3 September 2016 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION | 03 September 2016 | Issue 6650 | $1.50

WHAT WOULD DAD DO? MUSICIAN MOBY AND THE MESSINESS OF LIFE FIREZONE: WATCH YOUR MOUTH! MIRAMAR CORPS GETS CRAFTY WITH ‘THE MAKERY’ GIVEAWAY: WIN RICHIE MCCAW’S NEW BOOK

Let’s Talk | 03

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Kia ora Cherish the memories WAR CRY

The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory FOUNDERS William & Catherine Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Robert Donaldson 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

Major Christina Tyson GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson STAFF WRITERS

Ingrid Barratt, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Singh

PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Phone (04) 384 5649 Fax (04) 382 0716 Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0768 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

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It was a strange coincidence to find myself working on this Father’s Day edition in the final couple of weeks of my own father’s life.

As Dad was dying, we shared some special family times, with conversations that brought tears and laughter. We were able to give thanks for things that had brought meaning to his life—and the many ways Dad had enriched our lives as well.

My father’s connection with The Salvation Army began when he married my mum. Having left his own church some years earlier, Dad was initially more of a Christmas and christenings church attender. But, as we children grew up, Dad was recruited as a frequent and long-suffering youth group chauffeur and, eventually, The Salvation Army became Dad’s spiritual home.

Reconnecting with God in his middle years brought Dad much peace, and he also valued the opportunity to give back in so many ways to The Salvation Army.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes famously likened the human brain to ‘a little empty attic’, saying it was important when stocking that attic with furniture only to bring in useful facts, since it was ‘a mistake to think that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent’. However, it seems there’s a lot more room in our brains than we might have believed —particularly for memories. Scientists have discovered that our brain is able to store petabytes of data, similar to the size of the entire internet! That’s hard to comprehend, and to me is further evidence that we are created by God, made in God’s image. And, of course, sometimes the memories we might think most trivial, later prove themselves to offer the greatest comfort.

In life, we have the opportunity to make good memories, and then, when our loved ones have gone, to revisit the many precious memories in which they feature. This Father’s Day, I’ll be remembering a father who I loved—and I pray other readers also mourning the loss of their fathers will take similar comfort from the richness of their memories.

Christina Tyson Editor

1 Chronicles 29:17 New Living Translation

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

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BY INGRID BARRATT

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BIBLE VERSE

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

ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6650

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‘E mōhio ana hoki ahau, e tōku Atua, e whakamātauria ana te ngākau e koe, e manako ana hoki koe ki te tika …’

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WISE WORDS

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.

James Baldwin

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hat time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.

What happened when the oyster went dancing? He pulled a muscle.

Like most Kiwi kids, I grew up with dad jokes. It was our role as children to look bored and roll our eyes. But, of course, we secretly loved them. And now I find myself repeating my dad’s jokes to my own pre-schooler, trying to at least get a pity laugh.

When we become parents ourselves, we end up repeating the very same words to our children that we heard growing up. For some, this can be destructive. But my dad’s advice was grounded in his love for the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.

Dad was the one who taught me that there was no point in worrying, but that we can tell our worries to Jesus. I gave my son the same advice the other night, when he was scared of the dark.

I recently heard someone say that when they are faced with challenges, they often think, ‘WWDD? What Would Dad Do?’ If you can trust the advice and wisdom of your father, you’re one of the lucky ones. And this Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the special place dads have in our lives, imparting to us their love, wisdom, advice and—whether we like it or not—their jokes.

Of course, not everyone grows up with a father who reflects the nature of our heavenly dad. But if your own father failed you, God promises he will not. ‘Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close,’ says Psalm 27:10 (NLT).

We never stop being parented and nurtured by our Heavenly Father. If your own dad was critical, turn your ear to

the loving words of the Father. If you were hurt, let God be a gentle touch in your life. If you couldn’t laugh with your dad, let God be your joy.

As we learn to model God’s character, we can become the kind of parents our children need.

I recently read some excellent ‘dad advice’ from Wm. Paul Young, author of The Shack, who has six children. He reflects on the scripture ‘train up a child in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it’ (Proverbs 22:6).

We have interpreted this Bible verse as if there is ‘a way’—a formula—by which we should raise children. But this verse actually says we should allow children to discover the way they should go. Young says, ‘We, as parents and teachers, are invited into the sacred trust of helping each of [our children] discover what that way is—a way that will be a unique expression of who they are as a person.’

As parents, our greatest role is to help our children discover who God made them to be. We provide a safe place for them to explore their individuality and their strengths, while being a guiding hand where they are weak.

A parent is a link in the chain to the generations that came before our children, and will come after. Each link in this chain is unique. Where one link has become broken, our Heavenly Father can stand in to restore the chain. In this way, the bonds of love that connect us all become a kaleidoscope of colour—every one expressing a unique relationship, a special place and a sacred bond. These bonds of love are what we remember this Father’s Day. That … and dad’s terrible jokes.

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Bookshelf Sport Richie McCaw 148 Richie McCaw All Black great Richie McCaw had no plans to do another book after his 2012 autobiography.

But, publishers Upstart Press felt there was a story left to be told, including his final four years of rugby and a historic second Rugby World Cup win. What followed is not a typical sports book, but a beautiful photography book covering each of McCaw’s 148 tests, with fascinating personal reflections from the man himself through the highs and lows of his career. A book all rugby fans will love—enter our giveaway competition and you may win a copy for yourself.(Mower—Upstart Press’s new sports imprint)

Playlist

Travel The Jet Project Sam Pease Sam Pease is a New Zealand ‘personality’ and (although we’ve never heard of her), this book really does capture the best of the Kiwi adventurous spirit. After receiving an inheritance, Sam decided to take her 10-year-old son Jet out of school and into the big wide world for two years. She saw this as a great chance to spend nonstop quality time with her son before he hit his teens. The result is an enjoyable read—the book opens with the duo swimming among millions of jellyfish in the small country of Palau, and ends with camels in the Sahara.

Lively, whimsical, rose-tinted fun.

(Random House)

Salvationism Darkness and Deliverance Edited by Matthew Seaman Matthew Seaman brings together contributors from around the world to reflect on William Booth’s influential book In Darkest England and the Way Out, to mark 125 years since its publication. A highlight is the contribution from our own Harold Hill, who sees Darkest England as a defining moment that brought the Army to life and ‘saved The Salvation Army’. Capturing the imagination of Salvationists and the public alike, it also altered the structure of the Army. Combining evangelism and social service continues to be a ‘struggle’ at times, but is also a significant blessing—for the Army and the world. (Chaordic Creative)

Reel News

Alt Rock Out of the Badlands Aaron Gillespie Out of the Badlands is an acoustic album that reimagines various aspects of Gillespie’s musical career. It includes reworkings of songs from both Underoath and The Almost, as well as two covers and three original tunes. Recorded at Gillespie’s home studio, Badlands is as much an anthology as it is a record proper. Opening with Underoath favourite ‘A Boy Brushed Red ...’, Gillespie’s trademark soaring wail is on full display here. Driven by acoustic guitars and brushed with smatterings of electric guitar, Badlands is driven by its dynamics and use of space as much as it is Gillespie’s voice. His fans will love his reimagining of these songs.

Worship Future Bright & Free Oaks Worship Future Bright & Free is the latest live worship record from The Oaks Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. This 17-track album is full of dynamic and well-produced praise and worship that channels a lot of different influences into a satisfying and coherent whole. Building on the strength of their previous efforts, Future Bright & Free combines the congregation-friendly and easy-to-catch melodies of 2011’s Lift Up the Light with the musical experimentation of 2013’s War In The Waiting. Clocking in at over an hour and 30 minutes, this is a massive album to take in in one listen; however, the stellar production and great song writing makes it an easy journey.

GIVEAWAY To win a review copy of Richie McCaw 148, tell us the name of someone you’d like to share this story with.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 19 Sept.

Science Fiction/Action Star Trek: Beyond Justin Lin / M (contains violence) The third film in the rebooted Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: Beyond, fits nicely within this family of films and the original TV series. Our favourite characters are back, and it’s always fun to see a Kiwi (Karl Urban) playing an iconic character like Dr ‘Bones’ McCoy. After receiving a distress call, the Enterprise is forced to crash land on a strange planet following a surprise attack in space. The majority of the crew are taken captive by a reptilian villain called Krall.

It’s up to the beloved trio of Captain Kirk, Mr Spock and Bones (with help from a few others) to figure out how to rescue the crew, get off the planet and save everyone from Krall’s anti-Federation death mission.

We meet the striking Jaylah, an alien stranded on Krall’s planet. Her entire family was killed by Krall and she’s been single-handedly rebuilding one of the Starship fleet that crashed there some time ago. Jaylah is a strong female character who brings a great dynamic to the film. She has to learn to trust the Enterprise crew and work together with them to battle Krall and his swarm of mini-kamikaze ships called ‘bees’.

The film is modern, with some great special effects, but there’s enough old-school Star Trek to make it feel familiar for long-time fans. Beyond has a sense of humour about it, perhaps taking its inspiration from Guardians of the Galaxy, although definitely not as funny.

A tribute to Leonard Nimoy (the original Mr Spock) is well done, without feeling out of place. An enjoyable watch even if you’re not a huge fan.

War Cry does not endorse or condone all the content in the films, albums and books we review. Our reviewers endeavour to inform readers of helpful and harmful components of the items under review.

Feature | 05

In celebration of Father’s Day, this Sunday 4 September, some well-known Christian leaders open up the doors to their homes and share what it takes to be a dad.

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Modelling at home what you model from the pulpit

BILL JOHNSON, pastor of Bethel Church, known internationally for its music and movement of the Holy Spirit.

Children need encouragement from those who believe in them. That encouragement helps to shape their view of themselves and their understanding of the future. Complimenting them on their abilities and gifts is good.

Commending them for who they are is even better. Do both. I’ve been told that it takes seven positive comments to recover from one negative comment. Most households would improve if there were one positive comment for every negative comment.

If there’s a discrepancy between our public passion and what they see at home, they tend to follow the lesser.

Our passion for God must be practically displayed in the home in equal measure to what we display in a corporate worship service.

If there’s a discrepancy between our public passion and what they see at home, they tend to follow the lesser.

We intentionally exposed our children to the needs of the poor. Sometimes that meant helping strangers who stopped by our house. We lived on a main highway, and people would stop by needing food or a place to stay. In one case, some people even lived with us for a short season.

Compassion, kindness, and humility were things we championed. Children don’t learn those qualities through sermons; they learn them through a model. Keeping our children exposed to world need is vital to shaping their hearts for divine purpose.

Being vulnerable with our kids

SHAWN BOLZ, the founding pastor of Expression58 Christian Ministries, focused on the entertainment industry and the poor in Los Angeles.

When my parents got married, became believers, and had children, they agreed that they didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of their own parents. My father’s family was so disconnected growing up that by the time my parents had us, we only saw his twin brother every four to five years. My mother’s mum was a divorced single mother, and was more focused on survival than connection with my mum and her sister.

My parents built family rituals into the flow of our lives. We celebrated holidays together, spent Saturdays as family days, did a Bible study together once a week, and had family Fridays.

During my awkward preteen and teen years, I occasionally pulled away from connection with my parents. However, they didn’t reciprocate. They continued to keep the momentum of ritual and sharing space and time together. Eventually, I was compelled to share because of how involved I felt they were in my heart process.

I can still remember a conversation my mum had with [my sister] Jennifer and me when we were about seven and nine. ‘I am realising that my mum didn’t know how to discipline me at all, so she just would express anger and frustration and yell, hoping I would change,’ she told us. ‘I don’t want to do that with you guys,

Feature | 07

but I feel like I am repeating her model sometimes. I really want God to change me. I am going to read some books and work on learning how to discipline the healthy way.’

My sister and I were comforted by our mother sharing her process with us. She was a great mum, but like any human, she had weaknesses, and this one had been blaring in our faces.

My parents made sure to teach my sister and me how to share our hearts …

My dad modelled the same kind of vulnerability. When I was 11 years old, some friends and I discovered pornography on a trail in the back woods. I immediately ran home and told my dad all about it. What 11-year-old does that? One who cherishes their relationship! I knew he wouldn’t be mad, and I knew he would teach me about what just happened.

My father was so vulnerable about his own process with pornography and what it does in a man’s life. He told me about a season in which he had looked at pornography and how it had made him feel distant from my mum. He then explained to me that as men, we are called to protect women, and that I needed to see those women for who they really are.

We actually talked about sex a lot with our parents, because they willingly pushed past the awkwardness and shared.

My parents made sure to teach my sister and me how to share our hearts by modelling it themselves and asking us questions that invited us to respond in the same way.

Here are some of the questions that were just normal for our family: What is God doing with you? What is going on in your heart? What are some things you are growing in? What’s going on in relationships right now? What do you love about life? What do you like about your skills and talents? What teachers do you like and why?

What’s the hardest thing about life right now?

My parents listened intently and enjoyed hearing our answers.

We weren’t just kids with kid answers to them. We were the most valuable humans in their eyes, and we felt it.

Loving our adult children

DANNY SILK, author of best-selling books Keeping Your Love On and Loving Our Kids On Purpose.

There is a brief moment in the lives of our children—somewhere around age six to about 12—in which we think we know how our investment in parenting is going to turn out. And then … it doesn’t go that way at all. After doing our best to pour out our lives for them, our kids grow up and do what they want to do.

Few relationships require us to reformat our expectations of how things will work out than being the parents of adult children.

The pain of an adult child’s bad decision is a special kind of powerless feeling and maybe the greatest challenge I’ve ever experienced. I’ve watched as my Australian son-in-law, my daughter, and my first grandchild were nearly deported for failing to file immigration paperwork on time. I’ve watched another child end up homeless, and listened to numerous conversations about faith and God that I never could have fathomed would be part of our relationship.

In the midst of the fear, pain, and confusion, we must choose to

focus on the prize—the connection to our adult child’s heart. My wife, Sheri, has always said that her goal in raising our children is to get them to fall madly in love with her.

More than ever, we are in a friendship-style relationship with our kids that requires the choices of two powerful people. If both parties don’t do the work to preserve the friendship, there isn’t one. (This can be a harsh reality for parents who are still trying to maintain control over their relationship with their kids in order to protect themselves.)

However, whether or not our children choose to hold up their end of a friendship with us, we still get to choose to hold up our end.

Pursuing a heart-to-heart connection unceasingly and at all costs is how we express unconditional covenant love toward our children.

Covenant is a binding agreement that requires death. As parents, we know that nothing exposes us to vulnerability and fear more than when a beloved child introduces disagreement, conflict, or poor choices into our relationship. In these moments, we have the powerful opportunity to make the sacrifices of covenant and hold on to our relationship with them.

Every single child comes into the world and brings with them ‘their’ way.

Choose to focus on the prize—the connection to our adult child’s heart.

There is something inherent in the way we learn that is referred to as ‘the principle of first mention’. The first time we hear information on any given subject, that knowledge becomes the foundation upon which we weigh everything else on the same topic. For example, if you begin teaching little Johnny about healthy sexuality when he is eight years old, and at 13 his friends try to influence him with a perverted sexual message, he will weigh their opinions against what you taught him, which he deems to be the truth, and will most often reject their message as a lie. Of course, this principle works against you if his friends teach him about sex before you do!

All three of my adult children are bringing the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced into my life. Navigating issues of faith, political perspectives, and extended family dynamics are all things I didn’t anticipate when they were playing in the yard every day. But all this push and pull has built a new trust and tenacity in our relationships.

I can honestly say that these are the greatest days of my role as a parent. My kids are teaching me to grow up and not get locked in a comfortable mindset that stops maturing. I’ve grown more than any Master’s degree ever stretched me.

Oh, and did I mention the grandchildren …

Finding your child’s unique way

WM. PAUL YOUNG, best-selling author of The Shack There is a Hebrew scripture that has been translated into the English like this: ‘Train up a child in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.’

We thought this meant that there was a ‘way’ to train a child, the right way. If we could collectively agree on that ‘way’, our children should be moulded within its definitions. Our focus has been on the ‘way’ and not on the child.

The Hebrew scripture does not say anything like this. It should be translated, ‘Train up a child in his or her way, the way that is their way, and when they are old they will live naturally within that way.’

Every single child comes into the world and brings with them ‘their’ way. This requires another depth of thoughtfulness, of mindfulness that takes into consideration the mystery of each child. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. This is certainly true when we are blinded by the need to be successful, as determined by the systems that demand performance and require strict and regimented submission to its judgments and standards.

Many of the techniques and perspectives offered [on parenting] will be helpful. But one will not apply to your child while another may. It is the parent who has joined with God to create a being who

will change the cosmos by their presence more than by performance.

Here is one simple technique: Rather than answer the question your child asks, ask them another question.

A question is an invitation into relationship and one good question is worth a thousand answers. Their response will be a window into the uniqueness of your child, how they think and what their emotional world looks like. How do you think that works?

Why do you think they said that? Who do you think we could ask who might know? How did that make you feel?

Questions open up the world—for you, your child and your growing relationship.

Talking to kids about sex

KRIS VALLOTTON, co-founder of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry.

It’s paramount that parents … be the first to instruct their children on the important subjects of life.

It’s paramount that parents push past their fears of inadequacy and be the first to instruct their children on the important subjects of life.

The world perverts sex, but Christians tend to shame it, which ultimately leads to a different, but equally destructive, kind of perversion. We must come to terms with the fact that when God said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’ he gave us our sex drive. Therefore, sex is good and our sex drive is normal! But what does it mean to have a sex drive? It means that you want to have sex with someone! Our children shouldn’t be shamed for being sexual beings. However, they do need to learn how to manage their sex drive nobly.

I have watched so many parents discipline their children with shame and wonder later why their kids struggle with low self-esteem and self-destructive behaviour. Shame is a tool of the enemy.

Shame is often unknowingly seeded into the hearts of our children by the way we relate to sex. We tend to fear what we don’t understand, so study this subject until you feel comfortable and confident that you can teach your children about sexuality without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.

Abridged from the ebook Parenting with Purpose. You can download the full book for free from www.parentingwithpurpose.us

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Lifestyle | 09

BUDGETING

ENVIRONMENT

Totally Local

Dealing to Plastic Bags

Q&A How do I help my friend who is depressed?

A new scheme is allowing Kiwis to recycle the 1.6 billion plastic bags we use every year.

Kudos has to go to some of our biggest chains—The Warehouse, Pak ’n Save and New World—who this year have been rolling out a recycling programme for ‘soft plastics’. Bins in selected shops around the country have been set up, where people can bring in their plastic bags, as well as other packaging plastics.

The project takes all soft plastic bags—including bread bags, frozen food bags, toilet paper packaging, confectionery and biscuit wrap, chip bags, pasta and rice bags, courier envelopes, shopping bags, sanitary hygiene packaging—basically anything made of plastic that can be scrunched into a ball.

We recently spied a sign outside a local shop that caught our attention: ‘Did you know that if each of us spent $100 more a year on local shops instead of chain stores it would put an extra $3 million into our economy.

Not only that, but it would create thousands more jobs every year.’

These ‘soft plastics’ are not picked up in our regular council recycling, but we literally go through billions of these products a year, so this is a major step towards becoming a more truly sustainable nation.

We’re sold! So, we’ve put together some easy ways you can shop locally that won’t be too time consuming or blow your budget:

At the moment the scheme is available in Canterbury, Auckland and the Waikato. It will be launching in the Wellington region before the end of the year, with the aim of being available in 70 per cent of the country.

Stay out of malls: Try this experiment: instead of going to your local mall, explore the streets around it. This is where you will find individually-owned businesses offering local products—your money will be going to families, not corporations. Local businesses usually stock products from other local farmers and craftspeople, so when you buy from that store you support several other local businesses as well.

Already, shoppers have recycled over 4.5 million units of soft plastics, coming in at over 25 tonnes. The packaging is shipped to Melbourne, where it is being recreated into everything from furniture to speed bumps.

The scheme was set up by the Love NZ recycling programme—an industry initiative in which Kiwi companies pay levies to fund recycling and litter bins in public spaces. You could argue that industry is responsible for the huge amount of packaging waste, but we say good on ya for doing something positive!

Switch banks: For most of us, our biggest investment is with our bank —that’s literally where all our money goes. But most of our banks are owned by Australia. ‘In the last five years, $9.5 billion went overseas in bank dividends, that’s a lot of money that won’t be reinvested in New Zealand,’ says the Buy NZ Local website (www.buynzlocal.co.nz). New Zealand banks invest your money back into our economy and often get the best ratings for customer service. These include Kiwibank, The Cooperative Bank, TSB and SBS.

We pride ourselves on being clean, green Kiwis, so if the programme is available in your area, do your bit and recycle all those plastics currently ending up in landfills.

Shop fresh: Buy fresh, unpackaged products wherever you can. Usually your local fruit shop and butchers are within walking distance of each other.

Give it a go and you might find it less of a hassle than you think—you won’t be fighting the long queues or supermarket crowds.

Online local: Shopping online doesn’t mean going global. One of our online faves, Trade Me, has many products from local designers and craftspeople.

And you can usually grab a bargain.

For 200 years we’ve been conquering Nature. Now we’re beating it to death. Tom McMillan

I have a flatmate who seems very down, I think he is depressed.

How can I talk to him about it and encourage him to get help?

You are a obviously a caring flatmate, and when people are feeling low or even depressed, they really need people like you who are willing to be there—not just ignore the situation.

Your question is timely, since it is World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, with this year’s theme ‘Communicate, Connect, Care’.

Suicide is the far end of depression, and this theme is a great summary of how you can help your friend.

You are already showing that you care. Communication is also key.

If you have any concerns, gently ask him how he is doing. Keep the questions and conversation open. If you sense he is uncomfortable, don’t keep pushing. At the same time, don’t allow him to isolate himself.

You could ask some questions like: • I’ve noticed you’ve been quite down, when did you begin feeling like this?

• Did something happen that made you start feeling this way?

Testify When Val Anderton’s father died it began a journey to a new life for her to meeting ‘the Easter Man’.

On Sunday 27 April I went to the Easter service at the Salvation Army with my little dog Sophie.

There were three dogs there—my own and two others, all well behaved. At church a friend gave me a new easy-to-read Bible as an Easter gift. The Val of 12 months ago would shake her head in disbelief at the Val who now goes to church.

In May 2014, my dad Joe, my best friend, my mentor and strength, passed away at 94. When he died, all I had believed in died with him. I was lost and alone.

Sophie tried hard to help me, never leaving my side, but she could not talk to me as my dad did.

Feeling empty and alone, I started talking to Sharon, the manager at ‘Sallies on Wycola’, the Hornby Salvation Army Family Store. Sharon was always ready to listen. In time I became a shop volunteer. It was therapeutic and got me amongst people again, gave me something worthwhile to do.

When collectors were needed for the Red Shield Appeal I agreed to help with Sophie at my side.

Sharon told me I needed to come to the following Sunday meeting to collect a certificate. She said it would look good in my CV. Sophie was given a certificate too.

From then on there was always another reason to attend. Before long I was attending regularly because I really loved the singing

and the sermons and the way the officers were so in touch with people. And they were happy to have my wee mate attend as well. I was hooked!

When soldiership classes were held I attended and was enrolled as an adherent. It was my way of saying, ‘I belong here.’

Over Easter there were services relating to different aspects of the Easter story. On Good Friday, a wooden cross had been erected. At some point in the service I knelt before that cross and wept for Jesus who had been nailed there so long ago.

I shed tears of sorrow for the pain he suffered for my sins.

The more I became aware of his suffering the taller he grew and the smaller I became until before that cross I felt like a child sitting at my Father’s feet gazing up at him.

I felt his presence touch me and I knew I was his. I knew I had to follow him. I left church that day a changed person.

On Easter Saturday there were prayer stations and more tears. At one station we were invited to pray and light a candle for someone we missed. I wept for my father who had died just two years earlier. I felt sad, but I knew he would be happy that I had found a way forward.

On Easter Sunday, church was a place of celebration for the resurrection of Jesus. For me, it was a personal celebration that I

too was now one of Jesus’ many followers.

At Easter 2016, I met the Easter Man and he changed my life for good. I now have a relationship with God because of Jesus. I have given myself over, placed myself in his hands and now I trust him to guide me.

I felt his presence touch me and I knew I was his …

I left church that day a changed person.

• How can I best support you right now?

Pain Perdu Stale bread dipped in an orange-flavoured custard mixture, then gently cooked until it puffs up and is golden brown | Serves 4 2 eggs ½ cup milk 2 Tbsp orange juice 1 tsp grated orange rind 2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp vanilla pinch of salt 8 slices French bread, cut diagonally

Place all ingredients except French bread in a bowl, and whisk until well mixed.

Place bread in large, shallow dish and cover with egg mixture. Leave for 20–30 mins, turning occasionally.

Heat a little butter in a large frying pan. Add bread and cook over low heat for 5–10 mins each side, turning when golden brown.

Serve immediately, topped with berries, a dusting of icing sugar and a trickle of maple syrup, or serve with jam.

From The Ultimate Vegetarian Collection by Alison and Simon Holst www.holst.co.nz

• Have you thought about getting help?

Let’s Talk

If possible, sit down with your flatmate and encourage him to complete the assessment on www. depression.co.nz, which will help him understand if he is experiencing depression.

If he, or you, thinks he’s depressed, connect him with the right support.

It’s really vital that he goes to the doctor—getting some medication can literally be a lifesaver if this is what he needs. It’s also very wise to seek a good counsellor.

You don’t need to shoulder the burden of caring for your friend— the best thing you can do for them is ensure they get professional help, and put other support networks in place. If your flatmate belongs to a corps or church, get his permission to talk to his corps officer or pastor.

Go to www.depression.co.nz

I would like: to explore what it means to follow Jesus information about Salvation Army worship and activities prayer for the following needs:

KIDS PEAK ADVENTURE

WHEN

3–7 OCT 2016

WHO Kids aged 8–13 years.

WHAT

NAME: ADDRESS:

A five day camp focused on developing teamwork, leadership and confidence. Ton of fun, full of challenges, and a chance to make new friends.

FOR MORE INFO

Please post to: War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

bluemountainadventure.org.nz bmac@nzf.salvationarmy.org

10 | WarCry 03 September 2016

Close Up | 11

SUDOKU

Difficulty Medium

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Photography: Kris Connor/Getty Images

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BY INGRID BARRATT

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Moby and the Messiness of Life

Each Sudoku number puzzle has a unique solution that can be worked out logically (not mathematically). The numbers 1 to 9 appear once in every row, column and 3x3 square.

A new book of memoirs from electronic dance artist Moby recalls a messy mix of Christianity, hedonism and addiction.

QUICK QUIZ 1 Who won NZ’s first medal of the 2016 Olympic Games?

2 What South Island town was formerly known as Holborn?

3 What upcoming movie is based on the story of Desmond T Doss?

4 What is the only colour that bees cannot see?

5 What is the name of Ritchie McCaw’s new book?

6 Finish the jingle ‘just like a milkshake …’

7 Who wrote the song ‘Cherry Cherry’?

8 What is polenta made from?

9 Which two composers were born in 1685 and died nine years apart?

10 Who had beef against a Greek silversmith named Demetrius?

THE

Foodbank PROJECT

If you bought records in the ’90s, chances are that you have at one time been the proud owner of Moby’s staggeringly successful album Play. It was the electronic dance album adored by the masses, which remained on the charts for three years.

But even if you have never heard of Moby, you will have heard his music—he was the first artist to license every song on his album, meaning his music has been heard on adverts for everything from Visa to Volkswagen, as well as movies like The Beach and The Bourne Identity. Then there are the numerous TV series. In other words, Moby’s music is everywhere.

But Moby the man—nicknamed after his great-great-great uncle Herman Melville who wrote Moby Dick—has always been a shadowy figure. He is an unassuming millionaire—looking every bit the techno geek that he is. A vegan. And rumours have always circulated that he is a teetotal Christian.

Now, Moby is again causing a sensation. This time for his new book of memoirs, Porcelain, focusing on the 10 years of his life before he hit international superstardom. It begins in 1989 when New York was burning: ‘New York was very much ravaged by crack violence. It was a dystopian place but it was also paradise,’ he recalls.

Moby squatted in a derelict old factory, was desperately seeking a record deal, and yes, he was a Christian—in the most fundamentalist sense of the word. And yet, in a sense that would shock most Christians.

‘I was a very serious Christian and was very sober. I was taking Bible study during the day and DJing in sex clubs at night. I wasn’t part of the debauchery; I was there for the love of the music and the culture. Somehow it made perfect sense to me … It seemed normal to me at the time,’ recalls Moby in a recent interview.

In these few words, Moby challenges our sense of what it means to be a Christian. Does it mean shunning immorality, or does it mean hanging out with prostitutes—like Jesus did? And if

Moby headlines a ‘Rally for Moral Action on Climate Justice’ on the National Mall on 24 September 2015 in Washington, DC. it means both, what does that look like?

At first, Moby manages to be a sober, largely celibate Christian in a world of drugs and debauchery. And although he says it felt normal, you can’t help but feel that compartmentalising his life was a survival strategy. This, of course, unravels. Alcohol and debauchery eventually win—Porcelain is essentially the story of Moby’s demise from sober outsider to fully-fledged alcoholic.

Some reviewers have loved this book as a celebration of the dance music lifestyle—bursting with drugs and promiscuity and countercultural anarchy. But the overall narrative left me with an almost oppressive sense of sadness that was hard to shake. I skipped several passages where the hedonism was just too miserable. And I would go so far as to urge you not to read his memoirs—although beautifully written, it is crammed with depressing levels of drugs and promiscuity.

One of the most crippling moments in the book was when Moby misses his own mother’s funeral—ostensibly because he slept through his alarm. But, of course, he was hungover.

The books ends just before Play comes out. By Moby’s account, things got far worse before they eventually got better.

Moby interrupted his background and challenged his own worldview.

Today, at 50, Moby is sober again. And he still owns the label of ‘Christian’, albeit with caveats: ‘I’m a Christian in a way that wouldn’t make sense to other Christians, but wouldn’t make sense to atheists either. I like the teachings of Christ, I love that he stressed the virtues of forgiveness, compassion, humility, tolerance, I think these are all wonderful things, and in my own clueless subjective way I see a divinity in Christ and the teachings of Christ.’

Moby’s story throws up many questions about Christian identity, and how that relates to Christian belief. Moby may never be ‘in the mainstream Christian club’—he doesn’t go to church, his lifestyle doesn’t match Christian ideals of morality. And he sees his faith as subjective, rather than empirical truth.

But this is a challenge to us who are very much ‘in the club’. If someone is raised as a Christian and goes on to live a Christian life, they are simply going with the flow of their upbringing.

When we look at Moby’s background, we gain a broader perspective. He was born into extreme poverty. His father died in a drink-driving accident when he was two. His mother had hippy and

pagan aspirations, and Moby started taking drugs when he was 10 years old.

‘Sometimes we would be living in a squat-ish house with three or four other drug-addicted hippies,’ he remembers. ‘The way I was able to do drugs at 10 was that I was stealing them from my mother and her boyfriend. A friend of mine had a sister in a psych ward and she would give him her pills and we would drink vodka and take her antipsychotic drugs.’

For Moby, drugs and hedonism was simply going with the flow of his upbringing. But then Moby interrupted his background and challenged his own worldview.

At 13, he gained sobriety for the first time. And in 1985, Moby discovered the teachings of Christ. ‘I read the New Testament, specifically the gospels, and I was struck at their divinity, feeling that humans could not have figured this out on their own. We’re just not bright enough.

‘I love Christ and love the teachings of Christ,’ he says.

Like anyone, Moby’s spiritual, physical and emotional formation was not a linear progression. ‘I stopped drinking, started drinking, stopped drinking, started drinking, and now hopefully I’ve stopped drinking for good,’ says Moby today.

Life is more often messy than not. And no one—least of all Moby—would set him up as a role model to follow. But he has been transformed: he is now sober again, he has overcome panic attacks and anxiety, he is in a long-term relationship—something he struggled to maintain in the past—and he still believes in Jesus.

None of us will be perfect this side of Heaven, and each person’s experience of the transforming work of Christ will look different.

Perhaps we should measure our response to those Christians who don’t look or behave as we do with the words of Jesus: Don’t condemn others, and God won’t condemn you. God will be as hard on you as you are on others!

He will treat you exactly as you treat them. You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, ‘My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you don’t see the log in your own eye? You’re nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.’

(Matthew 7:1–5, CEV).

Of course, our best starting point is always that of empathy, and so we might simply want to echo Moby’s own words as he reflected on writing his memoirs: ‘My response was a sense of compassion and sympathy, and “Oh you poor guy, that was actually pretty rough.” ’

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8 6 5 3 7 9 1 2 4

6 4 3 5 8 1 2 9 7

5 7 8 9 3 2 6 4 1

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Quick quiz answers: 1 Natalie Rooney, 2 Naseby, 3 Hacksaw Ridge, 4 Red, 5 148, 6 ‘… only crunchy’, 7 Neil Diamond, 8 Maize flour, 9 Bach and Handel, 10 Paul (Acts 19:23–41).

03 September 2016 WarCry | 13

Swearing—everyone does it, right? I mean it’s everywhere, from your mates to the news. But if everyone does it, then what’s the big deal, why do we make out like swearing is such a bad thing?

The Bible doesn’t even mention ‘swearing’ directly—in fact, the apostle Paul might have even sworn in the Bible. So, why do the olds tell you off? It’s so annoying, right?! Well, let’s have an honest conversation about swearing.

The ‘S’ word: sin

WATCH Y*UR M*UTH!

BY ROBIN RAYMOND

First off, is swearing a sin? As we’ve already said, the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about ‘swearing’, but that’s because swearing is hard to define. Some words are worse for different people and they change all the time (words like ‘mumblecrust’, ‘thunderation’ and ‘gadzooks’ used to be swear words!)

But what the Bible does have something to say about is our words in general and what they show about our inner life and thoughts. Jesus makes the point in Luke 6:45 that ‘the mouth speaks what the heart is full of’. The words you use reflect your character and what’s in your heart … so if you’re using the F-word to your mum all the time it might be a good idea to ask what deeper issue is going on that you need to sort out.

Many of the other writers in the New Testament tell us not to use foul language.

In Ephesians 4:29, Paul quite neatly sums up the Bible’s attitude by saying, ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’

One of the awesome things about what Jesus did is that he set us free from sin. That means you don’t have to worry if you let something slip—but that also doesn’t mean we can say what we like as followers of Jesus and not care.

Although ‘unwholesome talk’ in the Ephesians verse doesn’t only refer to swearing, that verse captures the attitude of the Bible toward our words. We should show love to people and to God in what we say, and build people up.

The ‘C’ word: context So, is every time you swear bad, or are there situations when it’s okay to swear? According to the sort of people who go to university to study swearing, if you swear on rare occasions when you hurt yourself, this can help with the pain, but swearing also makes you and the people around you stressed.

We know some words are meaner than others and different situations do make a difference.

For example, Paul uses a nasty word in Philippians 3:8 that means ‘poo’ or ‘nasty rotting food scraps’. Bible translators mostly write this as ‘rubbish’, because we wouldn’t

want to think Paul was a potty mouth. We don’t know if this was a swear word in Paul’s day, but he certainly meant to use a strong word to really hammer home his point—that nothing you can own compares to being loved

by God. However, he also only did it once, for a very specific reason.

The real question when we swear is, why? Why did you choose to say that word? What are you intending? If you’re using a swear word because you think it’s cool and edgy or you want to be seen as some sort of rebel by being offensive, that says a lot about you. If you’re intending to be offensive or hurtful, that’s a problem.

But even if none of these are the reasons why you’re swearing, you’re still using words that can hurt people, and we’re supposed to be sharing love and building people up, right?

THE W*RDS Y*U USE REFLECT Y*UR CHARACTER AND WHAT’S IN Y*UR HEART. The ‘F’ word: friends The way we talk reflects a lot about us. But it also reflects our friends. Swearing is a habit, like biting your nails or eating junk food, and it’s influenced by the people we hang out with. I mean, I don’t swear around my mum or dad, and I’d never, ever swear if I thought my grandma could hear, but around some of my friends? Yes. Why? It’s the lamest excuse ever for doing something—just because ‘they’ do.

Now, that suggests I don’t have great selfcontrol; I’m just trying to be cool. I’m just copying the people around me to fit in. The good thing, though, is that while we do things because our friends do them, they also do things because we do them. If other people swearing can rub off on us; our not swearing can rub off on them! So, rather than telling people swearing is wrong all the time, I can start by changing myself. Cutting out my bad language might also help my friends change.

The B word: blasphemy!

Another thing the Bible has something to say on is blasphemy. But what even is that?

Well, what we call ‘blasphemy’ as Christians generally comes from the third commandment of the 10 Commandments. This says, ‘You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God’ (often translated as taking God’s name in vain).

So, is not blaspheming just about keeping ‘Oh, my God’ or even OMG out of our language?

Clearly, using God’s name to curse and complain isn’t a great show of respect. And it can show how we feel about God. But blasphemy is about a lot more than just how we use God’s name when we talk. When we say we’re Christians, we’re meaning that we represent God—that we do things in God’s name. When we claim to be following God, but do things that aren’t what God wants, we’re misrepresenting God and misusing God’s name. Bullying someone, gossiping or saying nasty things about them while saying we follow God is misusing God’s name.

To put it another way, the Bible talks a lot about hypocritical people who stand in church saying all the right things, singing along to the songs or making a big scene about praying, but don’t treat people right during the week.

What this means is blasphemy can actually cover a lot more than we might have thought!

Blasphemy is about what’s inside and our attitude, which also comes out in our words.

The bottom line: live like Jesus You’re not going to hell if you use a naughty word when you stub your toe. Or even if you use the F-word. But that doesn’t mean God wants us going around using bad language, or that swearing doesn’t matter.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we have to follow a whole bunch of rules, but that we choose to live the way God says is best. We choose to try and live like Jesus, who knew the best way to get the most out of life—to live a life of radical love that built up everyone and didn’t tear anyone down.

Being a Christian also means we influence how people see and understand God. If we’re going round casually saying things that can hurt and offend people, if we don’t bring honour to God, that’s not a great example of what God is all about. It’s not always easy, but our words should show people that we love them and that we’re trying to build them up.

As one wise person once said, instead of asking, ‘Why can’t I [do this or that]?’, maybe we should be asking, ‘Why should I?’ How does saying these words help me, and how does it reflect God?’

God Moves in Power at Northern Division Youth Councils

BY MELISSA BRIDLE From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July, around 185 campers and leaders from Kaitaia Far North to Pukekohe gathered in Hunua for our annual Youth Councils Camp.

The theme for this year was ‘Destined’, and we were so blessed to have Lieutenant Naomi Holt speak to us on this topic. Her messages were so God-inspired and really spoke to a lot of us about who we are as sons and daughters of God, with our worth found in him.

We were also blessed by Rosy Keane, from Upper Hutt Corps, who shared her spoken word poetry with us and ran a workshop on this, which was a standout for many.

Alongside these awesome speakers, Friday Night kicked off with a bang as we had Pokémon-themed tribal wars, awesome worship, and lots of time to hang out and connect with new and old friends from around Northern Division. The rain came in time to lull us to sleep, which was a great way to end the first night of camp.

On Saturday, we started the day with another inspiring session from God’s Word, ahead of corps-based discussion groups that were a really neat time to connect and unpack the talk Naomi shared with us.

Saturday afternoon saw adventure activities such as abseiling and flying fox, an amazing scavenger hunt, as well as the muddiest rugby ever seen and the least muddy mud slide!

Luckily, the weather was awesome for once —it was finally a pretty warm weekend at Hunua, meaning all these things could be enjoyed to the fullest. For those less inclined to the adrenaline, the café space run by Albany Bays Corps youth was the place to be, with board games, food and a cosy fire making this the coolest hangout spot at camp.

We also had workshops that challenged and inspired us on topics like grappling with grace, healthy relationships, life-changing spiritual habits, what to do when you don’t know what to do with your life, and spoken word. Another

usual camp highlight was the fantastic food (shout out to the awesome catering team, holla!).

Saturday night—with the incredible music team leading us in worship, a beautiful prayer reflection space (that was totally ‘gramworthy’), and many young people grabbing the mic to share what God was doing for them. All this made for a truly impacting evening. The Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way, in what was a defining night of faith for many campers.

Sunday was an awesome wrap-up service that continued what God started the night before, and ended with all the youth groups gathering together to pray for their corps and communities.

After a quick group photo, lunch and pack up, the campers were all on their way home again, tired, but happy.

Our Community | 15

Australian Singer Thrills Palmerston North and Wellington Audiences

Silvie Paladino—one of Australia’s most versatile and talented entertainers—thrilled audiences in Palmerston North and Wellington over the last weekend of July. Silvie visited from Melbourne to share in music and ministry with the Wellington Citadel Band, under the musical direction of Bandmaster Ken Waterworth (Melbourne Staff Band).

Silvie has had a career in musical theatre since the age of 18, playing lead roles in

productions across Australasia, Asia and London’s West End, and features regularly in Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight—broadcast nationally across Australia.

Eight years ago, Silvie was invited to sing with The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Staff Band in the Army’s annual Christmas presentation ‘Our Christmas Gift’.

This began a collaborative music ministry that has seen Silvie perform across Australia and internationally at Salvation Army events.

It was evident from the outset that God has placed a special calling on Silvie’s life: to use the gifts he has given her to reveal God’s redeeming love to all. Her concerts were as much about her story as her singing. Silvie told of her upbringing, life as a musician, journey to faith and struggles as a Christian, and how God is working in her life today.

Silvie’s selection of songs enhanced her story, moved hearts and would certainly have challenged those who were not

Christians. They included ‘On My Own’ and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Misérables, ‘The Prayer’ from Quest for Camelot, ‘When You Believe’ from The Prince of Egypt, and ‘Songbird’, made popular by the late Eva Cassidy.

Along with worship songs, including ‘He Reigns’ and ‘Your Grace Still Amazes Me’.

She was accompanied on piano and guitar by professional accompanist David Cameron from Melbourne, father and son duo Neville and Hayden Lauridsen from Palmerston North on rhythm, and the Wellington Citadel Band (Bandmaster Jim Downey).

Silvie shared more of her testimony in spoken word and song at Wellington City Corps on Sunday morning and over lunch with youth and young adults of the corps; encouraging them in their walk with God. What shone through most powerfully over the weekend was Silvie’s humility and sincerity, which helped her to connect so naturally with audiences. We thank and praise the Lord that people’s lives have been changed through sharing in these special occasions.

Family of Volunteers Helps Rangiora An intentional effort to include Family Store and Community Ministries volunteers in the corps family is paying off for Rangiora Corps.

The corps Family Store and Community Ministries, which share a building, have over 40 volunteers and many described finding lifechanging support and a family atmosphere. One has become a Salvation Army soldier this year and two more are considering soldiership.

Corps officer Captain Lyn Beets said they try to include and support volunteers as much as possible, including visiting them in hospital, offering support at home and inviting them to all corps activities.

‘Even if they don’t come on Sunday, they’re part of our family. We’re constantly in the shop, talking with them. We pray for them. We have a lady who’s just had an operation; we’re providing meals and supporting her. Our volunteer who became a soldier said she saw Jesus in action through us.’

Fellow corps officer Captain Sharryn McAuliffe said it was a longterm effort led by the Family Store leadership team. ‘We’re fortunate to have a really good manager and assistant manager who really understand the mission.’

Family Store manager June Lang said the team grew in the past five years from just over 30 and includes several volunteers with physical and other limitations. They also work with people completing community service hours. ‘A lot of the volunteers find it helpful to be here. Some have anxiety or are lonely and it is a family atmosphere,’ she said.

One volunteer was struggling with anxiety from impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes and other pressures when she joined the store this year. She travels from Christchurch to volunteer and said working at the Rangiora store had changed her life.

‘They’ve restored my confidence in myself, I’ve regained my sense of humour and the feeling of being valued as a person. It’s given me a sense of purpose and I look forward to getting up in the morning again.’

Some staff attended the funeral of a close family member of the woman recently, June said.

‘After the funeral, her husband said to us, “Even if we moved 300 kilometres away, I’d still encourage her to come, because it’s done her so much good.”’

Some volunteers share that friendship with Community Ministries clients, offering to call, keep in touch and give extra support, Lyn said.

Last month the store started a prayer and support group. In the past, they ran similar groups, each with a different function, June said.

‘It depends on the need. We had a group last year that ended up as a quit smoking group. They were all smokers who wanted to quit, so we got a smoking cessation coach from Linwood out. It seems like there’s a time for one thing, that ends, and something else develops,’ she said.

16 | WarCry 03 September 2016

Our Community | 17

Mission Teams Use Sport to Take Christ into the Community in Brazil The Salvation Army’s Rio 2016 mission teams made an impact in communities around Rio de Janeiro during their own Olympic mission.

Team members formed close relationships with children and families living in often-difficult conditions, and demonstrated the love of Christ through practical and other means—all based around a shared love of sport.

The mission teams were split into two blocks, with Block A working from 3 to 13 August, at which point Block B took over until 23 August.

International team members from 10 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA) worked with a domestic team of 29, comprising 15 cadets, three officers from the training college in São Paulo, two officers, six young people sourced through the territorial youth department, and three volunteers who helped with administration and translation duties.

Lieut-Colonel David Bowles, Salvation Army Sports Ministry Coordinator for Europe, explained, ‘The focus of #SARio2016 has always been to impact the local neighbourhood with the gospel and to make disciples for Christ using the tools of sport and play. Our goals have been to connect with people living around the corps (churches), build relationships and keep those relationships growing after the mission teams have left Rio de Janeiro.’

The emphasis was on children, who had no school during the 17 days of the Olympic Games. Teams went to local parks where they played football and simple games. ‘The formula is simple and effective. The kids come, the contact is made, the language barrier is broken by a ball, relationships are started and the gospel is shared,’ David said.

Team members intentionally shared personal stories of their relationship with Jesus, and David said the process was a fresh spin on proven Salvation Army culture—the open-air meeting.

The Teams were housed at three different locations, the Méier Corps/Education Centre, Bangu Corps and Niterói Corps, which also provided opportunities for making meaningful contacts.

At Divinéa Education Centre, four passing electricians joined a game of football and listened to the gospel message given by team members from Norway and Switzerland. At São Gonçalo Corps the mission team took to the streets with drums, musical instruments and flags to invite children to come, and about 20 arrived the next day for a ‘mini Olympics’.

Niterói Corps is a very community-minded church and the team was involved in a variety of activities linked to programmes already in operation, including ministry to prostitutes, a community party and blanket distribution to people living on the street. Children’s activities were arranged in a favela about 20 minutes’ walk from the corps.

Papakura Corps celebrates Milestone Papakura Corps celebrated a milestone for its work in the south Auckland suburb with a special service last month.

The corps, which has been in Papakura for 86 years, marked 30 years since it moved to its current location in the suburb.

Corps officer Lieutenant Nicki Dutton said the celebration, held during their Sunday service on 14 August, was an opportunity to reflect on the history of the corps and its future.

‘There are some really positive things happening. People are in good heart, growing in their faith and keen to see what God is going to do in this community.’

Moving the building had proved to be a good decision, going from the centre of town to a more residential area that was closer and much more accessible for those most in need, Nicki said.

Photographs and folders of the corps history were on display for the corps members to look back on the old hall site and the move. During the service corps members also shared memories of their time at the corps, how it had impacted their lives and about the move—including how the building got stuck on a bridge in the middle of Papakura town during the shift.

They also celebrated with food, including a cake that was cut by Sunday School member Drea Jones, 6, and soldier Linda Chambers, 99.

Linda, who stepped down from running Junior Soldiers earlier this year, is a member of the corps leadership team and volunteers at the corps’ foodbank.

GAZETTE Appointments Effective 19 Aug: Lt Kylie Overbye, Director, Rotorua Community Ministries (in addition to current Director, Lt Ralph Overbye); Mjrs Kathleen and Keith Wray, Directors, TaupŌ Community Ministries. Effective 1 Oct: Capt Gaylene Harvey, Senior Services Coordinator, Tauranga Corps and Community Ministries.

Appointments in Retirement Effective 19 Aug: Mjr Christine Rattray, Corps Officer, Manukau Central Corps (part-time); Mjr Graham Rattray, Corps Officer, Manukau Central Corps.

Conclusion of Officership Lieuts Christina and Ralph Suckling, effective 4 Sept 2016. Christina and Ralph have been corps officers at Manukau Central Corps since 12 Jan 2012, and for a time were also chaplains at Education and Employment’s Manukau Centre. They were commissioned on 10 Dec 2011. We thank Christina and Ralph Suckling for their years of service, and pray God’s blessing on them.

New Salvation Army Positional Statement on Peacemaking The Salvation Army prepares Positional Statements that briefly state its view on particular issues. All Positional Statements are approved by the General. The latest International Positional Statement is on peacemaking.

The Salvation Army believes it is God’s intention for all people in all their relationships to experience peace that is just, sustainable and leads to fullness of life. The causes of violent conflict are always complex and multifaceted. The Salvation Army disagrees with those who argue that violence is inherent to religious belief. Jesus proclaimed a gospel of peace. Despite knowing that there would perpetually be troubles in this world, Jesus declared that human peacemaking in a troubled world is blessed by God. The Salvation Army recognises the moral complexity inherent in issues of war and peace and the policing of civil order, and the difficult choices faced by governments and individuals.

The Salvation Army itself is committed to peacemaking. It calls on everyone it can influence—especially Salvationists—to pray for peace, conscientiously pursue peace and equip themselves to become effective peacemakers. It recognises that even those who bear military or policing responsibilities can make peace and justice their goal.

The Salvation Army affirms that pursuing and sustaining peace requires communal effort. The Salvation Army will be a persistent advocate for social justice. It will encourage the building of cultures that intertwine peace and justice in the family, the Church and society.

The Salvation Army supports global peacemaking efforts and will collaborate with others who share its objectives.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/PositionalStatements and follow the link to read this statement in full, along with other international and local positional statements.

Promoted to Glory Mjr Ruby (Joan) Ransom on 5 Aug 2016 from Auckland, aged 92 years. Joan Ransom was born in Waihi on 3 Feb 1924. She entered Training College on 26 Feb 1948 as a member of the King’s Messengers Session. She was commissioned on 10 Jan 1949 and appointed to Upper Hutt Corps as Assistant Officer. This was followed by two further corps appointments at Papakura and Grey Lynn.

In April 1952, Joan was appointed on overseas service to India. She was at THQ in Calcutta (North East India Territory), serving in the Finance Department for three years before becoming Corps Officer at Calcutta Central Corps. In 1957, Joan returned to NZ, where she served at three corps: Onehunga (assist), Waitara and Wanganui East. 1959 saw a return to her beloved India, with a further appointment at THQ (North East India Territory), this time as Cashier, and an additional appointment as Corps Officer Calcutta Central Corps in 1962.

Joan then spent seven years in youth work. In 1964, she was appointed Territorial Youth Secretary, North East India Territory. In 1969, Joan had a pro-tem appointment back in NZ as Divisional Youth Secretary,

Wellington, before moving to Western India as the Territorial Youth Secretary. Her last appointment in India was as Secretary, William Booth Memorial School, Fariabagh Ahmednagar, Western India Territory. In all, Joan spent 20 years of her officership serving in India.

When Joan returned home due to health concerns in 1974, she was appointed to THQ, where she served for 10 years in appointments in the Field Department, the Finance Department and the Home League Department.

During this time, she was also seconded for special projects to the Chief Secretary’s Office. In 1980, Joan was appointed Missionary Counsellor. She retired from active service on 26 Jan 1984.

We honour Major Joan Ransom for her 35 years of faithful active service and her continued ministry in retirement. Please uphold Joan’s nephew David Ransom and family in prayer at this time. A service of thanksgiving and remembrance for Joan’s life was held at New Lynn Corps on 12 Aug, conducted by Mjr Janee Sawyer. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus!

Bereaved Helen Martin, daughter of Mjr Gordon Smith and the late Mjr Thelma Smith (who was promoted to Glory in 2012), passed away on 8 Aug after a struggle with cancer. The funeral was held at Taranaki Crematorium on 12 Aug. Please remember Mjr Gordon Smith and his family in prayer.

Mjr Christina Tyson, of her father, Paul Matthews, promoted to Glory from Longview Home in Tawa on 18 Aug. The funeral service was held at Tawa Corps on 22 Aug, conducted by Mjr Keith Tyson. Please pray for Mjrs Christina and Keith Tyson, Paul’s wife Margaret, daughter Heather, and other family members in this time of loss.

Mjr Lynne Medland, of her mother, Beth Elliot, promoted to Glory from Wellington on 19 Aug. The funeral service was held at Johnsonville Corps on 23 Aug, conducted by Mjrs Clive and Lesley Nicholson.

Please remember in prayer Mjrs Lynne and Graham Medland, Beth’s husband John, daughters Fiona and Rachel, and other family members in this time of loss.

Birth Congratulations to Capt Juanita and Lieut Daniel Buckingham on the birth of Israel James Lyndon Buckingham on 13 August. May God bless their family.

First-time Grandparents Congratulations are extended to Cols Bronwyn and Lyndon Buckingham on the safe arrival of their first grandchild, Israel James Lyndon Buckingham.

International Headquarters Restructure Having appointed a Chief Secretary, in the person of Col Mark Watts, three assistant chief secretaries will be appointed to work with the colonel—one Assistant Chief Secretary (Administration) and two officers each appointed as Assistant Chief Secretary (Personnel).

The Assistant Chief Secretary (Administration) will support the Chief Secretary in giving oversight to the effective administration of IHQ in respect of: • IHQ personnel • International External Relations • Conferences/gatherings of international leaders • Ensuring that the strategic and monitoring process is effectively implemented.

Mjr Evie Diaz, an officer of the USA Central Territory, will assume this role, with the rank of lieut-colonel as from 1 Oct 2016.

The Assistant Chief Secretaries (Personnel) will support the Chief Secretary in relation to: • The oversight of the sharing and appropriate deployment of personnel resources on a global basis • The identification of officers with potential for future leadership • Monitoring of training and development programmes • Registration and coordination of all offers for international service.

Mjrs Geoff and Kalie Webb, of the Australia Southern Territory, will assume these joint roles with the rank of lieut-colonel, as from 1 Jan 2017.

The role of Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations, previously held by Commissioner William Cochrane, has been accepted by Comm Elizabeth Matear, a retired UK officer.

18 | WarCry 03 September 2016

Mission Matters | 19

LEADERSHIP LINKS

Christ the Redeemer is not just a Rio de Janeiro tourist destination Were you captivated by the recent Rio Olympics, as I was? Being a one-eyed Kiwi I naturally focused on the events where New Zealand featured, experiencing the highs and lows of our team.

There was, however, one exception: when Fiji won the gold in the Sevens, their first ever medal!

The backdrop for the Rio Olympics was the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain. This statue was erected to show that Christ loves all, to spread peace and display the devotion of the city for the Almighty. During the Olympics, Christ the Redeemer was referred to so many times and seen by over a billion people on TV, yet I wonder how many really appreciate the truth behind the words ‘Christ the redeemer’.

Galatians 4:4 says, ‘But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as Sons and Daughters.’ Jesus came to earth to live a sinless, obedient life. He suffered and died on the cross for each and every one of us, with the payment by his own blood necessary ‘to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters’.

Christ the Redeemer is not just a Rio de Janeiro tourist destination with a price to pay to visit; he is our means to an eternal destination for which he has already paid the price. I am glad I have surrendered my life to Christ, which means I can be called one of God’s sons. The freedom and the peace this has given me is amazing! I know that God, my Heavenly Father, watches over me. He guides me to the right path and speaks words of wisdom and encouragement as I journey with him.

Just like the athletes who have been racing in Rio, I too have a race to complete. I must run and not get weary, persevere and not give up, and I must stay in my lane and do the work that God has given me. My reward for doing this does not come in a gold, silver or bronze medal, but in eternal life with God my heavenly Father.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I ask you to look to your Heavenly Father and give thanks for Christ our Redeemer. I am reminded of the lyrics of ‘There is a Redeemer’ by Melody Green: There is a redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One. Jesus my redeemer, name above all names, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, oh, for sinners slain.

When I stand in Glory, I will see His face, and there I’ll serve my King forever, in that Holy Place.

Thank you, oh my Father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit, ’til the work on Earth is done.

Captain Gerry Walker Territorial Secretary for Personnel

Accepted for Training MESSENGERS OF COMPASSION SESSION —NGĀ KĀRERE O TE AROHANUI (2017–2018) Andrew and Ruth Wilson (Carterton Corps) Andrew and Ruth have enjoyed serving their local corps of Carterton. Sharing the Children’s and Youth Ministry role they have had a hand in creating some innovative programmes to engage with their community, including organising a light party each year and hosting pallet workshops for members of the community. Andrew and Ruth have two daughters, Isabella (2½) and Miah (5 months).

Ruth grew up as an officers’ kid and travelled as far as Durban, South Africa, and all around New Zealand. She felt the call to officership around the age of 16, but didn’t feel that this could be right and so disregarded it for many years. However, God kept reaffirming the calling to serve him through The Salvation Army as an officer through many things, including the New Zeal conference, other officers and people, and lastly confirming everything while Ruth was pregnant with her eldest daughter.

Andrew grew up with his mum and two older brothers.

Officership was never something he considered, but he always had a strong passion for mission. Eventually, he trained to become an airline pilot with the intention of flying with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) at some point in his life. During this training Andrew received a call to officership, but together with Ruth went on to apply to serve with MAF. After being deferred from the MAF application process and following some considerable soul searching, the couple decided to listen to the calling God had given them, and so began the journey that led them to apply to become Salvation Army officers.

Following the Call An officer is a senior soldier who has responded to a calling from God to devote all their time and energies to the service of God.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Speak to your local Divisional Candidates Secretary or talk to your corps officer.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/officership for more info

BY SHAR DAVIS

What’s Up at ‘The Makery’?

Miramar Corps is getting creative about friendship-making for those with a crafty bent.

Are you one of those people forever saving things on Pinterest and telling yourself ‘one day I will make this’, but ‘one day’ never rolls around? Perhaps you’re too busy, you don’t have the right equipment, or it feels overwhelming and you don’t know where to begin.

Miramar Corps may have had you in mind when they launched ‘The Makery’—a creative craft and DIY community that’s all about getting together, making cool stuff and eating delicious treats.

The purpose of The Makery is to create a space for people of any age or gender to meet others in the community and build friendships.

Making friends is not as easy as one might think, despite what Facebook might have us believe. So this kind of space offers a great chance to develop connections around a shared interest in craft.

But don’t think this is your typical church craft group with hot glue guns and pipe cleaners! The Makery feels like interior design style meets Pinterest.

The Makery takes place every six to eight weeks, and each event has a catchy name that gives a hint to what’s on offer. ‘Big Clay Out’, ‘To Dye For’ and ‘It Grows On You’ are just some of the creative nights held since The Makery launched in May last year.

Hannah Medland and Vanessa Singh, the creators of this outreach into their local community, said they ‘wanted to create a cosy, comfortable space to craft’, hoping regular gatherings would ‘create a sense of community’ and something for people to ‘look forward to’.

‘A common interest like craft is a great way to bring people together. Often you don’t have the motivation to get into it on your own, so having a group of people that comes together, learns some new skills and has lots of fun “making” was a cool chance to meet that need,’ they said.

You could be forgiven for not realising The Makery is a Salvation Army-led gathering at first glance. There’s not the typical Red Shield branding on any of the promotion, an intentional and strategic move with backing from Miramar’s corps officers.

The thinking was that The Makery would be a wider appeal than just church people and that those that came along would be encouraged to take ownership of the community Hannah and Vanessa were hoping to create.

‘We don’t call The Makery a church ministry as such; we’ve decided it’s more of a community programme that some of our church friends

happen to come to. So, in all our thinking/planning/marketing, we’re thinking of how to interest and welcome those in our community we don’t know—and this has had great results.’

The women use social media to market the events and connect with those outside of church circles. Their Facebook event is open for booking at 10 am on a Monday morning and is always fully booked before the event takes place a few weeks later. There is a waiting list for those who missed out and are hoping for a spot to open up.

Many people these days attend a church at the invitation from a friend, and there has been a real shift over recent years in the journey of faith. It is now a common experience that people will belong before they believe. Feeling like you belong is so important in our modern world, where people can experience isolation like never before.

The Makery feels like interior design style meets Pinterest.

The Makery is one of those spaces that allows people to develop a real sense of belonging without ever having stepped inside the building on a Sunday. It’s also the ideal opportunity for church members to come along because they want to be there, and where can then naturally form relationships with people.

‘As these friendships develop, we know there will be genuine and organic ways to share our faith with these new friends. We would never want to force people to come to any of our church programmes or listen to our “preaching” without that established base of trust and friendship,’ say Hannah and Vanessa.

There is a positive atmosphere at The Makery, with lots of laughter and a buzz of excitement about what each night will bring. There’s usually at least one or two people with a little trepidation on their faces at what might appear above their skill level. But by the end of the night there are plenty of great examples of creativity on display, full bellies from the delicious food, and new and developing friendships made.

And it all began with Hannah’s passion for craft and Vanessa’s idea to bring that to the masses … well, to Miramar, at least. By all accounts this venture has the makings of a great gathering point within the local community.

20 | WarCry 03 September 2016

Soul Food | 21

The Incomparable

CHRIST An excerpt from Amy Reardon’s devotional study in Hebrews, Holiness Revealed, in which she pulls back the curtain of ancient Jewish culture and tradition, allowing us to come face-to-face with the God-man Jesus Christ.

When something radiates, it sends out light from a central source. As a sun ray is both of the light yet separate from it, Jesus is one with the Father, emanates from the Father, and yet is distinct in his person.

God’s glory was witnessed on earth because of Jesus’ humanity and sojourn among us (John 1:14). It was witnessed in every miracle he performed, in the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–2), and in the message of love, forgiveness and freedom he brought.

There’s a poetic symbolism when we use rays of light as an illustration. We all need the sun for our survival; we need its light and its warmth. But it is too far, too bright, too hot—we cannot reach up and grab the sun. The beams that radiate the sun’s light solve our problems. They bring us the light and warmth we need without burning us.

Just as a ray of the sun reaches down from its sources to the earth below, Jesus reaches down and overcomes the colossal divide between God and man. While being God himself, he stretched down and met us where we are—all the while sparing us from viewing his full glory, which is too brilliant for humans to behold. As Christ shines upon us, he reveals the glory of God and bathes us in it.

The ‘exact representation of his being’ Have you ever tried to prove that God is triune (three distinct but united persons) by using Scripture alone? It isn’t easy. One of my teenage sons recently said to me, ‘Mum, I’ve been reading my Bible every day, and I just don’t find any evidence that Jesus is God. But I know it is important to believe that.’

He is right—it is important to believe that. Since the days of the Nicene Council (AD 325), belief in a triune God has been considered a non-negotiable for true Christians. But it’s no surprise that my son couldn’t find evidence of it. The doctrine of the Trinity is sort of the New Testament’s breath—essential and consistent, but often indistinguishable.

In the days of the early church, a heretical doctrine was afoot known as ‘adoptionism’. This was the theory that Jesus Christ was just a man, but God had ‘adopted’ him as his son. In other words, Jesus was not divine in nature. The role of Messiah was placed upon him at some point during his life, perhaps during his baptism. In his book Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church, Harold O.J. Brown admits, ‘Much of the New Testament can be read in an adoptionist sense; the number of passages that clearly emphasise the deity and pre-existence of Christ are few.’

The first chapter of Hebrews may seem to have the ring of adoptionism. Verse 4 says, ‘He became as much superior to the angels.’

Verse 5 says, ‘Today I have become your Father’. [Ed—Amy explores these verses more elsewhere in her book.] But perhaps the most troublesome is verse 34, which refers to Christ not as God, but as the ‘exact representation’ of God. Representation seems to indicate a substitute, something less than the actual thing. Imagine that the US president was invited to speak at a particular event, but because his schedule was full, he sent another person to represent him. The person may speak the ideas of the president, but he isn’t actually the president. In fact, in terms of his position, he is someone less than the president. If Jesus, similarly, was only a representative on behalf of God, wasn’t he less than God? How was he any better than the prophets or the angels?

Mum, I’ve been reading my Bible every day, and I just don’t find any evidence that Jesus is God. But I know it is important to believe that.

Considering the following illustration may be helpful. Imagine that you need to paint a small room in your home, so you go to a hardware store to get a tin of paint. You choose a card that has a picture of the paint on it and give it the person who does the paint mixing. ‘I’d like four litres of this colour, “Daylight Blue”,’ you say. The employee mixes the paint. But before he seals the lid on your paint tin, he dips a paint stick in the paint. Then he puts a dollop of that paint on the lid and seals it.

Your paint tin is sealed, but on the top of the lid is an exact representation of your Daylight Blue paint. You can’t see the whole four litres of paint. But you know the true colour and consistency and brightness of that paint because of the representation on top. It is an exact representation because it is the same stuff that is in your tin. To use more theological terms, the paint dollop is of the same essence as the paint in the tin. It is in very nature the same as the paint in the tin.

But because it isn’t the entire four litres, we say that it represents the paint inside.

You are pleased with the representation on the tin. You notice, however, that it doesn’t look exactly the same as the colour on the card. The actual paint is brighter, bluer or glossier. Just as the card is an imperfect representation of the paint colour and substance, so were the angels and prophets imperfect representations of God and his message. And just as the dollop of paint on the sealed lid is the exact representation of the unseen paint in the tin, so Jesus Christ is the exact representation of the Godhead.

The phrase that is translated as ‘exact representation’ in the New

International Version of the Bible is worded as ‘exact imprint’ in the New Revised Standard Version, which may be more helpful. When Hebrews was written, coins bore the images of the rulers, just as coins today have images of important persons in the history of different countries. The idea of an ‘exact representation’ would have meant to the congregation that Jesus bore the imprint of God himself, just as a Roman coin bore the imprint of Caesar.

The writer’s mysterious angle Despite all of this, one may wonder why the author wasn’t more forthright. Why didn’t he just say that Jesus is God and be done with the matter? Why did he have to be mysterious about it?

Let’s consider what our writer was establishing in Hebrews 1. It is clear that he wanted to present a hierarchy, and he did so by defining relationships. Who is Jesus in relationship to man? Who is he in relationship to angels? Who is he in relation to God the Father? This would be of vital importance to early Christians.

So while we may be looking for the passage to bluntly tell us there is a Trinity and Jesus Christ is the second person of that Trinity, the writer does so in a more subtle way. He knew his culture and he understood the times. He needed to show the superiority of Christ as representative of God, and he did it in a way that the ancient believers would easily understand. We may wish he had spoken directly to his 21st century audience, answering our specific questions. But he didn’t.

Don’t be disheartened! Really searching for what the Scriptures teach us is a great joy. If everything were completely obvious, if there were never any clues to hunt down or revelations to tease out, we might not become as intimate with God’s Word. As it is, we have to work to understand it. As we invest our time and engage our brains, we dwell in God’s presence and we digest what God has to say, rather than gloss over it.

‘Sustaining all things by his powerful word’ Let us try to imagine the weight of this claim in the context of the first century. If the new believers had grown up in the Jewish faith, would they have been rattled to read the claim that Jesus, the man who walked among them, sustains all things? That his word is as powerful as the word of God the Father? What a bold, unabashed case was being made for the authority of Jesus Christ!

We must not miss the fact that while the writer did not bluntly assert, ‘Jesus is God’, he was emphatically stating so by declaring that the powerful word of Jesus sustains the universe. If indeed the recipients were raised as Jews, they would have understood the point.

And if they were raised as Hellenists, they would have understood that this would set Jesus up as higher than any god in their society’s religious structure.

The second doctrine of The Salvation Army says: ‘We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver

and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.’ In Hebrews 1:2, the writer named Jesus as Creator.

Now, in verse 3, he was claiming Jesus as Preserver and Governor.

The book of Hebrews was written so everyone might understand that the new sacrifice and the new High Priest were complete and perfect. The animal sacrifices and the human priests of the past were temporary solutions to the sin problem and not fully sufficient. Jesus Christ—the established Creator, Preserver and Governor—made the final and complete sacrifice. When we understand who Jesus really is, we can understand why his sacrifice was enough.

Reflection Questions The image of light radiating from a source is a strong one. What insight do you have about Christ radiating God’s glory? How does this imagery speak to you?

Why do you think it matters that Christ was actually God incarnate, rather than just a man who grew up to become the Christ?

How was the writer subtly building a case that Jesus is God? Give your own description of Christ, bearing in mind the things you’ve read about him in Hebrews 1:2–3.

When you consider who Christ really is and that he was willing to make himself the sacrifice for you, do you feel prompted to clear your heart before him? Ask him to examine you and reveal any sinful ways. Are you prepared to give them up as you stand in the light of your radiant Saviour?

Amy Reardon thoughtfully guides readers through 31 days of in-depth devotions, unpacking and discovering the heart of the epistle Hebrews. Holiness Revealed makes an excellent resource for personal or group Bible study, providing engaging prose for daily soul care.

Major Amy Reardon has served as assistant editor-in-chief of The Salvation Army’s USA national publications department. She holds a Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary and with her husband co-pastors a congregation in Seattle.

Amy has been a member of The Salvation Army’s International Theological Council since March 2012.

To buy in paperback or as an ebook, and for additional online resources, go to www wesleyan.org/3205/holiness-revealed

22 | WarCry 03 September 2016

Calling All Musicians!

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 7–10: Addictions Cutting Edge Conference / Rotorua 10: Regional Training Day (Dunedin City) / Southern Division 9–11: Kids Camp / Central Division 10: Moral and Social Issues Council / Wellington 14: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 14: General Change Announcement 16: International Moral and Social Issues Council / Auckland 19–21: General’s Consultative Council / Queenstown 19–22: 12 Steps Course (Part 1) / Booth College of Mission 24–25: Youth Councils / Southern Division 25: Daylight Savings Begins (NZ) 26: South Canterbury Anniversary Day 29 Sept–2 Oct: Now is the Time Congress / Wellington OCTOBER 3–7: Kids Peak Adventure / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 10–13: Fifteen-year Officer Review / Booth College of Mission 14–16: Thought Matters Conference / Melbourne, Australia 18–20: 12 Steps Course (Part 2) / Booth College of Mission 19: Spiritual Day / Booth College of Mission 21: Hawke’s Bay Anniversary 24: Labour Day 28–30 Oct: Father and Kids Weekend / Blue Mountain Adventure Centre 31: Marlborough Anniversary

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 7–11 September: European Zonal Conference, Athens (TC) 14–16 September: IMASIC meeting, Auckland (TC) 19–21 September: General’s Consultative Council, Queenstown 29 September–2 October: Now is the Time Congress, Wellington

The Wellington South Band is currently seeking passionate past or present bandspeople to be involved with its programme of ministry and outreach in the Newtown community.

If you’ve got any level of prior brass experience and have a desire to strike a note for Jesus, we want to hear from you! Contact Bandmaster Trent Hamilton, email me@trent.nz

Help Women and Children in Fiji BECOME A FAMILY CARE CENTRE SPONSOR Our Family Care Centres are safe houses for women escaping domestic violence, homelessness and human trafficking.

For $25 a month, you can help support this work.

Become a sponsor today Contact Major Helen Knowles (Child Sponsorship Secretary), e: helen_knowles@nzf.salvationarmy.org, p: (04) 384 5649 or download a form from our website

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/FijiFamilyCentreSponsor

Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 2–4 September: Rangiora Corps Celebrations 19–21 September: General’s Consultative Council, Queenstown 29 September–2 October: Now is the Time Congress, Wellington

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Hamilton City, Hastings, Hawera, Hibiscus Coast and Hutt City Corps, Salvation Army Defence Force Chaplains, and The Salvation Army in Pakistan.

To advertise here, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

LIKE US facebook.com/salvationarmyNZFijiTonga

We’d love to hear your news We’re looking for stories of recent happenings at your corps or centre.

Generally 400–600 words with one or two clear and well-captioned photos. Promotion to Glory tributes are usually around 300 words.

Please send large, high-quality digital images in .jpg format.

Email news reports to warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org, or phone (04) 384 5649 to discuss with the editor in advance.

Subscribe today!

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To subscribe, contact Salvationist Resources, p: (04) 382 0740, e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @salvationarmynz Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES online:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/employment

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? For reports, regular newsletters, challenging articles and Salvation Army government submissions:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

Fun4Kids | 23

FIND five differences

Read It ‘God, you see the problems of people in trouble. You take note of their pain. … You help children whose fathers have died.’ Psalm 10:14 (NIRV) Let’s Talk

There are lots of stories of fathers in the Bible. Some were good dads, but others were not so good.

God wants children to be cared for by good parents, but that doesn’t always happen. Some kids never get to meet one or both of their parents, and some parents die

early. Other parents don’t live the way that God wants them to, which can make life at home hard for their sons and daughters sometimes.

If you have good parents, thank God for them! And let your parents know that you love them. But if there is some sadness or pain in your family,

God knows and cares.

Psalm 103:13 tells us, ‘A father is tender and kind to his children. In the same way, the Lord is tender and kind to those who have respect for him.’ As one of God’s children you can talk to God whenever things at home get hard. God loves you and wants to help.

Let’s Pray Dear God, thank you for being my good Heavenly Father. I pray that you will help me in my family and that you will help my friends too. Amen.

MISSION CONFERENCE

An engaging two days on aspects of mission today.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Pastor Paul de Jong, Senior Pastor, LIFE Church / Chris Clarke, CEO, World Vision FRI 30 SEP, 9AM–3PM | SAT 01 OCT, 9AM–12PM Registration required

WORSHIP

Uplifting worship and challenge from the Word.

FRI 30 SEP, 7PM / Celebrate Now / Snr Ps Paul de Jong SAT 01 OCT, 7PM / Vision Now / Comms Robert & Janine Donaldson SUN 02 OCT, 8AM / Prayer Meeting 10AM / Life Now / Comms Robert & Janine Donaldson

KIDS

Exciting kids activities throughout Congress, including during the Mission Conference.

FRI 30 SEP, 9AM–3.30PM, 7PM / SAT 01 OCT, 9AM–12PM, 7PM / SUN 02 OCT, 10AM–12PM Registration required

YOUTH

Youth and young adults late-night gatherings plus a BYO dinner.

Perfect for catching up with old mates and making new ones.

FRI 30 SEPT, 10PM–LATE / Café Hangs SAT 01 OCT, 4.30PM–6PM / BYO Dinner—we’ll supply dessert!

10PM–LATE / Youth Now / Fulton Hawk

CONCERTS

THUR 29 SEP, 7PM / Rhythm + Culture SAT 01 OCT, 2PM / #talentnow SUN 02 OCT, 2PM / National Youth Band and SpiritSong

WELLINGTON, NZ / 29 SEPTEMBER–02 OCTOBER 2016 FOR MORE INFO GO TO salvationarmy.org.nz/now