SALT January 2024, NZFTS

No Small Thing Claiming the Promise A Holy Lament Defenders of Justice January 2024 | saltmagazine.org.nz

The Power of Pause

Contents

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8 Defenders of Justice

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We celebrate the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session in New Zealand.

16 A New Year Lament Jules Badger shares on the importance of taking time to lament what has been, before rushing into the new year.

18 Leaving the Boss in Charge Bill Peck reflects on his journey of faith and his passion for connecting with others through music.

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20 No Small Thing SALT speaks with the three accepted candidates for the 2024 Keepers of the Covenant session.

24 Going Backwards to

Move Forwards

Kelly Cooper highlights the role that reflection and prayer can have in helping us make decisions for the future.

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28 The Fale We Built Together A team of six volunteers travelled to Tonga in early December to complete an EasyBuild house that will become the fale nofo’anga (officers’ quarters) for Kolovai Corps Plant.

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

20 Connect with us saltmagazine.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS

24 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 9 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.

Taking stock ou made it to 2024, congratulations!

It is a blessing to be alive. But before we make plans for this brand-new year, how about we pause and take stock.

The theme for this edition is the Power of Pause, and on pages 16 and 24 you will read about the necessity of pausing to look back at the year that has been, before moving into the year that lies ahead.

January is an ideal time to slow down, catch our breath and contemplate where we have been, what we learnt from last year and what we will, or will not, take forward into 2024.

Life proceeds at such a frantic pace that pausing can become our secret power.

We are human, so most likely there are things about 2023 that are best left behind … so leave them behind. Here are some suggestions. Leave behind the burden of comparison; you are unique and when you compare yourself to other people you diminish your worth in your own eyes. Leave behind the burden of other people’s opinion of you; they have limited knowledge and measure you against their own insecurities and failings. Leave behind the burden of slavery; don’t be a slave to Netflix, your job, your hobby.

Taking stock is about us personally, but how we behave individually will affect us corporately.

God calls us to a high standard and our actions can have eternal consequences for the individuals we work with, worship with and serve. Our outcomes are not all statistically measurable, because we are not just an organisation, we are a holiness movement, a church, answerable to God. On page 8 we report on the commissioning and ordination of the Defenders of Justice session. Individually this session will bring their strengths, passions and purpose to the ministry areas they are assigned. They have chosen to serve God in The Salvation Army and we celebrate and welcome them into our congregations and ministry areas. As they take stock of their time at Booth College of Mission, they will appreciate the preparation given and dedication of those who have equipped them in many ways. Now it is time for us to support, pray and encourage them as they go out to serve. They are the future of this movement, and we will be better for their presence and ministry.

Vivienne Hill Editor

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. COLOSSIANS 1:9 (NLT) saltmagazine.org.nz

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INTERNATIONAL PRAYER • Q atar—Praise God for Christians who take great risks to share the gospel with Muslims in Qatar. Pray for the protection of believers as they gather covertly for teaching and worship.

• N epal—Believers in Nepal experience opposition from extremist groups, as well as harassment and beatings from family and community. Pray for a stop to the oppression of those who convert to Christianity.

• T urkmenistan—Christians make up four percent of the population in this country. Pray for new believers as they face persecution and pressure from the government, and for those who risk their lives distributing Bibles.

• C entral African Republic—Many believers have been driven from their villages and suffered intense violence at the hands of Islamist rebels. Pray for traumatised Christians who live in refugee camps and have lost loved ones.

• Philippines—Pray for protection and a strengthening of faith for Christians who live in the Mindanao region where the government has ceded control to Islamists.

SALVATION ARMY PRAYER Kāpiti Corps; Keeping People Safe; Kilbirnie Corps; Kolovai Corps Plant; Labasa Corps; Lautoka Corps; Levin Corps; Linwood Corps; The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory; and The Salvation Army Spain and Portugal Command.

Prayer Focus: Armenia Armenia has experienced significant sociopolitical and economic challenges in recent years, compounded by the outbreak of renewed conflict in September. The conflict was triggered by Azerbaijan’s large-scale military offensive in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which, although internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, is predominantly inhabited by Armenians.

Adding to the distress, Azerbaijan deliberately blocked the Lachin corridor— the only road connecting NagornoKarabakh with Armenia—resulting in severe shortages of essential supplies such as food, medicine and fuel. Consequently, the mortality rate surged due to lack of access to essential healthcare.

The conflict has forced more than 120,000 people to flee their homes and livelihoods in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. With Armenia’s relatively small population of just under three million people, the country is struggling to provide adequate housing and employment opportunities for these displaced individuals. Refugees are grappling with the emotional toll of being uprooted from their homeland, coupled with physical injuries inflicted during the military attacks.

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Beetroot, Feta and Walnut Tarts This flavour-packed combo is easy and inexpensive to prepare. You can use store bought onion jam if you prefer for a quick, easy and impressive meat-free meal. | 40 mins | Serves 4

Ingredients Tart

Onion Jam

• 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry, cut into quarters

• 2 onions, sliced thinly

• ½ cup onion jam—see recipe below or use a store bought one

• ½ Tbsp mustard seeds

• 1 can diced beetroot, drained, or use fresh beetroot, peeled and roasted • ½ Tbsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar • ¼ cup water • ¼ cup vinegar (balsamic vinegar is best but use what you have) • ¼ tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp rosemary sprigs • 75g feta cheese • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped

Method To make the onion jam: Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer gently for around 45 minutes. Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

To make the tarts: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Score a square 1cm inside the outer edge of each pastry section creating a ‘frame’. Place on a greased baking tray.

Drain the beetroot and place in a bowl with half the feta, crumbled, the walnuts and rosemary. Add the oil and toss gently to mix.

Spread each pastry square with onion jam, but do not go over the line you have scored. Pile on the beetroot mixture, top with remaining crumbled feta and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until pastry is well-risen and golden.

Tip: You can make this as one tart and cut into serving sizes, but the individual tarts look very pretty, and it is not much more effort.

Source: Sophie Grey | destitutegourmet.com

INTRIGUING INDEX

Fresh and Fruity 1 Pungent Royalty

The durian, known as the ‘king of fruits’, is famous for its strong smell. Its overpowering odour is so pungent that it is banned from many hotels, taxis and on public transport in parts of Southeast Asia.

2 Going Square

In Japan, farmers have developed a method to grow square watermelons. They are not genetically modified but are cultivated in square containers to make them more convenient to pack and store.

3 Berry Unusual

While an avocado bears no resemblance in appearance or flavour to a strawberry, it is classified as a berry with a single seed.

4 And The Winner Is…

The mango holds the title of the most consumed fruit globally. This sweet fruit is enjoyed by millions of people across many cultures.

5 Bouncing Berries

Cranberries bounce when they are ripe. This unique characteristic is used by growers to determine their readiness for harvest. saltmagazine.org.nz

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Territorial Welcome to Cadets

What’s On? Amplify | Silverstream Retreat, Lower Hutt

9–14 January A creative arts camp for young people.

Watch the Sunday church service livestream at amplifycamp.nz/live

Summer Peak Adventure | BMAC Raurimu

23–28 January The ultimate seven-day summer adventure to discover your massive God-given potential.

For youth aged 14–17 years. Join at bluemountain adventure. org.nz/ join-anadventure

Save the Date Waitangi Day Celebrations

4–6 February Dawn service at 5am (6 February) and interdenominational service 10am, both at Te Whare Runanga Check out our full event calendar at saltmagazine/ events

KEEPERS of the

COVENANT Ngā Kaipupuru i te Kawenata

10.30am, Saturday 27 January 2024 Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt 20 William Booth Grove, Trentham, Upper Hutt

SalvationArmy.org.nz/CadetsWelcome

Welcome to Cadets We invite you to join us in person or online.

Livestream will be available at: salvationarmy.org.nz/ cadetswelcome

QUICK QUIZ 1 W hat term

refers to a group of pandas?

2 W hat two ocean animals have three hearts?

3 W hich bird has

eyes that are larger than its brain?

4 What are

hedgehogs’ quills made of?

5 W hich animal

holds hands while they are sleeping?

Answers page 32 6

January 2024

You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.

STEVE JOBS

The Crown Season Six

Shelter

Mornings with the Masters

The last season of The Crown tackles not only the relationships between the members of the royal family, but also their relationship with the press and the general public. Part one focuses on the last eight weeks of Diana’s life, and her relationship with Dodi Al-Fayed and her children. Part two examines the role Prince William plays as an emerging king and his budding romance with Kate Middleton, King Charles and Camilla’s wedding and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. If you enjoyed a more factual account of historic events in earlier seasons, it is true that this season feels a little different. This may be in part because the events of season six are still vivid memories for many of us. If you are undecided about whether to watch this last season, it is worth your viewing time.

(Reviewed by Kelly Cooper)

In his latest album Pat Barrett shares another radio-friendly yet powerful ensemble of Christian music. The simplicity of the songs does not fall short in delivering the emotional power of praise and worship. The title track ‘Shelter’ is a timely reminder that God is our safe place when things are uncertain, and trouble seems to be everywhere. The album also includes songs that recount Jesus’ sacrifice, saving grace and victory over death with tracks like ‘How We Remember’ and ‘No Body’. Themes of peace and gratitude are also beautifully explored on this album. We are encouraged to see how God’s hope, love and presence stay with us and we are reassured that we can always depend on his strength.

(Reviewed by Nicole Gesmundo)

In a world where the pace of life seems frantic, ‘Mornings with the Masters’ hosted by Chad and Tori Masters, offers a much-needed moment of peace and positivity. This daily devotional podcast is a gem for anyone seeking to strengthen their connection with the Lord amidst the whirlwind of modern life. The short 10-minute episodes provide much-needed perspective, reminding us of the bigger picture and grounding us in our faith. The calm and encouraging style of the podcast makes each episode feel like an uplifting conversation with close friends. No matter how hectic the day ahead may be, listening to this podcast is an awesome way to start the day with purpose and a focus on an unchanging God in an ever-changing world.

(Reviewed by Julia Martino)

R16 | Drama | Created by Peter Morgan | Watch on Netflix

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

Christian Worship | Pat Barrett | Listen on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music

Religion and Spirituality | Chad and Tori Masters | Available wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube

WORD OF THE MONTH

Fa’afetai (Samoan, noun) Thank you Source: samoapocket guide.com

saltmagazine.org.nz

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Commissioning 2023: Defenders of Justice WORDS Jules Badger, Kelly Cooper, Holly Morton-Chong PHOTOS Ben Mack, Major Mat Badger, Jules Badger

Graduation Service for Defenders of Justice | Ngā Kaiwawao i Te Tika | Kau Taukapo ‘O E Fakamaau Totonū

gratitude to people from around the territory for their prayers, messages of encouragement, and love and support since coming into his new role in August.

The weekend of official public events celebrating the commissioning and ordination of the Defenders of Justice session of cadets began with a graduation ceremony on the evening of Friday 8 December at The Street Church in Hania Street, Wellington. Hosted by Booth College of Mission (BCM), family and friends gathered to witness and support Cadets Andy and Tamsyn Connor, Cadets Amelia and Mosese Kava, Cadet Naomi Tong and Cadet Initi Tuiono.

Graduating cadets received certificates, including the BCM Diploma in Christian Studies (Theology, Level 5), BCM Diploma in Christian Studies (Leadership, Level 6), and the Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training. Alongside the cadets, Salvation Army Youth Work LAB Apprentice Sarah O’Brien (Manukau Central Corps) received the Certificate of Salvation Army Youth Work Training, having previously completed a Bachelor of Ministries (Laidlaw College) and Diploma in Youth Work (Praxis). Salvationist Soora Lee also received the Diploma in Christian Studies.

In attendance were Salvation Army senior leaders, BCM staff and the academic board, as well as Dr Stephen Garner, the academic dean of Laidlaw College (BCM’s key training partner). Special mention was made of those watching online, especially Lt-Colonels Garth and Suzanne Stevenson, the previous training principal and assistant training principal, now serving in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory.

A pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony) took place at the beginning to welcome special guests for the weekend, particularly international Salvation Army leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. Rūnanga Kaumatua Rangi McLean (Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Waikato-Ngāti Maniapoto) spoke warmly to the leaders and welcomed them home to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Cloaked in a korowai (Māori cloak), the General responded in te reo Māori, giving thanks and expressing

Six officers also received awards for completing further education studies during officership. Captain Andrew Wilson (Queenstown Corps) received the Postgraduate Diploma in Faith-Based Leadership and Management (University of Otago); the Bachelor of Theology (Laidlaw College) was received by Captain Veronica Rivett (Hastings Corps), Captain Bevan Reddish (Albany Bays Corps), Captain Rochelle Reddish (Albany Bays Corps) and Captain Cameron Millar (Hutt City Corps). Major Bronwyn Aldersley (national mission director for ASARS) received the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management (Open Polytechnic).

BCM’s Education Officer Susan Howan introduced each of the graduating cadets before they received their certificates, drawing attention to their individual strengths and their unique passions. Susan spoke of saltmagazine.org.nz

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Cadet Naomi Tong’s curiosity which ‘enabled many an outbreak in learning’ among the session. Susan highlighted Cadet Mosese Kava’s perseverance with study, given English is his second language. Cadet Amelia Kava always knew God had ‘more’ for her and Susan praised this ongoing responsiveness to God as well as Amelia’s strong commitment to her Tongan cultural values. Susan emphasised Cadet Initi Tuiono’s deep passion for pastoral visitation, and similarly Cadet Tamsyn Connor’s tender pastoral heart. During the second year of training, Cadet Andy Connor received a formal diagnosis of ADHD and discovered he was on the autism spectrum, and Susan affirmed that ‘neurodiversity is no barrier to responding to God’s call on our lives’.

‘God has used this time to affect our hearts and draw us closer to him.’

Cadet Naomi Tong was the graduate speaker for the session, and she spoke of her growing awareness throughout her life that she would one day be graduating and becoming a Salvation Army officer. Naomi confessed that alongside a sense of excitement about that awareness was the fear that she didn’t have what it would take. But she testified to being able to look back at that time and now stand in awe of how much she’d grown and changed, and especially of how faithful God had been.

Naomi spoke on behalf of the session, explaining that they have not only grown in knowledge and skills, but that ‘God has used this time to affect our hearts and draw us closer to him’. She thanked the tutors and staff of BCM, saying, ‘We are so thankful for the way you have shared your knowledge with us, guided us, listened to us and helped us get to this point’. Naomi also thanked friends and whānau (family) who had supported the session during the past two years of study and preparation for officership. ‘Thank you for the prayers you’ve prayed, for the conversations filled 10

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with encouragement and the countless ways that you have shown that you were with us.’

Naomi concluded with a challenge: ‘My prayer is that during this evening, or over the weekend, you will be encouraged by our journeys and our stepping out in faith into something new, and that might spark some new thing in your life. And I hope that this will be the same for each of us graduating tonight. That we will continue to learn, grow and step into whatever God calls us into next.’

The keynote speaker for graduation was Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, who testified to God’s goodness and faithfulness. ‘Jesus can be trusted,’ she said. ‘My life and ministry journey testifies to this truth.’ Drawing on The Message paraphrase of the book of Matthew, Commissioner Bronwyn offered three very practical but profoundly life-giving ‘unforced rhythms of grace’ for self-leadership as followers of Jesus. ‘As you prepare to step into the life of spiritual leadership, please remember that the first person we are called to lead is ourselves,’ she said. ‘Committing to this important and often most difficult leadership challenge becomes the gift that we offer to those we are privileged to serve and lead. So guard your soul, feed your mind, look after your body.

Circumstances from without and expectations from within will conspire to keep you from incorporating these as regular unforced rhythms of grace.

‘Although others can encourage and challenge you regarding healthy personal habits, in the end, it is your decision to make—only you can do it. From my heart to yours, I pray that you will commit to prioritising these rhythms so that you will stay strong and healthy through the ministry adventures ahead. This is God’s desire for you as you step further into your yes to his calling and purposes.’

Silver Star Brunch The annual Silver Star Brunch was held at Booth College of Mission on Saturday 9 December. The brunch honours the parents and those who have supported the lives of the graduating cadets. Each cadet presented their invited guest with a Silver Star in acknowledgement of their contribution. Commissioner Julie Campbell led the event,

accompanied by senior leaders of the territory as well as Training Principal Major David Noakes and other key college staff and tutors.

BCM kitchen staff prepared a delicious brunch, with first-year cadets from the Champions of the Mission session graciously serving the families of the Defenders of Justice session.

Cadet Andy Connor spoke on behalf of the session, expressing gratitude for the influence and input of parents upon the lives of the cadets. Acknowledgement was made also of spiritual parents and other formational influences. For some cadets whose parents have passed away, the Silver Star Brunch offered an opportunity to honour others who had played significant roles in their lives.

It was especially tender for Cadet Andy to present a Silver Star to his father who had travelled alone from the UK, following the recent passing of Andy’s mother. Cadet Initi Tuiono presented Silver Stars to Majors Janette and Kevin Waugh, who had been significant spiritual parents to her during their years of service in Tonga. While Cadet Amelia Kava was able to thank her parents and present them both with Silver Stars, Cadet Mosese Kava presented Silver Stars to his beloved spiritual parents who had stood in the gap and supported him since his parents passed away.

Cadet Naomi Tong presented Silver Stars to both her parents, Majors Kylie and Stuart Tong. It was noted and celebrated that Naomi makes up the fifth generation of Salvation Army officers in her family—a strong heritage for the Tong/Herring families, many of whom were present over the ordination and commissioning weekend.

Commissioning and Ordination Service The Defenders of Justice, Ngā Kaiwawao i Te Tika, Kau Taukapo ‘O E Fakamaau Totonū, were ordained and commissioned by territorial leaders, Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, at The Street Church in Wellington, on Saturday 9 December.

Joy and celebration filled the room as cadets, wearing korowai and traditional Tongan dress, were musically welcomed to the ceremony by the Territorial Youth

Above: Commissioner Julie Campbell with Cadet Andy Connor presenting a Silver Star to his father, David, who had travelled from the UK.

‘And I hope ... that we will continue to learn, grow and step into whatever God calls us into next.’

Band. With broad smiles, each cadet greeted those in the room with a salute as a symbolic gesture of their pledge to the mission of The Salvation Army.

Kaumatua Rangi McLean greeted the cadets and congregation with a mihi whakatau (welcome speech).

Colonel Gerry Walker welcomed those in attendance, including General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, leaders of the international Salvation Army, as well as those watching the livestream presentation from the four nations of our territory: New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. The congregation joined together to sing ‘Whakaaria Mai’, followed by a karakia (prayer) led by Lt-Colonel Liz Gainsford.

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham addressed the soon-to-be-ordained cadets, thanking them for ‘every yes given in surrender of [their] will to God’s purposes and plans for [their] lives’. She encouraged them as ministers of the gospel in a world that desperately needs to know Jesus, and concluded with a favourite prayer from Colossians 1:9–12, asking that the Spirit would fill each of them with knowledge, wisdom and understanding. saltmagazine.org.nz

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Cadets Mosese and Amelia Kava led moving prayers in Tongan, te reo Māori and English. Major David Noakes, training principal at Booth College of Mission, then encouraged and congratulated the cadets on completing two years of training and invited them to formally receive their appointments.

The six cadets spoke the Affirmation of Faith and were ordained and commissioned as lieutenants, followed by much applause. Friends and family were invited to come forward and to pray with the newly ordained and commissioned officers. Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham dedicated the lieutenants, praying for strength and wisdom as they take up their positions as leaders within The Salvation Army.

Amelia and Mosese Kava’s children performed a graceful Tongan dance, bringing a vibrant sense of celebration to the ceremony. Family members and friends joined the dancers on stage and, adhering to Tongan tradition, discreetly tucked gifts of appreciation into the dancers’ clothing. The six new lieutenants then formally received their appointments from Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell.

Lieutenant Initi Tuiono shared her testimony about her calling to officership. From a Pentecostal background, Initi did not know anything about The Salvation Army when she accepted a job offer within the movement. She felt God calling her to leadership for some time but put it to the back of her mind. In 2019, she finally decided to ‘stop running and respond to God’.

Initi acknowledged that she arrived at BCM with no confidence, low self-esteem and lots of fear and doubt.

However, despite all this, she was absolutely sure that God had called her to officership. The words of 2 Timothy 1:7 guided her during her training: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline’. She shared a discovery that she is part of God’s big meta-narrative. ‘I am in this season, in this episode, and I am ready to tell others to come and be a part of this story,’ she expressed. Captain Hana Seddon responded and acknowledged Initi with a karanga (ceremonial call).

General Lyndon Buckingham preached an inspiring message, celebrating the new lieutenants as heroes 12

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who are unashamed to share their faith with others.

He welcomed them as leaders to the movement and called them to be ‘Romans 12 kind of leaders’ who have ‘been called to lead by example and deed’ and humbly accept the invitation to serve God in love.

Lt-Colonel Alberth Sarimin prayed a benediction.

The new lieutenants, together with cadets from the Champions of the Mission session, brought the celebrations to a close demonstrating pride, strength and unity with the soul-stirring Salvation Army haka, Te Haka a te Pōti.

Long Service Order Recognition Dinner On Saturday 9 December, the annual Long Service Order Recognition Dinner took place to honour 16 officers for their committed service to The Salvation Army.

There was a range of years of service recognised at this year’s dinner, from 25 years to 40 years, with a combined 544 years of service to The Salvation Army.

Sessions represented were Builders of the Kingdom, Heralds of Jesus, Guardians of the Truth and Heralds of Hope.

Lt-Colonel Rod Carey and Major Afolau Toluono shared their testimonies at the dinner and reflected on their many years of service. Rod expressed his gratefulness to God for his goodness and love over the course of his ministry of sharing the good news of the gospel. ‘Forty years in the Bible is a whole generation, and it’s been a privilege to serve this generation and leave a legacy of faith to the awesome power of God.’ He reminded those at the dinner of missionary William Carey’s invitation: ‘“Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God” ... I have endeavoured through the presence and power of Holy Spirit to live this out in my service for the Master.’

Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell presented the Long Service certificates to those attending. The evening concluded with a short devotional thought from Captain Bryant Richards, and a prayer from Colonel Gerry Walker to close out the night.

Claiming the Promise January holds special family memories for me of camping holidays at the beach—surf, sand, sun and heaps of fun—even if some days we were stuck in the tent because of rain. Our family looked forward to this time to relax, unwind and prepare for the coming year.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve always loved having the extra time in January to reflect, pray, dream and reimagine what the year ahead will look like, both in my own relationship with Jesus and for my ministry in The Salvation Army.

As we organise our calendars and make plans for 2024, let’s reimagine and look for the new things that God wants to do in and through us.

Together we live out the good news of Jesus Christ so that everyone can experience hope, wholeness and ongoing transformation—the fullness of life as God intended. This is a huge vision, but we have a greater God. In Isaiah 43:18–19, the prophet Isaiah gave a message of hope to the Israelites who were living in slavery. Despite their past mistakes and failure to trust him, God reminded them of the many ways he had provided for them through many generations.

God challenged them not to forget the great things he had done for them in the past, and he promised to do greater things in their future. He promised to bring life through the coming of the Messiah and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Bible says, ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’

So let’s claim this promise for 2024 and look for the new things that God will do in and through our movement this year.

We have a mission and message of the good news of Jesus Christ to share in very practical ways. All of us together have the privilege of living out and sharing this good news as we show compassion and care for people and share the message of love, hope, wholeness and transformation in Jesus.

Commissioner Julie Campbell Territorial President of Women’s Ministries

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Isaiah 43:18-19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (NIV).

Kaua e mahara ki ngā mea ō mua; ko ngā mea onamata kaua e whakaaroa. Tēnei ahau te mahi nei i te mea hou; ākuanei te tupu ai; e kore rānei e mōhiotia e koutou? Ka oti i ahau he ara i te koraha, he awa i te tītōhea (PT).

Dou kakua ni vakananuma na ka makawa, se vakasama na ka eliu: raica, ka’u na cakava na ka vou; ena tubu ga oqo dou na sega beka ni kila? Io, ka’u na cakava na sala e loma ni lekutu, kei na uciwai e na vanua talasiga (FOV).

Ab beeti hui ghatnaawo ka vichaar karna mat karo, na baato par mun lagao. Dekho, may ek nayee baat karta hu wo abhi saamne hogi, kya tum us se anjaan rahoge? May jungle me ek raasta banaunga aur desh me nadia bahaunga (Fiji/Hindi).

Oua te mou manatu ki he ngaahi ‘uluaki me‘a, pea ko e ngaahi me‘a mu‘a ‘oua te mou tokanga ki ai. Vakai ‘oku ou ngaue ki ha me‘a fo‘ou; na‘a mo ena ‘oku fisiki mai; ‘ikai ‘oku mou ‘ilo ki ai? ‘A, te u ‘ai ha hala ‘i he fonua maomaonganoa, ‘ani vaitafe ‘i he lala (TMB).

Aua tou te manatua mea na muamua, aua foi le mafaufau i mea anamua. Faauta, ou te faia se mea e faatoa iloa, e tupu ae nei lava; tou te le iloa ea? E moni, ou te faia se ala i le vao lafulafua, ma vaitafe i le nuu naumati (SOV).

A New Year Lament— From Pain to Promise Jules Badger reflects that for some of us the new year can be a strange and unsettling time. The pages of our story up to this point are full of content—we know where we’ve been. And while some delight in a blank page and are excited about writing the next chapter, others of us may feel daunted by the prospect.

The way ahead is unknown and perhaps even a little frightening.

That empty page looms large as it awaits the first stroke of the pen, but rather than excitement and opportunity you just feel intimidation and lack.

It’s helpful to know that allowing time to listen to the lessons of the season we’ve just been through is an important spiritual practice, rather than immediately focusing on what’s next. Sometimes the year we have just been through has been tough. Difficult. Heartbreaking.

Traumatic even. And while the world wants us to move on quickly and not look back—to make New Year’s resolutions for a better life this year, holding space for reflection and lament can be more life-giving than you might first think.

Emotions and expectations There are also times when the new year heralds change that is welcome and exciting—it’s anticipated because you’ve planned for it. But even when we step into the unknown on purpose, we cannot always be sure that our feelings and emotions will line up with our hopes and expectations. This can be discombobulating: Perhaps your pre-schooler is starting school, which is exciting! But it is 16

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also the end of a special season of life, and loss lingers longer than anticipated.

Maybe your corps (church) has new leaders taking up the reins, which is exciting! But there is also a sense of loss and confusion in the mix, as you farewell and grieve for leaders you have loved.

Perhaps your youngest child is leaving home, which is exciting! But what seems like a significant step for them feels like a severing for you…

Perhaps you are retiring and preparing to see more of your family, which is exciting! But downsizing the family home feels like the walls are closing in…

Where is God when the new year does not look bright but bleak?

Other times you find yourself well beyond discombobulated, and your faith feels more like sinking sand: Perhaps you’re starting the new year without a beloved spouse for the first time and the year ahead holds many ‘firsts’, like birthdays and anniversaries you will have to face without them…

Perhaps you are experiencing infertility, and you’re not sure you

want to ride the roller coaster of hope again in case there is more loss…

Maybe your physical illness has become chronic, and life looks nothing like how you imagined it would at this stage…

Where is God when the new year does not look bright but bleak? Where is God when you feel stuck and weighed down by present pain? Where is God when your faith is not just shaken but threatening to shatter?

Learning to lament In his 2019 book Dark Clouds, Deep Lament, Mark Vroegop describes lament as ‘a loud cry, a howl, or a passionate expression of grief.’

Scripture contains an abundance of lament, but historically and

‘Lament is a prayer that leads us through personal sorrow and difficult questions into truth that anchors our soul.’

Shifting focus In the modern Church, we’ve almost been conditioned to rush past the pain and anguish we read at the beginning of so many psalms, but that’s a temptation that robs us of deep work, because psalms of lament give us permission to be in pain. Mark says, ‘Lament is a prayer that leads us through personal sorrow and difficult questions into truth that anchors our soul.’

Psalms of lament call us to remember what God has done for us in the past… especially in the last century, the Church has not been good at lamenting.

‘In the Bible lament is more than sorrow or talking about sadness.

It is more than walking through the stages of grief. Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust,’ says Mark. ‘You might think lament is the opposite of praise. It isn’t. Instead, lament is a path to praise as we are led through our brokenness and disappointment. The space between brokenness and God’s mercy is

where this song is sung. Think of lament as the transition between pain and promise. It is the path from heartbreak to hope.’

One third of the psalms are laments, and they follow a pattern of four key elements: 1. an address to God 2. a complaint 3. a request and 4. an expression of trust and/or praise.

Mark summarises them as turn, complain, ask and trust. ‘Lament invites us to turn our gaze from the rubble of life to the Redeemer of every hurt. It calls us to turn toward promise while still in pain,’ explains Mark.

Psalms of lament call us to remember what God has done for us in the past—insistent that we look back, reflect and meditate. When we do this, and it takes time, the truth about God’s character is revealed, and our focus shifts. It’s beautiful and mysterious—it’s faith! It’s the Holy Spirit at work in the present moment of our pain, drawing us deeper into God’s mercy and grace.

So, it’s a new year once again, and that blank page is still crying out for content! Maybe learning the spiritual practice of lament could be a revolutionary New Year’s resolution that restores, renews and revitalises your faith in God. Why not pause before you rush headlong into 2024, and give it a try?

Check out Mark Vroegop’s book Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy at tinyurl.com/VroegopTSA

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Leaving the Boss in Charge Bill Peck from Rangiora Corps shares his journey of faith and his passion for connecting with people through music, media and the message of Jesus.

I grew up in Hornby in Christchurch, the middle child of five children. When we were young, my eldest sister Dianne took my younger sister and me to our local church. She asked if we could sit with her in Sunday school but was told that we would have to go to the junior Sunday school class instead as we were younger than her. Not happy with the response she received, Dianne took us to The Salvation Army and asked the same question. This time she was told, ‘You can sit wherever you want to—you are welcome’. My mother became a soldier in The Salvation Army, as did two of my sisters. And I thought, Why wouldn’t you follow the cross? and I became a junior soldier. It was through the Hornby Corps that I was introduced to playing a brass instrument, and I began my lifelong love of music.

The God of mystery I remember encountering Jesus when I was 10 or 11 years old. What first sparked my faith was looking at our universe—at the intricacies, the plans and the construction of our world—I knew that it didn’t just happen. I have always had a sense that God works in mysterious ways and knew that our world was made by a mysterious God.

And I thought, Why wouldn’t you follow the cross?

I moved from Hornby to get married and to train as a police officer, and then returned to the area to serve in this role for 17 years. I knew many members of the local community through my connections with The Salvation Army. Looking back, I can see that I drifted away from some aspects of my faith when I joined the police service. The culture and lifestyle were different.

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I used language that I don’t use today, but I never forgot that God was there, and I kept talking to him.

I continued to support The Salvation Army. I played in the Christchurch Police Band and sometimes we played together with The Salvation Army band. If the Sallies needed something, I was always there to help.

I never forgot that God was there, and I kept talking to him.

Poor health caused me to retire from my work as a police officer and I moved to Oxford. I remember saying to God, ‘Here I am Lord, I am back’, and have been faithful ever since. I am grateful to the many people and The Salvation Army community for always supporting me in my faith. It was like coming home to family. I joined the Rangiora Corps in 2000 and helped to establish a small brass band. I became a senior soldier in 2004 and five years later I became the bandmaster.

Ministry through music and media I tell people about Jesus all the time. I work as a competency assessor for Firth Concrete, which involves lots of travelling around the South Island. This job gives me real opportunities to connect with people.

I always take my bugle with me when I am on the road for work and often play at cenotaphs along the way.

People always come up to me with their stories and we connect. Another way I share my faith at work is by drawing cartoons. Sometimes people don’t want to read, but they will look at a cartoon. I always include the nativity scene in each Christmas cartoon I create for my company Christmas card.

I am a life member and chaplain for the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) in Rangiora. As a chaplain, I have the privilege of

officiating at funerals and organising and assisting at commemorative parades. Some time ago, I took a funeral and a man came to talk to me afterwards about my faith. I had a Bible in my pocket, and I took it out and gave it to him. You just have to take your chances to share and let ‘the Boss be in charge of the rest’.

You just don’t know what God is going to do.

On Thursday nights I play the ‘Last Post’ at 18:00 hours at the RSA in Rangiora. I want people to remember the sacrifices that others have made for us. I also want to share the message of Jesus every opportunity I have, through playing music and talking with people.

Every Sunday for the last two decades I have put on my full Salvation Army uniform including my cap. A group of us hold an open-air service to the public on the High Street in Rangiora with music, prayer and a message.

The Army uniform should never be underestimated.

It is a door to conversation. The Salvation Army has a strong presence in this community and people want to chat with you. You are never too old to share a message of hope.

Knowing Jesus has changed my life. I am happy; it doesn’t get any better than that. When I am sad, my recovery time is fast. I don’t mope around, because I know Jesus. He is always available; you don’t have to wait or book an appointment to talk to him. He is always there. The Lord’s Prayer in the book of Matthew is one of my favourite passages. Jesus told us what to pray. What we can all do is just keep doing it. You just don’t know what God is going to do.

Right: Bill receiving a community service award for his outstanding service as an RSA chaplain and for his bugle playing from Mayor Dan Gordon of the Waimakariri District Council. Photography taken by Tony Benny. saltmagazine.org.nz

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No Small Thing With only three new cadets accepted for officer training in 2024, Salvationists could be justifiably concerned about the future leadership of The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa—until you meet those three cadets, that is.

SALT speaks with accepted candidates Rose Hotene (New Plymouth Corps) and Sateki and Elina Palu (Otahuhu Corps, Auckland) about their faith journey, calling to officership and impending move to Booth College of Mission as cadets in the 2024 ‘Keepers of the Covenant | Nga Kaipupuru i te Kawenata’ session.

WORDS Jules Badger

wholehearted ‘yes’ from even one person can be extremely powerful in the hands of God, as Scripture proves again and again. Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Shane Healey is quick to acknowledge the elephant in the room when he says, ‘Yes, it’s the smallest session of cadets we’ve had in a long time. We’re living in days when it is challenging to be a church leader. I don’t want to make excuses, but this leadership crisis is not unique to our territory or The Salvation Army. It’s a symptom of much wider issues at play in terms of church engagement and discipleship in the Western world.

Covid-19 challenged many aspects of church life, and leadership across the board is not the same as it was five years ago. So, to have three candidates say yes in these days, well, that’s no small thing. It speaks to the depth of their commitment to this calling.’

This year did not include Fiji, but Shane reports that the 2025 session is already half-filled. ‘There are people applying across the Pacific who would be more than capable of serving in all four countries within our territory, which is exciting. The education and skill level of the applicants, as well as the depth of discipleship and relationship with God, is solid. And I’m excited by the possibility of doing ministry in the future with these people,’ affirms Shane.

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Shape shifting Shane speaks candidly when he says that cadet numbers from New Zealand may look similar for the next few years, but he is excited by the interest in officership among younger people. Shane explains that this interest has a lot to do with some of the subtle shifts taking place in the shape of officership in recent years.

‘There’s this renewed emphasis and push to reclaim the call for officers to be spiritual leaders,’ says Shane.

‘In the past we’ve been heavily driven by programmes and mission goals, and it’s been a lot of administrative work. Some officers got burnt out and others left because that’s not what they signed up for. Specialist support staff now play a huge role in releasing officers to be spiritual leaders within the movement and the communities they find themselves in.’ Shane explains that a good example of this is the shift from officermanagers of Family Stores to employed specialist area managers—a game changer for many officers. ‘Officers are now free to be chaplains to the staff—to care for the people,’ affirms Shane.

Another key shift is the freedom for officers to prioritise spiritual formation—firstly their own, and then that of their congregation or community. ‘Officers are in covenant relationships with God. When you become an officer, you are invited to step into a deeper

journey with God,’ explains Shane. ‘There are still tasks that need to be accomplished, but your walk with God is integral to that—it’s the foundation of your ministry and all your work,’ says Shane. ‘So who are we looking for to become officers? Well, those who are putting their hands up are people wanting to serve in a way that facilitates and supports everyone going deeper with God, and that’s exciting.’

However, Shane also outlines a shift in theology affecting officer recruitment. ‘If you roll the clock back a few decades, officership was the ministry pathway within The Salvation Army. Today people want to be part of bringing the kingdom of God to earth right where they are—serving God in the supermarket, as a policeman or a teacher. And that ministry is no more or less important than officership. So officership becomes one of the options, not the only option. And I’m not diminishing that shift one bit—it’s where some of our amazing support staff come in and add weight to the mission. But it’s a catch-22 and does make it a challenge for us to recruit into the officership space.’

Nonetheless, God is clearly calling people to officership. ‘We may not have the quantity we would like,’ says Shane, ‘but we certainly have quality leaders

‘Officers are in covenant relationships with God. When you become an officer, you are invited to step into a deeper journey with God.’ responding to God’s call—quality people like Sateki and Elina Palu and Rose Hotene.’

Redeeming Rose Captains Christine and Karl Foreman (New Plymouth Corps) say that the Hotene family will be sorely missed.

‘Rose and her children Tane and Maia have made a huge impact on our church whānau (family), but we know that wherever God places them in the years ahead, we will see God move in people’s lives because of Rose’s obedience to God’s call. Rose carries the presence of God in such a way that all who know her testify to a transformed life.’

Rose came to faith through The Salvation Army’s Bridge programme. A recovering addict, Rose explains that ‘Jesus met me in the depths of my despair. I didn’t saltmagazine.org.nz

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‘Even though it is still a challenge, I am saying yes and will go because I know this is from the Lord.’

Jesus has formed me today. It’s Jesus who leads me and guides me every day as my Lord and Saviour and in my recovery journey.’

Rose facilitates a women’s group, leads worship and is on the corps leadership team. She’s been involved with the foodbank, youth ministry and Recovery Church leadership. ‘My main role and passion are just walking with people in faith. There’s a lot of discipleship happening. My heart is to see other lives redeemed and restored. I also have a big heart for healing from generational trauma and that stems from my own testimony. People become addicts because of traumabased life experiences. I have a heart to see people freed from that and to pass that healing on to their children. Jesus set me free, so I know that freedom is available for others.’

From top: Sateki and Elina with their children Esther and Jonathan; Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Shane Healey. know him, but he knew me. Jesus came and visited me at the most vulnerable time of my life—when I was broken and completely alone. There was no one else for me to rely on and I love how that experience of 22

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Last year Rose did a diploma in theology because she wanted to know more of God. ‘I studied out of passion and the pursuit to know Jesus more deeply, which in turn led to a confirmation of the call on my life,’ says Rose.

Study set a strong foundation for the move to Booth College of Mission. ‘I’m excited and apprehensive and a bit scared—but mostly excited! This is the first move I’ve done with God so it feels very different, but I know this is the best thing I could be doing because God’s called me to it,’ affirms Rose. ‘I’m learning to be my authentic self, and just because I am training to be an officer doesn’t mean I’m not still on a healing journey or going through things—that’s life in all its realness.’

Passionate Palus Elina Palu grew up in Tonga and says her life was shaped by the influence of her father’s strong faith.

Elina doesn’t recall a time when Jesus was not part of her life. When she finished high school, Elina took a

leap of faith and joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

Her time with YWAM was significant for her spiritual journey, and it was during her discipleship training that she met Sateki.

Sateki was a child when The Salvation Army arrived in Tonga. ‘It was a privilege to see God’s work in the early days of The Salvation Army in Tonga. They set up just down the road and my father went along and accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. My father was a sailor and was often away travelling on the cruise ships, and I got to see his life transformed by God. We were part of everything in those early days—going to church every Sunday, the band, the Bible studies.’

Sateki explains that it was during a Salvation Army Youth Council in his last year of high school that his own life was transformed. ‘I thought being a Christian was about being a good person, but then in 2007 I had an encounter with God and experienced real conviction in my heart.

My life was changed and I began to develop my own relationship with God.’ Sateki first sensed a calling to officership when he was 19, but the timing wasn’t right. It was the late Major Carolyne Frazer who supported and advised Sateki.

‘Carolyne was a woman of real influence in my life,’ says Sateki. ‘She really invested in me and when I shared with her about my interest in officership she said I was too young and not mature enough—I look back now and realise how right she was! I’m grateful for her honesty.

Major Carolyne looked out for opportunities for me and that’s where the chance came for a scholarship to be part of the Youth Development Band, and my first trip to New Zealand.’

Sateki soon joined YWAM and for the next 20 years he served all over the world. Sateki worked with refugees in the Pacific, ran outreach programmes amongst Muslims and was a leader at YWAM’s discipleship school. Sateki travelled to Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Kenya, Thailand and Cambodia leading mission teams.

During those years Elina worked in a variety of support roles with YWAM, based in Auckland, while raising their children Jonathan and Esther. In 2019, the couple’s time with YWAM drew to a close and it was

Above: Rose with her children Tane and Maia. during this next season that they found a home at Otahuhu Corps, and the call to officership resurfaced.

After a significant time of wrestling in prayer, God moved powerfully and both Sateki and Elina were convinced that applying for officership was God’s will for them. ‘I know deep in my heart that God is behind it all,’ testifies Elina. ‘Even though it is still a challenge, I am saying yes and will go because I know this is from the Lord.’

Majors Tom and Heather Kopu say, ‘We will be very sorry to lose Sateki and Elina’s valuable contributions to the life of Otahuhu Corps, but are delighted to release them knowing that many others will come to know the Lord through their ministry as Salvation Army officers.’

Please pray for Rose, Tane and Maia; as well as Elina, Sateki, Jonathan and Esther, as they prepare to move to Booth College of Mission. The territorial welcome to the ‘Keepers of the Covenant | Nga Kaipupuru i te Kawenata’ session will take place on Saturday 27 January 2024.

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Going Backwards to Move Forwards WORDS Kelly Cooper

My husband and I play a kind of unspoken competitive game whenever we’re on a road trip to somewhere new. His sat nav system gets pitched against my Google Maps for accuracy and speed. In our pre-Covid-19 overseas travel this caused us to ‘arrive’ at some unexpected destinations—think tiny country lanes not designed for cars and not-so-short shortcuts.

Not surprisingly, this also caused emotions within our car to run high. Despite not agreeing on whose navigation system was superior, we did agree that once we got lost, our best strategy was to go back to where we were and to begin again. It might not be the fastest option, but sometimes going back is exactly what we need to do in order to move forward.

When I feel lost in my own life and I am not sure which direction to take, I seek comfort in reflection and prayer. In recent years I have been exploring the power of written reflection.

I am discovering that one of the best teachers for gaining clarity about what is next is to revisit the decisions I’ve made in the past. Time spent reflecting on what I have been learning, what has worked well and what has not, gives me confidence to move forward with intention.

I must admit that when I feel stuck, my natural desire is to engineer my own future as a way of gaining some momentum and escape the discomfort of uncertainty. But by looking back, I harness the power of pausing. I am encouraged to sit a little longer, to be deliberate and to discern before leaping forwards. As I do this, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the goodness and grace I have failed to see in my own life, and I remember that no matter how unexpected the road has been in the past, that God will continue to take every step with me. I can say with certainty that reflection and prayer are the most superior navigation systems I have ever used and that they ensure that I ‘arrive’ exactly where I am meant to be.

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Days of Ezekiel Are signs converging that point to the turbulent times which will precede the second coming of Jesus? Birth pangs, as Jesus referred to them, will increase in frequency and intensity. In part one and two of this three-part series, Colleen Marshall noted signs and similarities from the Days of Noah and Days of Elijah. In this final part, she looks at the Days of Ezekiel.

A popular Christian worship song ‘Days of Elijah’, by Robin Mark, says in verse 4, ‘And these are the days of Ezekiel, the dry bones becoming as flesh’. Ezekiel was an Old Testament prophet and priest around 600–550BC during Israel’s exile in Babylon. God had appointed Ezekiel as a watchman in a small community uprooted from their homeland and facing tough times in exile. The exile was a consequence of their rebellion against God. Many times, Ezekiel was told to raise an alarm and warn his fellow Hebrews of judgement. His prophetic messages sounded brutal but were tempered with compassion to bring 26

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people to a place of humility and repentance. But sadly, they ignored the trumpet call to mobilise (Ezekiel 7:14) and thumbed their noses at God (Ezekiel 8:17). Only a few wept for the state of their people (Ezekiel 9:4).

Valley of dry bones Ezekiel’s ministry was more intense than Elijah’s. Sin committed behind hidden doors was exposed as God revealed himself as the omnipresent (all seeing), omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (unlimited) Almighty and Holy God to whom his people were accountable. Ezekiel is perhaps better known for his vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37.

God had appointed Ezekiel as a watchman in a small community uprooted from their homeland and facing tough times in exile.

When God took him to a valley full of dry bones the Bible says, ‘He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know”’ (Ezekiel 37:3). Then God said to Ezekiel, ‘Prophesy to these bones and say to them, “Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!”

...Jesus was referring to a great end-time harvest of people turning to the Lord. is predicted in the Bible, when the Jews will ‘look on me, the one they have pierced’ (Zechariah 12:10b) and acknowledge Yeshua Jesus as their Messiah. Wars will intensify, and in the Bible God calls his end-time prayer warriors to stand as watchmen on the walls and give him no rest as he asks us to ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (Psalm 122:6a).

Times of harvest

(Ezekiel 37:4). Then the valley floor shook as the bones connected with each other and took on flesh. But only when the very Ruach HaKodesh (breath of God) entered them, did they become a spirit-filled army.

Sign of Israel In Ezekiel’s time, he foresaw an amazing future restoration for Israel, where they would return from exile and flourish in their own homeland.

We can see this sign in our day, as thousands of Jews scattered across the globe are making aliyah (returning to Israel), sensing a deep yearning for ‘home’ as God calls them back to the land he gave their ancestor Abraham. As many as 30,000 people a year in recent times have migrated to Israel and started life afresh.

We look with great concern on the recent events unfolding in Israel.

All major conflicts that centre on the land of Israel bring us closer to the great end-time harvest that

The song continues and in verse 5 says: ‘…Oh, these are the days of the harvest, for the fields are as white in your world. And we are the labourers in your vineyard, declaring the word of the Lord … Behold he comes!’

I live in a region where thousands of vegetables are grown in market gardens, but excessive rain early in the season meant field after field of lettuces went to waste and had to be ploughed in. The migrant labour shortage also had a devastating impact for growers.

When Jesus observed the fields, he said, ‘Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!’

(John 4:34b, NKJV). He wasn’t talking of broccoli and barley, spinach or sweetcorn, Jesus was referring to a great end-time harvest of people turning to the Lord.

Since Covid-19, and because of severe weather events, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have faced some rocky times in recent years. Financial struggles bring fear and insecurity,

but the good news of Jesus Christ brings hope and freedom. What a joy it is to offer people food for the body and grace and salvation for the soul. We are all labourers in our own neighbourhoods and communities.

Wake-up call To summarise, in part one of this series we looked at the Days of Noah when many people paid no heed to the warnings and signs in plain sight that the world was in turmoil, but God provided an answer. In part two we looked at the Days of Elijah, when God’s people were summoned to stand for righteousness without compromise and declare that the Lord is God. Now in the final of this series, the Days of Ezekiel, a new spirit-filled army arose. Today God is also raising his army; labourers will be released into the harvest as we prepare for the coming of his kingdom reign.

As in the days of Noah, Elijah and Ezekiel, the Church of today needs to rally to such a wake-up call.

As in the days of Noah, Elijah and Ezekiel, the Church of today needs to rally to such a wake-up call. Only the Holy Spirit can shake and revive us.

Sound the battle cry!

‘Behold he comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun, at the trumpet call. Lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee, and out of Zion’s hill salvation comes.’

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The Fale We Built Together Christmas came early in Tonga last year! A team of six volunteers from New Zealand returned to Tonga for a week in early December to add the finishing touches on an EasyBuild house that will become the fale nofo’anga (officers’ quarters) for the Kolovai Corps Plant.

In October, a team of 15 volunteers worked tirelessly alongside locals for two weeks to get the fale as close as possible to completion within that gruelling timeframe. Prior to the build, Kolovai Corps Plant had not had an official fale nofo’anga. Various rental properties have served as officers’ accommodation since the corps was planted a decade ago. However, following the Hunga Tonga–Ha’apai eruption in January 2022 and the tsunami that followed, the need for a new, permanent fale nofo’anga became paramount.

‘It was an ambitious goal to bring together a team of 15 people who’d never worked together before to build a house in just two weeks,’ says volunteer build team leader Pete Walker. ‘But it was a goal the team embraced with enthusiasm and energy, and it’s amazing to see what we’ve achieved.’

Full immersion It was a life-changing experience for most of the team, Pete reports. ‘We had the opportunity to live amongst Tongan culture for two weeks—not as tourists but living with the Tongan people and working side-by-side. Just being fully immersed in their world for a little while—well, it’s hard to put into words how special that was.’

Having previously served overseas with The Salvation Army and Save the Children, media liaison Mandy Carian was no stranger to living in another culture. ‘I just love being able to hang out with the local people, but there’s also the constant reminder of “oh yes, this is what a simpler way of life looks and feels like”. It’s important to understand the struggles others go through, and it makes being able to contribute a tiny bit of good in the world a blessing.’

Both Mandy and Pete are passionate about Salvationists understanding the motivation behind the project. ‘It’s a privilege and part of our responsibility as a territory to share resources,’ says Mandy. ‘It’s about coming alongside the local people and empowering them and encouraging them.’

‘To be quite raw,’ explains Pete, ‘at this point, The Salvation Army in Tonga just doesn’t have the resources to build a house—otherwise it would be done already! So we worked together on the project and a lot of learning took place.’

Legacy of love Pete has a few personal connections to The Salvation Army in Tonga, as the regional leader, Captain Kenneth Walker, is Pete’s brother. The 2023 building project was especially poignant for the pair, with their sister Captain Pauleen

Above (from left): Captains Kenneth and Catherine Walker with The Salvation Army volunteer team; Pete Walker with a representative from the Tongan Ministry of Infrastructure.

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‘...it was a goal the team embraced with enthusiasm and energy and it’s amazing to see what we’ve achieved.’

Richards also serving in Tonga a decade ago. ‘Mum and Dad went over in 2013 and at the time Kolovai meetings were held in a large tent,’ explains Kenneth.

‘The story goes that Dad (Major Donald Walker, promoted to Glory) was looking up at the stars through the ripped roof of the tent. “We can do better than this” is the line from Dad that has become legend. He returned to New Zealand and wrote a proposal to headquarters to take a team over to build a falelotu (church building). It was approved, and in 2014 that’s what happened.’

Pete explains that with Kenneth now serving in the same role Pauleen previously held, the family connection to Tonga and their passion for the work is strong. ‘The whole time Kenneth has been serving in Tonga, he’s wanted to get a fale built for Kolovai,’ says Pete. And it’s still a family affair, with their older brother Graeme and some of his adult children adding to the team. But it’s also bittersweet. ‘Dad is now gone,’ explains Kenneth, ‘but it’s become a generational tradition.’ Kenneth hopes that further opportunities to work with Tongan Salvationists may arise in the future.

When asked what their dad would think of the latest project, Pete says, ‘He’d be stoked. He would’ve been there if he was still alive—even at 85. He would have loved seeing his sons and grandkids working together on this. It was the anniversary of Dad’s death while we were over there, actually. So Kenneth, Graeme and I took a photo in the fale and had a moment together—it was good.’

From left: Enclosed after four days on site; Completed panels.

Generous to the core For Pete, another strong motivator for the project is the practice of generosity.

‘Being able to help and use my skill set to make a difference is important to me.

And having the privilege of choosing a team—just giving others the opportunity to have this kind of experience—has been a real personal highlight.’

While Pete grew up in The Salvation Army and is connected to Petone Corps Plant, the build team was comprised of people from all walks of life. ‘Only five of the team were Sallies, the other ten were like, “we can help with that so we’re coming too!” I learnt more about mission by watching these guys who wouldn’t call themselves Christians give of themselves so wholeheartedly.

They were the hands and feet of Jesus without even knowing it,’ says Pete.

Six members of the team were Pete’s firefighter mates from across Aotearoa.

One of those men, Hami Love, played a key role because he could speak Tongan, and was able to introduce the team during church and speak on behalf of the team.

‘Hami was a real gift to us,’ says Pete.

A beautiful story unfolded when Hami returned to New Zealand, which he

shared with Pete. ‘Hami told me that he’d been talking to his mum, who said she used to go and collect for the Sallies years ago. She had a lot of love for the Sallies because one Christmas when the family didn’t have enough food, she went to the foodbank and they gave her food and presents for the whole whānau (family). The following year she didn’t want to ask for help even though she needed it but was surprised and happy to receive a Christmas package again.’

Hami didn’t know this when he signed up to go to Tonga. ‘This was my way to give back,’ he told Pete.

Part of that theme of generosity must be attributed to the families of the team who remained in New Zealand.

Pete is adamant that recognition and appreciation be given to those who enabled their partners to vacate normal life for two weeks—and to come home physically and emotionally exhausted (in a good way).

‘None of us went with the expectation of getting anything,’ says Pete. ‘It was just the motivation to give and serve, but we got more than we gave,’ says Pete. ‘The blessings came back ten-fold.’

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Gender-based Violence Webinar

Celebration and Enrolments in Samoa On Sunday 26 November, five new soldiers and two adherents were enrolled at Apia Corps, Samoa Region. ‘Soldier and adherent enrolments speak to me of life and growth,’ says Captain Julie Turner, regional leader and corps officer. ‘People taking steps in their faith journeys as God leads them forward is always exciting to witness and participate in.’ Julie explains that the enrolment day was a ‘triple blessing’ because the service was led by young people, with Misipati Niusulu, corps sergeant major and youth leader, leading worship. ‘Our youth are developing their leadership skills and it was wonderful to see their confidence build and their faith grow,’ says Julie. As well as the enrolments, the celebrations also included the acknowledgement of Major Afolau Toluono’s 25 years of long service achievement. ‘It was a wonderful day of celebration and commitment,’ affirms Julie.

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

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January 2024

Territorial Women’s Ministries hosted a ‘Unite to end gender-based violence’ webinar on Tuesday 5 December, as part of the worldwide movement ‘16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence’.

Wearing orange, a colour symbolising a brighter future free from violence, organiser Ingrid Barratt shared that one in three women in New Zealand are affected by physical, emotional or psychological violence from men. Special guest Dr Natalie Thorburn from Women’s Refuge explained that gender-based violence is controlled and planned. ‘It is about social power,’ she said, ‘who has it or who takes it.’ She added that any behaviour designed to control or oppress, that makes a woman insubordinate, is a form of gender-based violence. Captain Nikki Mellsop, corps officer at Waitakere Central Corps, together with Rhonda Tama’ali’i, community caseworker also at Waitakere Central Corps, shared the practical ways they are supporting women in their community and shared stories of transformation and hope.

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

General Calls for Continued Prayer for the Conflict in Gaza The Salvation Army welcomes the news of the temporary ceasefire and release of some hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Salvation Army prays for peace and the complete cessation of violence, and for the release of all remaining civilians who have been taken captive. General Lyndon Buckingham comments: ‘Our prayers continue to go out to all those affected by this, and other conflicts throughout our world. Especially we pray for those who have lost loved ones, or who have sustained injury themselves. The Salvation Army is committed to peace-making, and has a long-standing tradition of remaining neutral and non-partisan. As General, I call on Salvationists throughout the world to continue to pray for peace, to conscientiously pursue peace, and to equip themselves to become effective peacemakers.’

Whanganui City Corps Participates in Christmas Parade It was with a sense of excitement and expectation that the community gathered to enjoy the Whanganui Christmas parade on a stunning summer afternoon on Saturday 9 December. There were 47 float entries, making this one of the larger parades the city had seen for several years. Whanganui City Corps created a spectacular float, with the theme: ‘Jesus is the Greatest Gift’. Tinsel glistening in the sun and a display of brightly wrapped presents under the Christmas tree drew onlookers to the float. Jesus lay in the manger in amongst the presents, with banners proclaiming the good news. The corps family decided to give out a gift that expressed the gospel message of Christ’s birth.

Being an eco-corps, CDs were re-purposed to make an ornament for people’s Christmas trees, which were received enthusiastically by children in the crowd.

Tonga Region Youth Councils Over the first weekend of December, 80 Tongan young people gathered at Tupou College, Toloa, for the first faceto-face youth councils since the pandemic. Regional Youth Worker Mele Vaea led a fantastic weekend with support from Regional Leaders Captains Kenneth and Catherine Walker, and special guest speakers Major Mat Badger and Leslie D’Mello from the Territorial Youth Department. Mele had prayerfully chosen the weekend’s theme of ‘make a choice and stick with it’. Inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, ‘but test them [prophecies] all; hold on to what is good and reject every kind of evil’. Mele says that for her, the highlight of the weekend was seeing how the theme impacted the young people’s hearts and minds.

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

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

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Official Engagements Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 27 Jan: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Booth College of Mission (BCM) 28–29 Jan: Leaders’ Retreat, Silverstream Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 27 Jan: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Booth College of Mission (BCM) 28–29 Jan: Leaders’ Retreat, Silverstream Lt-Colonel Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) 27 Jan: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Booth College of Mission (BCM) 28–29 Jan: Leaders’ Retreat, Silverstream

Gazette Summary To read the full version of Gazette notices, visit saltmagazine.org.nz/gazette Promotion to Glory: Major Rex Waring was promoted to Glory on 25 November 2023 from Waikato Hospital, aged 88 years. Rex entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1963 from Whangārei Corps, as a cadet in the Heroes of the Faith session. Please remember in prayer Major Lois Waring, their children Cheryl, Wayne and Lynda and other family members at this time of grief and loss.

Bereavement: Alfred Waggett, the brother of Auxiliary Captain Ada Widdowson, passed away in November in England. We ask you to uphold Auxiliary Captain Ada Widdowson and other family members in your prayers at this time of grief and loss.

Anthony (Tony) Rive, brother to Major Haydn Rive was promoted to Glory from Te Hopai Care Centre, Wellington, on Sunday 3 December 2023, aged 75 years. We ask you to uphold Majors Haydn and Adrienne Rive and other extended family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.

Ella Montgomery, grandmother of Captain Simon Montgomery, passed away in Whanganui on 24 November 2023. We ask you to uphold Captains Simon and Rachel Montgomery, along with other family members in your prayers during this time of grief and loss.

Resignation: Effective 27 December 2023, Captain Beany (Sung Woo) Cho has resigned from officership as he needs to relocate to Korea due to family circumstances. Beany Cho entered training as a cadet of the Messengers of the Gospel session in February 2016. We thank Captain Beany Cho for his 6 years of active service and pray God’s blessing on him and his family in the days ahead.

Effective 27 November 2023, Lieutenant Stuart Duxfield has resigned from officership. Stuart, with his wife Grace, entered training as cadets of the Messengers of Compassion session in 2017. Lieutenant Grace Duxfield will remain in her current appointment in Rolleston until the General Change 2024. We thank Lieutenant Stuart Duxfield for his 5 years of active service and pray God’s blessing on him and his family in the days ahead.

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January 2024

Effective 8 January 2024, Major Karen Baker has resigned from officership. Karen entered training as a cadet of the Heralds of Good News session in 2005. We thank Major Karen Baker for her 17 years and 30 days of active service as an officer of The Salvation Army. Major Shaun Baker will continue in his current appointments (Territorial Secretary for Chaplaincy Services, THQ Chaplain, and Divisional Emergency Services Coordinator [Wellington Region]) as a Single Spouse Officer. Please pray for Karen and Shaun, that they would know God’s blessing and peace in the days ahead.

Appointment: Effective immediately, Major Raewyn Gardner has been appointed as Mission Resources Stream Lead; Captain Jordan Westrupp will take up the additional appointment Divisional Secretary for Mission.

Effective 11 January 2024, Captains Catherine and Kenneth Walker have been appointed as Divisional Secretary for Personnel and Divisional Secretary for Mission respectively, based out of Dunedin; Major Alister Irwin will take up the additional appointment of Territorial International Development Officer; Captain Stuart Tong will take up the additional appointment of Director, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre; Majors Julie and Robert Cope have been appointed as Women’s Ministries Officer (concluding appointment as Regional Mission Support Officer) and Mission Support Team Facilitator (additional appointment) [concluding appointment as Northern Spiritual Life and Prayer Ministries Officer] respectively; Lieutenant Grace Duxfield has been appointed as Assistant Corps Officer, Porirua Corps (Lieutenant Grace Duxfield will be on leave and will commence this appointment on 1 March 2024).

Appointments in Retirement: Effective 1 February 2024, Major Ivan Bezzant has been appointed as Leadership Coach. Please uphold Major Ivan Bezzant as he takes up this appointment in retirement; Commissioners Andrew and Yvonne Westrupp have been appointed as New Plymouth Corps Officers and Directors of Community Ministries.

Promotions: We congratulate the following officers on their promotion to Major; Effective 6 December 2023: Captain Salesi Temo, Captain Taina Temo, Captain Shiv Ram, Captain Taburerei Ram. Effective 13 December 2023: Captain Stephen Campkin, Captain Elizabeth Campkin, Captain Andrew Moffatt, Captain Rochelle Moffatt, Captain Kylie Tong, Captain Stuart Tong.

We congratulate the following officers on their promotion to Captain; Effective 1 December 2023: Lieutenant Betty Akoteu, Lieutenant Samisoni Akoteu, Lieutenant Adriano Rokovesa, Lieutenant Seremana Rokovesa.

Effective 8 December 2023: Lieutenant Grace Duxfield, Lieutenant Raewyn Evans, Lieutenant Cameron Millar, Lieutenant Bevan Reddish, Lieutenant Rochelle Reddish, Lieutenant Andrew Wilson, Lieutenant Ruth Wilson.

Quiz Answers: 1. An embarrassment, 2. Octopus and squid, 3. Ostrich, 4. Keratin, 5. Sea otters.

SALVATIONISTS IN HISTORY

Timbrel of Joy The timbrel is an iconic musical instrument within The Salvation Army. In this three-part series, Selwyn Bracegirdle shares with us the history and his family’s personal experience with the timbrel.

‘Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea”’ (Exodus 15:20–21).

In the English War Cry of 17 February 1881, co-founder of The Salvation Army William Booth published an article titled: ‘Miriam. A Forerunner of the Prophetesses of The Salvation Army’. He writes: There were Prophetesses in those days. God called Miriam to this honour and endued her with His Spirit, and Moses recognised that call and gave her the opportunity for its exercise, which is more than we can say for every Moses of our acquaintance who has the privilege of having a Miriam in his congregation … In those days the Prophetesses led the people in open-air processions … They will let women sell in public [such as War Crys], sing in public, dance in public—anything in public, out door or in, save and except, in a straightforward manner, discharge the Divine mission of a prophetess, and carry the message of mercy from the lips of Jehovah to dying men, or lead the Lord’s elect to battle and victory.

The comparison between the events in the Bible and the use of the tambourine/timbrel in The Salvation Army is explicitly linked. Timbrel bands and timbrellists were often referred to as ‘Miriams’, even into the 1950s.

In the New Zealand War Cry of 19 April 1952, Brigadier H. C. Goffin, while commenting on various musical sections, refers to the ‘modern Miriams’ of the Young People’s Timbrel group at Wellington South Corps. He was encouraging them to have happy expressions in the way Miriam herself ‘must have had a very triumphant look upon her face’. The playing of a tambourine or timbrel was an expression of Joy! When timbrels were first used in The Salvation Army they were referred to as tambourines. Slowly

timbrels became the preferred term and groups were called timbrel bands. In 1907, an English publication, The Bandsman and Songster, 16 November 1907, described timbrel bands in this way: No agency has done more to glorify and modernise the tambourine than The Salvation Army. We will go further and say that until The Army adopted it as part of its musical equipment, and applied it to distinctive use, it had not found its proper sphere.

At all events, it had inadequately filled it. The Army has given the timbrel a prominence which surrounds it with an air of peculiar importance.

The extent to which Salvationism has served to popularise this quaint little instrument can only be measured by the fame and popularity of The Army itself. For to think of the tambourine is to think of The Army. The two are inseparably associated. We hope it may ever be so.

In the War Cry of 11 October 1884, the first New Zealand advertisement appeared for Tambourines.

There were three choices: 7 Inch with 12 pairs of jingles (3 shillings 6 pence); 10 inch with 17 pairs of jingles (5 shillings 6 pence); or 12 inch with 12 pairs of jingles (7 shillings 6 pence). In the 1910s, you could buy 8-, 9- and 10-inch, vellum covered tambourines.

Today from The Salvation Army at https://www.spsshop.com you can buy an 8-inch, 11-hole tambourine with a hand finished wooden frame and a genuine natural pig skin attached with brass studs.

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: archives@salvationarmy.org.nz

saltmagazine.org.nz

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The Power of Prayer

Back to School It’s that time of year again when parents are getting their children ready for the annual return to school. While some children eagerly anticipate this transition, for others going back to school after the break can be filled with worries.

If your child is feeling anxious about the upcoming school year, it can be a challenging situation for you as a parent or carer as well.

Here are some practical steps to help your child with their return to the classroom: • Normalise worries—acknowledge and empathise with your child’s concerns. Reassure them that feeling anxious is normal for all of us, especially in times of change. Let them know that they are not alone, that you understand and take their feelings seriously.

• Have positive conversations—talk about the new school year in a positive manner. Children pick up on adults’ emotional cues. Your positive expectations will provide them with a sense of security about their new relationship with their teacher and school in general.

• Recognise physical responses to worry—help your child to recognise the physical aspects of worry, such as a racing heart or a sore tummy. Understanding and naming what is happening in their body can be empowering and comforting. Share your own experiences of feeling anxious and let them know that these sensations will pass.

• Make preparations through rehearsal—set aside time to visit school prior to the first day. If possible, encourage your child to meet and greet their new teacher.

• Pray and seek God’s peace—the Bible tells us to ‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you,’ (1 Peter 5:7). Spend time together praying with your child about the new school year. Remind your child that when we share our worries with God, he promises to be with us and to give us peace.

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January 2024

‘Don’t worry about anything; pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God’s peace.’

Philippians 4:6–7a (NLT) Read: Our Bible verse was part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi while he was in a jail cell. He encouraged the people of Philippi not to worry and instead to tell God about their worries through prayer.

Think: Worrying is something all people do.

God knows this about us and has a plan to help us. When we talk to God through prayer, he sends the Holy Spirit to give us peace and courage.

Pray: Father God, thank you for the new school year and for the opportunity to learn and have fun.

Help us to remember that you are always with us. Please give us your peace.

Do: On the next page is a back-toschool colouring activity.

While you are colouring, focus on your breathing.

Taking slow breaths helps our brain and our body to feel calm.

‘Are you tired? Worn out?

Burned out on religion?

Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.

I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’

Matthew 11:28–30 (The Message)