25 June 2022 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 25 JUNE 2022 | Issue 6794 | $1.50

A PROFOU N D DISCOV E RY

Whangārei community hub opens

Creating space for children’s spirituality Matariki points to Jesus

Part two of The Kingdom of Incomparable Worth Chaplaincy behind bars

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

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

& William Booth

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

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

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

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

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

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

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

The Testimony of the Stars In the Bible, the sun, moon and stars were an important part of the lives of the early Hebrews. In the Book of Revelation they are used as signs of significant warnings and judgement for humanity. But the stars also bear witness to a loving and benevolent Creator. In Psalm 19:1–2, it says, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.’

All ancient cultures around the world have looked up to the stars for both meaning and understanding. The narratives created around the clusters and constellations are different across continents and hemispheres, but also strikingly similar. Our feature, on page 6, written by Aux-Captain Amiria Te Whiu, highlights the origins and meaning behind the star cluster Matariki—The Seven Sisters (Pleiades). Matariki, observed in New Zealand this month, heralds in the Māori New Year. It is an ancient celebration that informed early Māori of the conditions expected for the seasonal sowing and harvesting of crops. In her article, Amiria encourages us, as people of faith, to recognise this time of celebration and observation as a time to remember the goodness and provision of God. It says in Psalm 19:3–4 ‘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.’ This testimony is not expressed in words, but light, pulses and colour; the very vibrancy and energy of the created heavens reassures us of the ever watchful presence and magnificence of God. Vivienne Hill Editor

SalvationArmyNZFTS

‘The kingdom of heaven is worth infinitely more than the cost of discipleship, and those who know where the treasure lies joyfully abandon everything else to secure it.’

@SalvationArmyNZ

D.A. Carson

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

Publishing for 138 years | Issue 6794 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

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1 Samuel 25:29b, NLT Your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!

1 Hamuera 25:29b Heoi ka paiherea te wairua o toku ariki ki roto ki te paihere ora ki a Ihowa, ki tou Atua; ko nga wairua ia o ou hoariri ka piua atu me te mea no waenga pu i te kot aha.

Praying Through Pain

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ave you ever felt like you’re in a spiritual wasteland? Whenever you try to pray, you feel numb or just don’t have the words to say about anything? Maybe there’s so much pain within you that you can’t see beyond your circumstances. I’ve definitely been there and it’s not an easy situation to navigate, especially if people just encourage us to pray harder.

Thankfully we can go to the Bible and read of the many people who struggled with difficult circumstances in their lives. Jesus himself felt the pain of his calling to the cross and spoke agonising prayers, but he accepted his calling. He felt the pain of God the Father ‘forsaking’ or abandoning him as he bore all the sins of the world in his body.

I’m always comforted when I read about David’s struggles: ‘How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?’ (Psalm 13:1–2). David was on the run for his life and he wrote many psalms where all he could do was cry out to God, even when he felt God was not listening.

I’m also reminded of when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow to the image of gold and were thrown into the fiery furnace. The king who threw them in noticed a fourth figure in the furnace, with the three, who came out completely unscathed.

I love this quote from Timothy Keller’s book Walking with God through Pain and Suffering: ‘If you remember with grateful amazement that Jesus was thrown into the ultimate furnace for you, you can begin to sense him in your smaller furnaces with you’. Even when you feel like you are burning, suffocating and cannot see, be comforted that Jesus is right there with you. Even though you might feel alone, God has never left your side. He is with you in the big hardships, and the small ones too.

It can be easy to believe, especially when you’re struggling to pray, that you’ve lost your relationship with God. We’re relational human beings so feeling like God is silent can be tough.

Another quote from Timothy Keller’s book says, ‘Knowing him personally while in our affliction is the key to becoming stronger rather than weaker in it’. If you know who God is, what his nature is as a ‘compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness’ (Exodus 34:6), it will help to carry you through this season.

We don’t need to feel ashamed for feeling pain and struggling to connect with God. God is not limited to worship songs, a sermon or anything else in a church service, or for that matter, at home.

He’s not even limited by a whispered prayer. God sees you, despite how numb you feel. Be assured, he hears every pain of your heart, even when you don’t say a word.

BY HOPE BURMEISTER 25 JUNE 2022 WarCry

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If you’re tired of watching cricket or basketball on TV, check out these unique sporting events from around the world. Maybe you’ll find a new hobby!

1. Sporthocking—also known as extreme sitting, this sport originated in Germany and requires a special stool to perform tricks with. The goal is to land back in a sitting position on the stool at the end of your run.

2. Shovel racing—this sport featured in the 1997 Winter X-Games, but following a dramatic crash during the competition it was pulled from any future X-Games. It involves sitting on the head of the shovel and racing down an icy hill, and experienced shovel racers have reached speeds of up to 112 kmph.

3. Chess boxing—this is exactly what it sounds like, a combination of two already very popular sports.

Competitors play alternating rounds of chess and boxing, until one person wins by either a checkmate or a knockout. The chess board is even brought into the ring on a little table and removed during boxing rounds!

4. Bo-Taoshi—at heart, a pole toppling sport, this Japanese game involves a team of 75 attackers against a team of 75 defenders, where the goal is to knock the defending team’s pole over. Often there will be one defending player sitting atop the pole while his team tries to protect him and the pole.

With this many players, this sport is wild to watch, to say the least.

5. Wife carrying—yes, this is a sport! Male competitors race through an obstacle course with a female teammate in an upside down piggyback.

Wikipedia’s entry on the competition explains that the carried wife ‘may be your own, your neighbour’s or you may have found her further afield’.

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Photo by Lynn Eubank on wikipedia.org

TOPFIVE

Pete’s Tomato Bread 3 cups plain flour 1 tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder 2 Tbsp oil (oil from the sundried tomato jar) ¼ cup tomato paste 2 Tbsp sugar ¾ cup warm water Photo by Abasaa on wikipedia.org

1½ tsp yeast ¼ cup sundried tomato strips

pesto, to serve (optional) Action/Adventure Jurassic World: Dominion (M) Directed by Colin Trevorrow This finale of the Jurassic film era explores the coexistence of prehistoric creatures and humans (after the events of previous films), and what happens when that balance is tipped, with huge ecological consequences. There were parts of the movie I found a bit predictable, which might be an outcome of a six-movie series. We had the classic science/tech mogul villain, progressively bigger and badder dinosaurs than the last films, and a team up of old and new characters from across the franchise. Regardless of the clichés, there is something still enchanting about these films, of seeing dinosaurs interact with a human-filled world. The Jurassic films are always a fun time, whether it’s the first or the sixth movie, and this (supposedly) final romp through the Park is well worth a watch. (Reviewed

by Holly Morton)

Preheat oven to 200°C. Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add oil.

Add sugar and tomato paste to the tepid water, combining well. Stir through the yeast. Leave for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients with sundried tomatoes. Knead together until dough is smooth and springs back when pressed. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for 45 mins.

Shape the dough and place into a lightly greased 1 litre loaf tin. Leave for a further 15 minutes to rise.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Source: countdown.co.nz

QUIKQUIZ 1 In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Robin Goodfellow is also known as who?

2 What was John Lennon’s middle name?

3 What is the collective noun for a group of cats?

Housing and Home at Centre of Winter Appeal

4 Which country’s name is the only one to start with the letter ‘O’?

This year’s Salvation Army Winter Appeal will focus on the importance of housing and home in improving the lives of families.

The annual Winter Appeal launches to the public on 11 July and runs to the end of August, highlighting a family with two children to illustrate the kind of help The Salvation Army provides, and the difference it can make in people’s lives and circumstances.

The family’s business was impacted by the pandemic and they found themselves with more costs than their income could cover. In addition, they were left in a precarious housing situation after the property they rented was sold and they had to move out.

The Salvation Army Community Ministries helped the family with budgeting and transitional housing, along with food parcels and advocacy from a social worker to ensure they received their correct level of social support.

After receiving the help they needed, things started looking up for the family, who are looking forward to moving into a rental property soon.

‘We are acutely aware that with the cost-of-living crisis and Covid-19 continuing in the community, it’s a very difficult environment to run an appeal,’ says Salvation Army Public Relations Director Tim Hamilton.

Without knowledge, action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile.

5 In the Bible, in which city were the followers of Jesus first called Christians?

Answers on page 22

Abu Bakr

WARCRY INHISTORY

Here’s a creative way to encourage people into officership! From the 8 April 1961 edition of War Cry, readers are reassured that there is another chance to apply for the 1962 cadets’ session, with illustrations where they can imagine themselves in the uniform.

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

‘We will be relying heavily on digital channels this year, including a website and social media, to get the message out widely and provide avenues for the public to support our work with those most in need.

‘In addition, the support of partner organisations is really appreciated. The Warehouse, for example, is running a “Healthy Homes” campaign, which is raising funds for The Salvation Army’s social services,’ says Tim. 25 JUNE 2022 WarCry

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MATARIK AN ANCIENT MĀORI CELEBRATION THAT POINTS TO JESUS

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The origins of Matariki lie within the bounds of Māori legendary folklore, but it is an opportunity for families of faith to learn more about Matariki and celebrate the goodness of God. Aux-Captain Amiria Te Whiu shares insights into the significance of this ancient observance and its relevance in today’s society.

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or centuries, our Māori tūpuna (ancestors) have celebrated the traditional mid-winter appearance of ‘Matariki’, otherwise known as the Pleiades or The Seven Sisters. However, every year the dates to acknowledge the arrival of Matariki change depending on the mid-winter moon cycle, which usually occurs around late May to mid-July. The dates vary within tribes and geography. This year we officially celebrate Matariki during the week of 24 June.

A time of giving and sharing Traditionally, Matariki was an opportunity to celebrate the bountiful yield of a harvest and share the harvest’s blessing with whānau (family) and friends. It is also the start of the Māori New Year.

Although customarily Matariki is an ancient jubilee celebrated by Māori, more recently it has been adopted by New Zealanders and immigrants living in Aotearoa who have embraced this event to include as part of our festive cultural celebrations. Matariki is also included as part of the education curriculum, where many young people celebrate the season in creative ways.

Māori mythology The te ao Māori worldview relating to the ancient mythology about the Matariki cluster of stars goes back to Māori creation stories. Over time, the stories told and retold by iwi and hapu have evolved, with one common theme most always mentioned: that the Matariki cluster represents the eyes of the kaitiaki (guardian god), Tāwhirimātea, who was torn in sorrow because of his parents being separated—Papatuānuku (the earth mother) and Ranginui (the sky father).

The link back to the ancient times through storytelling reiterated the importance of keeping solid Māori values relating to whakapapa (genealogy) and ensuring they remained alive and remembered, and often stories were told to confirm this. In this way, Matariki also became a time of remembering, celebrating and honouring the tūpuna ways of being.

The star formation The Seven Sister stars, or Matariki, each have different names and meanings, and depending on the visibility in the evening sky, sometimes nine stars can be seen with the naked eye. But the main seven stars can easily be seen because they are the brightest in the evening sky at this time of year.

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WE CAN REFLECT ON THAT LONG WINTER SEASON OVER COVID-19, AND WE CAN REJOICE THAT GOD HAS SHOWN US MERCY. The tūpuna would harvest the winter crops determined by the appearance of the Matariki cluster; and they believed that once the Matariki stars appeared, that would be the augur of the weather ahead for sowing and planting in future seasons.

Matariki knits together threads of whakapapa, mythology and creation as a harvest gift and the promise of a fruitful future. It bonds the earth (season of harvest) and whānau and the sky (stars) and kaitiaki in one accord. Hence the reason Māori celebrated by making and flying nga manu aute (kites), which became part of the Matariki celebrations and was a way of bringing Papatūānuku and Ranginui together.

Pataka kai (the store house) For Māori, the skill of using the stars to determine the seasons and the timing for gathering, harvesting, storing and planting is essential, and a familiar practice used by many cultures around the world.

Matariki ensured that pataka kai were packed to overflowing at the end of the harvest and would see whānau through the harshest winter months. In celebration, gatherings with friends and whānau were held where hē hākarinui (a great feast) was shared and, after the festivities, koha (gifts) of food were given to everyone to ensure the people had enough to sustain them through harsh times.

Throughout Aotearoa, Matariki is celebrated with kai, music, dancing, singing and creative arts, bringing people together.

Celebrating God’s provision So how can we celebrate Matariki and honour Jesus? Matariki is effectively a harvest festival, like those festivals celebrated by the Israelites in biblical times. The festival of Sukkot—a Jewish week-long celebration observed mid-winter in the Northern Hemisphere—uses the seasonal harvesting of the crops as a time to remember God’s faithfulness to their ancestors and his promise of commitment now and in the future.

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Many churches still include the harvest festivals in the church calendar as part of their faith celebrations and remembrance ceremonies.

Matariki is an opportunity for Salvationists to use this time to come together over a meal or a worship service to thank God for all that he has given us—knowing that he has been faithful to us through the good times and the harsh times.

Thanksgiving for the past season We celebrate Matariki as a time to consciously give God thanks for our abundance, and actively invite someone to share a meal or give a koha basket to someone who may need it.

We can reflect on that long winter season over Covid-19, and we can rejoice that God has shown us mercy. We can celebrate that God has cared for our families over the generations and, that through it all, he has never left us.

We can teach our tamariki (children) the blessing and joy of giving, and we can rejoice in song and celebration with whānau and friends. But above all, we should celebrate Matariki by setting time aside for God, and remembering the most significant gift of all, our salvation given to us by Christ Jesus.

MATARIKI KNITS TOGETHER THREADS OF WHAKAPAPA (GENEALOGY), MYTHOLOGY AND CREATION AS A HARVEST GIFT AND THE PROMISE OF A FRUITFUL FUTURE. As Matariki, The Seven Sisters (Pleiades) star cluster unveil their eyes brightly during the mid-winter season as kaitiaki over humankind this year—fly a kite or light a lantern, pray together and release it as a symbol of reaching into the heavens connecting us to God through thanksgiving and prayer.

In the person of Jesus Christ celebrate the one true God who chose to come down to us and be present in our lives every day. We have much to be grateful for, and Matariki marks a seasonal time for New Zealanders, people of Aotearoa, to join together and pray and give thanks for the many blessings.

Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord; let our praises ring louder and higher.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder (Isaiah 9:2–3).

-or- scan the QR code) which will help you identify the constellation and the cluster.

Once you have found Tautoru, trace a line north until you identify a cluster of tiny stars about the same width of Tautoru.

This is Matariki.

How to find Matariki

Key dates

For those who don’t mind an early morning, rise before sunrise and look to the north-east horizon. You are looking for the constellation Tautoru (Orion’s Belt, aka ‘the pot’). If you are unable to identify this, you can download the app (https://stellarium-labs.com/stellarium-mobile-plus

23 May: setting of Matariki 21–24 June: rising of Matariki 21–28 June: Matariki observation 24 June: Matariki public holiday

This year, The Salvation Army Te Rūnanga and Missions joined together to produce a Matariki resource pack for people to download and use as part of our Christian legacy of giving. This resource can be found at salvationarmy.org.nz/Matariki22

Here is a list of ways to engage with families during Matariki: Mid-winter feast/party: Host a mid-winter feast targeted specifically for families.

Kids Church theme Sunday: Why not theme your kids church gathering over the public holiday weekend around Matariki.

Create family packs to drop off: Find resources online around Matariki and create some fun activity packs for families to do together. Drop these off as a surprise or have these available in your corps/centre for anyone to pick up.

Activity book idea: https:// www.tepapa.govt.nz/ learn/for-educators/ freedownloadableactivity-books/matarikiactivity-book (-or- scan the QR code).

Partner with a local school: Get in touch with your local schools and education centres and find out what they’re already doing to celebrate and partner with them.

Kid’s stuff in room: Have some kid-friendly playthings/ resources available. This might be an area with a rug so kids can play, a book nook, or activity packs.

Family bonfire/star-gazing night: Host a bonfire/brazier night for families to gather.

Get them involved: Ask kids how they would like to celebrate and get them involved in making it happen.

Matariki Kahoot: Help kids learn more about Matariki by creating and playing a few rounds of Kahoot! It’s a free game-based learning platform that children all over the country are utilising at school. This is SURE to be a winner with your kids! Sign up at kahoot.com for a free 14-day trial.

Matariki Create event: Host an event where the creative folk within your congregation can learn to make Matariki-related crafts from one another. Older people could teach kids and young people to knit stars or bake star cookies, while kids could teach adults about star-themed coloured slime or lego! It would be great to invite local iwi or Māori groups/trusts to share some traditional crafts/practices.

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Tracing Your Family History People want to know where they came from, as this brings a sense of belonging and connection.

Also, we inherit much from our ancestors, including practices, beliefs, intelligence and talents.

Have a go at gathering your family stories and uncovering the personalities of your ancestors. It can be an emotionally rich experience, where you feel connected and proud to be part of the lineage.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU IN YOUR SEARCH. Ask your family members Some of the best stories are told and passed down from generation to generation. The information may seem trivial— great-grandmother rode a motorbike. It could also be painful— grandfather served in the war. But each story helps you form a picture of specific ancestors, so ask older members of your family key questions about the individuals in your family line.

You could ask questions about relatives’ education, work and achievements. Asking about scandals or family dramas can also be quite revealing, and stories on overcoming adversity can be encouraging.

Family treasures Have a look around to see if there are any heirlooms in your family. These could be photos, letters, journals or old objects, such as jewellery. These items can tell a story. Photos can spark questions and help you to have a visual representation of your ancestors. Finding out why a certain object was passed down and treasured all this time can also uncover stories.

IT CAN BE AN EMOTIONALLY RICH EXPERIENCE, WHERE YOU FEEL CONNECTED AND PROUD TO BE PART OF THE LINEAGE. Top tip: There’s often someone in your extended family who has already done thorough research, so see if you can find them and get in touch.

Physical places If you know where your family grew up, go on a road trip to find particular places, such as family homes. If your family grew up in a small town, go and talk to the locals. See if they have any stories about your ancestors. Take time to immerse yourself in the place. Visit cemeteries and find gravestones with your family name on them.

Research and archives It may be difficult to find information about your ancestors, particularly if you were adopted, or your family do not want to talk about it—or there just isn’t any relevant and accessible information out there. Ancestry.com is a great online resource; you can even do a DNA test. You can also search newspaper archives online, or in libraries Source: psychologytoday.com/nz

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TESTIFY! Graham Lapslie is a prison chaplain at Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility (Wiri). Graham has witnessed the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the people he ministers to, but also in his own life and ministry.

I have been a prison chaplain since 27 May 2010, in three different prisons: Mt Eden Corrections Facility, Auckland Prison (Paremoremo) and, at present, Wiri. My story is a complicated one of how I ended up standing in the visitor’s hall of Mt Eden prison and saying, ‘Lord, you have made a huge mistake putting me in a place like this’, but within two very nervous, hesitant, faith-reshaping months, I loved it! I quickly discovered that listening to other men’s stories was changing my own life immeasurably.

Not everyone has the privilege of being raised in a safe, loving Christian home, as I was. The pain and ravages of life are magnified within a prison community, and loss, trauma and fear are ongoing issues that accompany many people on a daily basis.

I have been privileged to witness change. I have seen the transforming power of God in spiritually starving and angry lives. I have discovered that when everything is taken away from someone, God has open access to their heart. I have rediscovered the significance of Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’. You can see and know God’s call in a prison. I have seen change, and I too have changed!

Salvation is at work in people’s lives; it can be unseen in our business of everyday living, yet found in the solitude of a concrete cell. It has been said to me that ‘being in prison is an opportunity and a refuge, because out there I would be dead’. I have also discovered that ‘godly sorrow brings

Photography by Jimmy Chan on pexels.com

I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT WHEN EVERYTHING IS TAKEN AWAY FROM SOMEONE, GOD HAS OPEN ACCESS TO THEIR HEART. repentance that leads to salvation’ (2 Corinthians 7:10), which in turn leads to freedom and life.

I was reminded recently that salvation is the only ‘cure’ for both the perpetrator and the victim. The combination of repentance and forgiveness brings about a wonderful ingredient that God lavishes upon us.

I’ve seen this in prison. Romans 3:23 says ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’. I have seen the transformation of salvation, and my salvation has been renewed.

people’s lives. It is the opportunity to take off the mask, tell it how it is and to face up to hurtful and painful realities.

There is true peace when someone relies upon God to transform their life.

Jeremy was an angry young man who came to our prison from an impoverished background. He paced his cell and the yard with the urgency of a locked-up lion. As I paced with him, his story started to unfold. His whole life had been plagued with fear, anger, retaliation and abuse, and he had learned to defend himself very effectively over the years.

I witnessed God working in Jeremy’s life as I prayed each time we met. The last time I prayed, he prayed the most heartfelt prayer that I have heard in prison. You see, Jeremy had discovered this reality: ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7).

I have seen peace come and I too am renewed in the peace of Jesus Christ.

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CHiLD SPiRiTU

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Poppy’s story reminds us that, ‘Whatever makes an impression seeks expression’.

Whenever an impression is genuinely made upon someone, they cannot help but express this in some way! Allowing space for free expression, including creating, conversation, play and questions is critical.

F? WHAT I space te a e cre

Take notice and Many of us have a deep desire for our children to know God for themselves. To be so familiar with the sound of his voice that they would recognise it with confidence. For them to love God deeply and choose to live a life with him and for him; bringing God glory, living as an act of worship, listening, speaking, and responding. Hannah Medland and Lt-Colonel Debbie Clark, from the Children’s Mission Department, challenge us to watch for the special moments of faith expression and worship. Hannah shares her opportunity to notice and create space.

It’s one of the first cold Saturday evenings of the year when my family and I, preparing for a night of ‘When w bout a lk ta n marshmallow toasting and hanging out, are delighted a hild c where a c we help to , d o G to be interrupted by a time of worship spontaneously f o in the riences their expe rological footprint occurring in our living room. a neu to identify d il h lay down c I am tending the fire as my three-year-old niece e in t helps th the Spirit e c brain tha n e (and mini-BFF) Poppy, plays close by. I notice a couple ri e fore exp n Borgo in in F and there y c of pieces of kindling have been formed by Poppy into a L ,’ says rsations e v the future n o C l the shape of a cross.1 She continues to play with this a Spiritu ing to her book n te is L over the next few minutes. Little adjustments are : n re with Child r. e th e made, pieces of wood flipped over, the cross being g o God T deconstructed and reconstructed.

F? WHAT I every First a sing-song voice, and then full-fledged at th d e v e li e singing, I hear Poppy articulating some b g e W rythin g has eve in d e o b G of her thoughts: ‘Jesuuuuus, you’re my n h a hum r wit encounte n . a s r m fo faaaavourite.

Jesus is my best friiiiiiiend. ri ? d g F -pil they nee WHAT I e lves as co e g rs in u w o He diiiied on the cross.

But he came ro w g a w ed rt in and we s We believ ortant pa p n a fi re im o d n S il a aliiiive agaaaaain.

He’s aliiiiive! He’s h s y c be, a t as Adults pla e st always h God, jus h u it T r m w u in o ip it aliiiiiive!

He’s aliiiiive!’

At this h in s s ribe t role a relation d, lletti desc importan il a h n v C a a n e C e v re th point, Poppy has moved into a d f h chil al o equally us Potenti e child’s tion. Both a io g rm li e fo in R l the centre of the room ls a spiritu g to th as equa ‘respondin t: “Help me s are seen with her hands above a g in w and adult ro u g nt req es ity for e c il a s d p o a G c her head, ir to d. the loser ip with Go to come c ’ ”. relationsh by myself

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DREN’S UALiTY:

d create space

2 Poppy has not yet learnt to compartmentalise her faith, like so many of us do. May she never learn this!

Instead, all of her life is an open invitation to have the Spirit and her spirituality woven through it.

singing at full volume about the risen Christ. The beauty and sacredness of this moment grab my full attention, but as it is occurring in such an everyday place and moment,2 the same cannot be said for other family members passing through the living room.

In that brief moment, twice I ask unaware family members to pause and allow Poppy to worship the Lord!

3 Similarly over the past few months, I’ve been Poppy’s invited to witness and participate in other sacred developing moments.3 Moments such as when Poppy teared understanding, up as she beat pecans and remembered Jesus being knowledge, hurt by the soldiers. When she and her family have experience and tenderly crafted a resurrection garden, and then relationship with Poppy has used it to confidently share the Easter story God becomes evident with children and teachers at her childcare. When F? as she is given the WHAT I dren Poppy has been asked what she is thankful for, she il h c r opportunity, time u We saw o has expressed praise for Jesus coming alive again capable d n a and space to freely t nfiden o c s 4 any of a and prayed in gratitude at bedtime night after night.

God. ‘...m respond, play and g in c n e ri short of of expe When an afternoon activity of rolling out flat, round express these. ave fallen h s n o hildren ti n anity of c homemade tortillas has seamlessly transitioned into [our] inte m u h ll fu cisely dging the hildren pre ing drawing crosses in sprinkled flour. When Poppy has c t e e acknowle m apacity to to be ask declined other bedtime songs and instead requested, or God’s c re ... Jesus seems Jesus a y the child. f o ‘Cross songs!’ When retellings of the story of Easter re o where the m d ower e adult an ult to emp d from a favourite Bible storybook have been taken a e less of th th g be invitin f the way.

4 over by Poppy who shares it in her own words— seems to ove out o m d n a d il to direct ‘Historically, we the ch particularly memorable is her speaking to an the child g in it v in rgo.

He is have wanted children illustration of Jesus being arrested in the r,’ says Bo te n u o c n e to think themselves into garden: ‘The people came to take him away. a relationship with God’ Jesus said, “It’s okay, it’s okay, you can says Borgo. But what causes take me”.’ someone to form and stay Borgo says, ‘Children have everything in relationship with someone? they need to have an encounter with Experiences, encounters and time God. Even an infant has everything together.

Poppy is invited into times they need to have an encounter and spaces with God regularly—night with God.’ And my goodness, prayers, Bible stories, church do I believe it! services, mealtime prayers.

Salvation Army Whangārei Opens New Community Space

BY DAVID YOUNGMEYER

A new Salvation Army building in Whangārei that provides a space for community activity, connection and service was officially opened on Saturday 28 May. It brings together a range of existing social services, community programmes and gatherings while also creating space for more work to develop.

Around 100 people attended the opening, with activities including an early morning blessing with Te Parawhau. There was also a pōwhiri, speeches and the unveiling of The Salvation Army plaque of dedication to ‘the glory of God, the salvation of people and the benefit of the community’.

Blessing the site A blessing of the whenua (land) and building started at 5.30am.

During the blessing, a kāitataki (leader) led the way through the building, followed by Salvation Army Rūnanga kaumātua (male elders) and local kaumātua, several kuia ( female elders) from Waitangi and other attendees. Following this, a further part of the blessing held in the entrance foyer involved speeches in te reo Māori and English.

Among the guests were the Hon. Kelvin Davis, the Member of Parliament for Te Tai Tokerau—the Māori electorate that includes Whangārei—and Sheryl Mai, the Mayor of Whangārei District.

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‘To the people who care for our people, I say thank you,’ Mayor Mai told participants.

The two-storey building was constructed on the site of the old corps (church) building at 3–7 Aubrey Street.

Hub for the community Bringing multiple Salvation Army services under one roof creates a community hub, which makes accessing multiple services easier for clients and contributes to more effective wraparound support, including simple space for connection.

The services—including Community Ministries with a foodbank, financial mentoring and social housing and Bridge addiction recovery services—were previously located at a variety of locations around Whangārei. This new build brings these services together along with an auditorium, social hall, youth hall, kitchen and reception area.

While the two Salvation Army Family Stores in Whangārei

ONE TREE REPRESENTED ‘NEW BEGINNINGS’, WHILE THE OTHER SIGNIFIED ‘A PLACE OF BELONGING’. continue to operate out of their own separate buildings, the opportunities for support and collaboration are great.

Speeches from representatives Following a breakfast, guests gathered in the auditorium for a pōwhiri with the kaumātua and kuia, followed by official speakers, including Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker; National Director of Addictions, Supportive Housing and Reintegration Services (ASARS) Lt-Colonel Rod Carey; Director of the Bridge Christchurch Major Sue Hay; Corps Mission Team Leader at Whangārei Corps Captain Nathan Holt; and Director of Bridge Whangārei Richard Dick.

Colonel Gerry Walker said that ‘today we dedicate this building to the glory of God and for the outworking of his mission through The Salvation Army in this community. To care for people, transform lives and reform society by God’s power. To reflect Te Ope Whakaora—the Army that brings life.’

The building ‘brings together in one place all of the expressions of the Army and continues to strengthen He Waka Eke Noa (all of us together) so that we can continue to meet the spiritual (taha wairua), physical (taha tinana), emotional (taha hinengaro) and family and social wellbeing (taha whānau) of all who come into this place and who we go out into the community to serve,’ said Colonel Gerry Walker.

‘The journey to this day has involved many people who have graciously contributed their knowledge, passion, expertise and time, and I wish to acknowledge and, on behalf of The Salvation Army, thank you for all you have done.’

Colonel Gerry Walker quoted Proverbs 24:3–4: ‘By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches’.

THERE HAS BEEN MUCH WISDOM IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AND THE LEGACY OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US LIVES IN EACH ROOM.

‘There has been much wisdom in the design and construction, and the legacy of those who have gone before us lives in each room. And the ministry of Te Ope Whakaora, the Army that brings life and hope continues to be outworked. Where everyone entering this place experiences manaakitanga, aroha, love, compassion, a warm welcome, hospitality and experiences God’s love through those they meet,’ said Gerry.

Captain Nathan Holt acknowledged the years of hard work that all those who have gone before put into the building: ‘Like the Māori concept of whakapapa, we are part of an unbreakable ancestral line, that includes all officers, soldiers, employees, volunteers, participants, congregants and visitors that have been a part of this place over the decades.

‘This is a place that is here today being dedicated to change and is a home to the people of this community, this hapu. This is a place of worship raised up to God through Jesus. This is a place of a baptising fire of the Holy Spirit. This is a place for the wounded, burdened, hopeless, lost and desperate. This is a barracks for an Army that brings life—Te Ope Whakaora.’

Captain Nathan Holt said that The Salvation Army’s fight is ‘an active, aggressive advancement of a people bringing the light of God into our communities. As long as there is one person left who does not know the love that Jesus taught, there is a need for an Army that is willing to take that light into those places, seeking out that one person.’

Lt-Colonel Rod Carey told the audience that people came to The Salvation Army addictions services to ‘get help, to get hope and to get whole again’.

Richard Dick noted that the need for Bridge services was increasing: ‘If we can connect people, if we can understand people, we can support them to make changes in their lives’.

Unveiling and planting Following the speeches, Colonel Gerry Walker unveiled the building plaque, located in the entrance foyer near to a buried Māori stone. The significance of the stone is that it is a metaphorical anchor, representing the connection between The Salvation Army and the tangata whenua (people of the land).

The guests then moved outside, where two kowhai trees were planted at the vehicle entrance to the site, one on each side.

The trees were planted by the co-chairs of The Salvation Army National Rūnanganui Aotearoa, Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson and Aux-Captain Amiria Te Whiu.

One tree represented ‘new beginnings’, while the other signified ‘a place of belonging’.

Salvation Army staff moved into the new building in February and all services are fully operational, said Nathan.

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Super Rugby Players Visit Army Sites Players from two Super Rugby teams spent time with The Salvation Army in Wellington and Dunedin recently, learning about our work and producing promotional videos in support of the Red Shield Appeal.

In Wellington, Hurricanes players Pasilio Tosi and Teihorangi Walden, along with their General Manager Commercial Chris Yeo, were at the central city Family Store on Taranaki Street.

Family Store Area Manager Eastern Suburbs Amanda Breton briefed the trio about the operation of the Family Stores, and how they play an important role in supporting the work of The Salvation Army.

The players got a practical insight into the workings of a Family Store by trying their hand at various jobs. These included sorting through donated items, browsing in the store and helping move a customer’s newly purchased couch.

The players signed a Hurricanes rugby ball on the day and also donated items to the store, such as clothing.

‘Sleeves Rolled Up’ Podcast Going Strong The Salvation Army’s new ‘Sleeves Rolled Up’ podcast has been downloaded more than 300 times, giving listeners an insight into the work and mission of The Salvation Army.

Hosted by our Digital Engagement Manager Julia de Ruiter, the podcast is produced at least once a fortnight and is available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

The podcast is a new way for people to find out what The Salvation Army does and its mission of caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society by God’s power.

‘It’s been great to hear feedback about how much people have been enjoying the podcast and how much they’ve been learning about the work of The Salvation Army, especially from our external audience,’ says Julia.

‘Intentionally keeping the episode lengths on the shorter side means we’re delivering really focussed and impactful information for those people that can’t commit to listening to longer-form episodes.

‘So far, the most popular episode has been the interview with Aux-Captain Amiria Te Whiu about why we should be prioritising Māori wellbeing,’ says Julia.

Currently, six episodes of the podcast have been produced. The first four 16 WarCry 25 JUNE 2022

episodes looked at different parts of The Salvation Army’s flagship State of the Nation report published in February.

Salvation Army specialists spoke about their areas of the report, specifically, crime and punishment, work and incomes, housing and Māori wellbeing.

Episode five involved an interview with Business Partnerships Manager Tessa Reardon. Tessa has been a key part of the success and growth of The Foodbank Project, an online donation platform where people can buy food items that are donated to Salvation Army foodbanks to be distributed to Kiwi in need.

Episode six focussed on the Government’s 2022 budget, with Social Policy Analyst Paul Barber, discussing the good points of the budget along with areas we found disappointing in terms of the level of immediate support provided to families struggling the most with the high cost of living and housing costs.

Upcoming episodes to watch out for will focus on the cost of gambling harm in our communities and The Salvation Army’s work in the social housing space.

Season 1 will involve 10 episodes, followed by a break before the podcast comes back in September with Season 2.

Listen on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

Also onsite was Assistant Territorial Secretary for Mission, Lt-Colonel Lynette Hutson, who spoke about the work of The Salvation Army in helping vulnerable individuals and families.

Meanwhile in Dunedin, three Highlanders players—Liam Coltman, Jona Nareki, Shannon Frizell—along with Katie Smith, head of Sponsor Relations with the Highlanders, visited The Salvation Army foodbank and nearby Family Store.

Corps officers Captains Christina and David McEwen who are also directors of Dunedin Community Ministries, along with Territorial Gifting and Philanthropy Manager Wendy Lobb, welcomed the players and provided an overview of how the foodbank operates.

The players packed food parcels and added a personal touch, signing and dating the food parcel boxes, something which will undoubtedly be a surprise for the recipients.

They then moved on to helping out at the Family Store, unloading donated furniture from a delivery truck, and loading a bed base onto the roof rack of a customer’s car.

Watch the video at: www.facebook.com/ SalvationArmyNZFTS/videos

Ukraine Update At the end of May, Prince Charles visited the Ukraine refugee response operation in Bucharest, Romania, to express his support for those displaced and to see firsthand the assistance being provided by organisations like The Salvation Army. During his visit, Prince Charles spoke to the divisional leaders, as well as the International Emergency Services (IES) team members.

The Salvation Army in Batumi, Georgia, has been serving daily meals to more than a hundred displaced people from Ukraine. Additionally, every Friday in Tbilisi, The Salvation Army holds a children’s club for their Ukrainian friends.

Relief items including food and generators have been transported to Lviv from both Poland and Germany.

These are being shared with the corps in Vinnytsia and Kropyvnytskyi. In Kropyvnytskyi, Salvation Army volunteers have been arranging food parcels which are distributed twice a week. The queue for groceries is long, so sweet tea and a chat is offered to people who are waiting. The Salvation Army corps in Vinnytsia has also been offering drinks and snacks to people to warm their souls. The hall in Vinnytsia has been open 24/7 because ‘love and kindness work without days off’.

The Romanian Salvation Army has added three new members to their IES team: Major Heather Rossouw from South Africa, Major Darren Elsley from Australia and Captain Daniel Bisko from the Czech Republic.

Lieutenant Anastasia Pomytkina, corps officer at Kyiv Mayak Corps, shares her experience of fleeing from her home to Moldova with her young daughter:

‘At the very beginning of the war, after nights in a dusty and damp bomb shelter, I realised that I would not survive with my asthma. I became worried for my little daughter and for the baby I am carrying. God said, “Run!” That is how I became a refugee, leaving my husband Dima, who stayed to help people in the Kyiv Mayak Corps, and my dog Daisy.

‘I managed to get to Moldova, and to my native Salvation Army. It took a few days to recover, both for me and my daughter Ariana.

‘I experienced fear, I was cut off from my precious people. I left my home, every morning for me was filled with uncertainty. What’s next? How long will it last? When will I return to Ukraine? Will I find what I left behind? Will I meet those whom I last saw a few months ago?

‘I see the same questions and the pressure of uncertainty in the eyes of my compatriots. I know how they feel and that is why I am here on this side. Ministering to my compatriots from Ukraine who flee from the horror of a war zone gives me great joy.

It is not about distributing food packages and other necessary things. I meet them, hug them and say that there is always hope: “We will return and restore our country with God’s help”.’

COMPILED FROM REPORTED BY INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

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The General Enrols More Than 550 Junior and Senior Soldiers in Congo Territory General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries) were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic demonstrations of faith they witnessed during their visit to The Salvation Army’s Congo (Brazzaville) Territory.

As well as commissioning the cadets of the Messengers of Reconciliation Session they also had opportunities to meet Salvationists and friends from across the Republic of Congo and from Gabon, part of the territory.

The international leaders arrived at Maya-Maya International Airport in a rain shower, which in Congo is a sign of blessing.

Having been welcomed by territorial leaders Colonels Brigitte Odile and Eugène Bamanabio, the General spoke to members of the national press, answering questions about The Salvation Army and situations around the world.

Covenants signed On Thursday 5 May the international leaders led a time of devotion at the territory’s training college, where the 24 cadets who were preparing to be commissioned as Salvation Army officers signed their covenants, pledging their lives in service to God through The Salvation Army.

The General told the cadets: ‘The Covenant you make with God must be in your hearts. God wants your hearts to be ready … [so] listen carefully to what he asks of you.’ In sacred moments, each cadet signed his or her covenant at the mercy seat before presenting it to the General and Territorial Commander Colonel Eugène Bamanabio for their signatures.

Later in the day, Nzoko Corps (church) hosted the Silver Star service, in which honour was given to 118 parents of cadets and lieutenants in recognition of the faithful influence they have had on their children. Forty-eight were parents of cadets from the Messengers of Reconciliation Session and 70 were parents of lieutenants from the Messengers of the Kingdom Session, who were commissioned in 2021.

The next morning the international leaders enjoyed a tour of territorial headquarters in Brazzaville, where they had opportunity to speak with officers and employees. They went from there back to Nzoko for two sessions of officers councils attended by active and retired officers from Congo and Gabon.

Festival of music Returning to Brazzaville in the evening, the General and Commissioner Rosalie led a music festival at The Salvation Army’s Fiftieth Anniversary Congress Hall. The spirit of Salvationism was seen clearly in the 13 music brigades which sang to the glory of God. Commissioner Rosalie offered a Bible thought based on Psalm 96 in which she reminded the congregation that people were created to give God glory.

The international leaders started the next day in separate locations. Commissioner Rosalie led the Women's Ministries rally at the Fiftieth Anniversary Congress Hall while the General led a men’s fellowship rally at Ngangouni Corps.

'Hope in Jesus'

Basing her Bible message on John 9:1–11, Commissioner Rosalie reminded the women gathered that hope can be found in Jesus.

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In response to the commissioner’s message, hundreds of women moved to the mercy seat for prayer and rededication.

The General encouraged his listeners to be men of prayer.

Preaching from Ephesians 1:15–23, the international leader reminded the congregation of more than 500 men of the hope that can only be found in God. Almost half of those present made public declarations of faith by moving forward to kneel at the mercy seat.

The highlight of the youth rally in the evening was the spectacular sight of the General enrolling 276 junior soldiers.

He called on the new young Salvationists to remain faithful to God, challenging them to live with confidence, consecration, and courage.

God-honouring performances by youth brigades from across the territory brought joy to the congregation of 2,000 people.

These included a worship group from Pointe Noire Division, Brazzaville 2 Divisional Band, a united singing company from Brazzaville, united drummers of Brazzaville, a worship group from Poto-poto, ‘Les Jeunes Hommes de la Joie’ from Ouénzé and united Torchbearers from Brazzaville.

On Sunday morning The Salvation Army took to the streets of Brazzaville, with brass instruments playing and flags flying in a joyful, eye-catching march of witness.

Welcoming new members Returning to the Fiftieth Anniversary Congress Hall, the General had the sacred task of commissioning and ordaining 24 cadets in front of a congregation that included government officials and ecumenical representatives. After the General’s Bible message, in which he used the story of King David to show the importance of repentance, many people moved forward to kneel in acts of penitence.

The final meeting of the visit included the enrolment of 277 senior soldiers. The General expressed his amazement at the huge number of people dedicating their lives to God’s service. He was delighted to receive them as additions to the rolls in Congo and Gabon, welcomed the new soldiers ‘in the name of Jesus Christ whom we serve’.

Appointments were given to the 24 new lieutenants by the General before Commissioner Rosalie offered words of encouragement.

The ongoing legacy of a Spirit-filled time together was encapsulated when more than 100 young people responded to an appeal to become officers of The Salvation Army.

REPORTS BY INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT, BASED ON SUBMISSIONS BY HURFET ZOBA

GAZETTE Bereavement: Kevin Bridle, the brotherin-law of Commissioners Bronwyn and Lyndon Buckingham and Lt-Colonels Michelle and Milton Collins, uncle of Captain Daniel Buckingham and Lieutenant Emma Frunt, was promoted to Glory from North Shore Hospital, Auckland, on 29 May 2022. We ask you to uphold in prayer Kevin’s wife Coralie Bridle (who serves on the territory’s MASIC and also The Salvation Army’s International Theological Council) and family members in this time of grief and loss.

Promotion to Glory: Captain Kelvin Turner on 11 June 2022, from Chatswood Retirement Village, Christchurch, aged 80 years. Kelvin Eric Turner was born in Auckland in 1942, and married Pauline Witheford in 1965. Together they were warranted as territorial envoys in 1977 and appointed to Hodderville Boys Home, Tokoroa. In 1978, Kelvin was appointed as manager to Kenneth Cordy House, Wellington, and then as Manager of St Clair Eventide Men’s Home, Dunedin in 1983. During this appointment Kelvin and Pauline were commissioned as Captains in 1987. In 1989, Kelvin was appointed as manager, Te Waiteata House, Gisborne.

Appointments followed at Epsom Lodge, Auckland (1989); manager, Community and Family Services, Rotorua (1990) which included a period of leading Rotorua Corps; and corps officers, Edendale Corps (1993). In 1997, Kelvin and Pauline were appointed to Whanganui Corps and it is from this appointment that they entered retirement on 18 December 1997. We honour Captain Kelvin Turner for his 20 years of vibrant evangelism, and care for marginalised people. Please uphold Captain Pauline Turner, their children Captain Jocelyn Smith, Karina Butera, Captain Eric Turner and Phillip Turner and extended family members in prayer at this time of grief and loss. Well done good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Birth and First-Time Grandparents: We are pleased to advise that Lieutenant Alanah Moody has given birth to a baby girl, Blake Cara Moody. Blake was born at 7:06pm, 10 June 2022, weighing 7lb 2oz (3.26kgs). Congratulations are also extended to Majors Alison and David Moody on the safe arrival of their first grandchild. We join with her parents Lieutenants Alanah and Chris Moody, grandparents Majors Alison and David Moody and great-grandparent Major Colleen Griffiths, as they celebrate the birth of Blake.

Appointment in Retirement: Effective 6 June 2022, Captain Lindsay Andrews an appointment in retirement as corps officer, Rangiora Corps in Southern Division.

…A YEARLY REMINDER OF THE PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS I HAVE MADE… Recently I’ve been reading Called to be a Soldier: Exploring the Soldier’s Covenant. On page 10, it says, ‘A covenant is a form of agreement or bond which sets out the promises, privileges and responsibilities between two parties’. It goes on to explain that there are many examples of covenants in Scripture and that these are always initiated by God. Regarding the Soldier’s Covenant it says, ‘In making the Soldier’s Covenant, each soldier enters into an agreement that flows from God’s invitation and calling to be in obedient and loving relationship with him’.

I have made three significant covenants in my life: my Soldier’s Covenant, Officer Covenant and Marriage Covenant. Interestingly, I can actually only remember what happened on two of these occasions. I remember standing on the platform of my home corps when I was 14 years old, alongside a friend who was also being enrolled. My dad held the flag and Mrs Pat Foster-Bailey read the Scripture (this is significant for me as I was dedicated by her as a baby and she also read the Bible when I was made a junior soldier—what a prayer warrior she was over my life).

Fourteen years later, Ian and I got married. I remember that pretty well—although a day or so after the wedding, Ian and I had to ask each other whether the flower arrangements we had ordered actually arrived (photos later proved that they had!). The one day that I do not remember is Covenant Day when I signed my Officer Covenant.

I have reflected on this a fair bit over recent years; although I do not remember the day I signed my Officer Covenant, I do recall the days of solemn commitment leading up to the signing. Let’s face it, I did not wake up on my wedding day and suddenly decide ‘today I think I might get married’. The commitment and the decision had been made months prior; the ceremony and the signing of the marriage certificate was the sealing of our covenant, the day Ian and I publicly made our promises to God and to each other. This was the case with both the Soldier’s and Officer Covenants.

Have I always lived up to all the promises I have made in my Soldier’s, Officer and Marriage Covenants? Probably not. But with God’s grace, love and encouragement, I try.

So when I think about the Soldier’s Covenant Renewal Day (3 July), it’s a bit like wedding anniversaries: a yearly reminder of the promises and commitments I have made and an opportunity to recommit to the one I have made the covenant with— to once again accept the invitation to be in an obedient and loving relationship with my Creator God. Major Liz Gainsford Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development 25 JUNE 2022 WarCry

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THE K I NGDOM OF I NCOM PA R A BL E WORT H A PROFOUND DISCOVERY

In the second part of Major Mat Badger’s three-part series on the kingdom of God, we discover the value of the treasure we are entrusted with, plus God’s longterm plan for our planet.

I was searching, and after walking up and down the trail beside the small waterfall for about 20 minutes, to paraphrase Bono, ‘I still hadn’t found what I [was] looking for’. An acute sense of frustration set in as I sat on a rock to re-think my approach. I had looked in all the obvious places, but had found nothing. As I was thinking about what to do next, I happened to notice something that seemed slightly out of place. I looked closer. Sure enough, sitting on a ledge in behind the small waterfall was the container I had been looking for. It had been camouflaged to look like a rock and, as a result, hundreds of people would have walked past this spot without ever knowing that it was there.

I reached in behind the trickling water and grabbed the cleverly camouflaged container.

…WE HAVE AN UNSHAKEABLE GUARANTEE THAT GOD DOES NOT INTEND TO TRASH THIS PLANET… Geocaching treasure hunt My friends and family know that I like to go geocaching—it brings me great joy!

Geocaching has often been described as a GPS game that uses billion-dollar technology to find Tupperware in the woods. However, for me it is so much more than just the discovery—it’s as much about the journey to find the cache.

There is something rewarding about finding something hidden in plain sight. However, in this case, not only was I satisfied with the find, I was also genuinely surprised. When I opened the container, in it was an 20 WarCry 25 JUNE 2022

American 50-dollar bill that had this note paperclipped to it: ‘To the next finder of this geocache … I have loved visiting New Zealand and geocaching in your wonderful country. I would like to give a little something back. Here’s a surprise that I hope will make your day.’

I was indeed surprised, and it definitely made my day! I had joyfully stumbled across something valuable when I’d least expected it.

Discovering the kingdom of God Central to both parables in Matthew 13:44–46 is this idea of discovery. Both main characters find something of great value that is hidden from sight. A man finds a treasure of priceless value as he ploughed a field, and the merchant sold everything he had in order to purchase the most amazing pearl he had ever seen. As Dr Chris Marshall writes in his book, Kingdom Come, the repetition of the verb ‘to find’ in both stories draws attention to this idea of discovery.

But the nature of their finds is quite different. In the parable of the hidden treasure, the labourer stumbled across the treasure quite by chance. He was not looking for treasure, but in the course of his ploughing, he found it anyway. In the second parable, the merchant actively searched for beautiful pearls, and in the process located the finest pearl he had ever seen.

THE REMARKABLE TRUTH OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE AND IS DOING IN CHRIST FILLS US WITH ENERGISING JOY. These two parables were used by Jesus to demonstrate what the kingdom of God is like. For some, discovering the kingdom will be a pleasant surprise. It will be something they weren’t looking for but happen to stumble across by accident. For others, the discovery of the kingdom will be part of a serious quest of meaning and

THERE IS SOMETHING REWARDING ABOUT FINDING SOMETHING HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT. value, something that once discovered, fulfils their lifelong quest.

Whatever the case may be, there are two key points to keep in mind. The first is that we find the kingdom of God rather than earning or deserving it. It’s pure grace—something God does, and something we discover rather than work for. Second, and maybe most crucially, it is not only discovering the kingdom that matters, but also appreciating its entire significance and incomparable worth when we do. Their discoveries would have had little impact if the labourer and merchant had not recognised the immense value of what they had found.

The priceless treasure When we think about this principle today, all genuine Christ-followers would claim to have discovered the reality of God’s kingdom in Jesus, and understand this revelation as God’s gift of grace. But I’m not sure if we all realise how valuable and significant the kingdom is once discovered. When Jesus spoke these parables, he was talking to believers. If they could have truly seen the kingdom of God for what it was and is, Jesus indicated that it would have revolutionised their lives forever.

The same is true for us. We can have a very limited perspective of what God achieved through Christ’s life, death and resurrection. The more I think about it, the more I am amazed by the sheer magnitude of the impact of the gospel.

It is awe-inspiring and it is astonishing in its dimensions! It is not just that God wants to simply save a few disembodied souls, keep people happy or get them into heaven when they die—it includes this of course, but it is much, much more.

Global make-over The good news of the kingdom of God is that our Creator has acted to save the world, to heal creation, to bring the whole of life back under his perfect reign. In the

incarnation, and in the life, death and resurrection of Christ, we have an unshakeable guarantee that God does not intend to trash this planet; God intends to refurbish it! Ultimately God will purge the world of evil, heal its wounds and restore it to the condition he intended for it at the beginning.

When we make this discovery, the Christian life takes on new and deeper meaning. Instead of waiting around for God to rescue us, we come to see our role as active participants in extending and expressing God’s kingdom here and now.

Perhaps that’s why in the parable of the treasure the by-product of the labourer’s discovery was pure joy. ‘And then in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field’ (Matthew 13:44).

Joy is the by-product of truth. When we grasp the truth of the gospel, it always brings joy. The remarkable truth of what God has done and is doing in Christ fills us with energising joy.

As Marshall says, ‘One of our biggest problems as Christians is that we do not always believe what we preach. If we really believed with all of our hearts the truth of the gospel, that in Jesus God has acted to redeem the world, and this work of redemption will one day be fully completed, it would radicalise the way we live.’

What does the joy of discovering the eternal kingdom look like in your life?

The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 26 June: East City Corps visit, Northern Division 28 June: Five Year Officer Review, Booth College of Mission 3 July: Hibiscus Coast Corps visit, Northern Division Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 25–30 June: Northern Division Officers’ Fellowship, Paihia Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) 28 June: Five Year Officer Review, Booth College of Mission

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in Ukraine; for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption; Territorial Officer Support Unit, Ōtāhuhu Corps, officers serving overseas, Territorial Overseas Development Office, Pacific Coast Mission and The Salvation Army in the Caribbean.

Covenant Renewal 2022

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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@ salvationarmy.org.nz

I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army

BCM Library to the rescue!

The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:

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

From reference books for study and sermon prep to biographies and Christian living, enjoy unlimited access to the EBSCO eBook Religion Collection as part of a Booth College of Mission Library membership.

Email library@salvationarmy.org.nz for more info.

Quiz Answers: 1 Puck, 2 Winston, 3 A Clowder, 4 Oman, 5 Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26). Planets and spaceships: 1 D, 2 E, 3 A, 4 B, 5 C.

22 WarCry 25 JUNE 2022

Can you match the space ships to their planets?

Answers on page 22.

‘He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.’

Psalm 174:4

Greg Rakozy on unsplash.com

Word search!

Did you know that there are nine stars in the Matariki constellation?

Can you find all of them in this word search? They could be forward, backward, up, down or diagonal. We've removed the macrons and hyphens from the names to make it less confusing.

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D U

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MATARIKI TUPU-Ā-RANGI WAIPUNA-Ā-RANGI WAITĪ URURANGI TUPU-Ā-NUKU WAITĀ PŌHUTUKAWA HIWA-I-TE-RANGI

Why haven’t aliens come to our solar system?

They read the reviews: one star.

Matariki is a time when we celebrate the start of the Māori New Year and there is a cluster of stars in the sky (called Matariki). The stars are important for so many different reasons. They give light in the darkness of the night and help people to find their way.

Do you ever go outside and stargaze?

What do you see? Have you ever tried to count all the stars and reached a really high number, or just given up because there are too many? Do you notice some are brighter than others? No two stars are the same.

When you look at the night sky, consider how God created them to show us he is a big God who can create billions of stars.

But he is also a God who crafted every individual star by hand.

Not only did God create the stars, he knows how many there are and knows them all by name. It can be hard for us to believe that. Stars seem so small and far away. But God is a personal God and knows his creation personally. He knows every human in this world. He also knows you personally.

I WONDER...

Where else can you see God's hand in creation?

25 JUNE 2022 WarCry

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