26 June 2021 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 26 JUNE 2021 | Issue 6770 | $1.50

Social Housing Development Opened by Prime Minister Fighting Fit: Epsom Lodge Gym Upgrade

‘Beauty in the Broken’ Women’s Event in Alexandra Beware of the Trolls

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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, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Holly Morton, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | 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.

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

Publishing for 137 years | Issue 6770 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online)

Discerning Truth I had an interesting conversation with my teenage son. It was about the gospel according to Carl Jung and Jordan Peterson. These two men both ascribed to a ‘form of godliness, but rejected its true power’ (2 Timothy 3:5). They present a philosophical god and preach existentialism.

The internet has sound bites and attractive click baits. You can listen to a podcast or watch a YouTube clip and if you do not have a firm grip and understanding of the Bible, you can believe another gospel. In this other gospel, young people are encouraged to experience all the world has to offer and seek happiness and whatever fulfils their desires. This subtle packaging of philosophy into Christianese is now presented as a palatable alternative to the truth of the Bible.

In Psalm 119:9 it says, ‘How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word’. There is a path, a way, a door, a gate, a truth, a life— it is Christ! This does not mean we do not think deeply, read widely and challenge familial religious traditions, but if we are not regularly in the word of God it is easy to believe skewed truth and this will water down our understanding of Christ.

In this edition of War Cry, Major Seth Le Leu challenges us, in his article on Hearing God’s Voice, to put on our noise-cancelling headphones and listen to the quiet voice of God. He encourages us to see our imperfections through the lens of the characters of the Bible, who are just like us—fallible and imperfect.

As we block out the noise around us and read the Bible, we can rest assured, because God said: ‘So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it’ (Isaiah 55:11).

Vivienne Hill Editor

SalvationArmyNZFTS

Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.

@SalvationArmyNZ

William Ralph Inge

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

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Psalm 102:13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come.

Ngā Waiata 102:13 Tērā koe e whakatika, e aroha ki a Hiona; kua taka mai hoki te wā, āe rā, te tino wā, hei atawhainga i a ia.

O

ne of my best friends of almost 10 years is getting married this weekend, and I have the privilege of being part of the wedding party. At a time like this I find myself reflecting back over my friendship with him and how so much has changed over those years. We met at high school, and I invited him to my church’s youth group. My friend grew up going to church, but at the time was less sure about the whole thing—not that I knew.

It was a place that I enjoyed, so I wanted to share this with people I enjoyed.

He went to my youth group for the rest of his time in high school, went to Dunedin to study theology and work as a youth leader at a church for a while and then met his fiancée at a life group. I obviously can’t claim responsibility for any of this; he was already on a journey with God who was directing his life. But I think about the innocence of the younger version of me who simply wanted to share something good with her friends, and how God worked through that. Our other best friend from high school, who is the best man at the wedding, had no faith background. He was also invited to church, and he now helps run the youth group where he met Jesus.

As I’ve become older, I have slowed on the church invite numbers, worried about offending people or making assumptions about what they need. I like to think I’m being respectful and have

a better understanding of wider worldviews, but a large part of it is the fear of coming across as one of ‘those’ Christians. But I have this wonderful friend, Anna, at my church, who is so in love with Jesus and is really good at listening to his voice. Often, she’ll come to church on Sunday with all these stories about the different strangers she’s talked to about Jesus during the week. For her, it’s always about doing what God asks of her, and knowing that she has something she thinks is worth sharing.

When Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, he says this: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour’ (Luke 4:18–19). And the thing about these promises of Jesus is that we believe them to be good news; not just for us, but for everybody. This doesn’t necessarily mean we should run around and tell everyone we come across how amazing God is—although if you feel that call from God you should probably listen—but I do wonder what it would look like if God’s children lived more like they have something exciting and wonderful to share with the people around them.

BY HOLLY MORTON

26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 3

QUIKQUIZ

1 Who was the first US president to reside in the White House?

2 What is the basic unit of measurement of an electric current?

3 Vivianne Miedema was named Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2020. She plays for which women’s team?

4 Riboflavin is commonly known as which Vitamin?

5 Which prince in the Bible had his hair cut only once a year?

Answers on page 22

Weird of the Week: Anatidaephobia is the fear that a duck is watching you.

SALLIEOFTHEWEEK

Greg Foster (National Director, Salvation Army Social Housing) Greg Foster has been with The Salvation Army for four years, continuing his many years of working with NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to empower people. As director of Salvation Army Social Housing, Greg leads a team responsible for 500 tenants across more than 430 properties throughout New Zealand. Greg has been tackling the housing shortage head on, with ongoing expansion of The Salvation Army’s housing stock in his sights. He recently opened Kaitiakitanga and Te Manaaki Tāngata, the second and third developments of warm, safe and efficient rental houses. Greg and his team remain passionate about getting people off the Social Housing Register and into sustainable housing.

The Founder’s Charge to His Son

How the General gave his word to do more for the Homeless, the World around, and to Unfurl The Army Flag in China.

By Harold Begbie.

To acknowledge Founder’s Day, we’re extending this week’s WARCRYINHISTORY to re-publish an article which originally appeared in the 3 July 1926 War Cry. One afternoon quite towards the end Bramwell Booth found his father sitting up in his arm-chair, evidently waiting to speak to him. What followed is more touching for the fact that it proved to be William Booth’s last consecutive conversation. The old warrior, greeting his son very quietly, said to him: ‘Chief, can you spare me a few moments? There are two matters much upon my mind. I want you to make me a promise concerning them. Then, as Bramwell Booth sat down near to his father’s chair, the General said: 4 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

‘Now, are you attending to me?’, and the conversation proceeded as follows: ‘I want you to promise me that when my voice is silent and I am gone from you, you will use such influence as you may possess within The Army to do more for the homeless of the World. The homeless men. Mind! I am not thinking of this country only, but of all the lands.’

‘Yes, General, I understand.’

‘The homeless women’—and, with deepening tones, ‘Ah, my boy, we don’t know what it means to be without a home.’

TOPFIVE

Here are five official names for things you might not have realised had an official name.

1. The pieces of plastic on the ends of your shoelaces—Aglets 2. The little bumps on the side of a table tennis paddle—Pips 3. The official name for the division sign (÷)—Obelus 4. The small blob of toothpaste you put on your brush to clean your teeth—Nurdle 5. The plural or genderneutral name for nieces and nephews—Nibling (like ‘sibling’ for your brothers and sisters).

Children’s Board Book Near: Psalm 139 Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Illustrated by Jago This new offering from the creators of the top-selling Jesus Storybook Bible does not disappoint.

Protected by a hardwearing padded cover, this 20-page board book will stand the test of time. The bright, toddler-friendly illustrations follow little explorers as they journey through the world, discovering that no matter where they go, God is with them. Based on Psalm 139, Lloyd-Jones applies her usual knack of making profound biblical truth accessible for small hearts and minds. If you enjoy this book, you might also like Loved: The Lord’s Prayer and Found: Psalm 23. For slightly older children you could check out Jesus Storybook Bible and the devotion-style Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing (for children aged six to nine). (Reviewed

by Lauren Millington)

‘Yes, General, I follow.’

‘The homeless children. Oh, the children! Bramwell, look after the homeless. Promise me.’

When the promise had been given, something of the old whimsical humour appeared as he exclaimed, ‘Mind! If you don’t, I shall come back and haunt you!’

The son then inquired about the other matter referred to, and the General replied, ‘I have been thinking very much during the last few nights about China. I greatly regret that the Lord has not permitted me to raise our Flag amongst that wonderful people. I want you to promise me that as soon as possible you will get together a party of suitable Officers, and unfurl the Flag in that wonderful land. Now promise me that you will begin the work in China.’

And, when the desired promise was given, the General stretched out his hand, saying: ‘Your promise? It’s a bargain, is it? Then give me your hand on it.’ And, clasping hands, father and son prayed

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter, Pecans and Pretzels 4 medium orange kumara, scrubbed and pricked all over with a fork 100g butter 2 Tbsp maple syrup ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 cup pretzels, crushed ½ cup chopped pecans

Heat the oven to 200°C. Put the kumara on a baking tray and roast for 30 minutes. Turn them over and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until soft. Remove from the oven and cut in half lengthways. Rough up the flesh slightly with a fork and return the kumara to the baking tray.

Melt the butter in a small pot set over medium heat. Let it cook for about five minutes, until it is golden brown and smells nutty. Carefully add the maple syrup, followed by the pepper, pretzels and pecans.

Stir well and remove from the heat.

Spoon this mixture over the halved kumara, making sure you scrape out every last bit of butter (especially the brown bits). Return the kumara to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until the tops are crispy. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Source: Lucy Corry/eatwell.co.nz

together, and the elder man solemnly placed his hands upon the younger man’s head and blessed him.

Bramwell Booth tells me that he can never forget that moment. The soft light of the autumn afternoon falling on his father’s beautiful head, the earnestness of the request manifest both in voice and in manner, the strength and yet simplicity of that last prayer, the moving accents of that benediction, all must remain with him as a sacred and inspiring memory.

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

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Shane Camero Supports Ep Lodge Gym

on psom m

The gym equipment at The Salvation Army’s Epsom Lodge Supportive Accommodation in Auckland has received a boost, thanks to new and improved boxing gear from former New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion Shane Cameron.

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

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psom Lodge has had an on-site gym for a number of years; however, its equipment was in need of an upgrade. Most concerning was their boxing bag, which was ‘a ball of concrete’.

‘How someone didn’t break their hand on it, I don’t know,’ Property Maintenance Coordinator Hamish Muir says.

Enter former New Zealand professional heavyweight boxer, Shane Cameron.

Shane was a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the Heavyweight event at the 2002 games in Manchester, after which he pursued a professional career. With a record of 29 wins and 5 losses across his career, his most significant fight was competing for a world title opposite Australian boxer Danny Green.

Hamish, a regular at the Shane Cameron Fitness gym in Northcote, reached out to the boxer to see if there was any way that he could assist the lodge.

Given that Shane was in the process of bringing in the newest product line for his Counter Punch brand of boxing gear, this meant that Epsom Lodge was able to benefit.

‘I did some work to help Shane, and he very kindly gave us a bag, so that’s where it started,’ Hamish explains. ‘We were really lucky Shane was bringing in his new range of stuff, so we were able to get an older bag which was good.’

They quickly realised that the rest of their boxing equipment needed to be updated as well. ‘Once again, I asked Shane. He did us a really good deal and we were able to get some more gloves and some pads into the gym for the guys to use.’

Shane felt motivated to support The Salvation Army and pay it forward. ‘The Salvation Army’s been around for a long time and people are always giving,’ he says. ‘Hamish does a lot of good things in the community, helps out at the gym where he can, so it’s only fitting. You scratch each other’s back sometimes.’

While he could have sold the bag, he was happy to donate it for the benefit of the lodge. ‘It’s still a fairly new bag … they don’t just last one year—they can last up to 10 years or more.’

A safety net Epsom Lodge was established in 1897, in the Auckland suburb for which it is named, as a home for men released from prison.

Today the lodge provides emergency and transitional housing for men and women who have nowhere to live, with support and aftercare provided. They each come from a range of different backgrounds, such as experiencing homelessness, prison or escaping domestic violence.

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Staff are skilled in areas such as counselling, social work and have specialist alcohol and drug qualifications. Clients work with their caseworkers to develop individualised plans, set goals and build confidence in themselves and their futures.

Improving physical fitness, developing sustainable coping strategies and learning healthy ways of processing emotions— such as exercising—understandably plays a role in these plans.

Having a gym which is stocked with great equipment is a boost for the Epsom Lodge residents and adds extra motivation to grab a pair of gloves and get involved.

‘A lot of them are really surprised when they do get to see the gym. We’ve got some free weights … we’ve got the bag, there’s some cardio machines. They really, really enjoy it and do look after it,’ Hamish says.

‘Some of them I think would love to spar, but they’re not allowed to,’ he laughs. ‘The bag is used every day.’

Why boxing?

While all exercise is beneficial to building fitness, some of the specific attributes of boxing make it a great outlet. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, leads to better core stability, increases stamina and improves hand–eye coordination, balance and posture.

Fitness boxing (as opposed to getting in the ring) also takes away the risk of head trauma or taking hits.

‘As much as boxing can be seen as a brutal sport by many, it’s so good for [fitness],’ Shane affirms. ‘I’ve got my gym set up here, and 90 percent of it is focused on boxing for fitness.’

Starting Shane Cameron Fitness, and later on his Counter Punch product range of boxing gear, was a natural transition for Shane after moving on from his professional athletic career.

‘Thinking [about] life after professional sport, well, one thing I do know is the fitness industry and boxing for fitness, and it’s just grown from there,’ he says. ‘Anything boxing, I’ve got you covered, really.’

Along with the gym, Shane also runs boxing, coaching and personal training courses.

Hamish has chosen Shane Cameron Fitness as his boxing gym for nearly 10 years, almost as long as the gym has been based in its current location. He says that it is a good place

to ‘sweat hard, play hard, drink lots of coffee’, alluding to the coffee cart outside in the car park.

He says that boxing has been the sport that helped him get stuck into training long term. ‘I’d never stayed in a gym for more than three months. I just found a niche that I really liked and I enjoyed,’ he says.

‘As a sheer fitness sport, I still believe it’s one of the best low-impact, high-intensity sports that you can do, and so that’s what is so good for anyone: you can be at any fitness [level] and do it, and it’s not hard on the body. I’ve had very few injuries from boxing.’

HAVING A GYM WHICH IS STOCKED WITH GREAT EQUIPMENT IS A BOOST FOR THE EPSOM LODGE RESIDENTS AND ADDS EXTRA MOTIVATION TO GRAB A PAIR OF GLOVES AND GET INVOLVED. In terms of the mental health benefits, the sport improves your sleep and mindset. It leads to decreased stress through endorphin release, not to mention the satisfying feeling of punching your worries away on the bag.

‘It is safer and easier to hit the bag than to get into trouble doing other things,’ Hamish says. ‘You feel good afterwards, after the endorphins.’

‘If you’re having a bad day—and you feel like venting some anger, I suppose—it’s better to vent the anger on a bag than on anyone else,’ Shane agrees.

Because Epsom Lodge has residents who wear ankle bracelets and are not permitted to leave the premises, having a gym on hand is especially important. In light of Auckland’s multiple Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, it was a handy release for all of the other residents during those periods as well.

‘IF THEY CAN’T GET OUT AND MOVE AROUND, OR CAN’T GO FOR A RUN, THEY CAN HIT THE PADS OR HIT THE BAG.’ 8 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

‘AS A SHEER FITNESS SPORT, I STILL BELIEVE IT’S ONE OF THE BEST LOW-IMPACT, HIGHINTENSITY SPORTS THAT YOU CAN DO…’ Shane is grateful to know that the bag and gear is getting a good daily workout. ‘Talking about health and wellbeing and mental health,’ he says, ‘it certainly all helps. If they can’t get out and move around, or can’t go for a run, they can hit the pads or hit the bag.’

Training together Currently, there are no set group trainings at Epsom Lodge, although there are small groups who work out together, with certain individuals taking the lead to run these sessions.

One group is made up of Leon, Brandon and Eric, who have gone back into the sport since arriving at Epsom Lodge and having access to the gym. They train together twice a day, and enjoy burning off the excess energy, challenging themselves and ‘doing something with the boys, that you’ve got in common’.

‘It makes you feel better about your day, like you’ve accomplished something,’ Leon says. ‘But we’re all doing it for ourselves—that’s the main thing: do it for ourselves, don’t do it because you get told to do it.’

They particularly enjoy the feeling of getting through a tough workout.

‘It’s not going to be easy as soon as you start,’ Leon says.

‘But it can only get easier,’ Brandon adds.

Epsom Lodge has had some early discussions about the possibility of getting a personal trainer to visit or run a scheduled session in the gym. However, first they want to gauge the interest from the residents to discover whether there is actually a need for it.

This area could be a potential source of further collaboration with Shane Cameron Fitness, if they decide it is a path worth pursuing.

‘It’s definitely a conversation that we could have a bit further down the line,’ Hamish says.

‘One hundred percent,’ Shane agrees. ‘It’s only a conversation away if it gets busy enough or if it is a need.’

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Supporting Loved Ones When They Lose A Pet Losing a pet causes genuine heartache.

When they have acted as a loved one’s trusty companion for a number of years, spent a large portion of each day by their side or helped them through a tricky season with their unconditional love, a person is bound to have a painful, emotional reaction to their passing. There’s nobody meeting them at the front door; no one chirping in the background as they turn up the TV. The routine of feeding them each night disappears.

They may also be losing a part of their identity—their connection with local pet-lovers at the nearby dog park.

However, the grief of losing a pet isn’t always fully understood by the people around them. Especially for those who have never had their own pet, it can be tricky to empathise and know what to say.

Here are some dos and don’ts.

AFTER SOMEONE LOSES A PET, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEIR LOVED ONES TO VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS AND GENUINELY CARE.

DON’T…

• Compare their grief with your own. Everyone’s experience is different.

• Respond with platitudes such as ‘it will get easier with time’ or ‘they’re in a better place’.

IDEAS FOR GRIEVING PET OWNERS Don’t discount your grief, even if others do.

• Imply when they should get over the loss, or that it shouldn’t matter as much as a human death.

Reach out to other people who have also lost pets.

• Tell them to ‘just get another one’: pets are each unique and irreplaceable. Whether they want to get another pet is a decision for them to make when it feels right.

Create a small memorial, collate a photograph album or plant a tribute in your garden.

DO…

• Let them express their grief and talk about memories to work through it.

• Give them a hug or let them cry it out if they want.

Make a donation in their memory to the SPCA or another animal-rescue charity.

Journal your feelings.

• Remind them that their grief is valid and there is no right or wrong way to process loss.

If you are a Christian, lean into prayer for comfort and wisdom of how to move through the grief.

• Let them know that you understand there’s nothing you can say to make it better, but you are here for them.

REMEMBER…

• Offer practical help, like cooking a meal for their family or accompanying them the first time they go for a walk along the same path they used to walk their four-legged friend (if they want the company).

• Check in with them periodically.

After someone loses a pet, it is important for their loved ones to validate their feelings and genuinely care. You don’t need to completely understand what they are going through to be there for them.

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if you have other pets, it is common for them to experience grief too, especially if they were close. The change of circumstances and your emotional reaction can also distress them. This might be expressed through whimpering, crying, lethargy or loss of appetite/refusing to drink water. Try to maintain their normal routine—and give them lots of love and care.

Sources: humanesociety.org, petlossathome.com

TESTIFY! Debra Marsh found a home and full-time job with The Salvation Army. She believes her greatest achievements are cementing her place as a passionate member of Manurewa Corps Plant and her job at the Family Store.

I was raised by my grandmother, and South Auckland has been home for a long time. I was brought up by my Pākehā side, although I do know a lot of my Māori side. I am sort of relearning that as I go. God’s always been in the background, but life gets in the way. My grandmother was a Seventhday Adventist, but when we moved to Waiheke Island for a little while (which was really cool), we moved away from church.

Years and years ago, I’d heard from a friend that The Salvation Army helped him with food and clothing while he was in Australia. It wasn’t until I had become homeless and went into transitional housing that I heard about them again. They helped me to get my house with the Housing Corp (now Kāinga Ora). Summer in Papakura, where I am, is really beautiful.

I wanted to join the church as well, so I did their Āwhina Mai Positive Lifestyle Programme about two years ago. It’s kind of counselling and a reopening of eyes, a way to look at yourself. There are such wonderful people there that it comes from a loving place, and you look at and work on those things with them.

It’s all about helping others, being there for them and listening. I thought, these ladies are WOW, I want to be one.

I’ve become a leader with my church.

My role, for now, is I am an ear for the other women, empowering and encouraging them, so I’ve had a lot of fun with that. I was amazed to be asked.

My task over the next few months is to create a women’s group, so here’s praying that comes together!

I THOUGHT, THESE LADIES ARE WOW, I WANT TO BE ONE. I am a processor here at the Family Store, but it’s also a varied role because of my church influence. It’s very inspirational for me to have the women from church come in and to pray and speak with them. When I first came to Manurewa Corps Plant, there were like 20 people there, if we were lucky.

We’ve doubled that, even tripled it. We have had more parents come in and the church has asked me to help with the Sunday School, so that’s another new thing for me.

When I was younger, church scared me a little bit. It was all about the end of days and heaven and hell. But now that I’m older, I think it’s more about people—helping people, trying to

become a community together and work with each other. It’s a great place to realise how generous people can be.

I think we forget that in the hustle and bustle of things.

Working with the community, and creating little mini communities, is my goal at the moment. But I’m hoping that in the next five years I’ll be going to Booth College. That’s my ultimate goal—I even prayed for patience on Sunday, to slow down and take each step. Being here and in faith has changed my whole view of life. You tend to forget that, in your day to day—how much you’ve achieved. I’ve been able to get a house, have a full-time job (which I’ve not had in a long time), become a leader, even done a TV spot! I can’t see my life without The Salvation Army, or even the Family Store. It’s so awesome to see what The Salvation Army accomplishes all over the world and being part of that is really rewarding.

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BY B E TH A N

Y S LAU G H TE

R

o h W : s s e Facel ? s l l o r T e AR E t h It is easy to be flippant when we talk about Internet trolls. The name itself sounds like a medieval monster (although the supposed origin of the verb ‘trolling’ refers to a fishing technique where bait is dragged from a moving boat). The word has become so embedded in our daily jargon that its danger is easily lost.

Make no mistake, trolling, whether with careless or malicious intent, is very dangerous.

Because the definition can often get muddied, a troll is a person who deliberately incites ‘flame wars’, posting at-best irrelevant but often inflammatory and offensive messages in online spaces. Their sole intent is to provoke a response.

This can look like many things: an expletive-laden, misogynistic comment on a social media post.

A deliberately defaced online tribute to a deceased person. Abusive threats of death or rape. Stalking.

And although trolling feels like a faraway concept, something which you think couldn’t happen to an ordinary person like you, it is a growing form of harassment.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BOT After her own experience of being trolled, Australian Journalist Ginger Gorman set out to research and write a book—Troll Hunting—about who trolls are. She went straight to the source, even forming a rapport with some of them.

These trolls are far from the uneducated, lonely, ignorant people that the general public assumed them to be. On the contrary, they are educated, well-read and often acting with a network of allies.

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Trolls conduct careful, malicious research to find their victim’s weakest point. They target minorities and at-risk people groups (such as sexual assault survivors and mental health sufferers). It is the furthest thing from a mindless activity.

Sometimes they want to cause harm. Sometimes they want to silence certain people. Sometimes they want to mock the media.

‘While you can make some generalisations about serious trolls, they aren’t all the same. They can be left or right wing or in-between. They can be psychopathic.

But sometimes trolls I met were helpful, interesting and empathetic,’ Gorman states.

They are not random bots calling out into the abyss; they are real people sitting behind the screen, carefully plotting their next move.

The results of trolling do not always stay online.

Gorman found predator trolling was linked to cases where shootings, suicide, murders, injuries, stalking, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), mental illness, animal abuse or killings and many more horrific acts transcended from online bullying into real-life crimes.

The resultant trauma from trolling costs us all.

A 2018 Netsafe report estimated the cost of cyberhate and online harassment in New Zealand was a whopping $444 million (at least).

Frighteningly, the same report revealed that although cyberbullying victims are most likely to turn to a friend for help, the next most common response is to tell no one.

THE MONSTER MASH To some level, controlling the trolls is at the hands of law enforcement and online moderators. But there are still actions we can take.

First, we can ensure that we aren’t the troll, and behave online in a way which is fair, accurate and—as believers—reflects Christ. Always read the content to get the facts from the source and form your own opinion before you comment. Colossians 4:6 reads, ‘Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone’. It is important to apply the same wisdom we use in spoken conversation to digital interactions.

Ask yourself: if someone was to look at your online behaviour—not just your curated timeline, but every comment and like and reaction—would it reflect someone who lives by the teaching of Jesus? Is your digital persona peaceful, open to different opinions and willing to engage thoughtfully and meaningfully? From that posture, we are in the best position to safely participate in a digital landscape which trolls inevitably belong to.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, TROLLING, WHETHER WITH CARELESS OR MALICIOUS INTENT, IS VERY DANGEROUS. DON’T FEED THE TROLLS We are constantly fed the rallying cry of ‘don’t feed the trolls’. To some extent, this is true. Theoretically, if you don’t react, trolls will move on to greener pastures. But ignorance is not a one-stop solution, especially when it might not be feasible to remove yourself from the digital space due to school, work or life necessities. Plus, when victims are typically minorities, this silences voices that need to be championed.

Therefore, one way to support someone being trolled is to amplify their voice. Reshare. Retweet. Openly support them and encourage others to do the same. Reclaim a hashtag that has been derailed. Even if you don’t know the person being targeted, you can reach out to show support, and report abuse to the platform or website host.

If this is happening to a close friend, support them by gathering evidence. Take screenshots. Save links to webpages. Have tangible proof of the offences which can be used to report the abuse and recruit help.

Flag the troll’s behaviour with the platform or website’s page owner, administrator or moderator. They might not be able to act on individual comments but reporting it highlights repeated behaviour.

Never do anything to escalate the conflict or amplify risk. Safety comes first, and you should never mimic the troll’s behaviour. In 1 Peter 3:9, we are told, ‘Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult’. This can be hard when a faceless troll is attacking you or someone you love, but if you can’t ignore them, remain respectful. Above all, reach out to somebody—a friend, sibling, parent, leader or teacher. When you can’t see any hope, they can often approach the problem from a different perspective and help you find a solution. Never let trolls, or any form of cyberbullying, go unseen.

Sources: netsafe.org.nz, abc.net.au.

ACCORDING TO NETSAFE, A DIGITAL COMMUNICATION SHOULD NOT: disclose sensitive personal facts about an individual be threatening, intimidating or menacing be grossly offensive to a reasonable person in the position of the affected individual be indecent or obscene be used to harass an individual make a false allegation contain a matter that is published in breach of confidence incite or encourage anyone to send a message to an individual for the purpose of causing harm to the individual incite or encourage an individual to commit suicide denigrate an individual by reason of colour, race, ethnic or national origins, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

IF YOU'RE BEING TROLLED: 1. Ignore it.

2. Report it.

3. Record it.

4. Get support.

5. Take a break from social media.

MORE INFO | netsafe.org.nz/what-is-the-hdca/ 26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 13

14 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

Two New Social Housing Developments Opened in Auckland

BY LOUISE PARRY

Two new housing developments will become home for the latest whānau (families) who have been taken off the Social Housing Register and moved into affordable, secure accommodation. Most of the tenants have an existing relationship with The Salvation Army.

Kaitiakitanga and Te Manaaki Tāngata are the latest in a growing portfolio of custom-built social housing projects for The Salvation Army Social Housing (SASH) team. Kaitiakitanga was opened in Flat Bush, Auckland, on the morning of June 3; followed by Te Manaaki Tāngata in Westgate, Auckland, on the same day. Kaitiakitanga, which means guardianship in te reo Māori, is a development of 46, two- and one-bedroom houses.

Te Manaaki Tāngata, which means hospitality, support and care, has 22, two- and one-bedroom houses. These are designed to become homes for those who will live there, and a step towards growing communities of support.

Kaitaikitanga opened by the Prime Minister Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended the first ceremony with Housing Minister Megan Woods, along with other Members of Parliament, Tainui representatives and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

Included in the Flat Bush development is a community hall which will serve as a gathering point for whānau, as well as a place where the local corps can meet and run programmes.

Special ‘bump spaces’ encourage interaction among tenants.

Also included are grassy, open spaces.

Tenants were due to move in the week following the opening, which several attended, and expressed excitement about the prospect of moving out of motel accommodation and into a warm, secure home of their own.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff praised the Army’s work in building affordable housing, which is ‘the bedrock of what we have to provide’.

He said the development of safe, affordable, healthy, dry homes, supported by a chaplaincy and the tenancy management component, was ‘really something to celebrate’.

‘The village is a dream come true for everybody who’s going to live here. The Salvation Army is doing what the first Labour Prime Minister described as “applied Christianity”.

‘These are houses people would be proud to live in. There is a pressing need for affordable social housing, but it’s also about quality. You are changing the lives of those you help,’ he said.

‘Poor housing is a cause and a symptom of poverty.’

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that we now need to look forward, and she referenced former Labour Prime Minister Norman Kirk, who said all people needed was ‘something to do,

somewhere to live, someone to love and something to hope for’.

She was fortunate enough to live in three houses growing up: a fibreboard house in Dinsdale, a police house in Murupara and a Lockwood house in Morrinsville. ‘I had stable, consistent housing. I want every child and every family to have what I had, the simple act of warm, affordable housing.’

Acknowledging the Army’s partnership with the Government, the Prime Minister said, ‘it is going to take all of us to overcome this crisis we are in now’.

‘I HAD STABLE, CONSISTENT HOUSING. I WANT EVERY CHILD AND EVERY FAMILY TO HAVE WHAT I HAD, THE SIMPLE ACT OF WARM, AFFORDABLE HOUSING.’ Welcome home Director of SASH, Greg Foster, said the development of Kaitiakitanga was an example of efficient, sustainable building, and was completed 20 percent faster than a traditional build, with products that well exceed the current building code.

‘Eighteen months ago we wanted to build quicker and surpass building standards in New Zealand.’

The Army’s dual desire to create better living conditions and a community of belonging—along with sustainable, efficient building practices—meant the houses met the standards of insulation required under the new building code twice over.

During the ceremony, Dave Dobbyn’s song ‘Nau Mai Rā’ (‘Welcome Home’) blared from speakers at the next-door primary school. Greg said the song played across the playground at the conclusion of every break.

Financial partnerships Greg told those gathered that partnerships with those investing in finance were key to the success of the two new builds.

Opposite, clockwise from top left: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the crowd at the opening of Kaitiakitanga.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods and SASH staff. SASH team with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods. Matua Toi Senior. Aux-Captain Amiria Te Whiu with Rangi McLean.

26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 15

Kaitiakitanga cost $18.6 million to build. ‘Raising funds for the two builds was not easy, but we had a wonderful partnership with Community Finance who looked for investors for this programme,’ Greg said. These included Generate KiwiSaver ($20 million), Lindsay Foundation ($5 million), Tindall Foundation ($5 million), Clare Foundation, Foundation North, Matua Foundation, Shona Tull and St John’s College Trust Board.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Mark Campbell said the Army’s work in housing was aimed at ‘breaking the cycle of homelessness in New Zealand and ending homelessness today’.

Following the ceremonies plaques were unveiled, and the Prime Minister and the Housing Minister met with tenants, all of whom have been on the Social Housing Register for a period of time, and will now pay 25 percent of their income in rent, while the Government tops up the rest to support the Army’s mahi (work) in the social housing sector.

A forever home Single dad with two children, Legrand, was referred to SASH by Manukau Community Ministries. He was living in emergency housing and finding it difficult to obtain suitable housing as a single father. He applied for countless flats and either had not heard back or had his application rejected. He explained that his priority was to find a safe and stable home for him and his children. He couldn’t wait to move in and start caring for his children in their ‘forever home’.

Waikeria, her partner and child were referred to SASH by Royal Oak Community Ministries. A young whānau, they were residents within The Salvation Army Transitional Housing programme and struggling to find a private rental. They aspired to live in a safe, warm, dry home with their baby. Waikeria said she is excited for what the future will hold, and has dreams the family would one day become homeowners.

‘THE SALVATION ARMY IS DOING WHAT THE FIRST LABOUR PRIME MINISTER DESCRIBED AS “APPLIED CHRISTIANITY”.’

Opening of Te Manaaki Tāngata The second opening of a new Salvation Army social housing community was attended by tenants who had moved into their homes in October 2020. Held in conjunction with the opening of the Flat Bush development, the opening of Te Manaaki Tāngata at Westgate was attended by Housing Minister Megan Woods, Tainui and other dignitaries.

For Edward, a tenant in the development, the ongoing support provided by being part of a community was one of the bonuses of being housed by The Salvation Army.

Edward moved to Te Manaaki Tāngata when it opened. He proudly opened his door to show Megan Woods and others around. Effusive in thanking Mackenzie Williams, from Royal Oak Community Ministries, he said, ‘She stood with me. I’ve had my down moments and she propped me up and she put that positive feeling back into me.’

Prior to moving into Te Manaaki Tāngata, Edward was staying in Mount Albert Road, Auckland, and paying $360 per 16 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

week for a tiny room with no bathroom or kitchen.

‘There’s a community here. We talk to each other and help each other,’ he said.

‘The Salvation Army helped not only me, but a lot of tenants, even before we moved here, and they still help us. The Salvation Army backs us. They still give us support in our lives. They haven’t forgotten about us.’

Megan Woods said everyone had a part to play in breaking cycles of homelessness intergenerationally.

‘We’re all part of breaking cycles in communities that don’t always help us. Te Ope Whakaora (the Army that Brings Life) is committed to this.’

‘Three further, approved projects in the pipeline, show what “aggressive partnership” with a CHP (Community Housing Provider) like The Salvation Army can achieve.’

She thanked tenants for bringing ‘warmth and aroha’ to make a community and acknowledged innovation of Community Finance in bringing these houses online.

‘Partnerships are what is going to get us through this crisis.’

Ms Woods said the Government will deliver 18,000 new social and transitional houses by 2024, but that there is no single solution to housing problems.

‘Believe me, I would like it if there was,’ she said. ‘Cheaper, faster homes I think is what we are all wanting to see.’

Mum’s seal of approval Greg Foster said he often assesses new units and homes based on whether or not he would be proud to have his mother live there.

He reported that his mum had given the new homes her seal of approval.

‘My mum loved the spaciousness of the homes and how warm they felt. At SASH, we believe we have created something special with our new homes, and new sense of community. These homes will give many of our whānau a fresh start to their lives.’

The Army’s next social housing projects are planned for Hamilton, and may also be built in Masterton.

‘This is all about the tenants. Our progress as The Salvation Army is that this is the place where new beginnings will be,’ said Greg.

Captain Daniel Buckingham, Westgate corps officer, thanked Tainui for their support. ‘It’s a privilege to use this whenua (land) for this purpose,’ he said.

The next step is construction of a new corps building, with a large hall available for worship and for community groups to use, and inclusion of the Family Store.

‘THE SALVATION ARMY BACKS US. THEY STILL GIVE US SUPPORT IN OUR LIVES. THEY HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN ABOUT US.’

‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’

Southern Division’s Women Explore ‘Beauty in the Broken’ Sixty-one women from around the lower South Island gathered at Alexandra Corps on Saturday 29 May, for the Beauty in the Broken women’s event.

It was a great time of planned testimony and also the Holy Spirit moving others to share, too.

Rosy Keane from Women’s Ministries at Territorial Headquarters was able to share her testimony of her whakapapa, along with sharing her talent for ‘spoken word’ (poetic performance).

In the afternoon, Major Chris Ivers shared about the beautiful art of restoring pottery which had been broken, called Kintsugi, and how as women we tend to focus on the broken parts of our lives. But this is where God can come and restore us and make us more beautiful by pouring in the Spirit and filling the gaps.

Our last activity for the day was to either take part in a spoken word workshop or painting our own cups, plates or tiles in a way we felt inspired from the day.

Some of the women shared how they had not seen each other for over 15 years, and it was so nice catching up again. Others said it was great to be a part of this gathering of women and meeting so many others within The Salvation Army.

A Beauty in the Broken event was also held in Christchurch.

‘The Serenity Prayer’, written by Reinhold Niebuhr, is a tool we can use in our own prayer times. The word serenity means: ‘the quality or state of being serene; clearness and calmness; quietness; stillness; peace’. Sometimes this is hard to find in our busy world.

The Life Recovery Bible describes serenity ‘as having an inner calm in the midst of the ups and downs of life. It involves learning to be content with the things in our life that cannot be changed.’

Serenity is something many of us desire, but we just don’t find the time to pause.

Psalm 46:10 instructs us to ‘Be still, and know that I am God…’, to pause, and embrace the pause long enough to sit in God’s presence and feel his peace.

As we sit—we ask God for serenity so that we can consider and reflect on our lives.

In the stillness—we can consider the things we cannot change. With courage—we can think about what we can change and we can ask for wisdom to know the difference. In the quietness—we surrender our will and our lives to the care of God. As we come away from a time of quietness, our aim is to carry that serenity in our hearts. To live every moment with the assurance that we know God’s peace.

With God’s wisdom and guidance we can live content with the knowledge that there are things that we cannot change; act courageously and make the necessary changes in our lives where needed; go through the ups and downs of life knowing that we don’t go alone, that God is with us.

BY MAJOR BRONWYN ALDERSLEY

BY LIEUTENANT RUTH WILSON 26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 17

Programme Coordinator Amie Maga (left), Ansha Adem (who recently received her full licence) and instructor Rina Nario-Capila.

Migrant Action Trust Finds New Home at Mt Albert Corps The Mt Albert Corps building in Auckland—and its car park— are now home to the Puketāpapa Community Driving School, operated by Migrant Action Trust.

Migrant Action Trust’s core mission is to help migrants and former refugees find work and belonging in Aotearoa through services such as job interview workshops, cover letter writing assistance and driver education.

The driving school was launched three and a half years ago. It provides lessons to full-paying customers, and this income is paid forward to fund lessons for former refugees to attain their driver licences, which is often an early hurdle to gaining employment.

‘It’s really life-changing for the former refugees; it means improving the wellbeing of their family, reducing social isolation, improving their chance to gain employment and, of course, road safety,’ says Programme Coordinator and Migrant Action Trust Manager Amie Maga.

If the learner driver has zero experience, the school recommends 5 to 10 lessons with an instructor, plus additional practise. ‘In three to six months, if they are ready for the test, we can arrange a driving assessment and mock test,’ Amie says.

The school relies on volunteer driving mentors to offer their time. Rina Nario-Capila began by volunteering once a week, then twice a week and, soon enough, every day. After Rina had volunteered for two years, Amie encouraged her to become a fully qualified instructor.

‘It is very fulfilling when people pass,’ Rina says. ‘The licence is a confidence boost for them, so having a restricted (licence) is really a big, big step ahead for them to brag, “I belong to New Zealand”.’

Ansha Adem was proud to receive her full licence in May. ‘I’m so happy because I want to work, but when you go in to work, they’re asking you about [having a] full licence.’

18 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

She says that moving to a new country was challenging, but being part of the programme has been a confidence booster and a great way to meet friends and helpers. ‘Thank you very much for this programme … and The Salvation Army.’

Puketāpapa Community Driving School has a driving simulator as well as three dual-controlled practice cars, which are now parked in the Mt Albert Corps car park.

Migrant Action Trust connected with The Salvation Army after moving on from their previous space in Sandringham and have settled happily into their new home at the corps.

Funding is needed for Migrant Action Trust to continue running job support workshops, which improve migrants’ confidence and English skills before job interviews. As many migrants are anxious about the changing immigration policies in the current landscape, the Trust also has immigration advisors on hand for guidance at these workshops.

Another goal is to fundraise for an electric car next year, and Migrant Action Trust also hopes to support more volunteer mentors to become fully qualified instructors.

Puketāpapa Community Driving School is reliant on new, full-paying customers for most of their funding. They encourage prospective learner drivers to consider their services, with the benefits of competitive prices and the knowledge that fees are enabling a migrant or former refugee to gain their licence.

‘We hope that we can send a message to Kiwi, and anyone who needs a driving lesson, to please choose our service, so they can pay it forward,’ Amie urges.

MORE INFO | for more information, go to pcds.co.nz

Driving Change through Partnership The Salvation Army Community Driver Mentoring Programme is expanding.

Teaming up with YMCA South and Mid Canterbury, the Army has opened the flagship Driver Education and Training Hub, with the goal of becoming a collaborative community driver education, training and driver licence area of reference and expertise.

Both community organisations have strong and diverse histories of serving the needs of the community, ensuring people that experience disadvantage, or are at higher risk of exclusion, are not left behind. The hub’s vision is to ensure all people living within the Arowhenua Rohe (Canterbury region) are provided with the opportunity to open doors by obtaining a driver licence, irrespective of socio-economic circumstances. Holding a driver licence provides social and community connectedness and creates a better chance of securing a pathway into permanent and sustainable employment.

Salvation Army Community Driver Mentoring Programme Manager Keran Tsering says that both organisations already have a good presence locally and both provide driver education programmes, so it made sense to collaborate.

‘The partnership will combine local knowledge in Tīmaru with experience in offering driver education programmes.

The hub will be a one-stop-shop for the community to help remove barriers to becoming a licensed driver.’

The driver education hub is located at 23 Butler Street, Tīmaru, and will soon be officially opened. The programme is funded by the Provincial Growth Fund.

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

HOPE IS REKINDLED, AS A RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE AND TRUST IS BUILT. I’ve never been homeless or found myself the victim of a landlord’s decision to terminate my tenancy. I’ve never opened the door of my fridge or my pantry to gaze helplessly into the emptiness and wonder what I will feed my kids for dinner.

Earlier this month I attended the opening of our two social housing developments in Auckland—Flat Bush and Westgate—and my heart swelled with joy for what this housing represents: hope. I heard the gratitude in the voice of a tenant, expressing what this new start meant for her and her children. To have a secure home and the support structure that is in place to ensure this family and our other tenants have the best possible opportunity to flourish, to build community and to get on top of the circumstances that put them on the housing register—this is giving hope.

Hope is essential in life. The arm of our ministry known as SASH (Salvation Army Social Housing) is a curator of hope. As are our Community Ministries and addiction services, which are further expressions of intervention and provision, offering the opportunity for people entering our doors needing help to receive support to get over the hurdle that is crushing their spirit. Sometimes what’s needed is simply the know-how to take the next step that will enable them to move on from what seemed an impossible situation. More often it’s the start of a much longer journey towards recovery and freedom. Hope is rekindled, as a relationship of love and trust is built.

Many people have found hope by entering the doors of a Salvation Army corps.

A corps is much more than another local church—although it is that—it is a community of people who share together in the search for meaning, life purpose and, yes, hope. By being part of the life of a corps, we meet not only to satisfy our own spiritual needs, but to work and commit together to share the hope we’ve found in Jesus Christ.

Hope is not sustained by doing life alone, rather, we find sustenance in the company of others. Of course community can be found in sports clubs, learning centres, cultural groups and workplaces. These will indeed sustain our spirits to some measure. But there’s a deeper part of each of us that will only be satisfied by discovering and receiving the hope found in Jesus Christ.

In a nutshell, that’s what we’re all about.

Colonel Heather Rodwell Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development

26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 19

Major Seth Le Leu shares with us an insight into the life of Elijah the prophet, from 1 Kings 18 and 19, and encourages us to come aside and learn to hear God’s voice.

It is very encouraging to read Bible stories, as I find it so easy to identify with some of the people in the Bible.

One person that stands out for me is Elijah. He is this amazing prophet with an incredible ministry.

The high point of Elijah’s career came when he had a showdown with the prophets of Baal and won (read 1 Kings 18). God moved in a supernatural way, sending fire from heaven. The end result was that afterwards all the prophets of Baal were executed. The drought that had been inflicting all of Israel was 20 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

broken and Elijah should have been riding with the king in triumph. But a death threat from Queen Jezebel undid everything. Instead of leading a great revival in Israel, Elijah panics and runs away. All the amazing confirmations of God using him evaporates in an instant, and Elijah goes from mighty conqueror to frightened refugee, hiding in a cave in the desert.

Spiritual bungee cord It is not by chance that Elijah is included in Scripture, his life illustrates to us that God uses inconsistent people—Elijah, David, Samson, Peter, Thomas—the list is extensive. This encourages me. I am not a steady Eddy, there are times when I seem close to God and he has used me in special ways, but often the Christian walk is more like a bungee cord.

Sometimes it is amazing, other times we can touch the depths, and the rest of the time we can bounce from highs to lows. If this resonates with you, then we are the same, and both of us are a bit like Elijah—but God consistently uses inconsistent people.

The key lesson in this story is what we do when we are at the end of the spiritual bungee cord. When we feel a bit like Elijah in the cave on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19). In fact, what we do in times of extremity is the defining expression of being a follower of Jesus Christ.

As Elijah stands in the cave on Mt Horeb, it says in 1 Kings 19:11–12: ‘Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was

IF THE SALVATION ARMY IS TO BE AN ARMY FIT FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY IT NEEDS TO BE LED BY ORDINARY, INCONSISTENT PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME, WHO CONSISTENTLY PUT ON THEIR SPIRITUAL NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES SO THEY CAN HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD. not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire came a gentle whisper.’

A quiet voice When the gentle whisper came, the spirit of Elijah stirred. This was the moment of the word of the Lord. The Bible says: ‘When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave’ (vs13). When we are in the storms that can surround us, or times when the earth seems to shake— or, in fact, may actually shake—or the fire can seem to threaten; are we able to have the ears to hear the gentle whisper which is the voice of God?

I AM NOT A STEADY EDDY, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I SEEM CLOSE TO GOD AND HE HAS USED ME IN SPECIAL WAYS, BUT OFTEN THE CHRISTIAN WALK IS MORE LIKE A BUNGEE CORD.

Jesus says in John 10:2–4: ‘The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.’

The image here is of the shepherd and the sheep. The word tense here is important: it is the present tense. It doesn’t say he sometimes calls us, or he has called us. It is a present continuous state: ‘He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out’. This is what he does all the time for all his sheep.

Fine-tuning our hearing If he is our shepherd, then we will recognise his voice. But there is a condition: we need to wear our noisecancelling headphones—and I am not talking about the electronic gadgets travellers use when they travel. The key principle of the shepherd is that he speaks to his sheep and guides them.

The greatest danger for us is not a huge fall into depravity, it is distraction.

All the noise around us can hide the voice of God. Sometimes, like Elijah, we just need to get out of the tumult of our daily lives and get to a quiet place in order to hear the voice of God. When we are quiet, receptive and listening for him, then when our spirit stirs with his voice, we are back on track to the next adventure with God.

Consistently inconsistent people If The Salvation Army is to be an Army fit for the twenty-first century it needs to be led by ordinary, inconsistent people like you and me, who consistently put on their spiritual noise-cancelling headphones so they can hear the voice of God. There is a consistent babble of spiritual gossip around us. Some of it might be okay, other stuff can derail us. But if in the centre of your being there is a deep desire to hear the word of the Lord, you will know when he speaks because deep in your spirit there is a pause, a sense of awe and a reassuring sense that the Shepherd is still speaking to you.

There is nothing new in the Christian walk, it has been the same for men and women of God from ancient times.

The path to hearing the voice of God is an ancient well-worn path. An earlier traveller pointed it out to you and me, he said: ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10a).

26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 21

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) No official engagements at this time.

Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 1–2 July: Royal Commission Redress Roundtable (to be confirmed) Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 28 June–1 July: Northern Division Officers Fellowship, Bay of Islands

PRAY Upper Hutt Corps, Vaini Corps, Vava’u Corps, Waihi

Corps, Waitākere Central Corps, The Salvation Army in Pakistan.

Buy pre-loved &

spread the love more than just a store

Come Aside, Come Together Retreat

10–12 September 2021 Be enriched and refreshed in the stunning environment of Living Springs on the Banks Peninsula. Take time to go deeper in your relationship with God. Single and shared accommodation available. $180 per person + travel.

Contact Colonel Heather Rodwell to register your interest heather.rodwell@salvationarmy.org.nz

Subscribe today!

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Annual subscription (including p&p) $75 (within NZ) To subscribe, contact Salvationist Resources, p: (04) 382 0740, e: mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz

Waihi Corps Anniversary 125 years (+1) 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:

24–25 July 2021 FEATURING

Name Email Address

Guest Leaders Lt-Colonels Rod & Jenny Carey *Conversazione*Celebration Dinner* TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

(07) 863 7812 • Waihi.Corps@salvationarmy.org.nz

Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Quiz Answers: 1 John Adams, 2 Amp, 3 Arsenal, 4 Vitamin B2, 5 Absalom (2 Samuel 14:26).

22 WarCry 26 JUNE 2021

BINGO

Here’s a game of Bingo to play with a pal over a long car journey. Pick your grid and then see who can tick off four of these sights in a row first!

Pedestrian Crossing

Letterbox

Rainbow

Circular Window

Circular Window

Dairy

Pedestrian Crossing

Florist

Florist

Bakery

Church Building

Train Tracks

Yellow Car or House

Ocean or Lake

Tree

Rugby Field

Satellite Dish

Ocean or Lake

Tree

Yellow Car or House

Bicycle

Church Building

Bakery

Letterbox

Bicycle

Dairy

Rugby Field

The Number 25

Train Tracks

Rainbow

Satellite Dish

The Number 25

What does a dentist call their x-rays?

Find Your Way Through the Maze

Tooth-pics.

‘Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord— Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit”.’

Acts 9:17

Saul was once a pretty bad guy. He persecuted Christians and actively hunted them for spreading the message of Jesus. But one day when he was travelling on the road to Damascus, there was a blinding light from heaven.

Saul fell to the ground and he heard the voice of Jesus: ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ When Saul got up, he was completely blind!

Jesus instructed Saul to continue to Damascus, where the Lord sent Ananias to visit him. Ananias was super nervous— after all, he knew all the terrible things Saul had done to other Christians. But he bravely went to pray over Saul. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and his sight was restored. He was baptised, renamed Paul and became one of the most prominent messengers for Christ.

While God did some miraculous things to change Paul’s heart, he also used Ananias’s bravery. Ananias took a huge risk, and his act of faith led to many people also coming to know God through Paul’s ministry.

Decorate Your Dream Sunnies

You can draw feathers, jewels, metal studs or other embellishments in all sorts of colours … and don’t forget the lenses! Maybe you could even draw something in the reflection!

It just shows that we never know how one step of faith can change the world!

Think About...

Have you ever seen someone do something simple which had an incredible impact?

26 JUNE 2021 WarCry 23

WINTER PEAK

WHEN

WHO

COST

Anyone aged 14–17 years.

WHAT

The ultimate six-day snow adventure.

Whether snowboarding, flying off a waterfall or deep in a snow cave, challenge your body, mind and spirit to discover your massive God-given potential. Make lifelong friends, incredible memories and screeds of Facebook-worthy stories.

12–18 JULY 2021 $440 per person (GST inclusive). Cost includes six nights’ accommodation, six days of adventure activities, food, qualified instructors and specialist gear.

ACTIVITIES

May include: white water rafting, caving, kayaking, mountaineering, abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, tramping, high ropes, campfire nights and more!

phone 07 892 2630 | bmac@nzf.salvationarmy.org

bluemountainadventure.org.nz

@bluemountainadv facebook.com/BlueMountainAdventureCentre