SALT March 2025, NZFTS by The Salvation Army SALT Magazine (NZ, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa)

8 Women of Impact

We showcase four Army women who continue the legacy of those who have shaped The Salvation Army over its 160-year history.

16 There’s a Dog in the Garden

Alison Shaw speaks with Jules Badger about the heartbreak and hope of caring for a loved one suffering Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

18 Breaking the Cycle

Soldier Emmanuel Seumanutafa Motu shares his passion for breaking the cycle of addiction and encouraging the younger generation to choose a different future.

20 Stirred by the Spirit

Meet the latest session of New Zealand cadets to enter Booth College of Mission on their journey to becoming officers.

24 Welcome Home!

Vivienne Hill reflects on the importance and eternal impact of sharing our faith with others.

34 Jesus in the Storm

Life’s challenges are inevitable, but Jesus says we can trust him to guide us through the storms. Find guidance and activities on our kids page.

SALT Magazine

The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory Territorial Commander

Commissioner Janine Donaldson

General Lyndon Buckingham

Founders Catherine and William Booth

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

Connect with us saltmagazine.org.nz SaltMagazineNZ @SaltMagazineNZ salvationarmynzfts Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 p: (04) 384 5649

e: salt@salvationarmy.org.nz

Subscriptions mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz Print Management MakeReady Publishing for 141 years Volume 3, Issue 22 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.

Serving God and One Another

he Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa is actively encouraging each nation’s youth who participate and are engaged with various ministries to consider service within The Salvation Army. We are searching for those who know the call of God on their lives and who are seeking to serve humankind within the structure of the Army (see page 20).

The word ‘structure’ can be a red flag for some young people, particularly those who have not necessarily had constructive times in learning or work environments. But the Army has a structure that has been honed over decades. This can result in inflexibility, but it can also supply a safety net and a family experience for those who seek to express God’s call of servant leadership within our context.

In each generation, God will seek out those who are ready and willing to serve in a more formal capacity (see page 18). This does not mean that creativity and spontaneity are stifled, but the structure serves as ‘training wheels’ while a person is learning to ride and develop their own ministry.

On page 20, you will find the testimonies of the latest batch of cadets who have chosen to serve

in the Army, and there is no doubt of the calling and directional prompting of the Holy Spirit within the lives of these new cadets.

As the Army continues to worship and serve God, we will continue to have the hand of God on our ministry and people. But this comes with a further proviso: to care for and nurture the people who are choosing to serve within The Salvation Army, and this includes officers, congregants, staff and volunteers. With any organisation this can become secondary, but it is never secondary to God. It is always his priority, and so we need to make it our priority.

Please commit to pray for these new cadets and encourage them in their learning. But also pray for and encourage everyone in the family of The Salvation Army and seek their best, as together we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Vivienne Hill Editor

‘So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.’ 1

5:11 (MSG TRANSLATION)

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER

• Kyrgyzstan—This landlocked country in Central Asia is one of the poorest former Soviet States. After decades of Communist rule, most Kyrgyz have returned to their nation’s pre-Communist Islamic cultural identity, with only four percent of the population identifying as Christians. While some churches worship openly, Christians are commonly beaten and are generally oppressed by society. Buses do not stop for those known as Christians and believers have difficulty securing employment and purchasing goods. Pray for employment and provision for Christian converts. Bibles are available but are extremely expensive, making them difficult to access. Pray for everyone who wants a Bible in Kyrgyzstan to receive one.

• Morocco—Today, only a fraction of one percent of the population in Morocco is Christian. Growth of Christianity has been slow in Morocco, but with the rise of digital technology and social media, more Moroccans are coming to faith in Christ. There are no church buildings in Morocco and Bible distribution and missionary activity are not allowed in the country. Networks of underground churches have developed, as Christians find ways to meet together. Pray for wisdom and protection for church leaders who face interrogation from government officials. Pray that more people would come to know Christ through digital technologies.

SALVATION ARMY PRAYER

Booth College of Mission; Bridge Recovery Churches; Bridge centres around the territory; Business Administration section; Cambridge Corps; Candidates Department; and The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory.

WORD OF THE MONTH Petrichor

(English, noun) the sweet smell when rain falls on parched earth.

Source: wordhistories.net

Fifth Awaken Conference

Diverse Church NZ presents Awaken 2025, which bridges the divide between Christianity and the rainbow (LGBTQ+) community. Hosted from 4–6 April by Somervell Presbyterian Church, Auckland, Awaken provides a safe and inclusive space for rainbow individuals of faith to celebrate, support and learn from each other. The keynote speakers this year are Brit Barron from New Haven Church, Los Angeles, and Steph Fenton from New City Church, Sydney. Financial support is available if needed. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Allies welcome.

Contact: Craig Watson, 027 448 2724

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Bliss Balls

These bliss balls are super easy to make and so good to eat. You can substitute the cranberries for dried apricots or mango.

1 hour, plus 2 hours refrigeration time | Makes 12–15 balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dried dates

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup cashews

• 1 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 Tbsp coconut

• 1–2 Tbsp melted coconut oil

• ½ cup coconut or finely chopped nuts for coating

Method

Place cashews in a small bowl of boiling water for 20 minutes to soften, then drain the water.

Place dates and cranberries in a small bowl of boiling water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain the water.

Place cashews, dates, cranberries, cacao or cocoa powder, vanilla extract and the first measure of coconut into a food processor and blitz until it forms a thick paste.

Add melted coconut oil slowly while pulsing until the mixture comes together. You may only need 1 tablespoon.

Scoop one teaspoon at a time into your hands and roll into a ball.

Coat in coconut or finely chopped nuts in a small bowl.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Source: Kelly Cooper

INTRIGUING INDEX

The Long and the Short of it…

Tiny But Mighty

The stapes bone, found in the middle ear, is the smallest bone in the human body, measuring just 2.8 millimetres in length. Without the stapes, our ability to hear sound would be significantly impaired.

2 Lengthy Label

The full chemical name of titin, a protein found in muscle tissue, holds the title of the longest word in the world, with an astonishing 189,819 letters. Saying the entire name would take over three hours.

3 Far-Flung Flier

The kuaka or bar-tailed godwit holds the record for the longest nonstop flight by any bird. This migratory feat involves travelling 12,000 kilometres from Alaska to New Zealand, nonstop for eight or nine days.

Quick Cuber

American Max Park, a two-time World Cube Association World Champion, holds the record for solving the Rubik’s Cube in the shortest time. This supercuber completed the 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube in just 3.134 seconds.

5 Herculean Hotdog

The world’s longest hotdog was created in Paraguay in 2011, to celebrate the country’s 200th anniversary. This mighty meal measured an incredible 203.8 metres in length.

QUICK QUIZ

1 Which animal has the highest blood pressure?

2 What is the most common colour of toilet paper in France?

3 How many elements are on the periodic table?

4 Which nut is used to make marzipan?

5 What is the fear of public speaking called? Answers page 32

What’s On?

World Day of Prayer

07 March

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women, who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. worlddayofprayer.org.nz

International Women’s Day

08 March

Since 1911, International Women’s Day belongs to all who care about women’s equality. internationalwomensday.com

BMAC Women’s Weekend

21–24 March

BMAC, Raurimu, is hosting an adventure camp for women aged 18–80+. bluemountainadventure.org.nz

Prayer Focus—Bible Translation

The Great Commission calls Christians to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19a). Yet, despite centuries of dedicated missionary efforts, millions of people still lack access to the Bible, and thousands of language groups do not have God’s Word available to them in their heart language. Government restrictions, cultural barriers, geographical isolation and persecution continue to hinder many from reading or listening to the gospel.

There are, however, many organisations which are devoted and committed to translating the Bible. Today, the full Bible is available in 756 languages. In 2018, the United Bible Societies Fellowship developed a bold 20-year vision to complete 1200 Scripture translations by 2038. To date, 160 translations are complete and a further 442 translations are in progress.

Bible translation is a complex, collaborative and labour-intensive process. While traditionally translated by expert translators and linguists, a highly effective approach in recent years has been equipping and empowering native speakers to translate the Bible into their heart languages. These translators understand their culture, idioms and ways of expression, which ensure that translation is both accurate and naturally understood. Native translators often work with guidance from linguistic consultants using software tools provided by Bible translation organisations.

Some researchers are exploring the use of AI to assist in translating the Bible into extremely rare languages. While they don’t believe that AI can replace human translators, they see its potential as a valuable support tool, especially for languages where there is little or no written record of any kind.

• Pray for lives to be changed as people come to know Jesus through having the Bible in their heart language.

• Pray for strength and perseverance for linguists and translators as they diligently carry out the intricate work of Bible translation.

• Pray that God will guide translation teams around the world during checks for accuracy and clarity that are a key part of the Bible translation process.

• Pray for Bible translators working in areas particularly hostile to Christianity. Ask God to protect them from violence and every form of oppression.

• Ask God to provide key resources needed for Bible translation such as computers, translation software, internet access and training, as well as other basic needs.

Flow

Children’s movie | Directed by Gints Ziibalodis

Flow is an engrossing, evocative, animation that pulls you in from the opening seconds and doesn’t let go even when you’re out of the cinema—and it does it all without dialogue! Following a curious, adventurous feline who is forced to leave its home to find a new one, the movie explores the lives of animals and their connectedness and hierarchy. Our cat hero discovers a boat and, along with a crew of animal friends, makes its way through a world that is being submerged. This is an oversimplification of the plot, but it is no schmaltzy Disney film. There are many ‘heart in mouth’ moments and I found myself saying ‘oh no’ at times along with an audience primarily of adults. It may be too much of an emotional rollercoaster for very young children, but my eight-year-old loved it and immediately wanted to see it again.

(Reviewed by Trina Saffioti)

His Master’s Musician: The life, music & ministry of Noel Jones, OF Biography | Lt-Col Ian Southwell | Self-published

In 2014, Noel Jones was presented with The Salvation Army’s Order of the Founder for being ‘a true example of Christlike holy living, and for exemplary service as a local officer, musician, composer and mentor for over 53 years.’ His Master’s Musician is a well-researched biography that tells the life story of Noel Jones, giving insight to his personality, family life and his commitment to encourage and inspire the younger generation as a hallmark of his ministry. This book is an insightful read that will appeal to not only music enthusiasts but also those drawn to stories of dedication, sacrifice and profound respect for the Army. (Reviewed by Colin Davidson)

There’s a Dog in the Garden: Journeying with Lewy Body Dementia

Medical memoir | Alison Shaw | Self-published

Alison Shaw candidly shares the story of her beloved mother’s battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). She pulls back the shade and illuminates the realities of living with, caring for and, ultimately, loving someone afflicted with LBD, a disease affecting 20 percent of the population. Alison writes for families and professional caregivers, sharing openly about her own grief and devastation as her mother’s personality and behaviour changed dramatically. Without shying away from the deep pain and confusion she endured, Alison testifies to God’s presence throughout the journey and offers hope, insight and comfort to others navigating this difficult path. An important read.

(Reviewed by Jules Badger)

we feed our faith, we starve our doubts.

CHRISTINE CAINE

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

Women of Impact

When Catherine Booth interrupted her husband, Methodist minister William Booth, during his Sunday morning service to request a moment to speak, she boldly paved the way for women’s voices within The Salvation Army. Her powerful address that day left a lasting impact that has continued to inspire and empower generations of women globally.

WORDS Kelly Cooper

ogether, Catherine and William Booth went on to found The Salvation Army in London’s East End in 1865. Catherine, who became known as the ‘Mother of The Salvation Army’, is still regarded as one of the most remarkable women of the Victorian era, whose work significantly contributed to the success of The Salvation Army. She championed women’s active participation in society, and also pioneered social relief work, abstinence from alcohol and the humane treatment of animals. Her fight against child prostitution resulted in parliament passing a law that raised the age of consent from 13 to 16 years.

Determined spirit

The Salvation Army in Aotearoa New Zealand owes its beginnings to the initiative of a woman, named Arabella Valpy, who wrote to General Booth, requesting that he send someone ‘to the rescue of perishing souls’ in her city, Dunedin. General Booth responded to this letter by dispatching officers to pioneer the work in New Zealand. This determined spirit, born of a desire to share their faith and to address the needs of others through a commitment to practical action, has defined Salvation Army women from the start. This month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8th) and The Salvation Army’s 160th anniversary, we honour both the women who shaped its history and those who continue that legacy today, by showcasing the service of four Army women.

Creative connections: Carla Lindsey

Carla has always favoured a creative approach to sharing her faith. She began learning a range of instruments at a young age, and her passion for music continued with opportunities to conduct and compose music for the brass band and the contemporary worship team at Hamilton City Corps (church). Carla sees this as one of her first leadership experiences, where God used her unique talents to bless others.

More recently, Carla has stepped into the role of social media and resource specialist for Women’s Ministries. Her pathway to this position began when she attended a women’s conference run by Lt-Colonel Jenny Carey several years ago. ‘This conference sparked an idea of what women’s ministry could look like,’ Carla explains. ‘What I saw with Jenny was a whole new way of doing women’s ministry, and she did it so well. This prompted me to go home and to start running women’s events for women of all ages. People would bring their friends and neighbours.’

Following the first Covid-19 lockdown, Carla began a part-time role with seniors, which included running Home League. ‘When the second lockdown happened, we were worried about our women feeling isolated,’ Carla explains, ‘so I started an online home league. The concept went down well all over the world. I could connect with women everywhere from my home, and women from all over New Zealand contributed.’

Carla is thriving in her new role at Women’s Ministries and is passionate about supporting women to better

connect to God and to their communities. ‘Social media is all about connection. We can be really intentional about what we share and how we engage, equip and empower women,’ says Carla. ‘There is certainly no end of inspiring women in The Salvation Army, and it is wonderful to support them.’

Yes to God: Major Phillippa Serevi

‘My feeling about God as a young woman was that he was someone very remote, who occasionally answered someone else’s prayers,’ explains Major Phillippa Serevi, divisional commander for Fiji. That all changed for Phillippa when she, her husband and two young children moved from Suva to a small farming community in Lomaivuna, Fiji.

‘My next-door neighbour was a soldier in The Salvation Army. She kept asking me to come to church with her and I kept finding excuses. Then reluctantly one Sunday I came along. I was so surprised with the joy that everyone greeted me with. I went back every Sunday,’ shares Phillippa.

Before long, Phillippa’s husband was also attending the local corps and shared that he believed that God had called him to be a missionary. ‘I was hesitant.

Then the corps officer at our church asked me to preach one Mother’s Day. When I got up to speak, there wasn’t a loud voice, but a quiet realisation that this was where I belonged. I questioned God, “You really want me after all the things I’ve done?” He replied, “Yes”.’

‘I questioned God, “You really want me after all the things I’ve done?” He replied “Yes”.’

Following two years of training and their first two appointments as corps officers in Nadi and Labasa, Phillippa battled depression and made the difficult decision to resign from her position as an officer in The Salvation Army. The family moved to Australia. While in Australia, Phillippa began attending a Salvation Army corps and felt the conviction to move back to Fiji with her family and to reapply for officership. Phillippa was reaccepted and took up various appointments with her husband in Tonga and Fiji.

Then Phillippa had an unexpected conversation that changed her life. ‘One day Commissioner Julie Campbell spoke to me and reminded me that I had once said that I would not say no to God. Then she told me they would like me to be the divisional commander for Fiji. Never in a million years did I think I would be considered for this role. I wondered if I could do it, but he’s a wonderful God and he’s never let me down.’

‘I am overwhelmed by the movement of the Holy Spirit in our division,’ shares Phillippa. ‘Since I’ve come to this role, the women are putting their hands up to serve. I want them to know that they are called too. They are special and they are valued.’

Known: Commissioner Janine Donaldson

Those who know Commissioner Janine Donaldson well are most likely aware of the various positions she has held within The Salvation Army in Aotearoa New Zealand, Zambia, South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom. What they may not know is that in addition to becoming the first female territorial commander of our territory, Janine is also a selfconfessed adrenaline seeker, who has been known to drive race cars and take the occasional flying lesson.

‘It’s so important to share our stories,’ says Janine, as she reflects on her journey as a woman within The Salvation Army. ‘Sometimes we are a bit tentative about sharing, but we build trust when we listen to and accept one another.’ Janine recalls the moment she felt the Holy Spirit prompt her to accept Jesus as a seven-year-old one Sunday morning at New Plymouth Corps. ‘I felt very nervous to go up the front, but I remember this lady bending down and saying, “If you want to go forward, I will come with you”. That stuck with me, the power of another person saying, “I’ll be with you”.’

Janine attests to experiencing this ‘with-ness’ throughout her years of service within The Salvation Army. ‘I have had many wonderful people who have spoken into my life and influenced me—my grandmother, my parents, my husband, Sunday school teachers and others who took an interest in me.

From top: Carla Lindsey; Major Phillippa Serevi; Commissioner Janine Donaldson. Right: Wendy Lobb.

I’ve been so blessed working alongside innovative, gracious, vibrant and intelligent women who love the Lord. I appreciate them and all their stories.’

Janine admits that at times she has struggled with the idea of being a woman in ministry, but has felt God say to her, ‘You do it differently’.

‘This is a reminder to women that God has created us. He clothed us. His fingerprints are all over us. Many of us are still grappling as women with how we are, who we are, how we look and the gifts we have. We still find it hard to be honest about some subjects,’ shares Janine.

‘I love the story in Luke 7:36, where an unnamed woman weeps at Jesus’ feet, wipes them with her hair and anoints him with perfume. Jesus receives her vulnerable act and assures her that her sins are forgiven. In Hebrew, this deep, intimate knowing is called “yada”. He wants to know us in the same way, intimately. That is my prayer for all women of this territory.’

Always enough: Wendy Lobb

‘In God’s economy there is always enough,’ shares Wendy Lobb with a grin. ‘Sometimes I’ve been hanging on just by my fingertips, but God has never let me down.’ This unwavering belief has guided Wendy in her previous 20-year career as a CEO and qualified psychologist specialising in trauma and crisis, and in her current role as territorial gifting and philanthropy manager for The Salvation Army.

‘My work has always been my vocation. It wasn’t a call to officership, more a calling to serve God in a different capacity. I want to serve with energy and passion in whatever role God has for me,’ shares Wendy. ‘I have always wanted to play my part in the bigger picture. I realise the gift of being a woman in the mission and that it brings its own unique opportunities.

‘I feel very privileged to be where I am and the work that I am doing. God is so good. I’ve not always had what I wanted, but always what I’ve needed. There have been times when I’ve thought it’s on you, God, that I’m doing this, and it has only been because of his strength that I have been able to serve in the way I have,’ marvels Wendy.

‘I am enough. I would encourage other women to remember that they are always enough, too.’

Wendy describes herself as a person ‘who always packs her own sunshine’ but acknowledges there is much in our world that is disturbing. ‘We don’t have to look very far to see things that cause worry, anxiety and pain. But when you look to the helpers you can always see the good, even in the most difficult and darkest situations. Most of the time that’s held me, but I’ve had my moments of darkness and needed to really search for God.

‘On those days when I don’t feel like I’m enough, I remind myself that when I look into the mirror, I’m looking into the eyes of Jesus, because I am made in his image. I am enough. I would encourage other women to remember that they are always enough, too. God has a plan and a purpose. He doesn’t put things in front of us that he’s not prepared to walk through beside us.’

Amplify: Continuing a Legacy

Often when listening to people’s testimonies, you hear about how camps have a significant impact on faith—times when encounters with God are clear, tangible and life-changing. The significance of these events remains the same in 2025. For the youth of today, the year begins at Amplify!

Sarah Bridle reports on the events of this year’s camp.

Amplify is led through a combined effort by Creative Ministries, Events and the Next Gen team, offering a space for young people across our territory to come together and dwell in their creative gifts, strategising how to make an impact in their

corps (churches) and communities. It includes times of learning, all-in sessions, café quiz nights, night church, worship, dance parties, big games, workshops and more—six incredible, God-filled, fun days!

Celebrating its 16th birthday, Amplify has wonderfully continued its legacy of connection, discipleship and creativity. This year had three incredible speakers—Lieutenants Aimee and Scott Noakes from Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Fred Lam Kam from Manukau—who challenged and encouraged the youth.

Amplify also honoured Vanessa Singh this year for her incredible dedication over the past 15 years in shaping and sustaining this event. During the Saturday night festival, she was publicly thanked and reminded that she may never fully grasp the significance of her

work—having impacted more than 2000 lives. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and remain committed to continuing the legacy she and the original team began!

The anthem of the week is one we pray will continue to impact those who sang it in unison: ‘Victory! Victory! Conquered death, set me free. Victory! Victory! Jesus alive in me’. We are confident this is going to be a wonderful year for the youth of The Salvation Army across Aotearoa, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. We are on the journey with you, believing in you and cheering you on!

FROM THE MOUTHS OF CAMPERS:

What did you love most about Amplify?

• Connecting with people, and God

• Seeing the amazing things God does for us

• Meeting new people

• Getting to meet people who love God and having the opportunity to fellowship with them

• Being in a community with a heart for God

• Aimee’s message

• The energy and encouragement on festival night

• The Holy Spirit’s movement

• Growing a stronger relationship with God

• Witnessing others’ talents

• The connections made—especially with those from the islands

• Cultural stream—loved and valued cultural traditions and how important it is to keep alive!

• Growth in friendships and watching God work

How did you encounter God at Amplify?

• In worship, during church and in conversations

• Small group and being up the front in church to worship

• Response times

• Worship

• Prayer meetings

We asked the youth some important questions, hoping to be encouraged by those who attended. May their answers reassure you that the youth are encountering God, choosing to be in relationship with him and sowing seeds in their contexts.

We ask that you continue to pray for the youth of our territory, that their encounters with Jesus would happen regularly, in their churches, in their families, in their schools and in their communities. We ask that you pray that they would know they are seen, heard and included—an integral part of The Salvation Army’s present and its future.

• Raw and emotional testimonies where people were comfortable

• I’ve heard him tell me before, but he confirmed about my future, with youth ministry

• Through our talents/strengths worship and honouring God through dance, singing and praising

• The presence of God during the response of Aimee’s message was so powerful

• Through the worship and sermons, and hearing from God what to leave on the canvas provided

Is there a moment from Amplify that will feature in your testimony?

• Finally opening my heart to God during night church

• The friends who have helped encourage me to stick with God

• For two and a half years, anxiety controlled me. Since praying at Amplify I have had no anxiety

• I prayed, during the response time from Fred’s message, and I felt God speak through me for the first time

• When God put on my heart what I should write on the canvas during worship to give away to him

• I am focusing on myself and getting closer to God

• Learning and being a part of the big band, something entirely new and different

Celebrating Courageous Women

Each day, I walk past portraits of Catherine and William Booth and a plaque acknowledging them as co-founders of The Salvation Army. From the outset 160 years ago, the Army was unique in that women had a voice and place within our movement and were valued and acknowledged as leaders. That’s not to say it’s been an equitable journey—at times far from that. It’s been long fought for at great cost by courageous women committed to God and serving him across the world.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month (8 March), we also acknowledge the appointment in January of our first female territorial commander, Commissioner Janine Donaldson.

I am reminded of so many faithful, strong women, like Mrs Cottrill, who in 1881 in the East End of London opened her home to young women living destitute on the streets, and continued to do so for 60 years. General Bramwell Booth was noted as saying, ‘The name of Mrs Cottrill, in her little home in a shabby East End Street, is one to be handed down in honour to our Army posterity, not only for what she herself did, but for the mighty rescue work to which it led’.

We have many examples within our territory of women who accomplished extraordinary achievements, often in extreme and very challenging circumstances; for example, Captain Dorothy Elphick, who along with Captain Ruby Dalrymple, both nurses, started a medical clinic in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Dorothy, along with other women officers, went on to establish and run a 12-bed hospital.

Dorothy faithfully served for 29 years until her retirement in 1987. She was recognised in 2022 with the Order of the Founder, the highest award that can be bestowed within The Salvation Army. To this day, ‘Mama Dorothy’ is treasured and revered.

Also awarded the Order of the Founder was Lt-Colonel Ethne Flintoff, recognising her exemplary missionary service in areas of great difficulty and challenge, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

These are women of courage and faith, like many who serve in our Army today.

Colonel Gerry Walker Chief Secretary

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Kāhore he Hūrai, kāhore he Kariki, kāhore he pononga, kahore he rangatira, kāhore he tāne, wahine rānei; he tangata kotahi tonu hoki koutou katoa i roto i a Karati Īhu. (PT)

Sa sega kina na duidui ena kedra maliwa na Jiu kei ira na kai Kirisi, ena kedra maliwa na bobula kei ira na tamata galala, ena kedra maliwa na tagane kei ira na yalewa; ni o ni sa duabau ga ena vuku i Karisito Jisu. (FOV)

Ab na tō kōī Yahūdī hai aur na Yūnānī, na tō kōī dās hai aur na svatantr, na tō kōi puruṣ hai aur na strīāp sab Yēśu Masīh mēn ēk hō gayē hain. (FRHNT)

‘Oku ‘ikai ai ha Siu pe ha Kalisi, ‘oku ‘ikai ai ha popula pe ha tau’ataina, ‘oku ‘ikai ai ke tangata mo fefine: he ko kimoutolu katokatoa ko e toko taha tofu pe ‘ia Kalaisi Sisu. (TWB)

e le o i ai se Iutaia po o se Eleni, e le o i ai se pologa po o se saoloto, e le o i ai se tane po o se fafine; auā ua tasi lava outou uma ia Keriso Iesu. (SOV)

Right: Captain Dorothy Elphick and Captain Ruby Dalrymple in front of the mobile clinic.

There’s a Dog in the Garden

When Alison Shaw ’s beloved mum was insistent that she could see a dog in the garden, it was clear something was very wrong. Alison shares with Jules Badger about the heartbreak and the hope of caring for a loved one suffering with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), the testing of her own faith, and why she wrote a book about it.

After her mum’s passing, Alison Shaw felt compelled to write There’s a Dog in the Garden when the manager of one of the dementia care facilities where her mother lived suggested

to her that ‘a book would be of huge help to so many—there are lots of clinical books about the disease but very few personal accounts’. That phrase stuck with Alison.

‘I wrote the book to be a comfort to others, to be educational, and to provide some idea of how this disease presents at different stages. The unique part of our family’s story is that because Mum and Dad were living with us when it began, we could track the progression of the disease. It was tough—and the book is honest and raw.’

Since its publication in 2019, Alison’s book has been picked up as a training tool for dementia care facility staff, but it’s the feedback from the loved ones of those suffering with LBD that continues to move Alison deeply.

‘Most people are immensely relieved just knowing that someone else understands. Someone ‘gets’ what they’re going through. Often only very close family members see the day-to-day struggle and agony. Readers say the book helped them feel less alone on the journey.’

‘I wrote the book to be a comfort to others, to be educational, and to provide some idea of how this disease presents at different stages.’

LBD explained

So, what is LBD? There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, and LBD is one of the top five (Alzheimer’s disease is the most common).

Abnormal protein deposits in the brain called ‘Lewy bodies’ (discovered by Frederick Lewy) disrupt the brain’s function. Characterised by frightening hallucinations and confusing

delusions, LBD is a unique neurodegenerative disease. Changes in personality and temperament mean sufferers can become aggressive and lose their social filter, resulting in inappropriate comments and behaviour.

‘Accepting that Mum was different was so hard,’ explains Alison. ‘People would say to me, “oh that’s not really your mum.” But, actually, this is my mum. I’m looking at her face and hearing her voice. Mum has a brain disease that’s changed her personality and who she is, but she’s still my mum, still someone I love.’

Alison adds, ‘That’s what was so upsetting and all-consuming. I was so worried that I would forget who she was. Of her 80+ years, LBD was just seven years in my mum’s beautiful life. LBD didn’t define who she was. It was important to hold on to that perspective during those awful years, because at times it was pretty brutal.’

‘Of her 80+ years, LBD was just seven years in my mum’s beautiful life.’

Ambiguous grief and loss

There is no cure for LBD, making care the primary task. When this becomes long term, families are confronted with ‘ambiguous loss’—loss without a clear resolution or sense of closure. Although dementia sufferers are physically present, psychologically they become increasingly absent. This leaves loved ones in a state of unresolved grief. For Alison and her family this reality was confronting.

‘Everything in you wants to fix it, but you can’t. Learning to live with “this is just how it is” while dealing with

ambiguous loss was overwhelming at times. You’re also so often living in a state of shock because of unpredictable behaviour. There was no easy way out, no answers and no miracle medication. Those complex feelings were a real assault to my faith,’ explains Alison.

From why to where

The final chapter of the book is titled ‘Questions of Faith’. Alison holds nothing back in her honesty about her struggles but also the hope she found in God’s Word, testifying to a pivotal moment of grace in her own faith journey.

‘There came a time when I had to move from asking why, “Why has this happened, God?” To asking where, “Where are you in this God?” We all want to know why, but the more I did that the more I inadvertently pushed God away. But my need for God and for the comfort of his presence became far greater than my need for an answer. Strength has always come from my faith in God—why would this be any different? Pressing into God and his Word built up my resilience. It wasn’t a case of Alison, you can do this, because honestly, I couldn’t. It was too hard for me, so God enlarged my capacity to love and endure. And that’s the difference for us as Christians! I needed help and God didn’t disappoint.’

There was a time when Alison was very distressed that her mum had lost her own connection with God. Major Janee Sawyer gave Alison a verse which brought her

‘...God enlarged my capacity to love and endure.’

great comfort—especially when she added dementia to the Apostle Paul’s list!

‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth or anything else in all creation [including dementia] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:38–39).

Breaking the Cycle

Emmanuel Seumanutafa Motu is 19 years old and a soldier of The Salvation Army Apia Corps (church) in Samoa Region. Emmanuel has a strong call to preach the Word of God to his generation and encourage them to choose a good future by living good lives. He is also passionate about breaking the cycle of addiction in his family and community.

I was born in 2005 on the big island of Savaii in Samoa. I have five siblings, and we were raised in Falealupo, my mother’s village where I went to primary school. My faith journey began when a Palagi (non-Samoan) man called Max came to our village and started a Bible study in his home. My parents named one of my brothers Max because of his positive influence on our family. I was around 11 years old when I accepted Jesus, and knew that God had a plan for my life and would help me on my journey.

In 2016, we moved to Apia because of some family troubles. My mum wanted a brighter future for her children, and living in Apia meant better schools and jobs and a good place to live. I made it to year 10 before leaving school in 2019 to get a job. My dad was an alcoholic and when he had too many beers there would be trouble and fights in our family. I needed to help at home, both physically and financially.

I was around 11 years old when I accepted Jesus, and knew that God had a plan for my life and would help me on my journey.

An invitation

One day, my aunty invited my family to Apia Corps. I always stayed home on Sundays to prepare the Sunday lunch, but later when my brother invited me to a youth service, I went, and I loved it! All the youth were leading, and I thought this is the opportunity God had provided for me to serve and connect with the church. Mum always encouraged us in our faith. ‘Whatever plans God has for us, there is hope,’ she said.

I feel closest to God in my faith when I am worshipping and reading the Bible. I also love going to the prayer meetings at Apia Corps. Like a lot of young people, the internet is a key aspect that helps me in my faith. I find YouTube very helpful because I can listen to lots of other preachers, as well as my corps officers.

I also love to serve in practical ways, like working bees and market days, and I help at Sunday school and Junior Soldiers. I’m a youth leader and a Bible study leader and I love sharing the Word of God at youth services. I also learn from the elders in our corps, who have a lot of knowledge about life and faith to pass on. All of this has made me very solid in my faith and has given me a strong foundation for my journey.

A life-changing decision

I became a soldier of The Salvation Army Apia Corps in November 2023. I was 19 years old, and my family couldn’t believe it. They were shocked that I was ready to be a soldier at such a young age. But where I live, a lot of young men live dangerous lives. They don’t go to school or work, and alcohol and drug addiction is a big problem. I wanted to have a different life—a good life.

When my dad passed away it was hard. I want to break the cycle of addiction in our family. I want to lead our family in a different way, God’s way. Since becoming a soldier there have been so many blessings in my life and I know God has good plans for me.

In 2024, I was blessed to go to Niusila (New Zealand) for the first time for the MORE youth leaders conference. I gained many new friends from around the territory. The most important and valuable thing I learnt was to be bold and confident in my faith, so

Since becoming a soldier there have been so many blessings in my life and I know God has good plans for me.

I can encourage our youth and help them grow and develop in their journeys with God.

Last year I began study at the National University of Samoa. I did an introductory English course, and I plan to keep studying in 2025.

At youth councils in July last year, a youth leader asked us what we wanted to do in the future. Most of the

Above: Emmanuel Seumanutafa Motu (left) holding his soldier’s covenant with Captain Eric Turner, regional leader for Samoa for The Salvation Army.

other young people said they wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I love to preach and so I want to be a pastor. I also want to help young people make good choices and turn away from drugs. There is a better life for them with God and through service in The Salvation Army. God has so many blessings to give. This is my testimony!

(Translator: Misipati Niusulu)

Stirred by the Spirit

The latest group of New Zealand cadets who are training to become Salvation Army officers have just entered Booth College of Mission (BCM). Their sessional name is Proclaimers of Transformation | Ngā Kaikauwhau I Te Whakahautanga—a fitting name for these three passionate individuals.

WORDS Jules Badger

adet Sara Eglinton is an only child, with a loving mother. But she’s never met her Samoan father. ‘I must have lots of cousins out there and a big Samoan family,’ she laughs. But this yearning for family has shaped much of her life.

Finding family

‘As a teenager I was thinking a lot about where I came from. My best friend was a Jehovah’s Witness, and I was drawn in. I felt like I finally had this big loving family—which is what I’d always wanted—and a loving Father in heaven,’ she explains.

But Sara had to straddle two very different worlds, so at 19 years old she ‘disassociated’ from the church.

‘Everyone I knew stopped talking to me—families I had gone on holiday with and even my best friend. It was devastating because these people had been my example of followers of God. So, when they shunned me, it felt like God did too.’

Alcohol became Sara’s new ‘best friend’, and she spiralled into addiction.

‘I would go out for coffee with friends and come back three days later. I would lose my phone, my bag and come home with bruises that I couldn’t account for. I didn’t see anything wrong with having a drink in the

morning to take the edge off and get myself to work— that’s the delusion of it. I just wanted to feel the way alcohol made me feel.’

With one previous attempt at rehab, Sara entered The Salvation Army Bridge Programme in Newtown, Wellington, in 2019. This time she was determined and worked through the 12 steps and attended Recovery Church and spirituality classes. Ten weeks later, Sara graduated and moved into the Island Bay Recovery House. Now on a solid path of sobriety, Sara began volunteering at The Salvation Army in Newtown, where she was embraced by the people of Wellington South Corps (church).

‘I could just be me there. And that’s where I met Jesus—I saw him in the people around me. The hands and feet and heart of Jesus are in that congregation!’

Sara said, ‘yes’ to a job at reception. ‘That was the beginning. That yes led to another yes and I knew in my heart that I was saying yes to God and yes to something bigger that I didn’t yet fully understand. But I kept saying yes!’

Disciples Bootcamp was followed by membership classes. ‘Becoming a soldier felt right. There was no hesitation,’ explains Sara. ‘I don’t have to do recovery on my own. Not only am I now part of a loving community, but I’m also part of God’s family. I’ll

Above (from left): Colonel Gerry Walker, Captain Sarah Healey, Commissioner Janine Donaldson, Cadet Sara Eglinton, Cadets Sharon and Bronson Blake, Captain Pauleen Richards and Captain Chris Collings at the Welcome to Cadets at Booth College of Mission.

always have support, and I will always have God. The signing of my covenant with God was so meaningful.’

In time, Sara took up a finance and administration role which she loved, but she began to wonder what was next. Sara went to Delve to explore what leadership and ministry in The Salvation Army might look like for her.

‘I went with an open mind, wondering if perhaps I could be a chaplain or a clinician for the Bridge. Major Sue Hay shared her journey with us and her passion to have Christians in the addiction space, and that’s when I felt a stirring in my spirit. That’s when I knew God was going to use my mess as a message. The question became: why not officership?’

As Sara contemplates her future life as an officer, she’s keeping it simple.

‘It’s the message of Jesus that transforms people’s lives. People come to The Salvation Army for all sorts of help. But we can also offer to them what they don’t

even realise they need, and that’s Jesus—we can speak Jesus and bring them into the family.’

All in

Originally from South Africa, Cadets Bronson and Sharon Blake arrived in New Zealand in 2008. Bronson found work with the Department of Corrections, but following a vicious assault by a prisoner, Bronson grappled with anger and a judgmental spirit. God moved powerfully to transform Bronson and soften his heart with love and compassion. ‘God gave me a purpose—to see these men transformed,’ he says. With a passion for men’s ministry, Bronson’s been a conduit for God’s love and grace in the lives of prisoners for nearly 17 years.

Sharon is an accountant and found herself employed at BCM soon after her arrival in New Zealand. Major (now Commissioner) Janine Donaldson was the assistant training principal at the time.

‘We weren’t going to church as we’d not long arrived in the country. But I just loved what The Salvation Army

did, and was so inspired I asked Janine how we could become officers. She explained that becoming officers started with becoming Salvationists!’

Bronson was skeptical about The Salvation Army, so the couple ended up going to the Assemblies of God, eventually training to be Assemblies of God pastors. However, the timing never felt quite right to be ordained. It was during a mission trip to Cambodia when Sharon understood that sitting in an office was not all God had for her. ‘I became restless and that’s when the stirring began in me.’ God gave Sharon a dream of her future as an officer, which enabled her to feel at peace while she waited for God to show Bronson what she was already sure of.

‘Someone even prophesied over us that we were in the wrong church,’ explains Sharon. ‘We didn’t understand what that meant at the time, but later, when we went to our first Kingdom Conference, God stirred Bronson’s spirit and together we discerned that we belonged in The Salvation Army. We shared with Major Ivan Bezzant and started attending Hutt City Corps.’

It wasn’t long before the couple said a united ‘yes’ to the call to officership.

‘We are excited about studying together and then getting out there to share Jesus. There are so many lonely people out there desperate for love, and we have the love of Jesus to offer. I don’t know what God is going to do with us—there are so many opportunities in The Salvation Army—it’s just about being open to them,’ says Sharon.

‘And we want to serve humbly’ adds Bronson. ‘You must roll up your sleeves to get to the engine. We want to meet people where they are at and with a heart of servanthood so they can see God’s love shining through. My arms are wide open, ready to serve—from the toilet to the pulpit! I’m all in!’

Sara, Bronson and Sharon embody their sessional name. All three have experienced transformation. All three have been stirred by the Spirit. All three are eager to proclaim Jesus wherever he calls them. All three have said a firm ‘yes’. All three are all in.

‘There are so many lonely people out there desperate for love, and we have the love of Jesus to offer.’

Sacrificial

service

Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Shane

Healey is celebrating the ‘yes I’m all in’, not only of these three cadets, but also the five Pasifika cadets commencing training in Fiji (see story in the next edition). But Shane is also deeply concerned about the low numbers of Salvationists responding to the call—especially younger Salvationists.

‘Our officer force is aging, but we know God is still calling people to officership, because eight people have responded and are starting training. But we need more! Why aren’t more people saying yes, and where are our younger Salvationists? This situation is not unique to our territory or to our denomination.

Above: Cadet Bronson Blake shares a hongi with the principal of Booth College of Mission, Captain Chris Collings.

Above: Commissioner Janine Donaldson prays with the cadets entering training in the Proclaimers of Transformation | Ngā Kaikauwhau I Te Whakahautanga session.

Christian leadership in these days is a tough call—it’s still about sacrifice and service but it is also a great life—fulfilling and rewarding! The question is, are you called? And do you have the courage to obey God and say “yes, I’m all in”?’

Shane and the Candidates team continue to seek God and are actively looking, listening and assisting those considering officership as a vocation.

‘A special focus for us in 2025 is intentionality around speaking to younger Salvationists about the commitment required to leading as officers. The refreshed DELVE—A New Wave, coming at the earlier time of June 2025, will create space for us to hear from those who are seeking God’s leading and to listen to the questions they are wrestling with. We know that will promote prayerful conversations about the sacrifices required to minister in these days.’

Take up the towel

The call to sacrificial service was reiterated by Commissioner Janine Donaldson at the pōwhiri and welcome for cadets, conducted at BCM on Saturday 1 February.

Janine gifted each cadet a white towel stitched with the word ‘servant’ in red, making it crystal clear that leadership is about service and sacrifice.

‘This towel represents the most important thing of all, which is ourselves as servant leaders,’ she

said. ‘Officership is a ministry of sacrifice—doing good works even when it’s costly, inconvenient or challenging. Serving always involves sacrifice.’

With Matthew 20:26–28 as her text, Janine emphasised that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

‘Leadership is not about making our names known,’ she said. ‘It’s not about having the spotlight on us. It’s about giving the stage to God and having the ability to love and respect the people in our care and using the authority we have been given, with grace.’

Janine also spoke of serving with humility and love, saying, ‘Jesus’ use of a towel represented his whole life and leadership. It revealed his perspective on positional power. Jesus’ use of the towel teaches us to serve God by serving others.’

Janine concluded with this challenge to cadets: ‘Are you willing and ready to take up the towel?’ All three cadets firmly replied ‘Yes!’

Answering the call

Have you experienced transformation? Are you being stirred by the Spirit? Is God calling you to sacrificial servant leadership? Will you say ‘yes, I’m all in’?

Please speak with your corps officer or go to salvationarmy.org.nz/SayYes, to discuss fulfilling God’s call in your life.

Welcome Home!

WORDS Vivienne Hill | ART Sam Coates

For 160 years, The Salvation Army has sown into the harvest field, and God has been faithful to the movement. Each year we see the results of this sowing and reaping cycle, just as sure as the seasons come and go. But something is happening. This year could be a bumper crop, and we are each called to take our place in the field that is ‘white for harvest’ and bring to faith those who are ready and waiting to hear about Jesus’ kingdom.

Each month in SALT you may have noticed an increase in the stories of people whose lives have been changed and who are joining the Army. What started as a trickle after Covid-19, is now gaining momentum.

One particular story was published in February’s SALT. It came to us from Ōamaru Corps and spoke about Larisa Hayward (née Te Awa [Ngāpuhi]), who had been attending the corps and volunteering. In the published photo, Larisa is wearing a Salvation Army-branded tee-shirt and is proudly standing with two other people who are also being enrolled as adherents of The Salvation Army. They are all choosing to make The Salvation Army their church home.

Sadly, this week, we received the news that Larisa has passed away. Larisa’s name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, and she is now in the presence of Christ. How wonderful! But how very sad for her friends and family.

I don’t know Larisa’s full story, but God does. He knew when and where and under what circumstances she would pass. What if nobody had talked to Larisa about Jesus? We would be none the wiser, but God knew, and as the prayers from Ōamaru Corps and the wider Army were prayed, Jesus welcomed her home.

A Father Who Feels

If you’ve read the Book of Psalms, you will know that King David was a man who felt all emotions. David understood that God wasn’t afraid of his anger, confusion or sorrow. In fact, he knew that God welcomed it. Kelly Cooper explores how David’s openness in expressing his emotions didn’t make him weak. Instead, it deepened his connection with God and made his faith authentic.

Credited with writing around 75 of the psalms, David’s songs, prayers and poems are raw, real and deeply personal. His honesty and vulnerability in expressing his emotions capture the essence of what it means to be human, making the Book of Psalms just as relatable today as it was thousands of years ago.

David didn’t choose to keep his feelings to himself. He brought everything he felt to God, including joy and praise, fear and anxiety, sorrow and lament, anger and frustration, repentance and guilt, and awe and reverence. He often moved through multiple emotions in a single psalm.

Image of God

It’s no accident that from the moment we are born we all experience emotions. Scripture reveals that God experiences emotions like us—anger, delight, sadness, jealousy and grief. Our emotions are a reflection of this divine image, woven into the fabric of who we are. The God who created us understands not only our minds and hearts, but also the depth and complexity of our emotions because he experiences them too.

In Western culture, logic and reason are often viewed as the ultimate ways to understand the world. Emotions

Our emotions are a reflection of this divine image, woven into the fabric of who we are.

and feelings frequently get pushed to the sidelines and are sometimes even viewed with suspicion. This mindset has crept into parts of Christian teaching too, shaping the idea that faith should always be steady, rational and untouched by the normal ups and downs of our emotions. But this is contrary to what Scripture tells us.

For some the thought that I shouldn’t be feeling this way has become all too common, often leading us to suppress or ignore our emotions. Emotions like despair, anger and disappointment are sometimes treated like they’re off-limits, as if experiencing them somehow conflicts with having a strong, unshakeable faith. But the truth is, we’re not broken or lacking because we feel deeply. We’re created in the image of a God who experiences every emotion we do.

In Psalm 62:8, David encourages us to pour out our hearts to God. This is an open invitation to share all our feelings, not just the tidy ones. Jennie Allen phrases this call beautifully in her book Untangle Your Emotions: ‘We think God is waiting for us to pull ourselves together, but actually he is waiting for us to come to him and fall apart’. God doesn’t want us to pretend we’re fine when we’re not, and he certainly doesn’t expect us to navigate our emotions alone. Our feelings aren’t flaws to fix. They’re part of God’s design.

We enter this world not as people who think, but as people who feel. Like David, we can experience multiple emotions at the same time. We can feel overwhelmed and remain confident in God’s faithfulness and provision, we can carry deep sorrow alongside deep gratitude, and we can be filled with joy yet still feel worried. We are complex beings, created by a complex God who gifted us with emotions to help us connect with him and with others.

The gift of emotion

Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus demonstrated how to connect with others and respond to their emotions. When he met a weeping Mary after the death of her brother, Lazarus, Jesus was deeply troubled

and moved (John 11:33). He didn’t tell her how she should feel or try to minimise her grief. Instead, he entered into her sorrow and experienced his own. As Jennie Allen puts it, ‘This is the only human who has ever walked the face of the earth who actually had the power to solve the problem of death, both in the moment and for eternity. And yet, Fix-it Jesus does not show up here. Feel-it Jesus shows up and weeps with his friend who is weeping.’

While our experience of emotions may feel deeply personal, our emotions were not designed to be faced alone.

While our experience of emotions may feel deeply personal, our emotions were not designed to be faced alone. When we share how we are feeling, with truth and vulnerability, we foster deep connections and provide others with the opportunity to utter those two words that bond us like no other—me too. In a world that so often values independence and self-sufficiency, knowing you are not alone in your experiences can feel like an incredible gift.

God created all emotions, and all emotions have a purpose. Our feelings themselves are not sinful. God experiences emotions, and he is without sin. As Ephesians 4:26 says, ‘When you are angry, don’t let it carry you into sin’ (The Voice). We can feel angry and choose how we respond to this emotion. Anger can propel us to right injustices, dissatisfaction

God is not surprised by our feelings, even when we struggle to understand or manage them.

can alert us to problems and seek solutions, sadness can draw us closer to God, and regret can remind us of our need for his forgiveness. Our feelings are a natural, God-designed gift for living in and making sense of our world.

Emotional

connection

God is not surprised by our feelings, even when we struggle to understand or manage them. He is a relational God who desires our company in any and every circumstance. If you’ve ever been moved to tears during prayer, felt deeply stirred through worship, or stood in awe while taking in the beauty of nature, you’ve entered into an emotional experience with God. These moments are sacred reminders that our emotions are not separate from our faith—they are often the very places where we encounter God most intimately.

Without feeling, we cannot love. When we suppress or shame our emotions, we limit our connection with God and others. In her book Even After Everything, Stephanie Duncan Smith reminds us, ‘It’s only human to seek consolation for our pain, but the consolations we crave most will never be found in making less of it… But in the full stop validation, your pain is real, your lament belongs.’ All our emotions are asking to be noticed and shared with the one who gave them to us—our Father, who feels just as we do.

Awhi—A Game Changer

Originally established as ‘prison gate’ ministries around 1897, both Epsom Lodge (Auckland) and Addington Supportive Housing (Christchurch) have continued to provide care for people with complex needs. While a good meal, a safe place to sleep and the supports offered go a long way, the introduction of the Awhi Programme at both sites has been a game changer. Jules Badger reports on the evidence of therapeutic healing provided in a Department of Corrections-funded evaluation conducted last year.

To ‘awhi’ means to embrace in te reo Māori. National Operations Manager for Supportive Housing Services

Bruce Christensen is not sure whether he’s surprised or just plain delighted by the report findings on the Awhi Programme, a holistic therapeutic programme offered to residents.

‘The key surprise has been the significant level of uptake in the therapeutic community. We have men saying, “Come on bro, come to this group with us. You need to do it”. This natural process of lived experience peer support is occurring, and they are holding each other accountable for their

actions. Awhi also embraces wāhine and wider whānau, and I’ve been delighted to see their feedback. Awhi is giving men the opportunity to review their values and rethink how they do life, which is having a positive impact on partners and communities.’

Evaluation Lead Emma Hunter (ASARS) adds, ‘Awhi has created a community of recovery and a natural lineage of peer support, where men coming through Corrections who might be more inclined to stay in their rooms are being “awhi-ed” and encouraged to join in.’

With lived experience of both addiction and the justice system herself, Emma

knows just how important this approach is. Now extensively qualified in forensic psychology, mental health, addiction, criminology and trauma-informed counselling, Emma affirms that the evaluation provides clear evidence that Awhi is helping The Salvation Army achieve its mission.

‘Before Awhi, we had high rates of men return to our services. But now when they come back and engage in the programme, they are beginning to heal from past traumas and addiction, and experience increased wellbeing outcomes in all domains of their lives. Awhi is contributing to the reformation

of society, because it’s focused on prosocial reintegration and establishing healthy relationships, which contributes to thriving communities.’

‘Awhi has created a community of recovery and a natural lineage of peer support...’

Building trust

Both Emma and Bruce affirm the importance of developing trust and providing a safe space.

‘Some people start in the groups, and then they build up a level of trust and start to access counselling. And that really makes a difference in their lives. And for other people, it’s exactly the opposite. They start with counselling that is personal and private, and then they build up the courage and the trust to venture into a group setting,’ explains Bruce.

Many of the people who engage with Awhi have very high and complex needs. For some it’s significant criminal histories, poor mental health, poverty, brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s imperative that staff practice a trauma-informed approach.

Trauma informed

‘I’m really proud of the staff,’ says Emma. ‘A true trauma-informed practitioner is someone who recognises that people need to feel safe in order to be safe. Many of our people have faced lots of adversity and experienced extensive trauma, so the programme is strongly focused on whanaungatanga (connection), cultural safety and inclusivity. Once people feel safe, they begin to engage.’

Emma takes care to explain that intentional power sharing is paramount

within the programme.

‘We understand that the people we engage with have had lots of experiences of coercive power against them. Some from when they were young, and more recently from interactions with police and the justice system, so the Awhi team focuses on equal power sharing.’

Furthermore, the exploration and integration of spirituality within the programme has emerged as a catalyst for profound personal transformation. Both Bruce and Emma cannot emphasise enough the positive impact of Salvation Army mission support officers.

Spiritual enquiry

‘They speak directly to the spiritual side of life—they are intentional,’ says Bruce. Emma highlights that, ‘exploring spirituality is a natural extension of who we are as The Salvation Army’.

‘...exploring spirituality is a natural extension of who we are as The Salvation Army’.

Understandably, many participants are cautious about discussing spirituality. One man interviewed during the Awhi evaluation process struggled to believe there could be anything good in the world, because he had such a tough start to life.

‘How can I believe in God, when all we got to eat when I was child was a boiled cabbage? Mum would drop us off at the dairy and say “go and steal something to eat”,’ he said.

Emma explains that, ‘a person-centred approach created space and honoured where people were at in their own journey, and allowed people to set their own pace rather than being told what

they should believe. When participants discovered the staff were inviting them to consider spirituality by being curious and asking questions—the essence of therapeutic work (Rogerian Theory)— they began to engage. Connecting spiritually and then taking that home and into their communities is incredible!’

Glowing report

Designed to align not only with Ara Poutama’s Hōkai Rangi strategy but also the Ministry of Health’s Pae Ora Healthy Futures strategy, the Awhi Programme provides holistic, therapeutic support, and is rooted in Te Whare Tapa Wha model of care (mental/emotional, physical, spiritual, family/social and cultural). The report’s executive summary concludes with the following:

‘The Awhi Programme stands as a beacon of transformative potential, not only empowering individuals to achieve pae ora (healthy futures) and successful reintegration but also fostering resilient whānau and vibrant communities. This evaluation has evidenced a holistic approach that contributes towards a more inclusive, supportive and rehabilitative societal framework. By bridging the gap between institutional care and community reintegration, Awhi exemplifies a model of compassionate, culturally responsive intervention that holds promise for reducing recidivism and enhancing overall societal wellbeing.’

Readers can support the Awhi Programme in prayer and by giving; donations need to specify the Awhi Programme as the recipient.

Kai, Kāinga, Whānau

Now in its 18th year, The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2025 report pulls together existing data to look at where things have improved or have gotten worse in Aotearoa New Zealand. Key findings in the report include a rising need for food, particularly among families with children. Unemployment is also increasing, with more than 400,000 people needing welfare support in December 2024—the highest number since the 1990s. Director of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, Dr Bonnie Robinson, says the report can be used by decision-makers like politicians and social service organisations and other charities as a tool. ‘If these stats show anything, it’s that we need a collective effort to turn things around.’