30 April 2022 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 30 APRIL 2022 | Issue 6790 | $1.50

God speaks, but are we listening?

Greenlea’s Generosity: Laptops for students Are you a doubting Thomas?

Honouring Mum on Mother’s Day

: d o o h r Mothe y r t is n i AM e v o L f o

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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.

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A Mother’s Love This Mother’s Day my thoughts and prayers are with the many mothers in both Ukraine and Russia who are facing the grim reality of what I will call ‘throw away sons’ in a war many believe is based on ego and expansionism.

I am the mother of three sons who would be eligible for conscription if a war came to our shores or threatened our freedoms, and I can only imagine the horror each mother in the current Ukraine/Russia conflict felt as she kissed her son and farewelled him to a conflict that on the surface makes little sense.

Many of us can identify with the helplessness and pain our own grandmothers and great-grandmothers must have felt as they too kissed their sons goodbye and then waited for their safe return … many did not return. And it is no longer just sons who go to wars, it is our daughters, too.

I am fairly confident that if the decision to send sons and daughters to war was made by mothers, another way would be found to end conflicts and bring peace. The very sacrificial nature that God placed in mothers would mean that this love would find another way.

In this edition of War Cry we feature a mother with these sacrificial tendencies. Sue van Shreven is a mother who founded a charity called Orphans Aid International, and, through her sacrificial love, she has extended her heart, resources and life to bring safety, love and opportunities to orphans in both Russia and Ukraine, but also other countries of the world.

Vivienne Hill Editor

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

SalvationArmyNZFTS

A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.

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Publishing for 138 years | Issue 6790 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

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Proverbs 31:26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Ngā Whakatauki 31:26 He nui ōna whakaaro ina puaki tōna māngai; kei tōna arero te ture o te atawhai.

Are we listening?

I

was recently watching my church service online as has become standard today. We’re currently doing a series on Jesus in his younger years. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t really think there was much in the Bible about a young Jesus! What could I possibly learn from it? They shared the story about Mary and Joseph losing Jesus, and then finding him sitting in the temple listening to the teachers. ‘After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions’ (Luke 2:46).

It is astounding to me that even though Jesus is the Son of God and knew everything, he humbled himself and allowed himself to be teachable. Luke states ‘Jesus grew in wisdom and stature’ (Luke 2:52). He was fully God and fully human. He knew everything as the Son of God but he also learned and grew up as the Son of Man. I think Jesus was setting us an example to follow. For some of us, particularly those of us who grew up in the church (like me), it can be easy to think we know everything. Maybe you’re sitting in church (or at home) watching a sermon you’ve heard before. Maybe you’re reading a chapter of the Bible you’ve read hundreds of times. When he’s found, Jesus says to his parents, ‘why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ (Luke 2:49). I think this is the key. Jesus knew that he needed to be with his

Father. As he grew up, he would always call on his Father no matter the situation. Despite Jesus being the Son of God, he always humbled himself to learn from his Father.

I know for myself it can be hard to just sit and listen to God. Over the years of attending church and reading the Bible, it all becomes very familiar.

We acquire so much head knowledge, but how often do we acquire heart knowledge? This is the kind of knowledge of Christ that seeps deep into our hearts and allows us to see him in a new way. In whatever we do for God, I hope we can take the time to sit before the Father and listen to what he wants to tell us. What can we learn about God? Whether we are out serving in the community, praying for people or even working at a desk job, God can speak to us anywhere. The question is: are we listening?

‘In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!’ (Philippians 2:5–8).

BY HOPE BURMEISTER

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QUIKQUIZ 1 What is the name of the green crocodile who appears in the Spot children’s book series written by Eric Hill?

2 Montevideo is the capital of which country?

3 Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in which country?

4 What distance is one lap of a standard velodrome cycling track?

Documentary Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (PG, Available on Netflix) Directed by Luke Sewell ‘Bitcoin can change the world’ proclaims an interviewee at the start of Trust No One. The documentary tells the bizarre story of Canadian Bitcoin trader Gerry Cotten, particularly the investigations conducted by journalists, financial regulators and defrauded crypto investors after his apparent death in 2018. Director Luke Sewell weaves a compelling narrative; the editing is tight and the multiple plot twists hit like something from a fictional thriller. Trust No One merits consideration on two levels: the actual case of Gerry Cotten, but also the larger sphere of cryptocurrencies themselves.

Can these ‘counter-cultural’ forms of currency actually create real change, or are they ultimately new methods of exercising oldfashioned greed? (Reviewed by Sam Coates)

Vegan Asparagus Frittata

5 Which biblical king embarrassed his wife by dancing in the street?

1 asparagus bunch, ends trimmed 2 Tbsp olive oil

Answers on page 22

1 onion, finely chopped

OURPEOPLE

y Elz ob ot Ph

Hope Burmeister (Staff Writer/Reporter) Hope Burmeister, the new writer for War Cry, grew up in Palmerston North and moved to Wellington to complete a Master of Journalism. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English. Hope’s passion is writing about faith and she also has a particular interest in mental health. When not indulging in creative writing projects, she also enjoys dance; she does Modern Jive (a partner dance), ballet and tap dance. Her other interests include travelling around New Zealand (or overseas if she could!), hiking in beautiful scenery and occasional knitting and baking. a Gibu Joseph .

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2 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 medium sized baby potatoes, cut into cubes 100g baby spinach salad, to serve Base: 300g soft tofu 1 cup chickpeas 1 tsp curry powder ½ cup water 1 Tbsp cornflour 2 tsp lemon zest pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fanforced). Grease and line the base of a 22cm baking dish.

Cut 5cm from the top of the asparagus and set aside. Cut the remainder into 1cm pieces.

In a medium frying pan, warm the oil. Add the onion, garlic, potatoes and 1cm asparagus pieces cooking slowly for 15 minutes until the potatoes are almost soft. Add the spinach to wilt. Set aside.

To make the base, in a food processor place the tofu, chickpeas, curry powder, water, cornflour, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Blitz until almost smooth.

Add tofu mixture to the veges and pour into prepared baking dish. Top with the asparagus tops.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Serve with a side salad.

salt, to taste Source: countdown.co.nz

WARCRYIN HISTORY This photograph shows Captain Enid Weggery revealing a model of the Tabernacle, which was made in the 1920s, to a television camera in the mid-1960s.

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

Salvation Army Farm Environment Award Entrant The Salvation Army’s Jeff Farm is an entrant in the 2022 Balance Farm Environment Awards.

Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET), the awards celebrate farmer and grower achievement and showcase good practice, enabling the sharing of positive farming and growing stories with all audiences. Jeff Farm is one of 12 entrants from the Otago and Southland regions.

‘We are thrilled to have received a range of excellent entries from across the country for this year’s awards,’ said NZFET Chair, Joanne van Polanen.

Originally scheduled to start in March 2022, regional awards events were postponed until June and July 2022 due to the pandemic.

Almost 70 years ago the late Edmund Jeff gifted his farm to The Salvation Army along with a vision of it being used to teach young people how to farm.

TOPFIVE

Here are some artists who have released singles and albums but only exist in their virtual forms: 1. Gorillaz: they are one of the first animated bands to make it mainstream, creating music in the zombie hip hop genre (1998–present).

2. Crazy Frog: the most well-known on this list, Crazy Frog hit the music scene in the early 2000s and even toured in a mascot suit (2003–2009 and 2020–present).

3. Hatsune Miku: a 16-year-old Japanese artist with long turquoise pigtails who has performed live as an animated projection (2007–present).

4. K/DA: a Korean pop group made up of League of Legends characters and voiced by real K-Pop artists (2018–present).

5. Miquela Sousa: the most lifelike on this list, she’s a virtual teenage Instagram model created in the US who has also released music (2017–present).

Under the guidance of John and Liz Chittock and their staff, up to five cadets at a time learn farm skills and contribute to Jeff Farm’s profitability and sustainability. They run 17,000 sheep, contributing about 70 percent of the farm’s income.

There are also 1100 cattle and 1300 deer.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a focus on stock performance and environmental improvements with increasing profitability, enabling The Salvation Army to spend more money on the farm’s many sustainability initiatives and youth programmes.

30 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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Binding up the Brokenhearted

Orphans Aid International Co-Founder and CEO Sue van Schreven shares how they are reaching out to all corners of the globe—including the recent conflict in Ukraine—to find families and homes for children.

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

O

ne moment that stands out to Sue van Schreven from her travels to India was when she saw a group of poor women approaching a bucket with their fists closed. As she got closer, she realised they were each holding a handful of rice.

‘They were all poor people themselves, but they were bringing something that all got combined that was for the feeding of the poor on the street,’ she recalls.

It was a perfect example of how each small action can make a big impact, which Sue has seen time and time again since founding Orphans Aid International in New Zealand in 2004.

‘We wanted to give children who didn’t have a home or a family these two things,’ Sue explains, ‘and to take that stigma of abandonment off them.’

With every project, they have stepped into areas where there is need and where they can add value. What began with a home for infant children in Transylvania, Romania, has led to projects in several different countries, from Eastern Europe to Asia and Africa.

Onscreen boost In the early years of Orphans Aid International, Sue was frequently travelling to Eastern Europe, often with her young family in tow. The organisation experienced a boost after receiving some funding, but their major breakthrough occurred when a documentary, called Someone Somewhere Loves Me, was produced

by Rob Harley in 2008.

The documentary screened on TVNZ and featured their work in Romania with some of the children they were helping, including children abandoned in Romanian hospitals.

‘That really helped us get it out across New Zealand and connected us with a lot of people,’ Sue remembers. ‘At that point, we were able to move into an office and do our first mail-out … things an older charity takes for granted that you do.’

Two following documentaries, titled The Orphan Lady and Finding Forever Families, followed up with these children again in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

‘I thought, Oh my gosh, it’s too good to be true, we’ve now got a trilogy!’

Then, in 2019, Sue felt stirred to take a climbing team up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, to commemorate 15 years since founding the organisation. The purpose of the trip was to fundraise for their family strengthening project in Uganda, where they work with families to care for their young ones so these children don’t end up in institutions or orphanages.

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‘We didn’t realise the significance of that particular trip … two weeks later, Mt Kilimanjaro closed for the season, and then, of course, all our borders and everything closed,’ Sue says. ‘I was very thankful to the Lord for the timing.’

A cameraperson came with them, which led to a fourth documentary called Mountain of Hope. This screened on Easter Sunday during the first lockdown in 2020, when everybody was at home. ‘I’m really, really thankful that we were able to do that fundraising climb and introduce some of our supporters to our project in Uganda before everything shut down.’

All four documentaries can be viewed for free on the Orphans Aid International app.

Stepping into Ukraine and Russia Given Orphans Aid International’s presence in Romania and Russia, Sue is watching the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia unfold with added concern, but they have been able to reach out in practical ways.

‘Our team in Romania have just completed, in the last couple of days, a six-hour trip through the snow to the border of Ukraine in Romania and have been delivering supplies to the refugees.

‘I’m hearing other stories from people we know, who are working with children in the Ukraine, and there’s some heartbreaking stories,’ she says. ‘It’s for us to be there to care and to do what Jesus would do, which is to feed and clothe and show some practical love.’

She is encouraged by how different charities and organisations are collaborating. ‘There are some other organisations in that area that have actually had room in their facilities to take in some of the refugees … we take supplies to another organisation that’s on the border of Ukraine and Romania,’ she recounts, ‘and then there’s other groups that are transporting them.’

She also empathises about how hard it is on their Russian partners, as well. ‘These are their friends,’ she says. ‘It’s their co-workers. A lot of them share the same culture, share the same history.

‘The people of Eastern Europe—Romania, Russia, Ukraine— they’re all very hospitable people.’

Sue has travelled to Ukraine in the past, in tandem with the organisation’s work in Romania and Russia where they run a day programme.

‘We spent some time together strengthening our work as a team in Eastern Europe. I probably didn’t realise how significant that was until now,’ she says. ‘We’re communicating with people in Kyiv that we met during that time.’

God’s timing On reflection, Sue can see many moments where God’s timing has been crucial to their work.

‘Even the timing of being able to go and visit the projects just before things shut down, because normally I’d be travelling a lot [two to three times a year],’ she says. ‘It was very good that the period directly before … that first lockdown, we’d actually been doing a lot of trips.’

Thanks to the relationships they have built with their longterm partners, Sue had no doubt they could handle everything in person, with Orphans Aid International providing support and encouragement from afar.

‘It took that pressure off the need to be overseas right at this moment,’ she affirms. ‘You build that trust and respect and understanding over a period of years, so it’s a bit like having a baby: when the child is young, it needs a lot of input; as it grows older, it needs a different kind of input.

‘If the projects had been quite new, it would have been very difficult, but because they were well established and because of technology, we knew that all our projects—and all the kids— were in good hands.’

WHAT BEGAN WITH A HOME FOR INFANT CHILDREN IN TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA, HAS LED TO PROJECTS IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, FROM EASTERN EUROPE TO ASIA AND AFRICA. 8 WarCry 30 APRIL 2022

Reaching into India Orphans Aid International began working in India in 2007 after Sue visited the country.

They began to send funds to feed and provide medical supplies for street children, ‘because if you’re poor and you live on the streets, you’re an outcast. You

can’t get medical help … you’re considered dirty, you’re considered unclean.’

They found a doctor who was willing to treat these children, and is still working for them to this day, along with their original team members. They have reached into more and more slum areas, and currently care for more than two thousand children. ‘It’s our largest area of impact, as far as the numbers of children.’

In 2014, they opened a school for children on the Bhutan border, predominantly for Bhutanese and Nepali refugees who were not in school.

‘It’s very remote, and it’s in a very high trafficking area on the border, not far from China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh,’ Sue lists. ‘You can very quickly get out of one country and into another.’

For this reason, children are incredibly vulnerable to being sold or taken. ‘They’re hungry, so they run off with a stranger and never come back again, so there’s a lot of work that our team does in those northern areas of India to care for, protect and provide education for children. That school has really transformed that area.’

In northern West Bengal, they have been assisting a leprosy colony. The children in the colony are completely outcast and likely to get the disease in the future.

‘I’d love us to do more there for that particular area, because they are just rejected by society, and when we go through situations like lockdown, even more so because they don’t know what’s going on. Their situation just becomes more dire,’ Sue reasons.

The colony’s school recently collapsed—but even when intact, it was nothing more than a tin shack that overheated and stank. Orphans Aid International are hoping to lay a concrete slab and rebuild a better school building for them.

Years of impact realised Sue’s prayer going forward is that ‘we would always have the Lord’s heart in all we do, and faith to believe for more and courage to do it’.

Here in New Zealand, they have a network of op-shops which support their projects (and a Fairtrade shop in Queenstown). These began with one store in Invercargill, in response to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in south-east Asia.

‘We began this fundraiser for victims of the tsunami, and so everyone was giving us their gear to sell. We had no clue what we were doing, really. We were just trying to turn it over and make some money; we didn’t have a bean to our name.’

That founding op-shop has moved into larger premises and recently celebrated its 17th birthday. Further north, their newest store will soon be opened in Whanganui.

‘The op-shop network has grown alongside the work that we’ve been doing,’ Sue says. ‘It helps us to have the resources we need to go out wider.’

The next step is launching in Australia, where they have a trust ready to be activated, and they are looking forward to engaging their supporters across the Tasman.

Their growth is particularly noticeable in their overseas projects. Their first children’s home in Romania has recently seen those first infants grow up and get their own apartments or begin flat sharing. One is getting married later this year— and Sue is hoping the borders will re-open in time to attend the celebration.

Another child was one of the first four children who came to the home when he was three. Now, he has his own apartment, works as a mall security guard and is a great musician who is part of a band. ‘You see the struggles he’s overcome and it’s really awesome,’ Sue says. ‘I can’t wait to get back and see his flat.

‘We’ve gone right through with them from being infants who can’t walk, talk, feed themselves, to being independent,’ Sue says, ‘so that’s really cool.’

MORE INFO | To connect with Orphans Aid International, visit their website at orphansaidinternational.org Download the Orphans Aid International App from the App Store or Google Play to watch their documentaries for free.

Please pray for their team who are working with children and those who are currently serving on the frontline at the Ukraine border.

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Dating and getting back together The end of a romantic relationship is tough, and even after making that decision, feelings of wistfulness for what you once had together may come.

Someone might feel pulled to get back together with an ex because of factors like familiarity, their former partner’s unhappiness, loneliness since the breakup, regret or because time convinces them that despite the previous cracks in the relationship, their ex is still a better option than other prospective partners.

This isn’t always a bad decision. Some partners may renew their commitment with a clearer focus about what they each want from the relationship. However, most couples find that while revisited relationships may still work, they aren’t as strong as in the beginning; there are more reports of conflict and psychological distress.

This is a far cry from the on-again-off-again relationships normalised on television (in reality, these relationships have been linked to anxiety and depression) or rom-com protagonists who end up with a long-lost love of whom they never should have let go.

Here are 10 points to think through if you are serious about giving a relationship a second chance.

…MOST COUPLES FIND THAT WHILE REVISITED RELATIONSHIPS MAY STILL WORK, THEY AREN’T AS STRONG AS IN THE BEGINNING…

1. DON’T get back together because you feel guilty about hurting your former partner’s feelings. If they are making you feel bad, don’t let that sway your feelings. If you’re not committed to a romantic relationship, don’t give them false hope.

2. DON’T return to the relationship only because you’re lonely or anxious about being alone in the future.

3. ONLY try things again if you have strongly considered why you broke up in the first place and are convinced you have talked through the differences. Also, take into consideration HOW the breakup went down—was it one-sided or mutual?

Did it take you by surprise? Was it civil or nasty?

4. CONSIDER how your ex made you feel when times were good and when times were bad. It’s easy to reminisce about the good times and try to reason away the bad memories.

5. ASK yourself: How did you feel immediately after the breakup—relieved, content, frustrated, hurt, angry?

6. DON’T get back together on a whim or as a rebound from another relationship—pause to rethink your priorities between relationships so you can be confident about what you want from the next one.

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7. If your ex has become a good friend, CONSIDER whether dating again might ruin the friendship you have built. Some relationships are better as friendships, and that doesn’t make them less valuable.

8. ASK yourself: Can you trust them? Can you forgive them for any wrongdoing? Then flip the perspective: If they were asked these questions about you, what would they say?

9. THINK about whether you have ever reconnected with an ex before, and what you learned from the experience.

10. CONSIDER if time has changed the circumstances. For example, maybe some of the issues you worked through as teenagers may have smoothed over in your twenties.

The reality is that second (or third) time’s the charm is not necessarily the case for romantic relationships. People don’t always match up perfectly, which means you can acknowledge the great aspects of a relationship, while also recognising you are not compatible for a longterm future together.

Source: psychologytoday.com

TESTIFY! Viki Kisila Vaituutuu is a soldier at Apia Corps, Samoa. After some difficulty and loss in his life, Viki became determined to rediscover his faith. He is currently active with the Covid-19 response in Samoa, and as a frontline worker is isolating away from his family.

Talofa lava, my name is Viki Kisila Vaituutuu (aka Victory), and this is my story.

I grew up in a Christian family, where most of my uncles and aunties were pastors. Everything was smooth and life was great, until my dad suddenly passed away, and so I lived away from my mother.

After my father’s passing, I have to admit that I lost my connection with Jesus, and temptation and sins started chasing me. I decided to quit university and live an unholy life, a life that set a pathway for me to hell, a life where I enjoyed freedom too much.

In 2018, The Salvation Army started in Samoa, and I told myself that this is the time to make a new change, to find my way back to Jesus, although it wasn’t easy. In 2019, I was one of the representatives from the team that was selected to represent Samoa at Congress in Wellington, and that’s where I had my first encounter with the Holy Spirit.

When General Brian Peddle preached about change, God knew how much my heart was urging for this change. I knelt down before our Christ and cried as I was asking him for forgiveness, and I made a promise that I would change.

After the Congress, everything changed.

I changed the way I lived, and I spent most of my time trying to be involved in every church activity: prayer groups, youth groups, worship teams, Sunday school and the leadership team.

WHEN GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE PREACHED ABOUT CHANGE, GOD KNEW HOW MUCH MY HEART WAS URGING FOR THIS CHANGE.

my prayers. I was selected as one of the students to attend the Samoa Police Academy. I spent six months at the police academy. It was a tough journey and I needed a lot of patience, hard work and honesty. God is so wonderful, and at the end of August 2021, I graduated from the academy and became a police constable in the Samoa Police Service.

and have faith in God’s plan. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) says, ‘But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint’.

God pulled me from the dirt and put me where I am today. Glory to God for his endless love and for giving me the strength to do better day by day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I also worked in a canteen at a primary school. This taught me how to be patient

I prayed and prayed for a better job, and at the beginning of 2021 God answered

My journey taught me a lot of things: patience, sacrifice, faith in God, honesty, having the mindset to never give up and always putting God first.

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In Honour Of Mum Mother’s Day is a good time to check our attitude of gratitude in our relationships with our mothers. Sometimes those closest to us are neglected, not because we mindfully do this, but because we take them for granted.

This Mother’s Day, show Mum some love with our handy tips. After all, honouring your mother and father comes with a promise from God. Ephesians 6:2–3 says ‘“Honour your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”’

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO BLESS AND HONOUR YOUR MOTHER ALL YEAR ROUND: •

Spend time with her, not only on Mother’s Day. Take her out for coffee if you can (or learn to make one at home) and spend the afternoon with her. Offer to run errands and enjoy being in her company.

•

Pray for her and be willing to apologise and ask for forgiveness if you hurt her.

•

Initiate communication. Develop a routine of checking in with texts, phone calls and visits (if you live elsewhere). She may be your mum, but she is also a person with a life and some wisdom to share with you. Make sure your relationship is two-sided and not just all about you.

•

Discover her love languages. We all have different ways of expressing and receiving love, and her love languages may not be the same as yours. Learn the ways in which she feels most loved. This will make her feel more appreciated.

•

Weigh your words. Words are powerful tools and can carry more weight than we realise.

Make sure the words you use with and about your mother are generous and life-giving.

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•

Tidy your room and complete any chores you have been given. You may be happy living in a messy space, but if it adds stress to your mum’s life, it’s time to get your clothes off the floor.

•

Don’t take your frustrations out on your mother. It can be easy to get frustrated with our family, particularly our parents. Just because she loves you unconditionally does not mean she is there to be a verbal punching bag.

•

Cook her a meal. Try cooking her favourite dish; you can Google the recipe and follow the instructions.

•

Change your heart attitude. There may be times in your life when your mother has not lived up to your expectations. This can create bitterness which could affect your relationship with her. Understand that she is human and will not always get it right, and be open to forgiveness and reconciliation.

HOW TO HONOUR YOUR MOTHER IN A DYSFUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP For some people, Mother’s Day can be a day when honouring your mother feels difficult. What is there to honour if your relationship with each other is constantly on the rocks? For some of us, it’s dealing with past hurt, but for others, there may still be ongoing abuse or dysfunction. Abuse can manifest in different forms: anger, dependency, mockery and even distance. It can be easy to want to fight back, but the Bible talks of turning the other cheek. Honouring your mother is about

wisely and prayerfully breaking that cycle of abuse. All relationships are different so it’s important to protect yourself if necessary and evaluate what will work for you.

•

Consider the cycle. There is almost always a cycle of abuse in dysfunctional relationships, and it can often be generational, so chances are your mother might have also been abused by her own mother. If she’s open to a conversation, ask her about her childhood. There’s no excuse for abusive behaviour at any time but hearing your mum’s experience might help you better understand her.

•

Be honest. It’s important to tell your mother the ways she may have harmed you, intentionally or unintentionally. What you have experienced and how you feel are both valid. Only do this if it feels safe to do so and your mother is open to hearing it. Try not to lay blame, but instead focus on how her actions have affected you.

•

Set boundaries. Boundaries are important in all of our relationships, the healthy ones and the difficult ones. This can be beneficial particularly with a mother who is not open to listening or changing. It may be limiting phone calls, visits or telling her what you won’t put up with anymore.

This is not to say you shouldn’t ever see her or do things for her, but limit the opportunities for hurt and resentment in your relationship.

•

Pray. It’s possible that your mother might not be open to any of these conversations or that it doesn’t feel safe to be around her. Continue praying for God to soften her heart, for her to understand how she has harmed you and for her to desire to make amends.

•

Forgive. It can be healing to tell your mother in person that you’ve forgiven her, whether

she deserves it or not. Sometimes it might be forgiving her in your heart where only God can hear it. Forgiveness is not about forgetting the hurt but making peace with it.

•

Love in action. Words can be hard, so there are ways you can honour your mother through actions instead. If you’re uncomfortable speaking to her in person, you could write her a letter or leave food at her doorstep. Maybe you could run some errands or do some chores for her. She may not ever do this for you in return but it’s not about that. It’s about showing love and honour to your mother when you’ve forgiven her in your heart—choosing peace over bitterness.

Chromebooks to the rescue (from left): Captain Missy Ditchburn (Divisional Children’s Secretary, Midland), Leighora Smith (Melville High School student) and Kay Worth (National Red Shield Appeal Manager).

Greenlea Meats Donates Chromebooks to Students

BY HOPE BURMEISTER

The long-term commitment of companies and individuals who support the work of The Salvation Army is not taken for granted. One such company is Greenlea Meats, whose generosity providing Chromebooks for schools has equipped students to learn online.

Greenlea’s generosity has made significant changes in people’s lives, particularly in the Midland Division. Their most recent donation was $50,000 worth of Chromebook laptops gifted to local school students. The offer was for school uniforms as well, but with Covid-19 and so many students learning from home, the requirement for uniforms has not been as needed.

Chromebooks, however, have become the essential new tool for learning online.

14 WarCry 30 APRIL 2022

‘This has been a game-changer for so many,’ says Kay Worth, national Red Shield Appeal manager. ‘I was shocked to hear of one instance where three children were having to share the same computer at home for all their school work. The need is quite alarming, and each school could have taken another 100 Chromebooks and still been left with further need. Thankfully more Chromebooks will be delivered soon.’

The second batch of laptops will be ready for delivery in time

THIS COMPANY HAS A HEART FOR THE COMMUNITY AND HAS A GENUINE DESIRE TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND THE VULNERABLE IN OUR NATION. for term 2 and Kay says, ‘we expect to have 145 Chromebooks delivered with mouses and cases included’.

Greenlea Meats has supported the work of The Salvation School Army over many years. Their generosity has included the Sonrise Christian e Av tae Po refurbishment of our Changing Places accommodation at Gisborne Hamilton City Corps plus a purpose-built trailer; sponsoring March 17, 2022 youth to attend camps at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre; provision of SPACE equipment for Cambridge Corps; and they Dear Donor, have provided Tokoroa Corps with a much-needed van—and the ity. I really your kind generos e to thank you for it will help e tim list just goes on! s us thi ca e be tak ch to mu I would like Chromebook very of my w me ne a so of th t wi gif d ur uggle Over the pandemic period, Greenlea Meats engaged with appreciate yo I have always str . rk. wo me ol ho ho at k sc oo me a lot with my ss to a Chromeb their staff and farmers to raise a total of $250,000, which was use I had no acce school work beca re so donated to The Salvation Army. This brings their gifting to the l ht for me could not turn on anythimo obooug ch S n ia s ts st ri ed ren h pa eiv C rec my I e d se on Army to over $500,000 to date. ed an SonriThe last ss of getting it fix has re still in the proce ve been praying for this and God we ve eA er.

Kay says, ‘We feel so blessed! This company has a heart for Potawe ha I u. yo m this generous off for ul tef gra generous gift fro er e rs and I am forev orn the community and has a genuine desire to improve the lives of Gisban swered my praye 22 children and the vulnerable in our nation.’

March 17, 20 ll richly bless you.

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r DearMaDnyonThoan ks, much so u Thank yo w evi. nle Ke a ce e ra G m ing for gLiivtia is It k. o Chromebo ve one amazing to ha ill w it d for home an ith w t help me a lo my work. nkful I am really tha book. e for the Chrom much.

Bless you so u God bless yo From a Majjik Peneh

Taking deliveries (from left): Clive Hamill, principal of Melville High School, Hamilton, Kay Worth and Captain Missy Ditchburn.

30 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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God’s promises endure forever Recently a member of The Salvation Army had a chance meeting with a lovely woman named Nona, when a group of Salvation Army employees assisted her in clearing out the home of an elderly man who, due to health concerns, had moved into a retirement home. The time together was beautiful and the team shared many special memories of their lives and the experiences they had gone through.

Nona told the team that her mother, Eileen Pilcher, was once a soldier of the Ōtāhuhu Corps back in the 1920s. Eileen may not have realised it at the time, but a chance meeting with General Bramwell Booth, the second General of The Salvation Army, who was visiting New Zealand in 1924, clearly left an indelible mark not only on her, but on her family extending to future generations. An inscription penned by General Booth in Eileen’s Bible when they met in Auckland was as poignant then as it is today: ‘The promises of God are sure if you will only believe’ – the last words of my dear father William Booth. I add my earnest Amen!

‘Eileen’s Bible is Nona’s prized possession, and her enthusiasm in sharing the story of how General Booth came to sign it was so beautifully expressed. It reminded me of the excitement of a young sports fan who has just secured the signature of their favourite player and who rushes off with sheer joy to share the story with a friend or family member nearby,’ said Tim Hamilton, director of the Public Relations Department at Territorial Headquarters.

‘To see the General’s message personally was indeed a privilege, and to consider the relevance of it in 2022 was perfect timing’ said Tim. Tim reflects that while the times have changed dramatically

in the century that has nearly passed since those words were written, God’s promises have not.

‘In a world of shifting values God’s promises remain steadfast if we simply believe!

How wonderful and precious this is in an environment we live in that is so confronting,’ said Tim. Tim was reminded of an old song which he recalls was sung with such passion and gusto, complete with a catchy melody. One of the verses clearly articulates the reality of God’s promises.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God. Chorus Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Saviour; Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God. (SASB 522) ‘May we never forget the reality of God’s promises in our lives,’ said Tim. ‘He is always with us; he is always in control; he is always good; he is always watching and he is always victorious.’

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Spotlight on Salvation Army energy efficient social housing The Salvation Army’s push to incorporate greater energy efficiency into its social housing stock was highlighted at a recent national residential property conference.

Salvation Army Social Housing National Director Greg Foster addressed the Residential Development Summit on 29 March. The one-day annual event—hosted by the Property Council of New Zealand—brought together leaders from the large-scale residential development sector to discuss key issues in the residential development market.

Titled ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained: Our journey into energy efficient social housing and the heartening impact on people’s lives’, Greg noted that The Salvation Army has been providing housing and accommodation for vulnerable people in New Zealand for more than a century.

‘The Salvation Army currently has 430 units in 25 villages around the country, with plans to grow that number to 700 units by the end of 2023,’ said Greg ‘Most tenants came from the housing register, did not have a lot of disposable income and tended not to use heating in winter due to the high cost of electricity.’

In order to make the existing units more energy efficient and warmer, Greg said that The Salvation Army is in the process of upgrading its existing housing stock, which includes recladding, re-insulating and double glazing. By the end of 2022, 100 units

would have been upgraded in Hamilton and Mosgiel.

All newly built social housing was taking account of the carbon footprint and utilised more energy efficient building materials such as structural insulated panels.

Although materials such as the panels were more expensive, their use reduced building time.

Also, the end product is great for Greg Foster, Salvation tenants, with most tenants saying Army Social Housing that they do not need to turn a National Director heater on in winter as their homes are warm enough.

Greg said that the high priority given to energy efficiency is being reflected in positive comments from tenants.

A recent anonymous survey of tenants in upgraded or new housing found that 100 percent reported that their homes were warm and dry, while 95 percent said their wellbeing had improved since moving into a Salvation Army house. Of those tenants who used a heater in winter, 95 percent found that the cost of doing so was reasonable in their Salvation Army housing.

Helping Ukrainian refugees on Hungary border The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory has contributed almost $30,000 to provide emergency assistance to Ukrainian refugees as they flee the conflict in Ukraine and cross the border into Hungary.

Some five million refugees have fled Ukraine since the conflict began on 24 February, with around 465,000 heading to Hungary, to Ukraine’s south-west.

Staff and volunteers of The Salvation Army Terezvaros Corps welcome arriving refugees with food and hot drinks as they cross the border on foot or aboard twiceweekly humanitarian buses.

The welcome service—which provides ready-to-eat meals and canned food that can be easily heated or stored, along with candles and matches due to the irregular electricity supply—operates 24 hours a day.

The Terezvaros Corps also provides a reception centre for refugees requiring accommodation, where the corps offers food, clothing and a warm bed for the night.

Territorial International Development and Support Secretary Lt-Colonel Milton Collins says many of the refugees are exhausted and in shock when they arrive in Hungary.

‘There’s a significant need among the refugees, many of whom need a hot meal and a good night’s rest before they travel on to other parts of Hungary or other countries, where many have relatives and friends.’

GAZETTE Bereavement: Major Shirley Bridle, of her brother Brian Brooks, from Wairau Hospital, Blenheim on Tuesday 12 April 2022.

Appointments: Effective immediately, Lt-Colonel Milton Collins has received an appointment title change as Territorial International Development and Support Secretary, for Territorial Headquarters Communications Section.

Effective 5 May 2022, Major Racheal-Lee Kendrick has been appointed as Mission Director for Bridge and Oasis Auckland with ASARS. Effective 23 June 2022, Majors Joanne and Wayne Jellyman received an additional appointment in retirement as Interim Corps Officers for Palmerston North Corps.

Captain Kevin Waugh has received an additional appointment as Divisional Emergency Services Coordinator, Central Division.

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Tribute to General John Larsson (Retired) General John Larsson was born in Sweden on 2 April 1938, the son of officer-parents. He spent his early years in Sweden, Denmark, Chile and Argentina, and by the age of 12 he was fluent in Swedish, Danish, English and Spanish languages!

Following the family’s return to the UK from service in South America, he entered the International Training College in London from his UK home corps of Upper Norwood as a cadet in the Faithful Session and was commissioned a Salvation Army officer on 17 May 1957.

His first appointment as a corps officer was at Sunderland Southwick with Washington in the north-east of England, where he served for just one year before returning to serve on the staff at the International Training College where he remained for the next seven years. He received the rank of captain in May 1960.

In May 1966 he returned to corps leadership, first at Hillingdon and then at Ealing, and it was whilst here that he married Captain Freda Turner on 5 July 1969. Together they moved to Bromley Temple Corps in May 1970, where they served for the next four years, receiving the rank of major in August 1971.

Majors Larsson served in appointments around the world, including territorial leadership of then New Zealand and Fiji Territory from 1993 to 1996.

In 1999, General John Gowans appointed Commissioner John Larsson as his Chief of the Staff—this appointment commencing on 1 August 1999, and it was whilst in this appointment that he was elected to serve as the Salvation Army’s 17th General.

General John Larsson served in this appointment from 13 November 2002 until his retirement from active officership-service on 2 April 2006.

It is almost impossible to quantify the worldwide legacy and influence of General John Larsson. He was a faithful and humble servant of God who shared his God-given gifts of writing and music throughout the Army world.

Known extensively throughout the Salvation Army world and beyond for his collaboration with General John Gowans in the writing and production of 10 full-length musicals, the impact of General John Larsson’s contribution to Salvation Army heritage cannot be underestimated. His music, both in the context of the musicals, but also in his composition of words and music for many other songs, has had a significant spiritual impact on people of all ages. Those who had the privilege of hearing him play his own compositions at the piano will also surely not forget that experience. However, it should be remembered that the influence of General Larsson’s own character, his gentle and unassuming nature and his depth of spirituality also remains an integral part of his legacy to The Salvation Army throughout the world.

BULLETIN ISSUED BY INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE SALVATION ARMY, ABRIDGED

New Zealand Tribute General John Larsson can be described as multi-talented, a servant leader, musician, theologian, author, with qualities such as integrity, wisdom, graciousness, discipline, dedication, and he was all these things and more.

My memory is of a man who was quiet, gentle, thoughtful, caring, unassuming, humble but strong and courageous as a leader. He was a keen listener and thinker with discernment that enabled him to be clear and concise in his communication and decision-making. He always took a genuine interest in people, remembering their names and situations and following up when next meeting or in contact with them. A servant leader who was able to come alongside those he led, able and willing to share wise words of counsel and encouragement.

He was an outstanding Salvation Army leader who led our territory with grace, acceptance and love and encouraged those same qualities in his leadership team and throughout the territory. A man of God demonstrated through his life, leadership, teaching and example.

General John Larsson was not only a leader but a team player working with and alongside others, demonstrated no better than in his relationship with his wife, Freda. They were a team, supporting each other in their leadership roles,

18 WarCry 30 APRIL 2022

working together in the leadership of the territory, gifted in their own rights but supporting and honouring each other.

In later years Wynne and I got to know General John and Commissioner Freda Larsson not as General and Commissioner but as John and Freda as we served alongside them at the Bromley Temple Corps in London. No airs or graces or expectations but ordinary everyday people; John, now the background person, a quiet encourager with his thoughtful and insightful questioning, his interest and support in and for so many.

General John Larsson, man of God, your quiet, gentle, thoughtful, caring, humble and unassuming nature has made a difference in The Salvation Army and in the lives of so many.

We salute you and honour the legacy you have left us.

BY COLONEL GRAEME REDDISH A report of the thanksgiving service can be accessed at: www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/ inb120422-salvationists-friends-give-thanks-lifegeneral-john-larsson

Upskilling with Careerforce Careerforce is an industry training organisation that works within the social services sector, offering apprenticeships as part of their programmes for those already working in the sector who want to upskill.

Davina Plummer, Workforce development coordinator for Community Ministries, explains that the Careerforce apprenticeships are a great option for those already working for The Salvation Army in community spaces who want to learn more, but don’t have the time or funds to complete courses outside of work. ‘It’s a beautiful opportunity for people to get recognition for the skills that they’ve got, to connect with others, to hone their skills and come out of it with a National Certificate without having to pause their careers or income to get that qualification.’

Cathy, a Community Ministries case manager at Hastings Corps, recently completed the Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing through the Careerforce apprenticeship.

She explains that she was inspired by her own son’s study and wanted to ‘better herself’ and have concrete evidence of the skills and knowledge she had in her work.

Cathy found she had so much life experience that she was able to draw on for her study, and her work within The Salvation Army helped her fulfil the practical hours required. ‘I’ve always wanted to help people so I’m in the right place … I’ve learnt a lot about early colonisation and its impact and have connected to networks who became supports where I could tap into their knowledge and resources.’

Currently the Careerforce apprenticeships are funded by the Government for the remainder of the year, so Davina is encouraging anyone interested to reach out to her and make the most of this opportunity.

MORE INFO | email davina.plummer@ salvationarmy.org.nz

…WE ARE NOT PEOPLE IN ISOLATION, BUT A PEOPLE WHO BELONG IN COMMUNITY. Many of us can recount fond and favourite memories of loved influencers in our lives who have nurtured and cared for us through our early years, young adulthood and into levels of maturity. Maturity that has seen us take responsibility for our own lives and sometimes the lives of others who have been gifted to us.

As I write, I recall moments in my own life where the influence of my mother was overt. Not that we always agreed or held complementary opinions, but I am blessed to have been loved by a gracious woman of God who taught me many things. Amongst these, I treasure a love for God, but also people and hold an interest in their wellbeing.

She also helped form my convictions about taking my place in the family of God, and my place in serving and leading that demonstrates his calling on my life.

I am conscious, though, that this is not so for all. For some, celebrating a special ‘mothering’ day brings thoughts of sadness and perhaps neglect or harm. For some a sense of loss pervades the day while others mourn very personal loss. For me, too, there are moments of sadness as I contemplate the latter years of my relationship with my mother and the moments I recall when she drifted away into other realities.

I am so grateful that God knows his children by heart and understands the frailty of our human condition.

I am reminded that perspective and lived experience colour our approach to how we engage with this and other similar celebrations. How careful we may need to be when ‘in honour preferring one another’ (Romans 12:10b, KJV), as Paul writes, we are reminded to consider the needs of our neighbour.

He reminds us that we are not people in isolation, but a people who belong in community. We are called to serve each other, to care, to nurture and to foster relationships with one another and with God himself.

Hanging on the wall in the office I am gifted to work in is a picture of a waka (canoe) that represents the territory’s journey of He Waka Eke Noa—all of us together. Near it hangs another graphic, of the values we hold as a Salvation Army family. A reminder of putting Jesus first, caring for others and offering a place to belong. Mother’s Day can be a day centred on the celebration of belonging, and so I am challenged to think about my contribution to creating belonging for those for whom this day is fraught. What am I doing to nurture and care for those around me? Will people who encounter me see the love of Jesus in the way I show love and the environment I create? Does this mark a path towards wholeness and fullness of life in Jesus?

I think these are worthy questions and a necessary commitment for all of us—in our homes, our families, our workplaces and our faith communities.

Lt-Colonel Michelle Collins Territorial Secretary for Communications 30 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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When Christians face doubt Life is full of uncertainty and doubt. These can range from relatively small worries, such as the car passing its warrant of fitness, to the very big worries, such as why don’t all who are prayed for recover from illness?

But is it okay to doubt God as followers of Jesus? Should doubt play a part in our faith? Let’s take a look at some New Testament passages to help explore these questions.

BY LT JONATHAN WHYBROW

The only time faith is defined in the Bible is in Hebrews 11:1, ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’.

This raises an interesting question: How can you be confident in something which you cannot see?

In answer to this, I have always found the biblical accounts of the days following Good Friday to be insightful.

There is such a contrast in responses to the crucifixion, and to the encounters people had with Jesus afterwards. It helps give a glimpse into what people were going through and the emotions they would have been experiencing.

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A KEY FOR GROWING DEEPER IN OUR FAITH JOURNEYS IS IN HOW WE RESPOND TO THAT UNCERTAINTY AND THAT DOUBT. Doubting Thomas When we look at the reactions of the disciple Thomas, we see an illustration of a man who was struggling with his faith. Thomas would have been present for most of Jesus’ ministry, including witnessing many miracles. But on Good Friday he would have witnessed the defeat of Jesus as he was crucified by the Romans. We can only imagine the devastating impact this must have had upon him.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples (John 20). Thomas was not present, but we are not told why.

When the disciples told him about their encounter with Jesus, Thomas replied: ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe’ (John 20:25b). This response seems totally understandable.

It’s an incredible claim to say you have seen someone who was recently killed.

Perhaps I too would have said, ‘I won’t believe it unless I see it’.

If we go back to our faith definition, Thomas didn’t have confidence in what he hoped for (Jesus’ resurrection), because he had not seen it.

Jesus’ answer to Thomas’s unbelief A week later, Thomas was present with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them again. Knowing what Thomas had said, Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds and told him to ‘stop doubting and believe’ (John 20:27b). An alternative translation could be: ‘stop being faithless and have faith!’

Thomas believed in the resurrection once he saw Jesus with his own eyes.

‘Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed

are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”’ (John 20:28–29). Jesus commended those who believe even though they do not see—those who have faith in him.

I wonder what would have happened if Thomas had believed the other disciples?

What could have helped him come to this position of faith without the certainty of seeing Jesus with his own eyes? What reason would he have had to believe in the resurrection despite how incredible it seemed?

Perhaps Thomas could have reflected on the many miracles he had witnessed Jesus perform. One of these miracles was the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11). Perhaps he could have reflected on the previous teachings of Jesus where he referenced his coming resurrection. Or perhaps Thomas could have considered the trust he had in the other disciples and in what they had to say. These reasons could have given him the confidence in what he hoped for, though he did not see it.

Embracing doubt in our faith journey By definition, faith is not certain because it embraces the things we do not see, so faith goes hand in hand with doubt.

Faith always has the edge of uncertainty about it. A key for growing deeper in our faith journeys is in how we respond to that uncertainty and that doubt.

The faith definition we looked at earlier is followed by the ‘hall of faith’ in Hebrews 11. Here countless examples are given of people in the Old Testament who lived by faith, without seeing what they ultimately hoped for. In chapter 12 the author turns their attention to the audience. They use the metaphor of a running race to remind the believers that they are being cheered on by this ‘great

cloud of witnesses’ in their life of faith— they are not alone!

Be encouraged if you have doubted God at any point in your life. While there are many good reasons to trust in God and believe in Jesus, the element of mystery remains because uncertainty and doubt are a natural part of life and of faith. In fact, accepting and embracing doubt is important if we are to grow in our faith journey and move past the easy answers.

WHEN WE LOOK AT THE REACTIONS OF THE DISCIPLE THOMAS, WE SEE AN ILLUSTRATION OF A MAN WHO WAS STRUGGLING WITH HIS FAITH. The good news is that even people who met Jesus face to face had struggles with doubt and unbelief! In Mark 9:22–24 it tells the story of a father whose son was ‘possessed by a spirit’.

He implored Jesus: ‘“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”’

Perhaps we can make these last words of this father ours when we doubt, asking for God’s help to grow our confidence in what we do not see.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT EVEN PEOPLE WHO MET JESUS FACE TO FACE HAD STRUGGLES WITH DOUBT AND UNBELIEF! 30 APRIL 2022 WarCry

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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

No official engagements at this time.

BCM Library to the rescue!

PRAY We continue to pray for the people affected by war in

Ukraine, for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption, Midland Corps and Community Ministries programmes and Divisional Headquarters, Miramar Corps, Territorial Mission Section, Moral and Social Issues (Ethics) Council, Mosgiel Corps and The Salvation Army in Australia.

TE OPE WHAKAORA

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.

THE ARMY THAT BRINGS LIFE A COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS ON THE SALVATION ARMY & MAORI 1884–2007 EDITED BY HAROLD HILL

Have you filled out the survey yet?

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Visit Salvationist Resources website: shop.sarmy.net.nz For more information email: mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz

children.salvationarmy.org.nz/leaders/ your-voice-matters-survey-2021 or

firezone.co.nz

Want to Know More?

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

Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Quiz Answers: 1 Tom, 2 Uruguay, 3 Scotland, 4 250m, 5 David (2 Samuel 6:16).

22 WarCry 30 APRIL 2022

Share the health this winter with Red Seal 20% At least

Buy any two Red Seal vitamins in one transaction at Countdown stores nationwide and we will donate a bottle of Vitamin C to The Salvation Army’s foodbanks on your behalf.

Promotion runs from 04/04/22 - 24/04/22.

Red Seal will donate up to 7500 bottles. For full terms & conditions visit redseal.global/nz/ sharethehealth. Always read the label. Use only as directed, Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

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All Red Seal Vitamins only at

Make a PopUp Flower Card for Mum

‘But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”.’

YOU WILL NEED… • 1 piece of card size A6, or fold a piece of A5 in half • Green paper or light card • Assorted scraps of coloured paper

Ruth 1:16

• Black pen • Scissors (ask an adult to help you!)

• Glue stick

METHOD… 1. Cut edges of green paper so it fits inside your card.

Sourc e: red tedar t.com

2. Fold in half and cut two long slits from the fold about half way, two shorter ones about a third of the way, then two long, two short, two long.

3. Lift cuts up and create a crease, these will become the stems of your pop-up flowers.

4. Open the green sheet of paper and turn these stems inside out and carefully glue your green sheet of paper with the pop-up flower stems onto your card.

5. Draw simple black flowers on your coloured paper in varying sizes. You can also add bees and ladybirds, then cut them out.

6. Stick your paper flowers to your stems. Add paper leaves to your popup flowers. You can add a little card to the back of the flowers to make them pop a little too.

7. Stick some flowers onto the outside of your flower card and envelope.

Fun Mum Facts: The words ‘mum’, ‘ma’, or ‘mama’ are universal sounds for the word mother because babies’ first words typically start with the ‘m’ sound.

Octopus mums will guard their eggs until they hatch, not even leaving for food … for up to 40 days!

you call a What do n’t draw ? o ca mum wh cey.

T ra

Mum ‘n’ Bub Maze

Can you help the mama jaguar get home to her baby?

In the Bible is the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose husband dies.

Her stepmother Naomi tells both Ruth and her other daughter-in-law to go back to their families. She cannot offer Ruth anything, as both her husband and two sons have died. However, Ruth refuses to leave her. Despite coming from a different place, Ruth declares Naomi’s people and God as her own. She says she will never leave her, even to death.

Even though Naomi wasn’t Ruth’s real mother, Ruth stuck by her. Naomi would have been alone if it wasn’t for Ruth there beside her. Through Ruth’s selfless obedience, God gave her a new husband, Boaz, who provided for both her and Naomi.

The Bible says we should honour our mother and father. It’s easy to think that just because you’re a kid you can’t do anything for your parents. But Ruth had just lost her husband, was poor and didn’t have anything to offer. All she could offer was herself, to support and comfort Naomi for the rest of her life.

Mothers do a lot for us. They cook, clean and are always there to listen when we’re feeling down. This Mother’s Day, think about how you can thank your mother for all she does for you. Perhaps you can ask her if there are any chores or cooking you can help with. Show your mum the love she deserves!

I WONDER...

What’s an important lesson that your mum has taught you?

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STILL HERE SUPPORTING PEOPLE LIKE BEX. WILL YOU?

PLEASE DONATE TODAY Call 0800 53 00 00 SalvationArmy.org.nz/RedShield