16 October 2021 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION 16 OCTOBER 2021 | Issue 6778 | $1.50

Tackling the pandemic in Malaysia Hamilton City Corps transforms for Appeal

Young men’s mental health charity—2022 launch Good Loans changing lives

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS Catherine

& William Booth

The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission.

EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Holly Morton, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING

Major Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,

PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone

(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset

is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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

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

The Adaptable Mission The challenges of meeting together in our corps and ministry settings are unlikely to decrease in the near future. For some this will be a crisis, as their identity is closely aligned to this outward expression of faith and belief; for others it will take a quick mental adjustment as they find other ways in which to carry out the Great Commission and ministry opportunities. Most people will fall somewhere along the line of these two opposites. No matter where we sit along this line, it is important to remember that God cannot and will not be contained in a building—the whole of creation pulses with his life and glory.

Alexander Schmemann, an Orthodox theologian, said that once we build a church and consider it ‘holy ground’ this then implies that everything outside of the church is ‘profane’—a Latin word which literally means ‘outside the temple’. We do not step into God’s presence when we arrive at our corps and churches, but we bring the presence of God with us. We step into community, and this is important, but don’t limit the possibilities that can come when we think ‘outside the box’.

In our Soul Food in this edition (page 20) Captain Faleata Leha, from Suva Central Corps, Fiji, highlights this dilemma in his article ‘Mission in a Time of Covid-19’ and encourages us to find new ways to minister in these uncertain times. He uses the Apostle Paul’s example of adaptability and also the longevity of a ministry carried out ‘in chains’.

A building cannot confine God, he exists beyond our structures and architecture and extends out into the very cosmos. Let us not reduce him in our thinking to our four walls, but take him and his glory out with us into the world.

Vivienne Hill Editor

SalvationArmyNZFTS

We must wake ourselves up! Or somebody else will take our place, and bear our cross, and thereby rob us of our crown.

@SalvationArmyNZ

General William Booth

Publishing for 138 years | Issue 6778 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

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2 WarCry 16 OCTOBER 2021

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Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Ngā Whakatauki 11:3 Ko tō rātou ngākau tapatahi hei ārahi i te hunga tika; ka ai anō ko te whanokē ia o te hunga poka kē hei whakangaro mō rātou.

Discernmentober

O

ctober is a big month in my church’s calendar. Not because of an event or sermon series, but because of what is affectionately labelled, ‘Discernmentober’. Every year in October, a bunch of people in our wider community spend the month in prayer and conversation with one another to determine where God is calling them for the upcoming year. For many that looks like deciding whether they want to live in our church’s intentional community flats, which is a year-long commitment to living together, praying and working missionally in our neighbourhoods.

For others though, October can be a time in the church to make decisions around other flats, jobs and even marriage.

Dutch theologian Henri Nouwen stated that discernment ‘is about listening and responding to that place within us where our deepest desires align with God’s desire. As discerning people, we sift through our impulses, motives, and options to discover which ones lead us closer to divine love and compassion for ourselves and other people and which ones lead us further away.’

I understand discernment is both an opportunity to offer up to God what we are considering during this season and, in spaces where there may be multiple options, to practise listening for God’s voice.

There may be more than one good choice, and often there isn’t a clear direction. The process is about being faithful and trusting God’s presence with us, regardless of what we discern.

I have personally been living in my church’s intentional community for the past three years. When I started I felt a sense of right timing in the decision, and circumstances, such as my flatting situation at the time, seemed to fall into place to make it happen.

I didn’t hear the audible voice of God, but I felt at peace and heard him through the wisdom of those around me. In the years since, sometimes I have felt the call to continue and sometimes I have taken the silence I experience as God trusting me to simply choose the next faithful thing.

I have learnt that when we involve God in our decision-making processes, he is faithful to our hopes as well. That’s not to say God doesn’t call us into things we aren’t expecting sometimes, or things that feel difficult or scary, but he’s faithful in those calls too. He knows us and knows our hearts, and while we hope that in our journey with God our desires can align with his desires, it isn’t always the case. But our God wants to give us good gifts, and I believe that when we are seeking to listen to his voice and what he wants for us and for our world, sometimes he lets us make our own decisions about where we live.

God is interested in our lives and the dreams we have for the future. As we near the end of 2021 and look towards what the next year will bring, it is a good reminder for us to include God in our plans, and to know that he is with us in the big decisions.

BY HOLLY MORTON

16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 3

QUIK QUIZ

1 What English town is Fawlty Towers set in?

2 Who invented the World Wide Web? 3 What is a baby porcupine called?

4 What is the real name of the estate where Downton Abbey was filmed?

5 In the Bible, in whose palace did a finger write on the wall?

Answers on page 22

Biography/Musical/Drama Respect (M) Directed by Liesl Tommy Respect follows the life of famed soul and gospel singer Aretha Franklin.

There are some confronting scenes of sexual assault, domestic abuse and alcoholism, so be prepared. Respect begins with Aretha’s story when she was just a child growing up in a strong Baptist family and performing at church most Sundays. You really see how her talent and love for performing was nurtured by her parents. We then follow Aretha into adulthood and see her struggle to make it big in the music industry. The film is over two hours and at times it feels like some periods in her life were focused on too long, while other events felt far too short; for example, some of Aretha’s significant relationships were skimmed over, which made the movie feel vaguely unsatisfying.

Jennifer Hudson captivates in her role as Aretha, and Tituss Burgess, as James Cleveland, adds a muchneeded lightness to the film. Respect highlights how important it is to never give up on your goals. Aretha always wanted to be a gospel singer, and even though she was forced down many different paths, in the end scene we see her finally achieve her dream.

(Reviewed by Julia de Ruiter)

Weird of the Week: The world’s smallest jail is in Ontario, Canada, and contains only two cells.

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It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.

William James

Raspberry and Peach Muffins 2 cups flour 4 tsp baking powder ¾ cup sugar ½ cup peaches, poached and chopped ½ cup raspberries 1½ cups milk 50g butter, melted

Preheat oven to 200°C. Sift flour, baking powder and sugar into a bowl.

Make a well in the centre and pour in milk, melted butter, whisked egg and lastly peaches and raspberries.

Stir gently to combine.

Spoon mixture into 12 muffin cups and sprinkle with coconut.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and springy to touch. Cool on a wire rack.

1 egg, whisked ¼ cup shredded coconut Source: New Zealand Woman’s Weekly

WARCRYINHISTORY

In 1954, War Cry highlighted Labour Day by showing these workers on its 23 October edition front cover. Responsible for fixing links in heavy duty chains, which ‘may make all the difference between safety and disaster’, they were compared to living links in the human chains of both industry and mankind.

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

Shout Out to Auckland Community Ministries Teams!

Since the country was plunged into lockdown on midnight of 17 August, The Salvation Army’s nationwide Community Ministries centres have risen to the challenge.

In particular, Auckland-based teams have been inundated as lockdown and Level 3 restrictions have extended. For the quarter ending in September 2021, Community Ministries centres in Northern Division experienced a 37.34 percent increase in food parcel services.

These hard-working teams helped 7771 clients or families with food parcels—4483 who were reaching out for the first time.

Between the beginning of August and the end of September, 6193 food parcels were prepared in Auckland. In the initial month of lockdown, Auckland City Corps handed out more than 400 food parcels. In the space of one week, New Lynn Community Ministries tripled its output, while Manukau Community Ministries gave out as many as 335 food parcels.

We thank the corps, staff and volunteers working hard to meet increased demand throughout the exhausting, ongoing restrictions in Auckland. These figures share only a small selection of numbers, which tell the story of hard work amidst incredible challenges.

TOPFIVE

Do you remember saying these phrases? Here are five sayings that may be gone for good…

1. ‘I had to stay after class to clean the blackboard.’

2. ‘Let’s check the classifieds.’

3. ‘Be kind and rewind.’

4. ‘ Why don’t we stop and ask for directions?’

5. ‘I made you a mix-tape.’

ARPAWINNER! Bethany Slaughter takes home two ARPA Awards!

The War Cry team wants to congratulate our very own Bethany Slaughter on her double ARPA (Australasian Religious Press Association) win for the 2020 year!

She picked up awards in two categories for her article, ‘Choosing Love: Faith in the Midst of Tragedy’ about family, grief and forgiveness: Best New Writer and Best Feature— Single Author. The judges said that the article ‘met all the category’s criteria superbly well and was enhanced with a writing style of wide appeal. It was moving, challenging and a privilege to read.’ Well done Bethany on a great piece and an exciting win!

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As Good as it Gets

Since the inception of the Good Loans programme, which The Salvation Army delivers in partnership with Good Shepherd NZ and BNZ (Bank of New Zealand) BNZ estimates that $4 million has been ‘rescued’ through offering low and no interest loans to people. The initiative has gone from strength to strength, transforming the lives of New Zealanders as it continues to grow.

BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER

I

t has been seven years since The Salvation Army partnered with Good Shepherd NZ and BNZ to deliver fair and affordable loans to low-income earners. By providing StepUP and NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) loans for low-income earners, Good Loans created a fair and affordable lending alternative to provide low and no interest loans for people who are vulnerable to third-tier lenders.

In terms of dollars, BNZ estimates that through the Good Loans programme, The Salvation Army has saved a staggering $4 million on penalties, interest and fees for clients.

When the programme launched in 2014, The Salvation Army had two loan workers based out of both Waitakere Central Community Ministries and Manukau Community Ministries. Today, the number has grown to 14 loan workers operating in 17 locations as part of the Good Loans network around Aotearoa.

‘There’s so much to be proud of,’ says The Salvation Army’s National Community Finance Coordinator Siobhan Deans. ‘People who have previously been unable to find employment due to transport issues are now working after obtaining a loan through us to purchase a vehicle.’

A range of people approach their service from all kinds of backgrounds.

All are on benefits or low incomes and often have previous credit issues, but what connects them all is how none of them can access the fair and affordable mainstream lenders.

‘They come to us because there are only those other high-cost lending options available,’ Siobhan explains. ‘They could go to a third-tier lender or a payday lender, but it’s going to cost them dearly in the long run.’

Vehicles are the most common need, along with furniture and home appliances. However, Siobhan says that enabling clients to receive dental and orthodontic care is particularly meaningful.

‘I had a client once who had dentures and they were dreadfully ill-fitting. They had rubbed her gums to such a point that she couldn’t wear them anymore and she was struggling to eat. She got a loan from us … and it was life-changing for her.’

Another lady took out loans to pay for her daughter’s dental work. ‘She had some congenital [condition] and so it was an ongoing process, she’d pay off one loan and get the next thing done.

‘I know for her daughter, who was about 11 or 12, that was also life changing, so dental is quite moving.’

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A cycle of good

Changing circumstances

Siobhan believes that clients are especially motivated to re-pay these loans well, not only because it will enable them to take out another loan in the future if needed, but also because they know the repaid money will then help somebody else in a similar position.

‘People know that when they are paying back their loans, that money is essentially going back into the pool to be re-lent again to somebody else, so I think that really motivates our clients to pay their loans. They feel like they’re part of something.’

She sees the wraparound capabilities of The Salvation Army as another benefit they can offer to clients if a loan is not affordable for them yet, whether alongside a loan or in its place.

‘It could be social work. It could be financial mentoring. It could be something as simple as food. And then we can work with them to get them into a position where a loan is affordable.

We try not to give people a “no”; we might give them a “not yet”,’ Siobhan says. ‘We don’t have to be the full stop at the end of anyone’s sentence.’

Many clients have reported that their spending and saving habits have changed as a result of their interactions with the service. More than two-thirds of participants reported that they were spending less on things that they did not need—54 percent reported that they understood their finances better, 46 percent were paying off their debt faster and 40 percent said they were saving more money.

To engage clients, it is paramount for the loan workers to be sensitive to people’s situations. They want them to leave feeling unjudged and with confidence that they have taken a step forward—be it through a loan, on to another service or with a plan.

Siobhan is very proud of The Salvation Army’s growing team, who dedicate time to providing holistic care to clients with the aim of long-term relief from financial troubles.

‘It’s a very vulnerable place to sit in when you’re talking about people’s finances … it’s a big skill for the loan workers to create an environment where they can discuss what they see in front of them.’

It is a strong contrast to the experience of dealing with third-tier lenders, who will often approve loans within an hour. Our process may be longer, but the Good Loans team goes through a thorough affordability assessment, along with good financial conversations with clients to ensure a loan is affordable and will not put them into hardship in the future.

Over the past two years, the pandemic has led to an abundance of workers in areas such as hospitality and tourism in need of financial help. However, loan workers were surprised to see more people from ‘white collar’ careers, like law, coming forward. ‘We’re seeing people who we haven’t seen before, for sure,’ Siobhan says.

One client was a homeowner, but when the pandemic forced them out of a job, suddenly they were left with a mortgage, no income and no savings. After selling their apartment, moving in with their family and going on a benefit, they approached The Salvation Army for additional help.

Good Loans also stepped in to assist people who were stranded after losing their jobs. ‘We had people who worked in farming in the South Island who needed to get back to the North Island, so we were able to make some changes during that time to our criteria, and that has continued through this lockdown.’

However, Siobhan fears for the people who fall outside their prescribed criteria for Good Loans and cannot see a place to go for financial help.

‘There is still a gap in lending/credit options for many people who are not on what is considered “low incomes”. They may have an adverse credit history for many reasons; for example, a relationship breakdown or a large, unexpected expense that they were unable to meet which has ultimately been passed on to debt collections. They have been unable to go anywhere other than third-tier or payday lenders to meet their needs, with high repayments which ultimately just compounds the problem.’

It is the hope of The Salvation Army that the changes to the CCCFA (Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act) will safeguard these people with a better framework around affordability assessments.

‘They still need a fridge, they still need a washing machine, they have needs that can’t currently be met.’

She worries that these people are ‘falling through the cracks’ and hopes they would know that they can reach out to The Salvation Army’s financial mentoring services for help.

‘Our financial mentors can advocate for clients too and negotiate with other lenders for repayments and things like that.’

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Solving more problems Good Shepherd NZ is currently piloting the DEBTsolve programme, which Siobhan believes will be a ‘game changer’ in the long run.

The Salvation Army Good Loans team.

DEBTsolve is a pathway for clients to strategically work through their financial barriers. ‘That’s not an emergency service. It’s not something we can work with really fast. It’s a programme and a process, but there’s been some amazing outcomes already.’

‘If clients really want to work on their situations,’ she says, ‘if they’re in a high level of debt when we refer them on to Good Shepherd, they’re able to work really closely with them’.

‘They may be absolutely desperate for a car, but the barrier is they’re paying off a couple of high interest loans,’ Siobhan says.

‘However, if we refer them on to our DEBTsolve programme, they may be able to negotiate the repayments or consolidate them.’

It already has a promising engagement rate; of the 299 people who have been referred to DEBTsolve so far, 275 have engaged.

Vero has also partnered with Good Shepherd NZ to provide comprehensive and affordable car insurance to clients who purchase a vehicle with their loan. Car insurance has always been an important consideration for loan workers when calculating a client’s budget.

‘We’ve always talked about insurance and the importance of insurance to our clients who are getting cars,’ Siobhan affirms.

‘We give them a handout with information and numbers … we need to have confidence that they can afford insurance.’

Having this product to offer people who are typically excluded from other insurance options (perhaps due to previous fines or convictions) is another positive, and clients have already benefited.

A positive future in the lending space On 1 December 2021, law changes to the CCCFA will increase policing on predatory lending.

‘We’ve always abided very carefully with the responsible lending code. BNZ is very clear on how we should be presenting our applications and what we need to include—now that is coming into law,’ Siobhan says. ‘In the past the affordability assessment process has not been thorough by other lenders, but they are now going to be held to a standard—and that includes mobile traders, which is fantastic.’

Several predatory mobile traders have already been forced to drop off the scene.

After acting as a successful, positive alternative in this space, The Salvation Army’s not-for-profit Good Shop truck has also withdrawn from the space. However, with the growth of the Good Loans programme, people who cannot access a

physical centre due to transport or mobility problems, will be taken care of through other avenues. ‘[The Good Loans programme] wasn’t at the same level when the Good Shop started, so Good Shepherd now has phonebased loan workers,’ Siobhan says. ‘We’re in more locations now, and because we’ve doubled our capacity at Manukau, we can help people.’

In total, there are 24 locations around New Zealand providing Good Loans, as well as Good Shepherd NZ’s phonebased loan workers. The Salvation Army contributes 17 centres, while Good Loans is also delivered by Presbyterian Support Services (Nelson, Blenheim, Tīmaru, Ōamaru and Dunedin), Aviva (Christchurch) and Budget First (Hastings).

There are also six Good Shepherd NZ loan workers assigned to the DEBTsolve pilot programme.

Siobhan is confident that all people who need financial help can approach The Salvation Army and, when they do, she knows they will be taken care of, as this has been their team’s prerogative from the beginning.

‘As far as I’m concerned, if people walk out of the office knowing that they’ve been heard, cared for and listened to, then that’s a success.’

A snapshot… $8 million

Value of approved StepUP and NILS loans

$4 million

BNZ estimate of dollars saved by clients on interest, penalties and fees (in Salvation Army centres providing Good Loans programme)

10,137

Loan interviews held

4909

Applications submitted

2727

Loans approved

$329,437.92

Value of debt consolidation loans approved through DEBTsolve

$30,682.71

Value of written-off loans to third-tier and payday lenders through DEBTsolve

$40,050.11

Value of loans reduced by negotiation through DEBTsolve

MORE INFO | Visit goodloans.org.nz or contact your local Salvation Army centre.

16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 9

Ghosting You’ve plucked up the courage to venture back into the dating world and you’ve met somebody. They seem nice—great, even. The texts are flowing freely, it feels like you are on the same page. You may have only met them that week, or have been seeing them for a few months, but you feel positive about the relationship’s chances.

Then, out of the blue, radio silence.

At first, you can reason it away. They’re slow to answer messages. There’s a family emergency. A project has come up at work. They’ve dropped their phone in the Avon River.

But what was once a conversation now looks like a long line of blue text bubbles on your side of the chat, a string of unanswered emails or missed calls. Soon enough, you accept the deflating reality: you’ve been ghosted.

No one would ever say break-ups are fun, but ghosting has its own unique aftertaste. You are left with zero reasoning as to why the person has cut you out of their life so abruptly, and no active channel of communication to reach out for an answer.

Experts suggest that many ghosters truly believe they are being kind, that complete evasion is the best way to handle their own feelings of discomfort and lack of communication skills.

Sometimes they’re averse to the tough conversation—or they don’t even think one is necessary to end things. Unfortunately, as ghosting is so common these days, they don’t see their actions as anything out of the ordinary.

SOME REASONS WHY GHOSTERS GHOST

Fear of rejection, which has taught them to do it before it happens to them.

Poor role models for healthy relationships and good communication.

Tendency to avoid, hide or procrastinate.

Feeling undeserving of love, leading them to sabotage healthy relationships.

Narcissism or narcissistic tendencies.

Feeling uncomfortable around you and not knowing how to express this.

Poor interpersonal communication skills.

Regardless, from your end it comes across as a callous lack of regard.

Being ghosted can bring on a range of emotions: disappointment, confusion, loneliness, fury, shame, helplessness. It cuts into your self-esteem, causing you to analyse yourself for faults. Depending on how long you’ve known them or how attached you were to the idea of a future together, you may experience a level of grief.

With that in mind, here are some recommended ways to move on.

• Don’t blame yourself—being ghosted says far more about them than it does about you.

• Similarly, don’t feel ashamed about being disappointed.

• Try not to lose time thinking about this person, but when you do, reframe your picture of them. Have sympathy, but don’t lose sight of the reality that they are in the wrong and therefore weren’t the right relationship for you.

• Choose self-compassion—spend time with family and friends who you know you can depend on. Fill your time with activities that energise you.

• Consider who you are within and outside your relationships.

Acknowledge your worth in both.

• If needed, regroup and take a break from the dating game.

• Strengthen your resilience by eating nutritiously, sleeping well, going for walks/exercising and finding strategies to limit stress and optimise mindfulness.

Sources: verywellmind.com, psychcentral.com

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TESTIFY! On Sunday 1 August, Tīmaru Corps was blessed to enrol three adherents, Robyn Angus, Keri Harris and Craig Harris; along with two senior soldiers, Robert Taylor-Ellis and Samantha O’Brien.

Robyn Angus shares her story.

I’m still buzzing … at Tīmaru Corps on 1 August, two soldiers and three adherents were enrolled. I am one of the adherents.

I attended church in my younger years.

It frightened me a lot, hearing the words ‘end of days’, ‘heaven’ and ‘hell’.

I even had nightmares at the thought and I stopped going. Over the years God was always in the background, but other things got in the way.

Nearly three years ago, my life turned upside down. I moved back to Tīmaru after nearly 30 years away. I felt I was a lost, broken soul with no home. I ended up living in a hotel (admittedly, I hated the thought, as I was never a pub person). Finally, I ended up getting a place near the hospital.

A short time later, it was recommended I go to The Salvation Army and do the Positive Lifestyle Programme (PLP), which I did. It opened my eyes and helped me to look differently at myself.

I felt The Salvation Army was such a wonderful place to be. For the first time in my life, I felt safe. While there, I was asked if I would like to help in the Foodbank. I immediately said yes, as I so wanted something useful to do.

It’s all about helping others, and I felt welcomed into the team.

One day, I was invited to attend the celebration service by Captain Andrew and Envoy Lynda Bright, our corps officers. I was nervous about going, but I went. My first impressions were, Wow, so awesome!—children laughing

MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS WERE, WOW, SO AWESOME!—CHILDREN LAUGHING AND PLAYING, PEOPLE HAPPILY SINGING AND PRAISING OUR FATHER GOD. I WANTED TO JOIN THE CHURCH RIGHT AWAY AS I STRONGLY FELT THIS IS WHERE I WANTED TO BE. and playing, people happily singing and praising our Father God. I wanted to join the church right away as I felt strongly this was where I wanted to be.

I continued being a Foodbank volunteer three days a week, and then in December 2020 I applied for the position of corps administrator and was successful. It is a job which I love doing. I attended soldiership classes, mainly to further understand what The Salvation Army was all about and to see where I fitted in. While doing the classes I soon realised that this is where I needed to be, but to do it in baby steps, by becoming an adherent, then, in a year or two stepping up to become a soldier.

The enrolment service was really special for me, as I felt a calmness come over me that I had made the right decision.

I know that God has a plan for me and I know I have made a positive step in my spiritual journey.

Above (from left), Tīmaru Corps’ newest adherents and soldiers are celebrated: Craig Harris, Robert Taylor-Ellis, Samantha O’Brien, Captain Andrew Bright, Envoy Lynda Bright, Keri Harris, Robyn Angus.

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Lucky to be Alive: Young Men’s Mental Health Charity In February of this year, 19-year-old Kristian Reid, from Miramar Corps, made the switch from being a second-year university student to setting up Lucky to be Alive, a not-for-profit charity created to give young men space and support to address their mental health while taking part in adventure activities. The charity commences early in 2022.

BY HOLLY MORTON

Kristian Reid has always felt the call to set up a charity but without much direction as to what it would be for, until one night while he was watching Once Were Warriors. ‘In the film someone takes their life, and I can’t watch those things because it’s too much for me but I’ve never really understood why. I was watching this and it just kind of clicked that, actually, I really want to make something for young men for suicide prevention and helping men get through depression.’

After starting his second year of university study, Kristian felt the time was right to act on those dreams.

There were a couple of tricky conversations with his family about the change in direction, but, at the same time, he ‘knew that there’s never really a convenient time to start a charity organisation, and I knew that I’d never be in the best financial position or have enough time, necessarily, but the older you get, there are more

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commitments. Who says I have to have a wealth of knowledge or financial income or anything like that to be able to do this?’

MENTAL HEALTH IN NEW ZEALAND It is widely known that the state of New Zealand’s mental health services is fairly dire when it comes to access, availability and funding.

In order to get a good lay of the land around preexisting mental health groups, Kristian called every major healthline operating in New Zealand, and found it was difficult to get through to speak to someone— in part due to long waiting times for operators to become available. While these services are doing what they can to offer support, Kristian noticed in his conversations a lack of practical help for young men in his own age bracket.

‘I was just really shocked. I found out they’re not legally allowed to give you advice; they can give you vague suggestions, but the people on the other side of the phone are in quite a strict box where they can’t reach too far. The more I unveiled it, the more I thought it’s really quite bad ... It’s so difficult for so many young men to get access to counselling, let alone find something that suits them.’

With these findings in mind, the heart of Lucky to be Alive is ‘young men helping young men’. While the board that Kristian appointed has experts and those with experience in counselling and mental

‘IT’S SO DIFFICULT FOR SO MANY YOUNG MEN TO GET ACCESS TO COUNSELLING, LET ALONE FIND SOMETHING THAT SUITS THEM.’ health support, he also feels that there is something significant in having shared life experience and points of connection with people in the same age bracket.

do is find out what good stuff is already happening in those communities and then get behind that.’

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Despite Kristian’s own faith, he and the Lucky to be Alive board have made the call to intentionally not run the charity with a Christian affiliation. ‘I’ve prayed a lot about it, and I haven’t felt compelled to change that. When reading through the Bible, Jesus is all about relationships and getting to know everyone, not just the people you’re comfortable with, but also the people that you probably aren’t comfortable getting to know. I really want to be able to show love through action rather than just talking about it, I want to do something about it, to be able to help, to be an organisation that doesn’t just say “come hang out with us” and that’s all we do, but being able to say “I know you, I know your sister’s and your brother’s names, I know what your parents do for a living, I know what awesome things are going on in your area”. If something happens where I get to share my faith, cool.

If I don’t, cool.’

Although Lucky to be Alive will be launching early next year, Kristian and the team have been planning a pre-launch event for December.

‘We’re playing 25 games of swing ball in extreme locations around New Zealand: on top of mountains, off waterfalls, everywhere you can think of. We are visiting 25 locations in 30 days, with the intention of raising a minimum of 25 grand and being able to put $1000 into each of those communities to support the things they are already doing. I’m really adamant that the first thing that we do with any funding goes straight back into the community and helps support the things that are already really good.’

The hope is that as they travel around the country for this event, Kristian and Lucky to be Alive will be able to connect with communities across New Zealand and find out what initiatives are already underway, as well as sharing about their programme and gauging interest.

Lucky to be Alive will take 16- to 25-year-old men from across New Zealand out to do adventure activities together and build relationships during those transient periods of young adulthood. The programme came out of Kristian’s own times of adventuring with friends.

Whether it’s abseiling, mountaineering or holding the New Zealand record for the highest game of croquet played by altitude (2600 metres up Mt Ruapehu), the best conversations have been had in those extreme situations. ‘On top of those mountains or at really odd times—like when we’re driving back to get KFC, and one of the guys will open up about all this crazy stuff you just weren’t expecting and those masks just come off.’

Kristian feels very lucky to have been able to have these trips with friends, but also recognises that not everyone has these opportunities, which is why he is planning for the charity’s excursions to be fully funded for participants.

Kristian is particularly passionate about getting alongside more isolated rural communities and supporting them in what is already happening there.

‘It’s not like we can travel much outside of New Zealand at the moment, so let’s utilise the beautiful backyard we’ve got, but let’s also get into those places where you stop to get a pie, fuel up and go. Let’s also recognise that we can’t always relate, like I couldn’t go into some small town and be like “come do these epic things”, because I don’t understand what they’re going through, I don’t live there. So, something we want to

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

For more information on Lucky to be Alive, visit their website: luckytobealive.co.nz or check out the Facebook page for updates: facebook.com/LuckytobeAliveCharity

16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 13

White Flags Fly in Malaysia

BY VIVIENNE HILL

Every nation in the world has been affected by the pandemic and they each have their own strategies for dealing with the virus and its impacts. Malaysia has a White Flag Campaign that has been set up to assist families who are experiencing food scarcity. We also report on The Salvation Army’s work in Malaysia, as they work hard to care for those in need.

The Salvation Army has been serving in Malaysia since 1938, when the work was first opened in Penang. It is part of the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar command, which became a territory in 2005. There are 10 corps in Malaysia, five children’s homes, residential homes for the elderly and several youth and children's centres. Much of the Army’s work in Malaysia focuses on building a network of social services to support Malaysia’s more vulnerable communities.

Outcomes of the pandemic The pandemic in Malaysia has caused great distress and uncertainty for the Malaysian people. The country has been under a nationwide lockdown (the Third Movement Control Order) since 1 June 2021.

On 5 October 2021, the World Health Organisation reported that as of 26 September there have been over 2 million cases 14 WarCry 16 OCTOBER 2021

of Covid-19 with 25,437 deaths. In response, the Malaysian Government has implemented a vaccination programme to work alongside the lockdown in order to control Covid-19 infection rates.

The living conditions for many in Malaysia means that vulnerable people and households are not able to safely socially distance themselves from neighbours. This has enabled the virus, particularly the Delta variant, to spread rapidly throughout communities, and many families have lost loved ones to Covid-19.

Of further concern is the rise in suicides attributed to the fallout from the pandemic. Police data indicates that there were 468 suicides recorded in the first five months of 2021, compared with 631 in the whole year of 2020.

The people most affected by restrictions are the daily wage earners who lost their livelihoods when their employers were not able to operate their businesses. Thousands of businesses

THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE IS BEING PROMOTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, AND CAFÉS, SUPERMARKETS AND BUSINESSES ARE STEPPING UP TO PROVIDE GOODS TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE HOUSEHOLDS DISPLAYING THE WHITE FLAGS. have been closed or badly affected across Malaysia. This saw a sharp rise in unemployment and many people struggling to provide the basics for their families. The economic impacts are significant for the country and will likely have long-term implications.

White Flag Campaign Many people are unable to purchase groceries online or make online payments. Markets and shops are closed, and food security has become an increasingly unpredictable and worrying focus for many Malaysians.

In response, businesses, celebrities and individuals have offered help to the communities. A campaign has been set up— the White Flag Campaign—where people who are struggling to provide the essentials for their families are encouraged to raise a white flag, or a white piece of cloth, outside their homes as a way to indicate that they need help. In turn, people then leave food and essentials at the houses flying the white flags.

The campaign message is being promoted on social media, and cafés, supermarkets and businesses are stepping up to provide goods to be distributed to the households displaying the white flags. Also, fishermen from Penang are supplying fish to families in need of food.

at the centre and distributed three days a week to the needy in town. Among the recipients are single parents, the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Also, in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Bintulu, the local centres teamed up with restaurants and cafés to prepare and distribute freshly made meals to the vulnerable.

The Salvation Army in Malaysia was heartened by the response from individual donors, businesses and sponsors who rallied together to contribute various items to lighten the burden of those in need. The Army became the bridge between corporates willing to help and the communities most affected by the outcomes of the pandemic.

The food parcel and fresh meal programme will continue to be a focus for the Army until all restrictions are lifted and people can resume work.

The Salvation Army’s response The Salvation Army’s mission in Malaysia is to provide emergency aid, so they have mobilised resources to assist in seven localities: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Ipoh, Melaka, Kuching and Bintulu.

The Army partnered with several corporate and individual sponsors and distributed more than 23,000 food parcels consisting of rice, cooking oil, noodles, canned food, biscuits, malt chocolate powder and fresh produce. They also distributed freshly cooked meals to enable households to feed their families while waiting for the opportunity to return to work.

In Melaka, a weekly feeding programme began on 5 July, where free lunch packs (between 50 to 100 packets) are prepared

THE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR MANY IN MALAYSIA MEANS THAT VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND HOUSEHOLDS ARE NOT ABLE TO SAFELY SOCIALLY DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM NEIGHBOURS.

The Salvation Army Melaka regularly serves meals that fill the tummy and soul.

Prayer points for Malaysia Malaysia will steer itself safely out of the pandemic.

People will continue to support vulnerable communities.

The Salvation Army will continue to successfully partner with corporate and private donors in order to continue to help.

The vaccination supply will be adequate for the population.

16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 15

Hamilton City Corps Transforms for Self Denial Appeal On Saturday 14 August, just in time before the nationwide lockdown, Hamilton City Corps hosted their monthly ‘The Gathering’ event featuring an interactive service themed around the four Self Denial Appeal countries.

The theme was ‘Transform’ and the corps explored how things are transformed all over the world through Self Denial.

The social hall was specially decorated, with sections to share food, set up activities and show the Self Denial Appeal videos for each country.

‘They had coffee from Brazil, and food representing each country,’ says Overseas Development and Support Secretary LtColonel Milton Collins. ‘They had activities, like bicycle repair, some craft … they showed how to filter muddy water through sand, so people could have drinking water.’

Milton had heard about the success of the corps’ 2020 Self Denial event, so was keen to visit for 2021. He estimates 100 people of all ages attended the event.

‘They’ve got a really good team that put this together, and it was a great opportunity to focus on other countries and what they do and the support The Salvation Army gives them,’ he says.

Hamilton City Corps hosts The Gathering on the second Saturday of each month. ‘It’s an alternative worship [service] … to encourage people in the community to come, as well as local Salvation Army people,’ Milton explains. ‘It always involves food and a spiritual reflection.’

Photography: Lt-Colonel Milton Collins 16 WarCry 16 OCTOBER 2021

‘Phenomenal’ fundraising effort for The Salvation Army by Aurora leaders Pray then Respond

Photo by Liam Clayton, courtesy Gisborne Herald.

Aurora leaders raised $2500 and collected over 800 cans of food for The Salvation Army as a thank you for its efforts during the pandemic.

The 35 students from the Aurora Leadership Programme organised and ran fundraising activities in their schools’ communities. From these, they were collectively able to donate $2500 and 827 cans of food.

‘The money will go towards The Salvation Army helping local families in need of a little extra kindness and compassion in hard Covid times,’ Aurora Foundation executive director Sunny Bush said.

Sunny described the 2021 Aurora students as ‘a wonderful cohort of socially-minded leaders.

‘We are all immensely proud of how they faced the challenge of constantly changing workshops because of the lockdown restrictions. This certainly tested their mettle and made them more determined to work even harder at their community fundraising activities in tough times. Their collective fundraising effort for The Salvation Army was phenomenal.’

Salvation Army Gisborne corps officer and community ministries director Captain Kevin Waugh said it was a nice surprise being told the Aurora leadership students wanted to donate canned goods.

‘I had about four empty cardboard boxes (to collect the goods), thinking that that should be ok. But the mountain of cans I saw wouldn’t fit in those boxes. I discovered, as the leaders spoke, how they went about collecting those cans and gathering pre-loved clothing items, plus they had raised a substantial monetary amount to give to us as well. To all who have been involved, I say a great big thank you. These donations will go a long way to helping people in need.’

St Mary’s Catholic School Aurora leader Kylah Loftus said it felt good to give back to the community.

‘I was really pleased everybody in our school wanted to help us raise money for The Salvation Army,’ Kylah said.

‘Our special activity was painting prayer rocks . . . we made $133.’

Central School Aurora leader Jessie Jones said the programme had opened new doors for her and raised her confidence level.

‘I am most grateful to my peers. I wouldn’t have boosted my confidence without them and it's a shame I won’t see them again soon.

‘I will definitely try to use the skills this programme has taught me.’

BY AKULA SHARMA, GISBORNE HERALD (RE-PRINTED WITH PERMISSION)

‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”’ (Isaiah 6:8).

This year of prayer is also a call to action.

We must pray before we undertake ministry, but once we pray, we must then go.

There is a story by an unknown author about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it. But Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about it because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, and Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody, and Nobody did the job that Anybody could have done in the first place.

Nobody is still alive and well in our ministry settings. When there are requests for someone to share their testimony, Nobody is the most likely one to respond. When cleanup day rolls around, Nobody reports for duty.

When there is a need for someone to pray or walk alongside someone, Nobody is first in line. How refreshing it must be for God to hear Somebody say, ‘Here am I! Send me’.

When Isaiah envisioned the Holy God and the spiritual need of the unholy world, he was energised to respond to the Lord’s calling. When he was released from the burden of his sin, he found a new enthusiasm for serving God. And so will you.

When you hear the summons to duty, first pray and then take the opportunity—or Nobody will end up doing it. Instead of a Nobody, be the Somebody who is willing to respond enthusiastically to the opportunities of service to God. Find the joy of being God’s instrument to accomplish his will in the world. Be God’s Somebody; don’t let Nobody get all the credit.

BY CAPTAIN SAIMONE GATAURUA

16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 17

You're al invited

Leaders: Have you filled out the survey yet?

Go to

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

firezone.co.nz

Worldwide Prayer for Covid-19: Sunday 24 October 2021 A call for prayer has been issued by the World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to the international Salvation Army. The focus for the 24 hours of Sunday 24 October is for the Second Global Wave of Prayer for Covid-19.

Prayer for the world will be a combination of time spent alone and time spent praying together.

Commissioner Bronwyn has shared four areas to help focus our prayers.

• Lament for the loss that continues to be our reality— loss of life, education, employment, income, family interactions and celebration of significant life milestones.

• Thanksgiving for effective vaccines and urgent intercession for equitable distribution.

• Praise for the faithfulness of God and the new mission opportunities that have emerged through this season.

• Seeking God’s heart for his church, including The Salvation Army, as we emerge into a post-pandemic world.

Online global prayer meetings will be held on Sunday 24 October, in the following time zones: • 07:00 (BST) led by Major Arif Masih (Pakistan Territory) • 11:00 (BST) led by Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (International Headquarters, London) • 16:00 (BST) led by Lt-Colonel Carolee J Israel (USA Southern Territory).

These 30 minute prayer meetings are public and anyone with an internet connection and device can attend. Attendees will not be able to use their microphones or videos but will be encouraged to interact using the chat function.

A live prayer wall will be available throughout Sunday 24 October, starting from sunrise in Samoa. You can post your prayers on the website and share what’s on your heart and how you are engaging in the prayer wave.

You can also interact on social media. For more updates, connect with International Spiritual Life Development on social media @salvarmyspirituallife on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join the Second Global Wave of Prayer for COVID-19 Facebook event here: https://fb.me/e/VAL9cwHy As Salvationists around the world unite in prayer on this day, we know that God will hear every word spoken to him in prayer and that he will delight in providing all that we need for this time and more.

MORE INFO | Go to The Second Global Wave of Prayer for Covid-19 website: sar.my/prayerwave

18 WarCry 16 OCTOBER 2021

…WE MUST KEEP OUR EYES OPEN TO THE DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS OF EVERY MOMENT… Life is filled with many distractions and, if you are anything like me, the lure of the distraction can be a wonderful panacea for procrastination.

GAZETTE Appointment: Effective immediately, Phil Neal has been appointed as the Territorial Director of Strategy, Development and Risk in the Office of the Chief Secretary.

Bereavement: Lieutenant Seremana Rokovesa, of her mother Olivia Bera, from the Labasa Hospital, Fiji, on 27 September, aged 67 years. Due to Covid-19 restrictions Seremana and Adriano will be unable to travel to the funeral service. We ask you to uphold in prayer Lieutenants Seremana and Adriano Rokovesa, and their extended family at this time of grief, loss and separation.

Major David Millar, Major Bill Millar and Major Ian Kilgour of their brother and brother-in-law, Jim Millar, from Christchurch, on 18 September 2021.

Jim and Anne Millar were officers for 12 years, serving in India from 1965 to 1974.

Anne was promoted to Glory in April 2021. Details for a service celebrating Jim’s life will be advised following the lowering of lockdown restrictions. We ask you to uphold in prayer Major David Millar, Major Bill Millar, Major Ian Kilgour and Jim’s children, along with extended family members at this time of grief and loss.

Captain Linda Chan of her father Yap Hock Choon, from Penang, Malaysia, on 1 October 2021, aged 94 years. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held when travel borders are opened. We ask you to uphold in prayer Captains Linda and Moses Chan, and extended family members at this time of grief and loss.

Engagement: We congratulate Captain ‘Asena Sifa on her recent engagement to Otenili Folau. We pray God’s blessing on Captain ‘Asena Sifa and Otenili as they plan for their future together.

Learning to navigate through distractions is important for us all, as it is for us corporately as a missional movement.

I’m learning that there are helpful and unhelpful distractions. The unhelpful ones are those things that take away or keep us from the things or people we really should be focused on. We need to be able to filter much of these distractions out.

Then there are the helpful distractions, or what I have come to refer to as ‘divine interruptions’. First, there are interruptions that divert our thinking and actions but ultimately spark our imaginations. This can lead us into entirely new ways of being and doing, perhaps helpfully interrupting the status quo that is limiting us. I’m convinced that we need to allow time and space to court these types of divine interruptions.

As a territory we are currently reimagining who we are as a people of mission. This is a very important task and we must enable our present to be interrupted—disrupted, even—in order that our future can be truly imaginative. Busyness, or the desire for control of our situations, can easily stifle such a spark, often to the detriment of what could be.

Then there are the ordained moments and encounters that God has planned for his grace, love and power to break through. In Scripture, the story of the Good Samaritan is a great example of this. The first two travellers came across the beaten and broken man on the side of the road and, due to a number of personal and cultural lenses, made the decision not to entertain this distraction. Then the Samaritan came along, he was open to the divine interruption and reached out to help the man. In the story, Jesus speaks of this act of sacrifice as being ‘good’ and at the heart of a missional people.

As we consider the good and bad distractions and the possibility of those divine interruptions in our own lives, discernment becomes the key. The enemy would try to distract us from the main thing in whatever way he can (external and internal factors) and so we must remain alert and careful not to entertain or enable such distractions. At the same time, we must keep our eyes open to the divine interruptions of every moment where true imagination becomes possible, for example, the sacred sacrament of loving our neighbour.

Lord, please help us to see as you see, to be able to discern the difference between unhelpful distractions and divine interruptions. Give us the courage to say yes when yes is needed, and no, gracefully, when no is needed. Amen.

Captain Bryant Richards Territorial Assistant Secretary for Personnel 16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 19

Fiji Mission in a Time of Covid-19 The mission of the church does not diminish, slow down or stop as a result of a pandemic. Captain Faleata Leha, from Suva Central Corps, Fiji Division, encourages the people in Fiji and us all, to look at alternative ways to connect with and encourage our congregations during times of restrictions.

the Fiji Islands. Today, both Fiji and the world face a different type of pestilence, the coronavirus.

‘For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you”’ (Isaiah 41:13).

In Fiji there has been a shift in our sense of responsibility to our neighbours.

There is a reluctance to trust the authorities and our local physicians, but in the past our people trusted them through many epidemics and illnesses throughout our history. Now it’s

In 1875, Fiji’s population was devastated by measles, which was introduced by visiting ships that brought the virus to 20 WarCry 16 OCTOBER 2021

Jesus tells us to not fear and not be shaken by these and other global events, because we already know they will be part of our lives, but we are to continue with our mission of bringing the gospel to the world.

My personal conviction

different, instead of believing our own doctors who have been guiding us for so long, we look to doctors in the USA or Europe, on the internet or Facebook, instead of listening to our own people.

I believe that God uses many ways to heal. Many medical breakthroughs that have saved countless lives have come from people of God. The knowledge and skill that scientists and doctors bring to bear on this is God-given and the work they are doing to fight the virus is his work and we must support them.

As a church leader with influence, I am convinced that I have a responsibility to watch over and protect my people and I encourage our leaders and influential people to do the same. I want you all to

neglecting our congregations. In these modern times we have technology which enables us to continue to keep in contact with others and for this we are thankful. Through social media and email we continue our work. The Great Commission does not stop because of Covid-19. We just find other ways to connect people with the gospel; for example, in Suva Central Corps we are getting more people attending our Friday evening youth meeting on Zoom than were coming before Covid-19. This is a great opportunity to reach and impact our young people.

We have Zoom prayer meetings every Wednesday evening at 7pm with our leaders and members. We also record our messages and send them to all our people on Sunday morning.

The tension is between staying at home and going out to disciple, just as Jesus asked us to in Matthew 28. Does this mean we ignore the government’s instruction so that we can fulfil the Great Commission? No! The restrictions are not stopping the Great Commission.

We just have to be clever and find other ways of connecting.

Apostle Paul’s example The Apostle Paul said: ‘To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22). He is asking us to adapt to the circumstances in order to be creative in our mission.

know that my family and I are already vaccinated! We hope to provide a good example for you all.

Connecting in different ways The messages here in Fiji are similar to those in New Zealand: ‘stay home, be safe, protect yourself and others and don’t roam’. This makes you stop and think, as it is asking us to change the way we minister to our people.

In this season of pandemic, the restrictions we are living with are there to protect everyone: our families, our congregations and all our people.

We do yearn to meet face to face, but we put aside our wishes for the safety of everyone. It is not a matter of

When Paul was in prison, he did not give up connecting with his people.

Instead, he wrote letters to them and encouraged them. Most of the New Testament is letters that Paul wrote to far-flung churches that he could not visit in person. We are now blessed, over 2000 years later, because Paul did not let his lockdown stop the mission, he wrote letters when he could not visit in person.

We, too, keep going and find other ways to do what Paul asked us to do: as well as Zoom, we phone people, send them emails and, if the people don’t have access to technology, we send them old fashioned letters. A virus is not going to stop God’s mission, nor should it stop us from helping him in that mission.

ways of ministering. Also, God first asks us to use our common sense that he gave us. If Paul was not constrained by jail and his chains, why should we be constrained by restrictions?

By all means we must set up ways of giving out food parcels and clothes, but the procedures we use must follow the social distancing rules so that the people receiving the aid do not also catch Covid-19, and the people giving the aid are safe too!

Fear of the future As a pastor, I am often asked questions: Is this a sign of the coming of the Antichrist? Are we in the end times?

My answer is that although we are to be expecting the return of Jesus Christ, it is important to understand that Covid-19 is just the latest in many pandemics that have ravaged the world since the beginning of Christianity and before. This one no more signifies the end time than any of the others. We are told to wait for him in expectant hope while living Christ-like lives and helping God in his mission to redeem the world in the here and now. If I am constantly distracted by fear, I hinder the work of God and that is not what I am called to do.

In the Bible, while Nehemiah was building the broken walls of Jerusalem, his enemies were trying to distract him and get him to leave the work, but he did not stop what he was doing. It says in Nehemiah 6:3 ‘...so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.

Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”’ We need to have the same attitude as Nehemiah and focus on what God has called us to, then we will be ready when Jesus does return, we will be found doing the Master’s work.

Thank you so much, malo ‘aupito and vinaka vakalevu, to the territory for all your prayers and support for us here in the beautiful islands of Fiji. Our prayers are that soon our borders will open and you can visit our beautiful land! ‘Ofa Atu!

Some say that they must trust God and go out to visit, but there are other 16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 21

Shop online at

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 16 October: Dunedin and Mosgiel Corps visit 17 October: Combined meeting with Dunedin and Mosgiel Corps 18 October: Women’s Rally, Invercargill (Julie) and Winton Corps and Family Store visit 19 October: 15-Year Officer Review Dinner and Leader 2 Leader Forum 28 October: Territorial Governance Board visit, Christchurch Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 19 October: 15-Year Officer Review Dinner and Leader 2 Leader Forum 28 October: Territorial Governance Board visit, Christchurch 30 October: Central Division Children’s Camp, El Rancho Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 19 October: 15-Year Officer Review Dinner and Leader 2 Leader Forum 28 October: Territorial Governance Board visit, Christchurch

salvationarmy.org.nz/shop

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: salvationarmy.org.nz/ employment

PRAY Territorial Communications Section, Community

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Quiz Answers: 1 Torquay, 2 Sir Tim Berners-Lee, 3 A porcupette, 4 Highclere Castle, 5 Belshazzar’s (Daniel 5:1–5).

22 WarCry 16 OCTOBER 2021

Let's have some fun colouring in the goalie!

‘But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”.’

1 Peter 1:15–16

Letter scramble!

tch Game, Set, EMaI N

Can you match these common sporting sayings to the right sport? You’ll have to unjumble them first!

N

T

S

Our territory loves its sport—rugby, netball, cricket, soccer, basketball and all the sports in between. We enjoy lacing up our sneakers, donning a bib and chewing on half-time oranges.

f the park o t u o it d e k Knoc E A A S L B

B

L

eed Here if youN nA L L

E

B

ourse Par for thLe c O

F

G

T

Turkey L

Slam dunkS A

B

K

L

E

T

B

L

I

O N

B

G W

et Which crick a is r ye la p superhero?

A

BATMAN!

n Pass the bLatoA Y

E

R

N

I

N

G

R

N

U

You can learn a lot about a person from the way they behave when they are involved in sport—whether as a player, coach or spectator. For example, if somebody is accidentally knocked to the ground, do they get back up and accept the other player’s apology, or do they hold a grudge for the rest of the match?

If a call goes against their team, does the coach react by calling the umpire names, or do they encourage the players to get back into defensive mode? If a fan’s team loses, are they as gracious in loss as they are in victory?

God calls us to act like Jesus to the best of our ability, in every life circumstance—this includes at home, church, school and extracurricular activities too. Remember that when you take to the court, pick up a whistle or sit in the stands: you are an ambassador for Christ—how do you think he would act if he were in your shoes and socks?

THINK ABOUT...

What sort of teammate do you think Jesus would be like?

16 OCTOBER 2021 WarCry 23