went along to church sporadically, but was happy to give it up now that he was an ‘official’ atheist.

One time, after Chonny had been away for the weekend at a Salvation Army Brengle Institute, she told Mike that God had called her to be a Salvation Army officer (minister). But, she added, ‘It will never happen because you don’t believe in God.’ Yet, some of the people who entered their lives made an indelible impression on Mike. Rissy Price, the corps sergeant major at Kaitaia Salvation Army, became firm friends with

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Chonny. Mike would often listen in on their conversations, in which they talked about a personal relationship with Jesus.

‘I found it fascinating,’ he recalls. ‘Rissy had an open home and the sort of place where you always felt welcome. She invited us there for Christmas—and every Christmas after that.’

Mike was also befriended by the corps officer (pastor) Phil Mellsop. To Mike’s frustration, Phil seemed to accept Mike without an agenda. ‘I was always waiting for him to “pitch” to me. We’d be at the beach with the sun going down and our fishing lines out, and I was waiting for him to try to convert me so I could smack him down with my answer. But he never brought it up. It was so infuriating!’

‘I SAT DOWN ON A BENCH AND I THOUGHT, “OKAY, I GIVE UP. YOU WIN GOD.’ AND THEN I THOUGHT, ‘OH THAT’S EMBARRASSING, I’VE TOLD EVERYONE THAT I’M AN ATHEIST.” ’ Coming out Mike officially ‘came out as an atheist’ at a marae-based training day at school, where he announced that he couldn’t do karakia as he didn’t believe in God. However, the big announcement had the opposite effect to what he was hoping for. Despite his stance—or perhaps because of it—the principal asked Mike to karakia (prayer) at the end of the day.

‘It made me think, “What is the logical end point of taking God out of school? How can you teach values without God?” ’ He couldn’t help but notice the contrast with the school system he had left behind in the UK: ‘There was always this underlying Māori spirituality. They always respected karakia and had a sense that they were part of something bigger than themselves,’ explains Mike. ‘In the end, I realised that atheism is a dead end because it leads to desperation and hopelessness.

If morality is relative, then anything goes and we end up with a society we don’t want.’

One day, out strolling in the sun, Mike finally admitted he was fighting a losing battle with God. ‘I was wrestling with this dissatisfaction. I was ill and mentally exhausted.

And I thought, “I have everything I want—my garden, selfsufficiency, fishing, a good income, a good family—how come I am sick within myself?” ’ At that moment, a single thought came into his head: ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ ‘I can still picture it,’ recalls Mike. ‘I sat down on a bench and thought, “Okay, I give up. You win, God.’ And then I thought, ‘Oh that’s embarrassing! I’ve told everyone that I’m an atheist.” ’

Cracking up After ‘the day I cracked’—as Mike calls it—he admitted to himself that there was a God and that Jesus was real. He discovered that the personal relationship Chonny enjoyed with Jesus could be his as well. Mike was mentored by men at his corps (Salvation Army church), and ‘did a complete 180 turn in direction’, he says.

Once he surrendered himself to God, Mike accepted this meant surrendering to Salvation Army officership as well.

He reflects on everything that has brought him to this place: how he has always been attracted to the marginalised in society, how he couldn’t shut the door on spirituality, Chonny’s calling and prayer, the people that challenged his defences.

It seems God had a plan all along.

While Mike once thought being a scientist meant discounting religion, he now realises the two make easy companions. ‘I don’t see that science and God don’t work together. You look at DNA, it is incredibly complex, but you can’t make it any simpler and still have a living cell. That to me is evidence of creation.’

After all the twists and turns, Mike found that God had been hiding in plain sight all along. ‘I found freedom when I surrendered. There is huge freedom in knowing you don’t have to worry, because God is God and he is leading us each day.’

I want to know God's thoughts—The rest are details.

Albert Einstein

Science vs God Dr Amir D. Aczel, author of 17 books on mathematics and science, writes for Time magazine on why science does not disprove God. Science is an amazing, wonderful undertaking: it teaches us about life, the world and the universe.

But it has not revealed to us why the universe came into existence. Biological evolution has not brought us the slightest understanding of how the first living organisms emerged from inanimate matter on this planet. Neither does it explain one of the greatest mysteries of science: how did consciousness arise in living things? Where do symbolic thinking and self-awareness come from?

But much more important than these conundrums is the persistent question of the fine-tuning of the parameters of the universe: Why is our universe so precisely tailor-made for the emergence of life?

This question has never been answered satisfactorily, and I believe that it will never find a scientific solution.

For the deeper we delve into the mysteries of physics and cosmology, the more the universe appears to be intricate and incredibly complex. To explain the quantum-mechanical behaviour of even one tiny particle requires pages and pages of extremely advanced mathematics.

Science and religion are two sides of the same deep human impulse to understand the world, to know our place in it, and to marvel at the wonder of life and the infinite cosmos we are surrounded by. Let’s keep them that way, and not let one attempt to usurp the role of the other.

Extract from time.com ‘Why Science Does Not Disprove God’

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Build Your Mate’s Self-Esteem Marriage isn’t a competition. It’s important to look for opportunities to encourage one another.

All of us have a picture of how we should act as a husband or wife, father or mother, say Dennis and Barbara Rainey, authors of Building Your Mate’s Self-Esteem. Chances are this image is unattainable, yet every day we might judge our performance by that impossible ideal. And when we can’t reach that ideal, our self-esteem suffers.

Our list might include such things as: • • • •

Always loving, patient and understanding House is always clean and tidy Never gets angry at the children Gets up early to read the Bible and pray every day.

Sometimes the perfection we aspire to as partners and parents is based on ideas we’ve picked up from parents or other role models. Sometimes it comes from what we see on TV or read in magazines. Because we see someone else who ‘does it all’ or ‘has it all’, we think we should be able to do or have the same.

But unrealistic ideals also develop through comparisons. Have you every compared your marriage with someone else’s? Have you ever compared your partner with someone else’s? Have you ever compared yourself with someone else? Comparisons can leave us and our loved one feeling like a failure.

SELF-ESTEEM IS EITHER THE CRIPPLER OR THE COMPLETER OF A MARRIAGE.

Dennis and Barbara say one of the most vital, yet often most absent ingredient in a marriage is a commitment to building other’s self-esteem. ‘Self-esteem is either the crippler or the completer of the marriage relationship,’ says Dennis.

Outwardly we might appear to have it all together. We look as if we never have self-doubts or fears. Yet inwardly we may be beating ourselves up with all sorts of negative messages, telling ourselves our partner could never truly love or respect us ‘if they knew how useless we really are’.

Admitting to our partner areas where our self-esteem feels shaky can be the first step to healing and new intimacy. Looking for opportunities to praise and encourage our partner can combat negative messages they might be giving themselves.

You need someone who will believe in you, and so does your partner! So commit to cheering one another on as often and enthusiastically as you can. As Dennis and Barbara say, ‘Two confident partners will be much more effective in every aspect of life than two insecure people can ever be.’

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HOMEWORK TIME 1 Ask your partner to describe their ‘ideal self’. Talk about which ideas are appropriate and worth working to achieve? Which are unrealistic?

2 Ask your partner to share one way you can be completer, not a crippler of their self-esteem.

3 Now share your ‘ideal self’ and tell your partner how they can strengthen your self-esteem.

Don’t belittle yourself. Be BIG yourself.

Corita Kent

TESTIFY! Kate Geddes (23) has a heart for young people and their potential as ‘fierce warriors’ for God’s Kingdom.

I grew up in a Salvation Army family, and it’s been a really cool experience.

I always knew that God was real, loving and wanted a relationship with me.

I remember giving my life to Jesus when I was seven, one night after having devotions with my mum.

At 14, I went to my first Easter Camp and the preacher said that if we wanted to receive the fire of the Holy Spirit to come up the front, so I went forward for prayer. At that moment, I felt this sense of joy and excitement I’d never had before. Jesus really became real to me then.

From then on, I’ve just continued learning more about God and growing in my faith. I have a saying, ‘When the going gets tough, rely on God.’ Just because you’re a Christian, doesn’t mean life is easy. I had a really hard time when my grandma died suddenly. It was hard losing someone that close to me; I don’t know how people get through things like that without God. We often talk about the cost of following Jesus, and there is a cost.

But it’s also fun. It’s exciting and I enjoy following Jesus. The rewards far outweigh the costs.

I think there comes a time in every teenager’s life when they question their identity. When I was at university, it was easy to get my identity in what I was doing, not who I was. It was about what subjects I was studying and my identity as a student. But God loves me just for who I am. I now know that I’m a daughter of the Highest King, and that God has a plan for me. Following Jesus encourages me to be okay with who I am.

I don’t need to worry about the future because God has a handle on my life.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, RELY ON GOD. I’ve always had a heart for children and young people. My role in the territorial children’s and youth departments gives me the opportunity to encourage children and young people to reach their potential and find their identity in Christ. They hold so much potential and need to be encouraged and given opportunities. They are worthy and fierce warriors for the Kingdom of God. The best thing about my job is being able to pray with young people and seeing them encounter Jesus. If just one person comes into the Kingdom

of God as a result of what we do, then I would do it all again—just to make sure that one person knows Jesus.

I really believe in what The Salvation Army stands for. It puts together the two things I love doing: helping people and teaching people about Jesus. I love that the mission of The Salvation Army is for the last, the least and the lost.

It’s family. It’s like that Lilo and Stitch quote about family: ‘Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.’

I just can’t wait to find out where God will lead me next. It’s all about trusting him and continuing to learn what his voice sounds like in my life.

Salvation Army Youth Online | www.firezone.co.nz

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THIS IS WHO WE ARE! The Army’s annual creative arts camp was about good times and God times.

BY KATE GEDDES

‘This is who we are.’ But just what or who is that, you may ask? Well, that was the theme of our annual Territorial Creative Arts Camp, Amplify, held at Silverstream Retreat in mid-January.

Affectionately referred to on social media as ‘#Amplify17’, Amplify was seven days of learning, teaching, hanging out and Jesus. Campers went to classes for their choice of majors and minors, Bible studies, workshops, danced a lot in Night Church, and learnt a heap about Jesus. This was the eighth camp run by the Amplify Team, made up of staff members from the Territorial Youth Department and the Creative Ministries Department.

In the Territorial Youth Department we fondly use the phrase ‘good times and God times’. At the forefront of the Amplify Team’s mind is to create a space where young people encounter God with other young people and have a good time doing that.

Bradley Griffiths says, ‘The best thing for me was hanging out with other Christians on the same journey as me. Our corps is running low on youth, so this was a great time to spend some time with people my age on a similar walk as me.’

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From the outset of Amplify way back in 2010, God has been changing the lives of Salvation Army young people in a powerful way. Naomi Tong says, ‘Amplify was an amazing experience that inspired me to truly live my life out loud and use the gifts God has given me for his purpose.’

NIGHT CHURCH CHALLENGES Inspired by Salvation Army youth worship band Bearers’ song ‘This Is Who We Are’, identity and finding out who we are as children of God—created in God’s image—framed the week’s spiritual learning.

Guest speaker Eric Himes from the USA Central Territory (based in Chicago) delivered three challenging messages at camp favourite Night Church.

He explained to campers that they were perfectly loved and known by God as God's child and that everyone had a special part in the body of Christ. Eric challenged us to go into our own communities and show our neighbours what joy looks like. He emphasised that the point of The Salvation Army is to win the whole world for Jesus—and that starts where we are.

Reuben Crowe says, ‘I really dug what Eric says about the potential of a seed (being planted in our communities) becoming a forest, and not just a tree.

I had been feeling a bit stale and down, but after the first Night Church God really helped me feel energised and renewed about my faith and my life.’

Captain Kylie Tong spoke one night about being God’s workmanship, created to do good things for his kingdom and how God has put us uniquely together just the way we are.

The idea of ‘identity’ and who we are in Christ spoke deeply into the hearts of Amplify’s young people and their leaders. Anna Christiansen says, ‘One thing that stuck out to me from Night Church was the fact that we are God’s workmanship, we are the canvas and God is the artist. You just need to be you, not anyone else but you.’

This was also evident for Frances Raikadroka, who says, ‘At camp I really felt Jesus telling me that he loves us no matter what we’ve done—we are beautiful because we were made in God’s image.’ The encounter of the Holy Spirit for young people was real, alive and active, sending young people back to their communities and homes with fervour to make the name of Christ known.

LOTS TO LEARN ‘I learnt so much through my major and minor,’ says Patrick Bray. Throughout the week at Amplify, campers participated in a major, a minor, Bible studies and workshops. With majors and minors ranging from music performance, to art, to hospitality, to dance, to DIY, to sports and more, everyone’s interests were catered for.

Christina Packer says, ‘I learnt so many new ways of expressing myself through art.’ While Bennett Collings says, ‘I really enjoyed my major, which was sport ministries, as I met lots of new people through it.’

Campers were encouraged that ministry comes in many forms and can be expressed in so many different ways. ‘I enjoyed seeing everyone succeed at finding a unique way to worship God that they enjoyed,’ says Ben Walker.

This is where Amplify really excels—allowing young people to find how they can use their talents and potential, not as copies of others, but as their own special and unique selves. Youth worker Susie Wells enjoyed seeing this in action. ‘It was especially awesome to see the young people embracing and using their God-given talents for the glory of God,’ she says.

OUR TOP 10 AMPLIFY MOMENTS 1

The rebirth of William Booth and all his banter and memes. Who is William Booth?

2

Eric Himes’ goat video.

3

When the red team was victimised in Survivor Amplify. #votered

4

The EPIC Saturday night dance party at the café.

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When the Youth Department tried to hand fill over 1000 water balloons for the big game.

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That Silverstream McDonald's was reopened in time for camp! #freetimefrocos

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When Jesus changed lives and dropped the Holy Spirit big time at Night Church.

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Having youth worship band Bearers lead worship with their own original music.

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Getting to hang out with 200 awesome people for a whole week.

able to share in Amplify with our friends 10 Being and family through the livestream. Praise the Lord for technology!

25 FEBRUARY 2017 WarCry 13

AMPLIFY 2017 WAS SEVEN DAYS OF LEARNING, TEACHING, HANGING OUT AND JESUS! Each day, campers and staff dug deeper into the word of God through Bible studies. Their Bible study groups became a place to meet new people, share testimonies and wrestle with questions of life and faith. Anita White found them really useful. ‘I loved growing in my faith with God through Night Church and Bible studies.’

EXHIBITION NIGHT Saturday evening’s Exhibition Night was the culmination of a week of learning. With hearty cheering and support from campers and staff as well as online viewers via livestream (for the first time!), campers exhibited their talents, gifts and new skills.

Commissioner Andy Westrupp says, ‘I was blown away by the level of talent and self-organisation of our people at Amplify. There was a great sense of encouragement for everyone to contribute on one hand, and honest celebration of excellence on the other.’

Raymond Tuala says Exhibition Night was the highlight of the whole camp for him. ‘The hard work of everyone at camp being shown off at the end of camp was awesome, as well as the aroha everyone had for each other’s work.’

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT It was a real privilege to have Eric Himes with us for seven days. Reflecting on what Amplify meant to him, Eric says, ‘You truly have an amazing experience in Amplify. I was so blessed to witness such a talented group of youth and staff coming together to grow in their faith, refine their gifts and experience the Body of Christ.

‘I believe that The Salvation Army is an idea, and it belongs to anyone who can make it real. On a personal level God used Amplify to reassure me that he continues to refine and use “the idea” known as “The Salvation Army” to further his Kingdom. I’m not sure you really know how creative and excellent your territory really is, but if Amplify is any indication of God’s work in New Zealand, you are positioned for great things!’

14 firezone.co.nz 25 FEBRUARY 2017

Still true to its founding vision, Amplify creates a space where young people are equipped to meet their full potential and identity in Christ, learn how to serve as God has shaped them, and gain tools to implement these in their own communities.

The Amplify team is stoked to send young people home with lives changed and a sense of excitement and passion for ministry and the future.

Territorial Youth Programme Coordinator Ben Maxwell says, ‘The Army of today is in safe hands with this generation of young people, who know who they are in Christ and what they are capable of. I’m so excited to see what comes into fruition as they go back into their communities and corps ready to engage in ministry.’

There are young people within this Army who are hungry for God and excited to make God’s name known. That can only be a good thing, so please keep praying for all our young people as they grow in their respective faith journeys and ministries.

‘Amplify … inspired me to truly live my life out loud and use the gifts God has given me for his purpose.’

—Naomi Tong

‘It was especially awesome to see the young people embracing and using their God-given talents for the glory of God.’—Youth worker Susie Wells

‘The best thing for me at camp was hanging out with other Christians on the same journey as me.’

—Bradley Griffiths

‘If Amplify is any indication of God’s work in New Zealand, you are now positioned for great things!’—guest speaker Eric Himes

25 FEBRUARY 2017 WarCry 15

‘God really helped me feel energised and renewed about my faith and my life.’

—Reuben Crowe

‘I was blown away by the level of talent and self-organisation of our people at Amplify.’

—Commissioner Andy Westrupp

‘I learnt so many new ways of expressing myself through art.’

—Christina Packer

‘… we are beautiful because we were made in God’s image.’—Frances Raikadroka

16 firezone.co.nz 25 FEBRUARY 2017

FAITH IS NOT JUST PASSED DOWN—IT’S PASSED AROUND Would you describe your corps or centre as a space where people feel they belong and can explore faith in a safe way?

A recent survey on New Zealand young adults currently or formerly worshipping with The Salvation Army revealed interesting data. When asked what they looked for in a faith community, the majority of the 173 respondents said love, acceptance, belonging, support and encouragement was most important. The Youth Department’s informal discussions with young adults mirror these results.

Youth and young adults simply don’t stay where they feel they don’t belong! While they may value good teaching, a sense of belonging and community trumps what is delivered from the mouth of the preacher.

‘… we are God’s workmanship, we are the canvas and God is the artist.’

—Anna Christiansen

Young adults also said inter-generational connection was a key part of their faith journey. This is why our National Youth Ministry Strategy encourages building intergenerational faith communities by promoting connections across age groups.

(For more on our strategy, visit our youth website at firezone.co.nz.)

You don’t need to understand youth culture to support our Salvation Army youth.

Their music, clothing or language might be foreign territory to you, but we all understand the language of love! Smile at the young people you encounter. Talk to them. Pray for them. And consider: is there a young person in your sphere of influence who you can connect with to build an encouraging relationship?

In my role, I have the privilege of spending a lot of time with a younger age demographic. While I want to give as much as I can, I find myself, in turn, inspired, encouraged and challenged by them. This happened to me most recently at the Amplify Creative Arts Camp. The courage and vulnerability of the young people at Amplify moved my spirit. They reminded me that faith is not just passed down—it’s passed around. All ages have something to give. All ages have something to learn. Youth need the wisdom of the older generations. And the older generations need the vitality and inspiration of the youth.

Age has no correlation with spiritual maturity. As 1 Timothy 4:12 says, Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (NLT) Healthy community is born out of personal spirituality. As we commit to loving God and loving others, we become people of positive spiritual influence. My hope and prayer is that our corps and centres in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga would be places where our young people feel a sense of welcome and belonging. Places where all would find safe spaces to engage in our faith journeys.

Major Jo Wardle Territorial Youth Secretary National Camping Director 25 FEBRUARY 2017 WarCry 17

New Leaders Call for a Relevant Salvation Army

The new leaders of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory are calling on Salvationists to adapt their approach so God’s message of salvation makes sense to those ‘who desperately need Jesus Christ’ in their lives.

On Sunday 5 February, Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp were installed into their new roles as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries by Commissioner Brian Peddle, the Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries. The installation was held at Wellington City Corps and live streamed online.

The Peddles, who served in New Zealand 10 years ago, are close friends of the Westrupps. Commissioner Brian Peddle said it ‘took a territory to grow territorial leaders’ and thanked the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory for raising the Westrupps up to be their new leaders. He took time to praise the territory’s new mission plan, particularly its focus on The Salvation Army fulfilling its mission to be ‘the Army that brings life’.

A Māori welcome for the Westrupps and their whānau opened the afternoon meeting. Andy and Yvonne were honoured to receive feather korowai (cloaks) from Māori Ministry leaders 18 WarCry 25 FEBRUARY 2017

Lieutenants Trish and Tau Mataki. It was a special weekend for Māori Salvationists, with Trish and Tau heading from the installation to Waitangi to represent The Salvation Army alongside other Māori Salvationists and supporters.

The Westrupps were most recently leaders of The Salvation Army’s work in Papua New Guinea. Majors Kila and Kemo Apa, Territorial Programme Secretaries in the Papua New Guinea Territory, attended the welcome to deliver the Westrupps back to their homeland.

Introducing the Apas, Yvonne said, ‘They represent the people of Papua New Guinea, who are very important to us and will always stay in our hearts.’ The Apas thanked the territory for the godly leadership of the Westrupps over the past three years.

Representative speakers Sarah Thomson, Majors Sheryl and Stephen Jarvis, and Public Relations Director Shane Chisholm spoke on behalf of Salvationists, employees and officers.

Sarah attends Johnsonville Corps in Wellington’s northern suburbs, planted under the leadership of Andy and Yvonne in 1995, and was dedicated to God by Andy when she was a baby. ‘The Spirit of God is evident and will continue to be evident in this couple,’ she said, welcoming them back ‘into the family

of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory’.

The territory was at a ‘historic juncture’, said Stephen, adding, ‘We are ready to launch off and meet the challenges and opportunities that God is leading us to.’

Sheryl emphasised Yvonne’s positivity and her ability to always see the potential in people and situations, coming from the conviction that people were the Army’s greatest commodity. She thanked the territory’s new Territorial President of Women’s Ministries for releasing women in leadership. ‘Keep doing that!’ she urged.

Shane, whose parents trained as Salvation Army officers alongside Andy and Yvonne, offered two words for the couple to focus on in their leadership of the territory: ‘Be yourselves.’ He noted their energy, creativity, confidence, commitment, humility, approachability and courage. ‘Take what God has given you, continue to seek his direction— and step forward and lead.’

‘We are delighted to be home and to have the privilege of being involved in what the Holy Spirit is doing in this territory,’ said Yvonne in her response.

She was confident God was working in The Salvation Army, ‘opening and closing doors’, but said it was important to respond with action.

The new Territorial Commander called for ‘holy boldness’ to go through those open doors. Years earlier, while ministering to Bridge clients that attended Spreydon Corps, Andy realised the way The Salvation Army ‘did church’ often distanced it from those struggling to find God. He and Yvonne put that knowledge into practice when establishing Johnsonville Corps. ‘The key was changing how we [presented the Christian message], so the Christ of the cross could make sense to people,’ he said.

The ‘gulf’ between the churched and unchurched was even more of a challenge in 2017, he said, partly because people had even less biblical understanding.

‘Young people do not have any idea at all about Jesus Christ, and the cynicism of the world we live in has Teflon-coated their hearts.’

The challenge was clear. ‘If we continue to do the things we’re doing, our numbers will continue to drop and we’re going to die.

We have to adapt! We’re not going to water down the gospel message, but we need

to find ways to make sense to our target audience. We can adapt—if we have the will. Yvonne and I are dedicated to making the gospel relevant. Are you with us?’

The morning meeting at Wellington City Corps had given an opportunity for the Peddles to issue a similar challenge. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, coordinator of The Salvation Army’s Whole World Mobilising initiative, told the congregation, ‘We have to get back to what God is calling us to as a salvation army—getting out into our neighbourhoods with the message of the love of Jesus, telling people there is hope for a hopeless world!’

Commissioner Brian Peddle said while it was good to see people coming together on Sunday as God’s people, ‘You can’t stay here! You have to come to grips with the benediction—that God sends us out to a broken world. If God’s church is not mobilised into the world today, it is of no use to the world today.’

Introducing thoughts that Andy would develop in the afternoon, the Chief of the Staff said, ‘We do not live in a world where people knock on our doors and say, “Tell me about Jesus.” He reminded people that God’s salvation message was not a message to be kept, but to be shared. ‘God has rescued us; he can rescue others. Mobilise your heart and your convictions—God has given us a voice in the world!’

(Opposite top) Comms Yvonne & Andy Westrupp; (opposite below) the Chief of Staff installs the Westrupps into their new roles, watched by Comm Rosalie Peddle; (top right) Mjrs Kila & Kemo Apa from Papua New Guinea; (below right) a sacred moment of dedicatory prayer.

GAZETTE International College for Officers: The Chief of the Staff has approved the appointment of Capt David Daly to the International College for Officers and Centre for Leadership Development in Session 236, from 10 Jan to 19 Feb 2018.

Bereaved: Lt-Col Russell Hamilton of two brothers. Bandsman Norman Hamilton was promoted to Glory on 3 Jan. A thanksgiving service for Norman was held on 9 Jan. Bandsman Colin Hamilton was promoted to Glory on 11 Jan. A thanksgiving service for Colin was held on 16 Jan. Both services were

held at Oamaru Corps and led by Mjr Ken Smith. Please uphold Lt-Cols Russell and Doreen Hamilton and family in prayer.

Changes in International Leadership: Effective 10 Feb: Lt-Cols Allan and Fiona Hofer, USA Southern Territory officers currently serving respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, will return to their home territory, taking up appointments there following furlough and resettlement processes. News concerning their successors will be shared in due course.

Effective 17 Jan: Lt-Col Priscilla Nanlabi, an officer of the Philippines Territory, previously serving as Officer Commanding, Bangladesh Command, is appointed Territorial Commander, the Philippines Territory, with promotion to the rank of colonel. She succeeds Col Wayne Maxwell who, with Col Robyn Maxwell, will take up appointments in their home territory, Australia Eastern. The immediacy of this decision ensures The Salvation Army in the Philippines is fully compliant with local legislation in relation to matters of governance.

25 FEBRUARY 2017 WarCry 19

In the first of three reflections, Major Barbara Sampson considers the life-changing, joy-bringing nature of gratitude.

BY BARBARA SAMPSON

I long ago gave up making New Year resolutions. The last time was when I was about 12 years old: • I will read the newspaper every day • I will keep my room tidy • I will be kind to my sister.

All these mumble-mumble years on from that earnestly-made list I’m still struggling to read a daily paper, but being kind to my sister has not proved to be so difficult.

In the freedom of these reflective years I have swapped resolutions for determinations—values, words to hold close to my heart and to allow their force to mould my days and shape my living.

A few months ago, I came across a threesome of words: integrity, beauty and dignity. Mmm, I like that, I thought.

I’ll take one of those words for each day.

Not far into this practice I realised that I could come up with some threesomes of my own—words that speak of value and strength. I shared the idea with a friend.

20 WarCry 25 FEBRUARY 2017

If Rick Warren could make his fortune with 40 Days of Purpose, then my friend and I could sail by the stars of 40 days of words, values, determinations.

Our list started with wisdom, compassion, generosity. It moved through the nine fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc) and on to understanding, justice and wonder. Each day we prayed, ‘Lord, please grow this quality in me today.’

When we ran out of words we found some more. It was interesting to look for examples of these words in our everyday lives. Even more challenging was to see how we might incarnate them—wrap the flesh of our daily living around them.

I would commend this practice to anyone who may be looking for a new way to pray and practise holiness. In this three-part series I offer three words—as a starter at least—to take with you into this year. See what you can make of the words. See what the words might make of you. See where you might find these words expressed in Scripture. Ask God to make them come alive and incarnate them—in you.

So here is my first word for this year: gratitude. What difference would it make for you if gratitude was the garment you dressed yourself in every morning when you got up? What might you notice?

What might others notice about you?

Let’s look into a story from Scripture where we see this attitude of gratitude in action …

The Fellowship of the Afflicted In Luke 17:11-19 we are told the story of Jesus entering a village, where he is approached by 10 men suffering from leprosy. These 10 know two things. They know they must keep their distance, and they know that Jesus can heal them.

So they call out. All together now, in unison: ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’

This is the Fellowship of the Afflicted singing their theme song. They have spent months, maybe even years, cut off and isolated from other ‘normal’, healthy people, thrown together because of their common complaint. Their skin disorder has made them medically contagious and ritually unclean. So their lives are

GRATITUDE ALWAYS SPILLS OVER, ALWAYS FINDS A WAY TO EXPRESS ITSELF. IT BECOMES A GIFT IN ITSELF.

lived at a distance, on the edge, away from everyday social interactions.

Can you imagine what that does to a person’s self-esteem? To be one day functioning normally in a household, a parent perhaps with a task to do, responsibilities to carry out, respect to enjoy. Then, the next day, to notice that a little patch of skin on an arm or leg is discoloured and swollen. The outer change is a crisis. The inner turmoil is cataclysmic.

A gesture of gratitude Maybe these 10 have heard about Jesus healing people like them. Maybe they have tried everything else and so come with a kind of despair, seeing him as their last resort. Whatever fragile hope they have, they cry out, begging for his compassion.

Notice the sequence of what happens next. Jesus sees them and tells them to go to the priests. He does not say a healing word, but the instruction to go to the priests anticipates that healing.

And so it happens. As they turn to go, they are healed. At this point, one of them breaks from the group and comes back to Jesus.

I like this man. I am moved by his gesture of gratitude. I admire his grit for breaking away from the group that he has been part of for who knows how long. He and the others have shared their lives and their ostracism, becoming a community of their own, while every other community has shunned and shut them out.

The girl was gone for two days. When she returned, she was carrying the most exquisite shell anyone in her village had ever seen.

But now he breaks away in a spontaneous, independent act of thanksgiving. ‘Thank you, Master,’ he whispers as he throws himself at Jesus’ feet. ‘Thank you.’ And Jesus, no doubt laying his hands on this man’s shoulders, as he was wont to do with such people, responds with a blessing.

What difference does this encounter make to the man who, just a moment ago, was an outsider and is now in every respect an insider? I believe that at Jesus’ feet, this man finds shalom— that is wellness, wholeness, salvation —added to his physical healing.

This 10th leper turning back, said German theologian Meister Eckhart, is a picture of worship. He wrote, ‘If in your lifetime the only prayer you offer is Thanks, that would suffice.’

When gratitude spills over Author Terry Hershey tells the story of a young girl in an African village who, when she heard that her visiting teacher would be leaving their village, wanted to give her a special gift. The girl didn’t have any money to buy a present for her teacher, but she decided what she would do.

She was gone for two days. When she returned, she was carrying the most exquisite shell anyone in her village had ever seen. ‘Where did you find such a beautiful shell?’ her teacher asked, amazed.

The child told her such shells were found only on a certain faraway beach.

The teacher was deeply touched, because she knew that the girl had walked

MAKE ONE OF YOUR DETERMINATIONS FOR 2017 Wrap gratitude around your heart and your living every day.

Pray ‘Lord, please grow this quality in me today.’

See what difference it makes within you.

Notice how it changes your relationships and deepens your walk with God.

many miles to find the shell. ‘Why, it’s wonderful, but you shouldn’t have gone all that way to get a gift for me.’

Her eyes brightening, the girl smiled and answered, ‘Long walk part of gift.’

Gratitude always spills over, always finds a way to express itself. It becomes a gift in itself. It touches something beyond the surface, goes deep into that place of mystery where soul and spirit meet. Would the visiting teacher in that African village ever be the same again?

Every time she looked at that exquisite shell she would remember the love of the girl who gave it.

Every time that man in Luke’s Gospel who was healed of leprosy looked at his clear skin, or embraced his wife or held his children, he would no doubt remember what Jesus did. And in remembering he would have felt his own deep gratitude all over again.

Author Lewis Smedes wrote, ‘Gratitude dances though the open windows of our hearts. We cannot force it. We cannot create it. And we can certainly close our windows to keep it out. But we can also keep them open and be ready for the joy when it comes.’

NEXT TIME | Homecoming 25 FEBRUARY 2017 WarCry 21

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Skilled with vehicles Equip Heat Transparent glass Deliver Freed Complete attention Undisturbed by turmoil Malignant disease A computer does this to conserve power Not the original color Rhythmical steps Oral surgeons

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 13 15 16 18 20 22

Calm down Biblical pronoun Any place Fuddy-duddy Extreme hunger XIX Complimented Scruples Like some errors Blaming Minutely precise Doings Plumbing problem

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

22 WarCry 25 FEBRUARY 2017

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

400–600 words with one or two captioned photos.

Promotion to Glory tributes are approx 300 words.

Email reports and large, high-quality jpeg images to: warcry@nzf. salvationarmy.org Quiz Answers: 1 John Harington, 2 La Tomatina, 3 Nuku’alofa, 4 18th, 5 Moab’s (Isaiah 16:2). Crossword Answers: Across: 7 Mechanic, 9 Outfit, 10 Bake, 11 Windscreen, 12 Rescue, 14 Released, 15 Concentration, 17 Peaceful, 19 Cancer, 21 Hibernates, 22 Dyed, 23 Dances, 24 Dentists.

Down: 1 Sedate, 2 Thee, 3 Anywhere, 4 Fossil, 5 Starvation, 6 Nineteen, 8 Congratulated, 13 Conscience, 15 Clerical, 16 Accusing, 18 Finest, 20 Events, 22 Drip.

Across

Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 26–27 Feb: Officers Councils, Northern Division 28 Feb–1 March: Officers Councils, Southern Division 5 Mar: Rotorua Corps 6 Mar: Retired Officers Councils, Midland Division 10–11 Mar: Territorial Executive Council, Wellington 12 Mar: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Wellington Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 26–27 Feb: Officers Councils, Southern Division 10–11 Mar: Territorial Executive Council, Wellington 12 Mar: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Wellington 17-20 Mar: Top of the South, Southern Division

To advertise your event, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

PRAY

Timaru, Tokoroa, Upper Hutt and Vaini Corps; Vava’u Corps Plant; Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services; The Salvation Army in Sweden and Latvia.

Shop online at

salvationarmy.or.nz/shop

summer colouring fun!

Why

do b an a B e c a na s u se u se s they unscre e n? pe el .

God says, ‘When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me.’

Jeremiah 29:13, NIRV

W drink hat do frog on a h s ot s like to Croak ummer da y?

- o - Co la .

When do you go at red and stop at green?

When you’re eating a watermelon.

Something that’s fun to do at the beach is finding seashells.

Some people step over seashells and hardly even notice them.

But other people see how beautiful shells are and love to collect them.

It can be fun to make shells into pretty designs and craft.

This picture is of a shell made into a face. Isn’t that clever?!

Seashells can be big, but some are tiny and delicate—we may have to look very hard to find them.

Just like we enjoy looking for beautiful and interesting shells at the beach, we can look for beauty and interesting things about people. And we can look for things around us that remind us about God and God’s love for us.

What do pigs say on a hot day?

I’m bacon!

Wh but n at falls e the grver hits ound?

T h temp e er a t u re !

Dear Jesus, You promise that when I look for you, I will always find you.

Help me to see beauty around me so that I remember you are real and that you made this world. Help me to see beauty in other people and not overlook how special they are to you.

Amen.

25 FEBRUARY 2017 WarCry 23

With Territorial Leaders Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp

Sunday 12 March 6pm Wellington City Corps 92 Vivian Street I will commit myself to you forever; I will commit myself to you in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love and tender compassion.

Hosea 2:19 (NET)