SALT February 2024, NZFTS

Māori in Partnership

HE MĀTAITAI

Salvation Army Life and Times | Pēpuere 2024 | saltmagazine.org.nz

Fifty Years in Fiji Amplify 2024 Artificial Intelligence Bearing Fruit

He Toa Takitini The Strength of Many

Contents 8 Meet the Members of the Rūnanga

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SALT is delighted to introduce the members of the Rūnanga.

12 The Best Amplify Ever!

Youth revelled in community, creativity and connection at the 2024 Amplify Creative Arts Camp in Silverstream.

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16 Even Better Than the Real Thing?

In the final part of a three-part series, Jules Badger examines the impact of AI on her role as a writer and explores the distinction between content generated

by ChatGPT and a human writer.

20 Marching on: 50 Years Strong Celebrations were held in Suva in December 2023 to officially mark 50 years of The Salvation Army’s work in Fiji.

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28 Te Wānanga o Aroha Ben Mack investigates the positive impact of Te Wānanga o Aroha and their work that teaches and promotes te reo Māori and tikanga.

34 Bearing Fruit Head to the kids’ page to learn about different New Zealand trees and then embark on a treehunting adventure!

SALT Magazine The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory Territorial Leaders Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell General Lyndon Buckingham Founders Catherine and William Booth

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Pēpuere February 2024

Editor Vivienne Hill Graphic design Sam Coates, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington Staff writers Jules Badger, Kelly Cooper, Captain Rachel Montgomery Proof reading Colleen Marshall, Glenys Fairhurst

16 Connect with us saltmagazine.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS

06 Subscriptions mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz Print Management MakeReady

@SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 p: (04) 384 5649 e: salt@salvationarmy.org.nz

Publishing for 140 years Volume 3, Issue 10 ISSN 2816-1351 (Print) ISSN 2816-136X (Online)

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

Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The Salvation Army.

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

Witness at Waitangi he Salvation Army in New Zealand has entered a covenant relationship with the formation of the Rūnanga and the commitment from the Territorial Governance Board to share decisionmaking pertaining to Māori across all aspects of ministry and engagement.

This pivotal decision and relationship builds on our historic early ministry with Māori in earlier decades, where seeds were sown in fertile ground by Māori and Pākehā together and where a harvest awaits.

spanning time, from the days of Noah in the Old Testament right through to the new covenant in the New Testament. Breaking these spiritual and relational covenants led to ramifications both for the land of Israel and people’s relationship with God across time.

We should not underestimate the power of honouring and implementing covenants.

Seed time and harvest is a fundamental law and rhythm that God has put in place, and the Church at large does well to identify the seed sown, as it will come to harvest. Many people have laboured in these fields in previous generations. They hoped for a unified future and better outcomes for Māori, but somewhere along the way we lost the vision. Now is the time to stand together and commit to reclaiming biblical cultural unity.

Across the world we are seeing wars (both civil and nation against nation), and discontent and frustration are evident in our own country. As the people of Te Ope Whakaora (the Army that brings life) stand at Waitangi, pray for them.

Pray that they will bring the gospel message of reconciliation, peace and restoration. May they be both salt and light in these troubling times. Pray their voices, their worship and prayers will be heard and that the Holy Spirit will empower them, not only at Waitangi, but in the working out of our own covenant relationship within The Salvation Army.

This Waitangi Day, The Salvation Army will be represented at Waitangi, a place where another covenant was signed at the formation of our nation—Te Tiriti o Waitangi. God holds covenants as sacred. He instituted covenants

Vivienne Hill Editor

Whāia te kotahitanga o to wairua, mā te rangimārie me te aroha e paihere. Seek unity of spirit, which is bound together by peace and love. MĀORI WHAKATAUKĪ saltmagazine.org.nz

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Good Grief

M, Drama | Directed by Daniel Levy | Watch on Netflix

Good Grief is a quiet film set in the year after the main character’s husband dies unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. As suggested from the title, this film centres around the griefs of Marc and his two friends: the obvious being the death of Marc’s husband, while also including the grief of lost relationships, and a struggle to find purpose. There is an ongoing idea of the characters finding difficulty in being ‘good’—being a good friend, a good partner and facing the loss they encounter well. It didn’t feel like a unique take on the topic, but Good Grief had some understatedly powerful moments with a striking backdrop of London and Paris. (Reviewed by Holly Morton-Chong).

Jason Mason and the Flightless Bird Fiasco Children’s Fiction | Jason and Andrew Gunn | Bateman Books

While aimed at adolescents, younger children (and some adults) may enjoy this hilarious adventure. This is the second book in the series written by media personality Jason Gunn and his brother Andrew, but it is not necessary to have read the first to enjoy this one. Jason is part of a team called upon to save the first-ever New Zealand space flight. This is a romping good story that infuses education, friendship, imagination plus plenty of Kiwi humour with the belief that even an average kid with asthma can be a hero. Of course, it helps if you are invisible, but read the book yourself to see why. (Reviewed by Fay Foster)

The Other Side of Hope: Flipping the Script on Cynicism and Despair and Rediscovering Our Humanity Christian Living | Danielle Strickland | Thomas Nelson Publishers

Many readers will be familiar with former Canadian Salvation Army officer Danielle Strickland. Social justice advocate, author, podcaster, international speaker, deep thinker and all-around smart woman, Danielle’s latest offering convincingly challenges the doctrine of depravity. Don’t freak out! She simply reminds us that God first called humanity good and asks us to reimagine a world where instead of shaming and hiding, we radically welcomed and wholeheartedly embraced ourselves.

It’s powerful stuff for the 21st century.

The first half of the book is stories (many during her officer ministry), and the second is theory. I couldn’t put this book down.

(Reviewed by Jules Badger)

Do You Know These People?

If you recognise the people in this photo, we’d love to hear from you. Email: archives@ salvationarmy. org.nz 4

Pēpuere February 2024

WORD OF THE MONTH

Ngaruru (Māori, verb) to flourish/thrive Source: Te Aka Dictionary

Orange and Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Salad Teriyaki is the sweet, savory, sticky marinade we love so much is easy to make, really versatile and you can store the marinade in a jar in the fridge for several weeks. Shin mirin is readily available in supermarkets and Asian grocery stores.

40 mins | Serves 4 (easy to double)

Ingredients Teriyaki Marinade • ¼ cup dark soy sauce

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, skin removed

• ¼ cup shin mirin

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• ¼ cup orange juice (approximately half an orange)

• Juice of the other orange half • 1–2 Tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 orange, peeled and cut in small pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 2–2½ Tbsp brown sugar

• Salad leaves for 4 people (use whatever is available)

Method Combine the marinade ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for 2–3 minutes, then set aside to cool. Split the chicken breasts horizontally with a sharp knife and then cut into strips as you would for stir fry.

QUICK QUIZ 1 In which European city is the headquarters of the Red Cross?

2 W hat breed of dog is a

cross between a collie and a greyhound?

3 W ho invented the dynamo?

4 Robinson and Dancy are both varieties of what?

5 W ho discovered the

circulation of the blood?

Answers page 32

Place the chicken pieces into the cooled marinade and leave in the fridge for 20 minutes.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salad and pile onto a platter or into serving bowls. Scatter the orange pieces and toast the sesame seeds.

When the chicken has marinated for 20 minutes, heat the sesame oil in a frying pan and add the chicken in 3–4 batches, stir frying until sealed. When all the chicken is added, pour the remaining marinade into the pan and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and a rich toffee colour. Remove the chicken from the pan and pile onto the salad.

Increase the heat and add the juice of the remaining half orange, simmering the sauce until it has thickened a little. Drizzle over the top of the salad and sprinkle on the toasted sesame seeds. Serve as a light meal or lunch for four, or divide between flat breads and roll up to make six salad wraps.

Tip: Omit the orange juice from the marinade if you plan to store it. You can double or triple the quantity and use it for burgers, sushi or anything on the grill.

Source: Sophie Grey | destitutegourmet.com saltmagazine.org.nz

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INTERNATIONAL PRAYER • N icaragua—For the first time, Nicaragua appears in the top 50 World Watch List. It has a majority Christian population, but the government is hostile to the churches speaking out about human rights violations. Pray for churches, charities and Christian media outlets which are facing rising persecution and interference.

• M auritania—It is believed that fewer than 150 Christians are in Mauritania, which has a Sunni Muslim majority.

Please pray for access to Bibles, particularly audio Bibles. Pray for those imprisoned for their faith and the repeal of apostasy laws which carry the death penalty.

• T unisia—The majority religion in Tunisia is the 99 percent Sunni Muslim population, with 1 percent Christian. Pray for Christians who face persecution. There are some religious-freedom reforms, but Islam dominates, and evangelism is illegal.

Pray for converts from Islam who are often persecuted by their families, particularly in conservative rural areas.

• Oman—Four percent of the population are Christian in this Muslim-majority country. Pray for converts, particularly women who are legally restricted from marrying a non-Muslim. Pray for those who are persecuted by families, communities and the government.

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SALVATION ARMY PRAYER Lomaivuna Corps; Manukau Central Corps; Manurewa Corps Plant; Masterton Corps; Matamata Family Store; Midland Division Corps and Community Ministries; Midland Division Divisional Headquarters; Miramar Corps; The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka; and The Salvation Army in Sweden and Latvia.

Prayer focus: Nigeria The West African country of Nigeria has long been in a state of unrest. It has a population of 230 million people and is the most populous country in Africa and the sixth-most populous in the world.

It is a federal republic with 36 states and covers an area of 923,769 square kilometres. It has 250 ethnic groups speaking 500 different languages.

Nigeria is mostly divided into two groups: the Muslim half in the north and the Christian half in the south.

Various Muslim groups, such as Boko Haram, have waged a steady programme of persecution over many years against the Christian population, killing hundreds of thousands of people.

Near the border between the north and south is the Plateau State, which suffered a brutal attack this past Christmas. Islamic extremist gunmen killed 113 people, injured 300 and attacked 20 predominantly Christian villages. The coordinated attacks commenced 24 December 2023 and continued until the morning of Christmas Day. This is one of many attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

What’s On? Waitangi Day Celebrations

4–6 February Dawn service at 5am (6 February) and interdenominational service 10am, both at Te Whare Runanga

2024 State of the Nation | Loaves and Fishes, Wellington 15 February State of the Nation report launch.

Save the Date Women’s Weekend | BMAC, Raurimu 22–25 March An adventure camp for women aged 18–80+, packed with activities. Visit bluemountainadventure.org.nz to join.

Check out our full event calendar at saltmagazine/events

INTRIGUING INDEX

Amazing Antarctica 1 Land Ho

2024

Antarctica in an historical context was only recently discovered in 1820 by Russian expedition of Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev. However, oral reports indicate that indigenous people discovered and explored Antarctica much earlier.

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.

2 Poles Apart

In 1890, Scottish cartographer John George Bartholomew used the name ‘Antarctica’, which means ‘opposite the poles’, as the name of the continent, but Aristotle’s Meteorology used the term as early as 350BC.

3 Not a Drop...

The Antarctic ice sheet holds around 90 percent of the world’s ice and 70 percent of earth’s fresh water, which is frozen. It is believed if this was to melt it would result in global sea level rises, with catastrophic outcomes for countries shorelines.

CHINESE PROVERB

4 Hands Off

Shout Out A big shout out to Taradale Family Store who have doubled their order for SALT magazine to distribute to their patrons.

No country owns Antarctica. There is a treaty system to ensure that no single country can claim territorial rights, with 53 nations signing on to the treaty. Many countries have a physical presence on the continent.

5 Desert of Ice

Antarctica is the driest continent on earth. In its Dry Valley region, it has not rained for thousands of years. It does rain sparingly along the coast, with only 200mm falling a year on average. saltmagazine.org.nz

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Meet the Members of the Rūnanga In 2023, The Salvation Army’s Territorial Governance Board signed a kawenata (covenant) with the members of the newly formed Rūnanga (council/board), embedding shared authority with Māori into the structure of The Salvation Army and upholding the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) within the movement.

WORDS Kelly Cooper

hrough the Rūnanga, The Salvation Army has an opportunity to model what shared authority can look like when it is rooted in covenantal relationship, founded on the good news of Jesus Christ and built on trust and confidence between God’s people. SALT is pleased to introduce the individuals comprising the Rūnanga.

The Right Reverend Te Kītohi Pikaahu, Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau— Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Te Roroa, Ngāti Whātua Bishop Kīto, co-chair of the Rūnanga, is an advocate for the wellbeing of Māori and indigenous communities in the Anglican Communion. He is the chair of the global Anglican Indigenous Network and chair of the Rūnanga.

Bishop Kīto has served as a priest within Te Tai Tokerau for more than 36 years and, as bishop, has led Waitangi Day services for 22 years.

Bishop Kīto describes the opportunity to contribute to the life and witness of The Salvation Army through the Rūnanga as a blessing and privilege. He believes that a diversity of Christian perspectives contributes 8

Pēpuere February 2024

to infusing hope and joy into the Church community.

Bishop Kīto aspires for the Rūnanga to stand firm in faith, to act with courage and to hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ that expresses the spirit and hope of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson— Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Pikiahu Waewae Ian has served as a Salvation Army officer for 40 years in various appointments. He has been involved in Māori Ministry for over 20 years as a member, and then chair of, the Māori Ministry Council. Ian is co-chair of the Rūnanga and director of The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit.

Ian has a passion for mission with Māori, to see Te Tiriti embedded into Salvation Army policy and practice, and for Māori to have tūrangawaewae (a place to stand) within The Salvation Army. It is his desire to see Māori more extensively involved in mission, and to continue to create an Army that incorporates tikanga (cultural practices), manaakitanga (hospitality and care) and whakawhanaungatanga (welcoming and

inclusive relationships for Māori and all people) into its everyday work at every level.

Rangi McLean—Ngāi Tūhoe, Waikato Maniapoto, Ngāti Porou Rangi is a wellregarded authority on tikanga (customs), kawa (ceremonies) and cultural practices. He heads the cultural advisory unit of Hāpai Te Hauora Tapui and holds extensive governance roles in his local South Auckland community and across the Auckland region. Rangi is a frequent commentator and advocate for health issues on Māori media and is the kaumātua (elder) of the Rūnanga.

Rangi says he is honoured and privileged to be invited to contribute to the mission and work of Te Ope Whakaora (The Salvation Army) on a local, regional and national level. He is excited to see the Rūnanga carry

Above: The Right Reverend Te Kitohi Pikaahu (left) and Commissioner Mark Campbell signing the kawenata (covenant) at Territorial Headquarters in August 2023. on the legacy and whakapapa (ancestral genealogy) between Te Ope Whakaora and Māoridom. Rangi believes that positive relationships are crucial in enabling stakeholders to work together successfully for a common purpose.

Captain Hana Seddon— Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga Hana is a Salvation Army officer based in Rotorua and a member of the Rūnanga. She has been part of Māori Ministry since 2006 and a member of the Māori Ministry Council. Hana has a background in social work and a passion for education, social justice and public health leadership. saltmagazine.org.nz

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She believes that in the context of Aotearoa, The Salvation Army’s vision of bringing life in all its fullness must include tāngata whenua (people of the land). As a member of the Rūnanga, Hana keeps the Bible in one hand, Te Tiriti in the other and the faces of all people in front of her while she works in partnership to keep things moving forward for Māori. She describes her decision to join the Rūnanga as a sign of her commitment to God, to Māori and to The Salvation Army.

Captain Grace Duxfield— Tāngata Tiriti Grace is the assistant corps officer at Porirua Corps. She is passionate about seeing people engage in their personal and local histories and to expand their connections with each other, the land and their shared future.

Grace has a deep personal commitment to Te Tiriti and is motivated to help people understand that the way Aotearoa moves forward will be shaped by the way we interact with our past.

Grace acknowledges the complexities of grappling with what it means to be a Tiriti-honouring movement that has been built on a colonial framework. Grace is optimistic about the work of the Rūnanga and aspires to see leaders at all levels within The Salvation Army confident in their tikanga, educated in their history, developing their te reo Māori and shaping Godhonouring spaces for all the people of Aotearoa.

Captain Peter Koia— Ngāti Porou Peter is corps officer, together with his wife Captain Jenny RatanaKoia, at Gisborne Corps.

He is proud to call the East Coast home and believes that whānau, including our spiritual whānau (family), are our most valuable treasures. Peter 10

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is passionate about working in community and living and breathing the message of hope in Jesus.

Peter is honoured to serve on the Rūnanga and is eager to see Māori fully participating in the Kingdom of God through leadership roles and through being a voice to draw people back to God through Jesus. He desires the voice of Māori people to be heard, to see all people cared for and for their lives be transformed.

Richard Kerr-Bell— Te Hiku ō Te Ika Richard is the tumu whakarae (operations manager) for the Rūnanga.

He has held multiple positions as manager in NGOs and on governance boards, in education, community social service organisations and sports organisations.

Richard has also worked as a chaplain and executive coach. The majority of his mahi (work) has centred around roles dedicated to uplifting individuals, with a particular focus on the wellbeing of Māori.

As tumu whakarae for the Rūnanga, Richard aims to engage and serve Māori and non-Māori within our communities. He is committed to ensuring that Māori experience a strong sense of place, autonomy and trust within The Salvation Army, aligned with tūrangawaewae and tino rangatiratanga (selfdetermination) principles.

Dr. Gina Colvin-Ruwhiu— Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou Gina currently serves as pou ārahi ki tautahi (Māori cultural advisor in Christchurch) for The Salvation Army. She has a background in adult education, research and academic writing, and Treaty education and is the host of A Thoughtful Faith podcast.

Gina has a passion for Māori to be confident and strong as Māori, speakers of te reo, knowledgeable in their whakapapa and the effects of New Zealand’s colonial history and confident practitioners in the Māori world.

She is proud to represent and support Māori whānau, hapu and iwi within The Salvation Army as a member of the Rūnanga. It is her aspiration for The Salvation Army in Aotearoa to become a safe place for Māori to be Māori both in accessing services and within corps (churches).

Aux Captain Teao Kauirangi (Nan) Patea —Ngāti Porou Nan is the tenancy manager in Kāpiti for Salvation Army Social Housing. She has a background in adult education, and together with her husband, Joseph Patea, has facilitated Māori education workshops and taught te reo Māori classes within The Salvation Army. Nan has a heart for Māori ministry to grow and is honoured to join the Rūnanga as kaumātua.

Nan has a passion for Māori language and desires to see officers embracing and learning te reo Māori as one of Aotearoa’s official languages. She would also like to see te reo Māori taught as part of cadet training at Booth College of Mission. Nan is excited about the establishment of the Rūnanga and the opportunity to enhance the ministry of all people, particularly Māori.

Colonel Gerry Walker— Ngati Porou

Gerry is privileged to continue the legacy of his tupuna (ancestors) who have gone before him, who have inspired and influenced him in his deep commitment to honouring and outworking Te Tiriti o Waitangi within The Salvation Army, Te Ope Whakaora. His desire is for The Salvation Army to be a movement that brings life, respect and dignity for all.

Envoy Anihera Carroll— Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Taamanuhiri, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti Kahungunu me Ngāti Maniapoto Anihera is pou arahi (cultural advisor) to Te Whare Wānanga o Ngā Toa Whakaora, Booth College of Mission. She has participated in Māori Ministry within The Salvation Army since 2017, having previously held the position of divisional director for Midland Māori Ministry and being seconded to assist the chair of the Māori Ministry Council. Following prayerful consideration, Anihera is honoured to become a member of the Rūnanga.

Anihera believes that The Salvation Army has a lot of mana (authority and influence) and a good reputation in our communities. She aims to build on this good name through her work in the Rūnanga, with a particular focus on the cultural safety of Māori. Anihera is particularly passionate about changing and improving the dialogue around the service delivery of The Salvation Army for the large percentage of Māori who access our services.

Gerry has held multiple public service and governance roles in various community organisations. He has been a Salvation Army officer for 14 years and was appointed to the role of chief secretary in 2020, where he is responsible for the implementation, delivery and compliance of the Territorial Governance Board strategy and policies. saltmagazine.org.nz

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The Best Amplify Ever!

The 15th annual Amplify Creative Arts Camp was held once again at Silverstream Retreat Centre in Upper Hutt (Wellington), from Tuesday 9th of January through to Sunday 14th. But it seems there was something about Amplify 2024 that was different to previous years. Jules Badger went for a visit (photos by Kevin David, Georgia Eilering, Tepaea Renata and Faith Tottle).

‘All Amplify Creative Arts Camps are special, but for some reason there was a truly unique vibe at camp this year,’ reports Major Mat Badger, one of the camp directors.

Corps), who also led the art stream.

Each speaker brought a challenging message, with a changing lineup of musicians responsible for leading worship.

First-time camper and leader Lieutenant Ben Cola, (Cambridge Corps) says, ‘Amplify is hands down the best youth camp I have been to here in New Zealand, and I’ll definitely be back with my youth next year!’

‘At night church, I got to witness my young people from Cambridge responding so freely to God,’ says Ben. ‘I’m so motivated as an officer just seeing the hunger our young people have for more of God in their lives. There were times during the week when I wasn’t needed as a leader because our young people stepped up and ministered to each other. If someone responded to the message by going forward for prayer on their own, the boys would go and surround him and pray for him. That’s been my personal highlight—seeing God move so powerfully in this Amplify space.’

Amplifying Amplify There was the usual amazing range of creative streams for young people to choose from: dance, filmmaking, music performance, cultural performance, drama/acting, sports, art, brass, gospel choir, hospo-barista, songwriting, DIY, discipleship, activity-based learning, photography/ reels, creative production, upcycling, a young adult’s stream, as well as other activities including the Quiz, the Big Game (with a fresh twist this year), Explorers Café (complete with great coffee and copious amounts of boardgames to choose from) and the non-stop basketball that made up the background beat of camp.

Amplify 2024 also sported the stellar line up of quality guest speakers that campers have come to expect: Captain Faye Molen (Manurewa Corps), Lieutenant Ben Willis (Thames Corps, who also led the sports stream alongside Lieutenant Jesse Willis) and New Zealand artist Maryanne Shearman (New Plymouth 12

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Building on success Another feature of Amplify was the daily small groups. Major Jeannine Serevi (Central Division) reflects on leading her group: ‘I loved how God set things up this year. So many in the group had connections, so right from the get-go there was no awkwardness, and we were able to go quite deep very quickly. I was impacted personally by the commitment to work on things as the group prepared to go home, which included setting up a group chat to stay in touch and keep each other accountable.’

Saturday night saw the never-beforeattempted but hugely successful

‘mash-up’ of the old school exhibition nights, acoustic nights and the festival which was launched last year.

Key youth leader for Christchurch City Corps Beaven Turner says, ‘Everyone brought their A-game and the performances were so varied and amazing and it was good to celebrate what young people are good at—see their gifts and talents—being able to also hang out and laugh and cheer and dance, well it was the best “final night” of camp I’ve ever attended.’

‘As adults and leaders, we make the mistake of thinking we know it all, but we don’t.’

The faithfulness of God ‘As a planning team we’d prayed, believed and expected that God was going to move in an amazing way, and that’s what happened,’ says Mat. Lieutenant Ben Willis (Thames Corps) agreed and said during his message at the final session on Sunday morning, ‘My heart is overflowing with thankfulness and gratitude to God this morning because I have seen first-hand the wonderful work God has done in so many lives this week. And we shouldn’t be surprised because it’s what we’ve come to expect from God, but I am still absolutely in awe.’

Beaven adds, ‘Every year it feels like there is a completely new iteration of the Amplify story, and I just love the community that never fails to form at Amplify when you bring young people from all over the country together—all from different walks of life and all wanting more of God.’ Brand new Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Lieutenant Alana LePine said as camp concluded, ‘I’m celebrating that God is so faithful. He’s done some amazing work, and I am leaving here so excited and hopeful and expectant about the future of The Salvation

Army. We have so many young people absolutely on fire and sold out for Jesus and ready to take on the world.

It doesn’t get any better than that!’

Focus on the future As Major Mat Badger steps into a new season as a corps officer, God gave him a very specific challenge to take with him. ‘God reminded me this week of the priority I must make to listen to emerging generations.

As adults and leaders, we make the mistake of thinking we know it all, but we don’t. The world our young people are growing up in is far more complex than the one we grew up in. We need

to be very serious and intentional about listening carefully to our young people as they work to reach their generation. So what does it look like to trust and release young people into ministry at a local level? That’s the challenge for me (and for all of us) as we come to the dawn of 2024.’

See you at Amplify 2025! It’s likely to be the best camp ever!

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: Extended Amplify coverage can be found on page 31!

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Covenanting Together Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: ‘I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past’. This whakataukī (Māori proverb) speaks to the belief that time is one continuous process or moment. The past, present and future sit together and so do our ancestors, ever-present.

In a Christian context, this is what we believe about the nature of God—timeless, eternal—and that all of history and the future exists in the heart of God. In this context, the formation of the Rūnanga and the role of the tumu whakarae (operations manager) are significant steps for Te Ope Whakaora (The Salvation Army) in our desire to live our covenantal relationship with God, in God and emboldened by our merciful God, as was agreed at Waitangi in February 1840. At this point in our history, we want to support and strengthen this commitment to honour the way God has called iwi Māori in Aotearoa, and all indigenous peoples.

The gifts and grace of God in each culture can only be brought to the fullness of life in their authentic expressions. These include te reo (language), kaupapa Māori (processes) and rangatiratanga (self-determination)—the right to hear God’s voice as it is spoken, in a way that is understood and expressed just like in Revelation 7: ‘After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands’ (Revelation 7:9).

Our faith in Jesus gives us the courage to transform ourselves and our communities—to be free from the need for control and power, to be free to serve. This courage leads to a right relationship in the land as intended by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a fruit of this is peace as promised us by Jesus.

As we remember that solemn covenant signed at Waitangi, let us pray that in our lands the voice of God would speak peace into our hearts, and that with the courage of our faith we would walk humbly with our God. Colonel Gerry Walker Chief Secretary

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Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands (NIV).

Muri iho i ēnei mea ka kite ahau, nā, he mano tini, e kore nei e taea e tētahi te tatau, nō ngā iwi katoa, nō ngā hapū, nō ngā huihuinga tāngata, nō ngā reo, e tū ana i mua i te torōna, i mua hoki i te Reme, he mea whakakākahu ki ngā kākahu mā, he nīkau hoki ki ō rātou ringaringa (PT).

Sa oti oqo ka’u sa vakaraica, ka raica, sa dua nai soqosoqo levu sara, e sega e dua na tamata e wilika rawa, mai na veivanua kece, kei na veimataqali, kei na veimatanitu, kei na duivosavosa, era sa tu e na mata ni tikotiko-vakaturaga, kei na mata ni Lami, era vakaisulu e nai sulu vulavula, ka taura nai viu e na ligadra (FOV).

Iske baad, ham ek baṛa bheeṛ dekha, usman etna log rahin ki gina nai jaay sakat rahin. Ulog sab jaat ke, ṭraaib ke, des ke, aur bhaasha bole waala rahin, aur ulog siñghaasan ke saamne Memna ke aage khaṛa rahin. Ulog ujjar kapṛa pahine rahin aur haath meñ khajuur ke ḍaar liye khaṛa rahin (FRHNT).

Hili ia na‘a ku vakai, pea ta ko e fu‘u kakai lahi, ‘a ia ‘e ‘ikai lava ‘e ha taha hono lau, ko ha kakai mei he pule‘anga kotoa pē, mo e ngaahi matakali, mo e ngaahi fa‘ahinga, mo e ngaahi lea, na‘a nau tutu‘u ‘i he ‘ao ‘o e taloni pea ‘i he ‘ao ‘o e Lami, kuo nau kofu ‘aki ‘a e ngaahi kofu hinehina tōtōlofa, pea ‘oku nau to‘o ‘a e ngaahi va‘a paame (TMB).

Ua mavae atu ia mea, ona ou iloa lea, faauta foi i le motu o tagata e toatele mai atu nuu uma, ma aiga, ma nuu, ma gagana eseese, e le ma faitaulia e se tasi, o loo tutū i latou i luma o le nofoālii ma luma o le Tamai Mamoe, ua oofu i latou i ofu sisina, ua i ai foi lau pama i o latou lima (SOV).

Art: Sam Coates

Even Better Than the Real Thing?

In part three of our series on artificial intelligence (AI), Jules Badger asks whether the discerning among us can tell the difference between content produced by ChatGPT and that of a human writer—and does it really matter?

I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has asked me if I’m concerned about being out of a job as a writer because of the introduction of ChatGPT. The answer to that question is obviously yes, I am concerned.

So lately I’ve been experimenting with ChatGPT to see just what I’m up against. In fact, I even asked it to write me a 100-word brief on why writers should be concerned about ChatGPT taking over their jobs. The reply I got was bold and alarming: ‘ChatGPT is a powerful artificial intelligence system that can generate high-quality text on any topic, genre or style. Writers should be concerned about ChatGPT taking over their jobs because ChatGPT can do almost everything that writers can do, maybe even better.’ I wasn’t impressed with that cheeky response—a bit too confident for my liking! But it wasn’t finished: ‘ChatGPT is a formidable competitor for writers who want to make a living from their craft.’

Yikes! Could that be true? Is my time as a writer under threat and perhaps coming to an end? Could the future of SALT be articles written entirely by AI? This of course begs the question for you as a reader: do you want to read articles written by a real human or by AI? Would you know the difference? And 16

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furthermore, could I, as a writer, be able to spot something written by AI? How much stock should I put in these predictions of AI? ChatGPT must be fed data, and when it comes to writing it has been and continues to be trained on a variety of texts protected by copyright laws.

One of the ethical concerns with ChatGPT, therefore, is its potential to infringe on intellectual property rights. If asked to write a poem, it may well produce something that resembles or even copies other work. Furthermore, I can’t help but wonder how ChatGPT could possibly describe an experience it’s never had without it sounding trite and manufactured. Surely anyone could spot the lack of lyrical authenticity?

…do you want to read articles written by a real human or by AI? Would you know the difference?

I asked ChatGPT to write me a 50word poem about the person of Jesus. The result was so cheesy— metaphors were mixed and it used very lazy and obvious rhyming couplets. So I refined the prompts, asking it to write me a poem about

Jesus that expresses the personal experience of finding the light of Christ, using one key metaphor and including internal rhyme. The result was less terrible, but still cringey. The rhyming couplets persisted and while it stayed with the one metaphor (the light), it was predictable and there was an overabundance of cliché. Perhaps I’m not out of a job quite yet!

One of the key reasons that so many of us love the Psalms is because we resonate with the emotions expressed and the questions asked of God—often when in deep despair and anguish. Psalms of lament enable us to move from pain to promise. This is not poetry that initially impresses us stylistically, but poetry that moves us because we connect with the emotions expressed. I was skeptical that AI could ever ‘learn’ to mimic this depth of human emotion, so I asked it how can ChatGPT express human emotion and experience in poetry when it is

Psalms of lament enable us to move from pain to promise.

This is not poetry that initially impresses us stylistically, but poetry that moves us because we connect with the emotions expressed.

not human and has not personally experienced these emotions? The response was surprisingly insightful and somewhat of a relief.

‘To express human emotion and experience in poetry, one needs to be able to understand and empathise with the emotions and experiences of others. While ChatGPT is an AI language model that can generate text, it does not have emotions or experiences of its own. However, ChatGPT has been trained on a vast corpus of human language data, which includes poetry and other forms of creative writing. As a result, it can generate poetry that is stylistically similar to human-written poetry. ChatGPT is a tool that can help generate poetry, but it is not a substitute for human creativity and emotion. To create truly authentic and emotionally resonant poetry, you will need to draw from your own experiences and emotions.’ It even added a jaunty ‘Good luck!’

We know that AI can learn and adapt, and that over time it will get better at mimicking human emotion and experience. Will it get better at writing poems? Only time will tell. Can AI ever replace the work of the Spirit that inspired the Psalms? I think

not. But could the Holy Spirit work through AI? Now there’s a question!

We know there’s a holy transaction that takes place when the Spirit of God is involved, and that God can use unexpected methods to get our attention.

At the same time, I don’t think I’ll be losing my job as a Spirit-led writer for SALT to artificial intelligence quite yet.

ChatGPT Writes a Poem About Jesus Here is the second poem that Jules asked ChatGPT to write, the prompt being write me a poem about Jesus that expresses the personal experience of finding the light of Christ, using one key metaphor, and including internal rhyme.

In the darkness of my soul, I wandered lost, without a goal.

He is the shepherd of my heart, Leading me to a brand new start.

But then I saw the light of Christ, And all my fears were sacrificed.

He is the rock that I can cling, When life’s storms come thundering.

His love was like a beacon bright, Guiding me through the darkest night.

His grace was like a gentle breeze, That brought me to my bended knees.

So let me walk in His sweet light, And keep my faith forever bright.

For in His love, I find my peace, And all my worries, they slowly cease.

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The Limitless Love of God As a young man Richard Kerr-Bell read Mother Teresa’s biography and fell in love with the God she served. A formative experience working with the poorest of the poor in Los Angeles, opened Richard’s eyes and heart to the expansive, limitless love God has for all people. Richard is The Salvation Army’s tumu whakarae (operations manager) for te Rūnanga nationally, and he believes this new role is the culmination of everything he has learnt so far.

My deepest connection is to the Hokianga. While I whakapapa to Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri and Ngāti Kuri, as we say in the north if you are related to Rāhiri (founding ancestor of Ngā Puhi), you are related to everyone!

My grandfather came to New Zealand from Scotland when he was 21. He fell in love with a Māori woman, so his family disowned him. But they married anyway and started a family. Sadly, she died, so her cousin was sent to help with the kids. In time she became my grandfather’s second wife, but she also died. Another cousin—my grandmother—was sent to help, and the couple had 12 more children (there were 26 in total) with my dad being the second eldest of that third family.

The marae I feel the strongest connection to is Aotea Marae, Hokianga, where my grandmother planted 13 different species of flax. Every Christmas we would go and stay with my grandmother and go fishing around the harbour and listen to all the stories she had to share. The whare tūpuna (meeting house) is Te Kaiwaha and the hapū (tribe) is Ngāti Whārara—one of three hapu who have the responsibility of carrying the story of the harbour.

Formative experiences When I was about 18 years old, I travelled around with my uncle (Edward Buck Dawson) so I could learn about my whakapapa (genealogy). My grandmother was unwell and it seemed increasingly likely she wouldn’t live much longer. I realised there would be no one who could speak on behalf of my family at her tangi (funeral), so I went to Hoani Waititi Marae and 18

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did a nine-month full immersion course. When my grandmother died, my uncle called me up to speak.

That was such a formative experience for me and an important part of my story.

I was in the Air Force for a few years, but coming from a practicing Catholic family of faith, I left after reading Mother Teresa’s biography. I was deeply moved by her absolute faith in God and her limitless love for the most vulnerable. In downtown LA, Mother Teresa had a group of brothers who cared for people who had been left on the street for various reasons. I wrote and asked if I could come and join in the work, and they said yes.

Living in LA with the brothers was an incredible experience. We’d get up to pray at 5.30am, before visiting people in the ghettos and homeless shelters.

We’d visit elderly people that no one cared about, do their washing and tend to their sores. LA is always warm, so when we visited people who hadn’t washed in a while, where there was rubbish piled up and the stench of urine was oppressive, it was certainly challenging. But my time caring for the poor anchored in my soul a faith that trusted absolutely in the limitless love of God. Once you have that, irrespective of what comes next, you can’t not believe in God’s love, because you can’t undo that experience. It was during my time in LA that God taught me I could serve anyone, anywhere, without fear. (I also got to meet Mother Teresa, and she was a rock star!)

Confronting racism When I returned to New Zealand, I got a job at the Pakuranga Shell Station which was the biggest in the

The potential exists in Te Ope Whakaora to make a massive difference not just for Māori but for all, and the only limitation is the courage of our faith. country at the time. There was also a flood of Asian immigration to East Auckland, so I saw and experienced racism up close and personal. Little did I know then, but confronting racism would become a clear call on my life.

Inspired by my experience in LA and the faith of a beloved mentor, I trained to become a priest. However, when an Easter liturgy with two small parts in te reo Māori resulted in some students purposefully raising their voices and speaking English over the Māori during the service, I couldn’t stay quiet. For three days afterwards I didn’t participate in mass but sat outside to show the division and separation and lack of belonging and inclusion that racism causes. I was promptly informed that I wasn’t suitable for the priesthood. So I finished my theology degree through Otago University and trained to be teacher. I worked at various schools around Dunedin teaching te reo Māori, including one that had me based in the foreign languages department! If students were ‘bad’ in class, they were sent to do Māori—it was tough, and I realised quickly that I couldn’t help much because there weren’t enough hours in the day. I thought I better do something about that, so I went and did a Master of Counselling.

God faithfully opened doors for me, and at one point I was the only Māori counsellor in Dunedin. Sadly, I had no shortage of clients. With a view to lifting Māori and disrupting racism whenever I could, I also worked in chaplaincy, social work and religious education.

I did research and lectured at Otago Polytechnic and Otago University. I also had the privilege of writing curriculum and developing assessment processes that incorporate a Māori worldview and make education more accessible for Māori students. This is some of the work I am proud of.

Most recently I served as the kaihautū wairua (spiritual director) for Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa (Sisters of Mercy New Zealand); so I come to this new role with Te Ope Whakaora (The Salvation Army) with a lot of real-world experience and passion.

I know I have a contribution to make and believe anything is possible for Te Ope Whakaora—it all comes down to the courage of our faith. What I mean is, I can read and learn everything about the rubrics of faith, but if I can’t show mercy to someone who is different from me, or take the time to listen to their story, then how can I hear the voice of God or discern what the Spirit is saying?

The potential exists in Te Ope Whakaora to make a massive difference not just for Māori but for all, and the only limitation is the courage of our faith. When we trust God and lean into his limitlessness, we discover the expansiveness of God’s love. Our faith needs to experience that expansive love so we don’t lose our courage. And this is my hope and prayer for Te Ope Whakaora in these days...

Richard is married to Katrina, and they have two children— both young adults studying in Ōtepōti (Dunedin). saltmagazine.org.nz

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Marching On: 50 Years Strong The Salvation Army officially began its work in Fiji in 1973. Celebrations to mark this significant milestone took place over the weekend of December 15–17, in the nation’s capital of Suva. Part of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory of The Salvation Army, Fijian Salvationists were well supported with attendees from all four nations joining the celebrations. International Salvation Army leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham were also present as special guests for the 50th Anniversary.

WORDS Jules Badger PHOTOS Jules and Mat Badger, Ben Cola and Kris Singh

ou’re celebrating 50 years! It’s a party! It’s a celebration!’ declared General Lyndon Buckingham to hundreds of Salvationists of all ages gathered in Suva’s Vodafone Arena as the anniversary celebrations got underway. Salvationists from all over Fiji travelled to celebrate, encourage one another and hear from God. It was a joyous and moving sight as people who hadn’t seen each other for some years embraced and shook hands in greeting.

Territorial leaders, Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell attended, along with other senior leaders from New Zealand, including governance board and Rūnanga members, officers, soldiers and friends. A contingent of officers and soldiers from both Tonga and Samoa also supported their Fijian brothers and sisters in celebrating this significant milestone in the Pacific.

A powerful encounter The weekend’s celebrations began on Friday afternoon with a youth rally. It was a joyful and colourful start to the weekend as entire youth groups arrived wearing matching T-shirts printed in bold colours with inspiring verses on the back. The rally began with 20

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the entrance of General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn, and after admitting his favourite food was a cheeseburger with a fried egg added, the General shared what happened to him at a youth event in 1979.

‘I went along with the hope that I might find a girlfriend,’ he said with a cheeky grin. ‘Instead, at the age of 17, I had a powerful encounter with God that changed my life forever. I can testify today that Jesus is my rock, shield, salvation, friend and guide. He is dependable and trustworthy and my journey since 1979 has proven this to be true!’

Throughout the afternoon there was inspiring worship, cultural performances and moving items from different corps, as well as powerful testimonies.

Divala from Taveuni Corps shared about her neardeath experience, testifying that ‘God is closer than the clothes you are wearing’.

Guest speaker Major Mat Badger spoke about the significance of the number 50 in the Bible. ‘Fifty is the “year of jubilee” and provides an opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for the future,’ he said.

‘My dream is that some of you will be leading The Salvation Army at Fiji’s 100-year anniversary!’

Above (clockwise from top left): Performers on Saturday night celebrations at Vodafone Arena in Suva; the march of witness through downtown Suva on Saturday morning; performers at Vodafone Arena during Friday night’s meeting; General Lyndon Buckingham jokes with Suva Central Band members at the march of witness on Saturday.

Lighting the spark Warriors with conch shells escorted the General and Commissioner Buckingham to the stage as the first main session of the anniversary celebrations got underway. Prayers were offered in Fijian, Fijian Hindi and English. A song ‘Marching in Victory’ which was written especially for the anniversary celebrations by Viliame Leqanidruaivalu (Nadi Corps) was sung for the first time. This song would become an anthem by the end of the weekend.

In 1972, Lt-Colonel Wilfred Arnold was among a group of 13 young Salvationists and four officers who made up the ‘Fiji Trek’—an exploratory trip to scope out the possibility of The Salvation Army coming to Fiji.

Now, 51 years later, The Salvation Army is alive and well in Fiji. ‘The spark lit by that trek is well aflame and Fiji is now adding to the international Salvation

Army,’ Wilfred affirmed. ‘You embraced the Army’s holiness teaching and social concern and now in turn you are taking that message of hope to the world.’

Founded by faith With the overarching catch cry for the celebrations being ‘Marching On: 50 Years Strong’, the three main sessions for the weekend were shaped by themes: founded by faith; inspired by hope; serving in love. The General wasted no time celebrating the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ (Hebrews 12) whose faith founded The Salvation Army in Fiji.

‘We celebrate this great cloud of witness! The many brothers and sisters of yours—grandparents of yours— Fijian family members who have held true to the faith and seized the opportunity in their day to pass faith on,’ said the General. ‘We are only here because of those witnesses who remained faithful.’ He made it clear that those gathered mustn’t drop the ball.

‘We are here now—it’s on us. The Salvation Army of today—individuals and collectively—are the witnesses in our generation.’

But the General didn’t stop there. Drawing on the rest of Hebrews 12, he reminded Salvationists that saltmagazine.org.nz

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their faith is being witnessed. ‘I’m calling us to be ruthless with ourselves in laying down anything that could hinder and slow us down or prevent us from flourishing—any sin or stronghold or past hurts—and look to Jesus and run with perseverance the race of faith that has been marked out for us.’

As the appeal was given, the brass band from Suva Central quietly played ‘Just as I Am’, and a gentle move of the Holy Spirit began. The peace and presence of God was palpable, as many people poured forward for prayer.

Inspired by hope On Saturday morning the General’s message was put into action with close to a thousand people taking part in a ‘march of witness’ through downtown Suva.

Rain was no deterrent as a tropical downpour hit just as the march stepped-off. Proud participants carried on and the atmosphere was joyous and celebratory.

A cacophony of sound reverberated around the streets as brass music filled the air with hymns and Christmas carols and plenty of singing in the rain.

A children’s rally, a special event for women and a meeting for the men filled the afternoon before everyone gathered again in the evening. Honoured guest, President of The Republic of Fiji, H.E. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, addressed the congregation, expressing appreciation for the work of The Salvation Army in Fiji over the past 50 years.

With Lamentations 3:21 as her text, Commissioner Bronwyn inspired everyone with a message of hope.

Acknowledging that some may feel ‘hope-less’ because of the state of the world or debilitating personal circumstances, she empathised saying, ‘I have those days’. But she pulled no punches when she boldly called the congregation to put their hope in Christ.

‘My brothers and sisters, now is not the time to be defeated! This is the time to lift our eyes above what we see—as difficult and distressing as that may be— and place our eyes confidently back on the One who knows the beginning from the end and can be trusted to bring us through. Now is the time for our lives to express confident hope in Christ.’

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From top: Playing in the rain during the march of witness on Saturday; Major Iliesa Cola (right) receives his Certificate of Retirement from General Lyndon Buckingham.

Examples of hope-filled lives were celebrated as the meeting continued with long service awards presented to soldiers, local officers and staff. The retirement of the territory’s first Fijian-born divisional commander of Fiji and much-loved officer Major Iliesa Cola was a special moment.

Serving in love No one could mistake the theme for Sunday morning as anything but a celebration of God’s love, and the response of Fijian Salvationists to that gift of love.

One such expression was the enrolling of 12 new soldiers by the General, who said, ‘I’m delighted that

Top: General Lyndon Buckingham enrolling soldiers on Sunday morning at Vodafone Arena in Suva. Bottom, from left: Patricia Richardson (left) and Lt-Colonel Wilfred Arnold (right) from the 1972 trek to Fiji, with Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham and General Lyndon Buckingham; jubilant Salvationists at Vodafone Arena; the kids letting out the joy! the first soldiers I enrol as General are all from my home territory!’

More expressions of loving service for God were celebrated as faithful officers received long service awards and promotions. An appeal for candidates followed with close to 100 soldiers swarming forward in response.

As the General began his final message for the weekend, he asked what motivated officers, soldiers, staff and volunteers to keep going. ‘What motivates me,’ he declared, ‘is my understanding and experience of God’s great love for me.’

Leaning into 1 John 3:12, the General explained that ‘the great theme of the New Testament is God revealing himself to us as a God of love. He wants us to understand that his motivation towards us, his provision for us, his care of us, is all motivated by a deep and lavish love for each one of us. How great is the love God has lavished on us! Lavish means that what God is giving to us is his absolute abundance.’

The General asked the congregation, ‘Do you know his love?’ Then he asked, ‘How is it then that you are expressing your gratitude to God for his love?’ Sharing from the depths of his own compulsion to respond by making himself available for service the General said, ‘We can’t just talk about the love of God, we must share it.

‘God wants us to receive his love and then share in his work of redemption and reconciliation. Go out and

feed the hungry, clothe the naked. Go out and love the unloved. Go out and be a demonstration that the world doesn’t have to be ugly. That the world doesn’t have to be violent, selfish and greedy, and that people don’t have to live in fear. Under the guiding hand of God, we can demonstrate that this is possible—we can live differently and build communities that reflect the values of the kingdom of God. We must be men and women who know what it is to be loved by God, to have received mercy and grace and then out of gratitude—not duty or to win favour or earn points, but simply out of gratitude—present ourselves to God as living sacrifices and be agents of his love in the world. Will you do your part?’

Another 50 years The General concluded by encouraging Fijian Salvationists to keep going for another 50 years. He asked the congregation, ‘Are you with me?’ Hundreds of people, young and old, stood and moved quickly to the front of the arena to stand with the General in a powerful, public declaration of their commitment to the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Fiji.

Many lingered after the meeting concluded—not in reluctance to return to their mission stations, but because clearly, God had been present.

For more coverage of the Fiji 50th Anniversary celebrations, head online to saltmagazine.org.nz

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No Song Unsung WORDS Kelly Cooper | ART Sam Coates

Dear one, As you prepare to take your first steps on your next adventure, I pray that you would live it fully, openly and wholeheartedly. That you would embrace change, opportunity and challenge. That you would continue to grow and to be formed. That you would cherish your childhood as you move into your future.

Leave no gift unopened No dream not chased No hope not realised No milestone not celebrated No question not explored No surprise not received No passion not pursued No mistake not forgiven No friendship not treasured No grace not accepted No wisdom not gained No spark not ignited No wings not unfurled No stories not written Leave no song unsung

This poem encapsulates all my hopes and prayers for my eldest child as she prepares to leave our home and pursue tertiary study in another city.

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God in my Headphones In a world full of noise, demands, stress and anxiety it is helpful to carve out moments in our daily routines where we can slow down and meet with God. Jules Badger shares with readers the apps that create an oasis in the desert of her busyness.

Have you ever sat quietly in a café surrounded by the distinct but comforting white noise of people chatting and the delicious aroma of coffee being brewed? I love that ‘café life’ soundtrack. It’s right up there with another of my favourites, ‘kids playing at the park while a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of surrounding trees’ ... so good!

Perhaps you didn’t know that you can download specially curated playlists which are designed to enhance concentration as you study or work.

Right now, I am writing this article with Spotify’s ‘Café Ambience’ playlist drifting through my noisecancelling headphones. I work in an open-plan office space making noisecancelling headphones and ambient playlists a life-changing, creativity enhancing, absolute Godsend in such an environment. Okay, so they are pricey, but now that I have been to the promised land (it’s very quiet there), I can testify that they are worth every cent. I wouldn’t be without mine—especially on the bus in the mornings.

This morning, I spent 40 minutes travelling into Cuba Street,

There has been an almost tsunamilike surge in the development of prayer and Bible apps in recent years.

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Wellington, from my home on the hill up in Grenada Village. Bus travel has changed categorically since I was a daily bus user back in high school. It was raucous most of the time, but I had the ground-breaking technology of a Sony Walkman! But as I think back to those flimsy little headphones with the bit of orange fluff around the tiny speakers and the volume at which I had to listen to Smashing Pumpkins to drown out the encroaching din around me, noise-cancelling headphones would’ve been wonderful!

In stark contrast, this morning I was able to sit and gaze out the window of the bus in my own bubble of quiet serenity, as the contemplative app Pray As You Go took me through a guided reflection from the Gospel of Mark. It’s like a silent but brief retreat for one, as I listen for the still small voice of God. God is in my headphones! And why wouldn’t our omnipresent God be in our headphones, God is everywhere and more than capable of inhabiting digital mediums.

An appropriate app There was a time when I was quite judgmental of the copious amount of people around me wearing headphones or ear buds. People meandering the street, runners, skaters, people at the gym and even the library (where it is already quiet).

I assumed people were filling their heads with more noise, intentionally

drowning out the roar of the world while simultaneously damaging their hearing, not to mention cancelling out even the possibility of hearing the still small voice of God. But it seems more likely that I was, to a large degree, wrong.

In our fast-paced and often relentlessly loud modern world where busyness is worn like a badge of honour and ‘I just don’t have time’ is the daily mantra for many, it’s no surprise that in the past decade meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm have become extremely popular for managing stress and supporting sleep. But in Aaron Lambert’s article ‘Faith, Prayer and Contemplation—There’s an App for That’ he writes, ‘For those who take their prayer life seriously and like the meditative exercises of Headspace but desire something more in line

Jesus himself was contemplative and regularly sought out a quiet place alone to pray. with Christian spirituality, then (an app) is the answer to your prayer (no pun intended). While smartphones are an integral yet often unnecessary part of our daily lives, they do have some redeeming qualities. One, as counterintuitive as it may seem, is that they are always on our person, and another is that they there is a wealth of apps that can be useful for our own personal and spiritual formation.’

Ancient Contemplative Practice to the App Store’ suggest that ‘Digital technology has great potential to bring mindfulness to a wider audience for whom the practice would otherwise be inaccessible’. The study revealed that of the 370 mindfulnesstype apps available on Google Play, meditation, relaxation and sleep support took out the top spots, with prayer apps coming in 11th and making up 5 percent. Which is not bad at all given Christian mediation and contemplative practices were far from ‘mainstream’ in the evangelical church in the 20th century. But the 21st century Christian has different needs. As the world gets louder, the pull toward ancient traditions is becoming stronger.

There has been an almost tsunamilike surge in the development of prayer and Bible apps in recent years (I’ve included a small sample below).

Writers of a UK study called ‘From

Jesus himself was contemplative and regularly sought out a quiet place alone to pray. We may struggle to find a quiet place in 2024, but God is in your headphones—just an app away!

Some of the ‘Apps for That’ Lectio 365 (24/7 Prayer Movement) With the Lectio 365 app you pray the Bible by meditating on the Scriptures and asking God to speak through them. The app has short devotionals for morning and evening so you can open and close each day with God. When you pause in his presence, you create space for peace in a busy and complicated world.

in mind. It’s an Anglican app, described as ‘bringing our prayers alive and into the public arena for all generations’.

The main features of Tuia are brought together in Daily Devotions, which weaves together Bible readings, your personal prayer list, shared prayers and more. The text of Daily Devotions is in Māori, Samoan and English.

Tuia (Anglican Church of NZ)

Reflect (Christian Mindfulness)

Tuia was designed with Christians from Aotearoa and the Pacific

This app contains reflections and meditations based on

the Christian principles of biblical meditation and contemplative prayer. Each reflection is a guided audio describing a particular practice to follow. The sections of the app are: bible reflections— meditations on a passage from the Bible; imaginative contemplation—place yourself in a scene from the Bible; meditation basics—an introduction to mindfulness practices; reflective prayer, guided prayer and more.

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Te Wānanga o Aroha Te Wānanga Ihorangi is much more than one of Aotearoa’s first Christian te reo Māori wānanga (education in a Māori cultural context). It’s also a place where mana (authority and influence) is enhanced thanks to tireless mahi (work), allowing tikanga (traditional values) to flourish with te reo.

Ben Mack investigates.

In the Gospels in the New Testament

promotes te reo Māori and tikanga. Two

of the Bible, Jesus speaks of faith

full-immersion, full-time diplomas are

withering on the vine. ‘If you do not

offered, delivered in partnership with

remain in me, you are like a branch

Laidlaw College.

that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned’ (John 15:6). Language, culture and connection can wither, too—but a whakapono (community)based language school is looking to help people flourish.

Reverend Te Karere Scarborough (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hauā) is the tumuaki (co-principal) at Te Wānanga Ihorangi and explains that it is an interdenominational, faith-based wānanga that teaches, uplifts and

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‘We are a faith community that wants to see all people loving and speaking te reo Māori,’ says Scarborough. ‘We see our

Like the mighty pōhutukawa and rimu trees starting from small seedlings, Te Wānanga Ihorangi’s beginnings are humble.

campus, faculty and students all moving towards wholeness and healing.’

The wānanga’s vision and mission are captured in its organisation whakatauākī (proverb): ‘Ko te reo te kauwaka o taku whakapono’, ‘The language is the sacred vessel of my faith’.

Equipping the saints With the flourishing of te reo and tikanga, it’s a kaupapa (principle) Scarborough is honoured to be a part of.

‘When someone finally gets the confidence to stand and speak in te reo Māori, their heart language, we feel God in the room ... it is amazing.’ He adds, ‘Only 7.9 percent of the Māori population

can hold a decent conversation in te reo Māori. People who complete our course will be adding to that particular group, the group of people that will help to teach the language.’

Like the mighty pōhutukawa and rimu trees starting from small seedlings, Te Wānanga Ihorangi’s beginnings are humble. Scarborough says it began in 2018 as an organisation that supported Māori to study theology or te reo Māori.

‘We decided that we could put these two things together ourselves to create a new formal thing that could take our students deeper into their faith, reo and tikanga.’

The wānanga is even expanding, opening a new campus in the Auckland suburb of Henderson this month, thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers, students and whakapono.

The wānanga is situated on the ground floor of the old Waitākere Council building in Auckland, encompassing 500 square metres. The campus includes four classrooms, an open flexible whare-nui (meeting house) and multiple kitchens.

‘It’s a place to call our own, a home for our students and a language bubble,’ Scarborough says. ‘We are approaching our curriculum and teaching pedagogy through a language- and faith-informed way—we call it loving people towards language acquisition. We want to love people towards healing and language reclamation, as it can be a really difficult process.’

Resources for education There are other goals, too. ‘We also want to see the Bible and historical writings in te reo Māori used as primary resources for learning the language,’ says Scarborough. ‘This excites me the most—we have written books and will continue producing books in te reo

Māori that talk about karakia (prayer) and faith.’

that can bring about change and flourishing for Māori.

So what does success look like for Te Wānanga Ihorangi and for someone who attends classes? Scarborough is quick to answer: ‘Someone who can fulfil their cultural obligations on the marae.

Someone who can lead their church.

Someone who can teach their babies how to be first language speakers.

Those are the things that make us get up in the morning.’

To celebrate Christmas 2023, Te Wānanga Ihorangi also released a sixtrack album of uplifting songs, called Āpuarangi—available on Spotify.

‘We are a faith community that wants to see all people loving and speaking te reo Māori.’

But the mahi is more than courses.

Another initiative Te Wānanga Ihorangi has been involved with is a three-year project in conjunction with the Bible Society to have all 66 books from Paipera Tapu, the Māori Bible, professionally recorded, mastered and distributed in audiobook format. This means people can listen to the Bible in te reo Māori any time, anywhere. As Scarborough explains, the audio project represents a unity symbolic of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Looking to the future Just as mighty trees flourish with respect, care and aroha (love), there are high hopes for Te Wānanga Ihorangi in the coming years. ‘By 2026, we will have a degree programme and over 100 students across all of the different levels,’ Scarborough says.

‘We aren’t trying to take over the world or build an empire, we just want to create small communities that are committed to excellence in te reo Māori and expressing faith in this way. I think a few communities have already reached out to see if we could expand into their regions.

‘We are just taking it one step at a time.

Let’s see how this year goes.’

For more information on Te Wānanga Ihorangi (in te reo Māori and English): ihorangi.ac.nz To listen to the six-track album: tinyurl.com/ApuarangiSpotify

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Celebration at Auckland City Korean Corps The Auckland City Korean Corps ended 2023 full of celebration with two significant ceremonies. A dedication ceremony was held on 26 November for three children—Daniel Kim, Sungio Lee and Hannah Choi—who are the youngest members of the church.

This was a particularly special event as these children were born during the Covid-19 period and were not able to attend worship services during this time. They were welcomed by their church family.

Tribute: Cynthia Cocker Cynthia Reddish was born on 4 November 1951 to George and Jean Reddish in Thames. She attended Thames Corps (church) with her parents and two older brothers Neil and Graeme.

Cynthia was an active member of the corps. She played in the band and timbrels, was a Sunday school teacher, a primary leader and a graduate of corps cadets. She became a soldier of The Salvation Army in 1966.

In 1973, Cynthia transferred to Lower Hutt where she met and married Joseph Cocker in 1974. They attended the Lower Hutt Corps with their daughters Bronwyn and Joanne. Cynthia’s service included Sunday school teacher, primary leader, home league fellowship treasurer and timbrels.

For the last 16 years, Cynthia worshipped at Wellington South Corps with Joseph and coordinated the welcoming team for several years.

During her working life Cynthia was the longest serving member (34 years) of Rata Street School in Naenae, Lower Hutt. She loved people and listened to and supported others.

Cynthia was a treasured grandma to Regan and Gemma.

Cynthia Cocker was promoted to Glory on 23 November 2022.

Her final farewell was to a packed congregation in Newtown followed by interment at Akatarawa Cemetery in park-like surroundings.

You will never be forgotten—remaining in our hearts forever.

Well done good and faithful servant of the Lord!

Joseph Cocker 30

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On 10 December, a soldiership ceremony was held, with eight individuals choosing to become soldiers within The Salvation Army. Candidates prepared for soldiership for over a year, undertaking Bible study on the book of Matthew and volunteering within the corps. A special prayer time was held during the ceremony where Major Steven Lim read Scripture from Acts 1:4–5 that talks about being baptised by the Holy Spirit. The congregation congratulated and blessed these new soldiers in their journey as new Salvationists.

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

Amplify: the campers speak!

Chloe Milne

15, Sydenham (Christchurch), Southern Division Stream A: Dance / Stream B: Photography Highlight: Everyone being included! People who didn’t know each other to start with became friends over the week.

Favourite meal: We went to McDonald’s…

God Moment: My family aren’t Christian, so it can be easy for me to drift in my faith. But Maryanne’s sermon about being salt and light really got me rethinking how my faith works at home, and I was able to bring all that to God.

Tania Preston

15, Hutt City (Wellington), Central Division Stream A: Sports Ministry / Stream B: ABL (Adventure-Based Learning)

Highlight: Seeing the Holy Spirit move softly among everyone is so comforting.

Favourite meal: The buns! The buns are really good here!

God Moment: One night at church I noticed a leader who was ministering and offering prayer for lots of youth.

I felt God say to me that I should go and pray for him. He was a new dad and missing his family while at camp.

I was so stoked that God used me to encourage him.

Ahavah Merz 14, Hamilton City, Midland Division Stream A: Dance / Stream B: Faith 101 Highlight: I loved the night church sessions. I prayed in tongues for the first time, and it was pure joy!

Favourite meal: Pasta and the

cheeseboard at breakfast!

God Moment: Learning about myself and God. At Amplify 2024, God really challenged me to wrestle with the questions and that brought me somewhere deeper into myself.

Tali Schwenke

16, Waitākere Central (Auckland), Northern Division Stream A: Music / Stream B: Songwriting Highlight: Reconnecting with friends I made at Amplify last year!

Favourite meal: All the food; the food here is so good!

God Moments: I had been going through a difficult time with a friend.

My small group leader played a video about how unforgiveness is like a burden on our shoulders, but Jesus forgave those who crucified him.

And that really hit me hard. I knew that was God’s message for me.

Thanks Jeannine!

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Official Engagements Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 3–6 February: Waitangi Day celebrations 15 February: 2024 State of the Nation report launch, Wellington 28 February: Spiritual Day, Booth College of Mission 29 February–8 March: Tonga visit Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 3–6 February: Waitangi Day celebrations 15 February: 2024 State of the Nation report launch, Wellington Lt-Colonel Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) 3–6 February: Waitangi Day celebrations 15 February: 2024 State of the Nation report launch, Wellington

Gazette Summary To read the full version of Gazette notices, visit saltmagazine.org.nz/gazette Promotion to Glory: Lt-Colonel Wesley (Wes) Rabbitts was promoted to Glory on Friday 22 December 2023 from Hobsonville, aged 89 years. Wesley and his wife Lt-Colonel Daphne Rabbitts entered The Salvation Army Training College from Christchurch City Corps on 11 April 1959 as cadets in the Pioneers session. Please remember Daphne, their daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and Ken, Bronwyn and Tony, and Lynley and Rodney, along with their children and great-grandchildren in your prayers at this time of grief and loss.

Major Annette Garrett was promoted to Glory on Friday 5 January 2024 from Paraparaumu, aged 75 years. Please remember Major Annette Garrett’s children Trevor, Tracey and Wendy, and extended family in your prayers at this time of grief and loss.

Bereavement: Doreen Wells, the mother of Major Marilyn Tremain and Auxiliary Captain Ian Wells, and the grandmother of Captain Bekx Herring, was promoted to Glory from Auckland on Saturday 30 December 2023, aged 90 years. We ask you to uphold Majors Marilyn and Bruce Tremain, Auxiliary Captains Ian and Janine Wells, Captains Bekx and Matt Herring, and other extended family members in your prayers during this time of grief and loss.

Robert (Bob) Best, younger brother of Major Marjorie Stark passed away from Christchurch following an accident on 17 December 2023.

We ask you to uphold Major Marjorie Stark and extended family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.

Myung-Jah Kim, the grandmother of Captain Aram Kwon, passed away from hospital in Daegu, South Korea, on Sunday 24 December 2023, aged 91. We ask you to uphold in prayer Captains Aram Kwon and Ted Kim and other family members in this time of grief and loss.

Ruth Worsell, the mother of Major Susan Goldsack, passed away in Levin, on 17 January 2024. We ask you to uphold in prayer Majors Susan and Deane Goldsack, Ruth’s husband Peter, and other family 32

Pēpuere February 2024

members at this time of grief and loss.

Major Lilian Birch, the mother of Major Helen Knowles, was promoted to Glory from Gateshead, United Kingdom, on 17 January 2024. We ask you to uphold Majors Helen and Bernie Knowles and extended family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.

Timbrel PROJECT The Salvation Army Heritage Centre & Archives is gathering information and material on the use of timbrels throughout the history of this territory.

If you have photographs, articles, correspondence or artifacts we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Archives:

Admission to the archives@salvationarmy.org.nz Long Service Order: We congratulate the following officers on attaining their Long Service Awards.

25 years’ service: Effective 12 December 2023: Major Arone Cheer, Major Afolau Toluono, Major Janette Waugh.

30 years’ service: Effective 11 December 2023: Lt-Colonel Michelle Collins, Lt-Colonel Milton Collins, Lt-Colonel Sheryl Jarvis, Lt-Colonel Stephen Jarvis, Major Graham Medland, Major Lynne Medland, Major David Moody.

35 years’ service: Effective 19 January 2024: Major Gillian Waugh.

40 years’ service: Effective 21 January 2024: Lt-Colonel Jennifer Carey, Lt-Colonel Roderick Carey.

Appointments: Effective 11 January 2024: Captain Janet Green has been appointed as Personnel Officer Support (additional appointment).

Effective 25 March 2024: Lt-Colonel Jennifer Groves has been appointed as Divisional Secretary for Mission, Central Division.

Appointment in Retirement: Effective 1 February 2024: Major Margaret Ousey has been appointed as Pastoral Support, Wairarapa Region.

Appointment to South Pacific East Asia College for Officers: Effective from 16 June–6 July 2024: the Zonal Leaders for South Pacific East Asia have approved the appointment of the following officers from New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory: Captain Nicola Dutton, Captain Mere Gataurua, Major Lasarusa Turaga, Captain Kenneth Walker.

Quiz Answers: 1. Geneva, 2. Lurcher, 3. Michael Faraday, 4. Tangerine, 5. William Harvey.

SALVATIONISTS IN HISTORY

Travelling Timbrellists

The timbrel is an iconic musical instrument within The Salvation Army. In part two of this three-part series, Selwyn Bracegirdle shares about significant timbrel leaders in the Army, beginning with his mother.

My mother, Brenda Bracegirdle (née Leader), was attracted to The Salvation Army through the timbrellists of the Perth Fortress Corps, Western Australia. On 27 November 1950 she became a soldier of that corps. The next year she was photographed in uniform with a timbrel as a member of the Perth Fortress Timbrel Band.

In 1951, she travelled as a twenty-year-old to New Zealand with her friend Eunice Palmer (17) on an extended holiday around New Zealand. They connected in with various corps, having brought their uniforms and timbrels with them. The War Cry of 1952 contained an article ‘Memories of Calvary’ about an Easter campaign including a Saturday evening programme ‘presented by Salvationists of Wellington Corps. This included individual items as well as numbers by the Cadets’ Chorus and Kilbirnie Songsters and a timbrel display by two West Australian comrades, timbrellists Brenda Leader and Eunice Palmer’.

Eunice recalls a male officer accompanying them by playing their chosen march on the piano. It was at this point they decided to go to Wellington South Corps for a period, assisting with teaching timbrel beats and techniques. Eunice celebrated her eighteenth birthday and after six months in New Zealand, including travel around the South Island, she returned home via Christchurch. Brenda stayed on and returned to Wellington where she had her 21st birthday and met Evan (Paddy) Bracegirdle.

In the War Cry of 10 April 1954, a Wellington City Corps article included the following: ‘A happy feature of the afternoon praise meeting was the demonstrating of a home-made timbrel.

Constructed by an African boy from tin, coca cola bottle tops, wire and monkey skin. For effect, this instrument compared favourably with the up-to-date timbrels played by the corps timbrel

brigade. Sister Mrs E. Bracegirdle played the African timbrel in excellent style. In order that every member of the congregation could handle the instrument, the corps officer took up a special collection for Africa, using the timbrel as a collection plate.’

Brenda Bracegirdle was a timbrel player, an instructor and a timbrel leader through her time as a soldier at Perth Fortress and Wellington City Corps. Brenda and Paddy moved between Perth and Wellington a few times. Early in her married life while soldiering at Wellington City Corps, Brenda also assisted the Kilbirnie Corps by teaching their young timbrellists.

As popularity for the timbrel grew, there were War Cry articles printed on timbrel technique. Specific beats had a name, such as ‘jigsaw’, ‘cricket’, ‘egg’, ‘kiwi’, etc.

Some beats were named after local timbrellists, such as ‘The Tresnor’ (after Tresnor Glover). As time went on more creativity was applied, and in the early 1980s Brenda became known for creating uncommon beats and movements that were even applied to music other than marches, including a segment of Treasures from Tchaikovsky. Many corps timbrel leaders were providing timbrellists with opportunities to show their talent, and a common phrase for the playing of timbrels was a ‘timbrel display’.

An important role for timbrel leaders was also the mentoring and encouraging of young women in their faith. While there are few timbrellists in action now within this territory, and while timbrel playing has not been exclusively for women, we do acknowledge the outstanding service and leadership of many women (senior, intermediate and junior timbrel brigades) over many decades in promoting the gospel of Christ with such dedication to such a joyful expression of Salvation Army purpose.

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Bearing Fruit

‘The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

Word Up! In New Zealand, we are blessed to live in a country that has three official languages: English, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). In our territory of New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, we have seven official languages, as well as a vast number of other dialects and languages spoken by people living here.

We know that language learning can be incredibly beneficial for children. It can help improve memory, boost confidence and encourage empathy, as well as giving kids a greater understanding of the world around them! It isn’t just beneficial for children, though—language learning is a great tool for people of all ages, to widen their worldview and appreciate the diversity of God’s people! You may know several languages yourself, or only speak one. Try learning some words in a new language with your kids; it can be a fun family activity, and your kids can feel encouraged by learning alongside you. You could choose a language that has personal significance to your family, like a language your grandparents spoke, or a language you don’t know well from your country.

Here are some ideas to include some new language learning at home: • Put up sticky notes around the house to learn the names of objects in the new language, for example, tēpu for table in te reo Māori, or televise for TV in Samoan • Find an audiobook or an early children’s book in the language you are learning, and spend time reading through it together slowly • Spend time consuming media in that language together—songs, movies, TV shows. Alternatively, watch a movie that your family is very familiar with (one of the kids’ favourites) and watch it in your chosen language if it is available. Moana, Frozen and The Lion King have all recently been dubbed in te reo Māori!

• If you have older children or have been learning a language together for a while, try having a dinner where you can only speak to each other in that language.

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planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green...’ Psalm 92:12– 14 Read: Psalm 92 declares the goodness of God, and how he cares for those who love him. It compares God’s people to different trees, which continue to grow fruit even when they are really old!

Think: We have some native trees in Aotearoa New Zealand, like the kauri, which can live to be more than 2000 years old! While we don’t live as long as that, this verse says that if we love God and listen to him, we can keep growing and making good things with him for a long time. And like these trees, the good things we grow aren’t just for ourselves. We can share our fruit with our friends and family, and we can all enjoy them together!

Pray: God, thank you that with you we can grow and flourish like tall trees. Thank you for the gifts you have given each of us, and we pray that with your guidance we can use these gifts to care for others and make the world a better place. Help us to be generous with our gifts, and to appreciate other people when they share their gifts with us.

Do: Go outside and see if you can find some of the trees from this activity, or any trees near your house. Notice how tall they are and see if you can spot any flowers or fruit on the trees.

What flowers and fruit are growing in your life now?

What are you good at that you can share with others?

There are a lot of beautiful native trees and plants in our four nations. In celebration of Waitangi Day, you can can cut out these fact sheets or download them from saltmagazine.org.nz/resources to learn about the different trees/plants in New Zealand.

Tī kōuka (Cabbage tree)

Harakeke

• Description: Long, narrow leaves, and blue-white berries

• Description: Tall, green, swordlike leaves of flax

• Height: 12–20 metres

• Height: Up to 4 metres

• Life span: Up to 500 years

• Location: Commonly found along rivers and in swamps

• Location: Farmland, wetlands and scrubland • Uses: Early settlers used to eat the shoots instead of cabbage (which is where it gets its English name!)

• Uses: Clothing, rope, baskets and fishing nets, as well as wound healing

Kauri

Kōwhai

• Description: Young kauri trees have straight, pole-like trunks that thicken as they age

• Description: Tūī love these bright yellow flowers!

• Height: Over 50 metres

• Location: All across the country,

• Life span: More than 2000 years!

• Location: Throughout the upper North Island • Uses: Building waka, burning the gum for heat and light sources

• Height: Around 8 metres and in people’s gardens • Uses: The hard wood of the kōwhai has been used to make tools and machinery

Pōhutukawa

Kawakawa

• Description: Red flowers often seen around Christmas time

• Description: Heart-shaped leaves

• Height: Up to 25 metres

• Height: Up to 6 metres

• Life span: One tree in Cape Reinga is 800 years old!

• Location: Coastal and lowland forests

• Location: It grows naturally in the upper North Island but can be found across the country!

• Uses: Healing: cuts and wounds, used for insect repellent, headaches, making tea

• Uses: The wood was often used in shipbuilding

E hara tāku toa i te toa taki tahi, he toa taki tini kē Mine is not the strength of one, it is the strength of many