FAITH IN ACTION 21 AUGUST 2021 | Issue 6774 | $1.50
The Significance of the Dawn Raids Apology MORE Conference 2021 Waihi Corps Celebrates 125 (+1) Years
Running Away with the Circus Death is Not the End
Looking back and moving forward
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS Catherine
& William Booth
The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission. EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Holly Morton, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major Colleen Marshall | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Marshall on Unsplash OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,
PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset
is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System. Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 138 years | Issue 6774 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online)
Science and the Christian Faith The Italian Galileo Galilei, who is often referred to as ‘the father of modern science’, appeared before the Inquisition in 1633. He was found ‘vehemently suspect of heresy’ for saying the earth revolved around the sun, rather than the other way around. His defence was that scientific research and Christian faith are entirely compatible; that the study of the universe would assist in the correct interpretation of Scripture. The tension between science and theology has been played out in various forums throughout history, and today we are not immune from this debate— we are currently traversing a debate within the medical and faith communities, namely vaccines. It says in Luke 21:11a, ‘There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places’. Some of these are further described in Mark as ‘the beginning of birth pangs’. The word pestilence means ‘epidemic, contagious disease’. The Bible prepares Christians for the certainty of these events, so we are not taken by surprise. I recently listened to a talk by a top New Zealand medical specialist, who is also a Christian. His advice was measured, as he suggested that as Christians we remain informed with scientific information and we each weigh up the consequences for ourselves of vaccination versus non-vaccination. He stated that there was a risk involved with both responses. Ultimately, what happens in the body will not separate us from God. Jesus says in John 10:29, ‘My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand’. So as each of us makes our decision, let it be a prayerful decision, remembering that Jesus does heal, but not always in ways we expect. Vivienne Hill Editor
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The entrance fee into the kingdom of heaven is nothing: the annual subscription is everything.
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Henry Drummond
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Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ngā Waiata 90:12 Ākona mātou ki te tatau i ō mātou rā, kia anga ai te ngākau ki te whakairo.
M
y church community has an ongoing tradition—one that I don’t think is anything new or original—of doing what we call a ‘circle of love’ to celebrate people. It’s for birthdays but is also occasionally pulled out for other events like graduations and big milestones. How it works is the group will take turns to share a couple of things they love about the person being celebrated—whether it’s their laugh, their assertiveness or their excellent fashion sense. I think it is a lovely opportunity to slow down and consider those who are important to us. I can be on the quiet side and sometimes find this time a little uncomfortable: it’s hard to express in a couple of sentences how much I appreciate the people around me, but, at the same time, I never know how to respond when my friends say nice things to me. I am always thankful that the circle of love is recorded, so the person on the receiving end can listen back when needed. Although part of the appeal for me is seeing my friends, who are equally bad at accepting compliments, squirming when it is their turn. A few of us went out to dinner for a good friend’s birthday last weekend and, in a break from tradition, she insisted on doing a reverse circle of love—where she could tell each of us how much we meant to her. It was lovely, if a little on the long side, and my friend who has had a really intense
and, at times, traumatic year, was able to tell us all about the quality of her friendships that have supported her throughout. I think that there is something more significant in this practice. As Christians, we are called to encourage and lift each other up, but I think it speaks to the Imago Dei (image of God) as well. When we call out the things we see in each other that are good and lovely, we are looking at the things that God created in them that are good and lovely and like him. We are saying to them, I see you, and I see the nature of the Creator of the universe in the way you care about the environment, the way you listen and make those around you feel heard. We are both made in his image and the Imago Dei in me recognises the Imago Dei in you. We have an opportunity to notice and draw attention to qualities in people that they may not see, and in doing so encourage them to view themselves in a more generous way, as God does. It can be a bit strange getting used to being genuine and open about our appreciation of friends and loved ones—particularly in a society that often uses jokes and deprecating humour to relate to one another—but I am learning that it is such a worthwhile endeavour. BY HOLLY MORTON
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Weird of the Week: A single spaghetti noodle is called a spaghetto.
Marquee Purchase for Tongan Corps Ministry Plans for corps planting in Vava’u, an island group in Tonga, have been boosted after securing funds for the region to purchase a new marquee. The Salvation Army in Tonga, led by Captains Catherine and Kenneth Walker, has identified Vava’u as a promising location to expand into and a place where people are calling for the Army’s presence. A marquee would enable them to gather without a physical building, as the one they currently possess is outdated and unsuitable for beginning new corps ministry. ‘If they want to go somewhere, they’re out in the open air,’ Overseas Development Officer Lt-Colonel Milton Collins explains. ‘They couldn’t use what they had, and that’s the only thing that’s been stopping them.’ Now, thanks to a $10,000 contribution
WARCRYINHISTORY As we mark Self Denial Sunday for 2021, check out this Self Denial Appeal blast from the past! This cover from the 24 September 1927 War Cry illustrated how the giving of these funds could ‘support the noble work being done for others under the Army flag’.
Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Plowman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission.
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Sci-fi/Action The Tomorrow War (PG-13) Directed by Chris McKay I love a good blockbuster, end-of-the-world-type movie, so when the trailer for The Tomorrow War was first released, the formulaic nature of the plot did not deter me from viewing it. The protagonist, Dan Forester (Chris Pratt, a committed Christian), travels into the future at the request of teleporting time travellers from 30 years hence, to prevent the apocalyptic end of the world at the hands (or claws) of the alien species the White Spikes. The movie has themes of second chances and redemption as Dan initially struggles with his underachieving life and his hope of making a difference in the world. Well, he does, and the world was saved, thanks to the sacrifices of ‘normal’ people—office workers, tradies, mums and dads. I would say this movie is a cross between Independence Day and Edge of Tomorrow; a bit gory, but true to the genre. (Reviewed by Vivienne Hill)
QUIKQUIZ
Source: Please Don’t Pray With Your Mouth Full, by Bob Swanson.
1 The Labrador Peninsula is in which country? 2 What is the term for a baby koala? 3 Which Brontë sister wrote the least novels? 4 Computer/TV screens are often referred to as ‘LCD’— what does LCD stand for?
The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.
5 In the Bible, what dangerous creature did not affect Paul when it bit him?
Frederick Buchner
Answers on page 22
from Overseas Development funds, they have the ability to purchase an 8 x 12m marquee and begin reaching the people in Vava’u—and beyond. ‘They can make a start and see what the response to The Salvation Army is like, and whether there’s enough need in the community,’ Milton says. ‘Then they can use it for corps planting ministry around Tonga … they can pick it up and move it to other places as well.’
TOPFIVE
We might have all heard that Scotland’s national animal is the mythical unicorn, but here are five other creative critters chosen by countries over the world. 1. Dodo Bird—Mauritius 2. Komodo Dragon—Indonesia 3. Dugong—Papua New Guinea 4. Marten—Croatia
Healthier Pad Thai 1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, crushed
4½ cups rice noodles
1 tsp chilli paste
1 cup mung bean sprouts
400g chicken breast, cut into strips
To serve Fresh coriander, chopped
750g stir-fry vegetables
1 lime, cut into wedges
Cook noodles according to packet instructions. Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat. Add garlic, chilli and chicken, and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add stir-fry vegetables and soy sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly, or until chicken is cooked through. Toss through noodles and cook for a further 2–3 minutes. Divide between four plates and top with mung bean sprouts and coriander. Serve with lime wedges. Source: countdown.co.nz
5. Markhor—Pakistan 21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 5
Apologising for the Dawn Raids Looking back and moving forward
Photography: Tim Marshall on Unsplash.
Captain Joe Serevi was proud to be invited by the government to represent both the Fijian people and The Salvation Army at the official apology for the Dawn Raids of the 1970s. He sees the apology as a statement of intent towards a future where Pasifika people can confidently say that they belong in Aotearoa. BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
T
he Dawn Raids are a regrettable chapter of New Zealand’s history. Predominantly conducted in the years between 1974 to 1976, they were a result of the government of the day introducing immigration enforcement policies to combat the rising numbers of migrants overstaying their visas. In the early hours of the morning or late hours of the night—leading to the term ‘Dawn Raids’—police entered the homes of suspected overstayers. While these raids, in theory, were a tactic to find and convict overstayers from all countries outside of New Zealand (of which British and American migrants were the common offenders), the reality was that they disproportionately targeted Pasifika people living in Aotearoa. They were woken in the middle of the night, verbally and physically mistreated and callously forced to leave their homes. Without proper identification, they would be immediately deported. In the daylight hours, it soon became a necessity for people of various ethnicities living on New Zealand shores to carry their passports or permits, as police began to conduct supposedly random checks. They were stopped in their schools, places of worship and other public locations. ‘Even while they were walking on the street, they were being stopped … they would raid the house in the middle of the night and the police would come in while they were sleeping,’ recalls Captain Joe Serevi. ‘The government didn’t treat them well.’
Governmental apology On Sunday 1 August 2021, at the Auckland Town Hall, a formal apology was made by Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern on behalf of the New Zealand Government, acknowledging the hurt committed through the Dawn Raids. Joe was invited to attend this ceremony, both as a representative of the Fijian community and also on behalf of The Salvation Army. ‘What a privilege for me to stand there proud, wearing The Salvation Army [uniform], representing The Salvation Army on behalf of the Pasifika people who belong to The Salvation Army,’ he reflects. The service was highly emotional as the Government acknowledged the suffering of people who were unfairly targeted by the Dawn Raids, but there was also a sense of unity and reconciliation in the room as forgiveness was extended. 21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 7
Traditional ceremony
Valued people of Aotearoa
An important element of the service proceedings was a modified version of the Samoan ifoga ceremony. Traditionally this involves covering a person with a mat and leaving it on them until they have been forgiven. ‘Normally you can stay there for a few days,’ Joe explains, ‘and know that someone else will take it off and then you are forgiven.’ The modified version was carried out within the service, as the mat was laid over the Prime Minister by community representatives—including people who went through the trauma of the Dawn Raids—before she was embraced as a symbol of the forgiveness granted. ‘It’s been traumatic for them, it’s been painful, it’s been hurtful and it’s been disrespectful … when they took the mat off, they accepted the apology from both sides—they forgave the Prime Minister and the Government of New Zealand for what happened. ‘We were proud of the Prime Minister because it was not on her watch, it was somebody else’s government,’ he says. ‘It was good courage that the Prime Minister wanted to do the apology on behalf of the government.’ Joe believes the importance of this formal apology cannot be understated, particularly for those who still suffer from the emotional and mental trauma of the Dawn Raids and experienced the loss of leaving their families and the roots they had in New Zealand so abruptly. ‘People will think why are we doing this? That happened back then. But it’s still important.’
Joe felt proud to honour the people who were racially profiled and targeted through the Dawn Raids and have carried the burdens of those experiences through the years that followed. ‘That’s what we’re doing with the apology—we want to honour those people. They came here to have a better life. They came here to have good education...’ Today, he says, Pacific Islanders are still fighting to be recognised as an equally valued part of New Zealand society. ‘We decided that Aotearoa is our home, and this is our home now, but we don’t say that we are not going to be Pasifika. No, we’re still Pasifika. We still come from our Pasifika identity and no one will take it away from us. But the apology, it gives us some momentum so that we feel comfortable here and we can represent ourselves here,’ he remarks. ‘We feel like we have been heard and our voices have been answered.’ He also points to the increasing presence of Pasifika Members of Parliament in the government itself as another sign of this. ‘The government really want to work with the Pasifika people. They’ve given a lot of funding to the Pasifika people. The reason is that they know there is something we’ve got— it’s valued.’
Reconciliation There was also an acknowledgement that some Pacific Islanders had not done the right thing as well, by overstaying their visas. ‘We didn’t follow the rules, that’s why there were a lot of overstayers … that’s why they [the government] did that, but they didn’t do it in the right way.’ Joe believes the afternoon signified a commitment from the government to listen and work directly with Pasifika people, to collaborate, to solve problems—such as overstaying—together in the future. He believes this is in line with what God wants us to do, connecting person to person. ‘God would be interested in the people, not in what the government system is. It’s like the Māori words … ‘He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It’s people, people, people,’ Joe says. ‘It doesn’t matter what colour you are or where you come from.’ 8 WarCry 21 AUGUST 2021
Hope for future generations It paints a picture of hope for future Pasifika generations— both those currently living in Aotearoa, and those who will migrate from the islands in the future.
TODAY, HE SAYS, PACIFIC ISLANDERS ARE STILL FIGHTING TO BE RECOGNISED AS AN EQUALLY VALUED PART OF NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY … ‘WE FEEL LIKE WE HAVE BEEN HEARD AND OUR VOICES HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.’
JOE WAS INVITED TO ATTEND THIS CEREMONY, BOTH AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FIJIAN COMMUNITY AND ALSO ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY. ‘It has opened the doors for our Pasifika people, for the generations to come; that this is the door that they can feel comfortable to come in and be, whatever their gift and talent and leadership to be used and to work together.’
Amplifying voices Joe is passionate about making sure that The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory has a strong communicative relationship, not only between the four countries, but also between Army leadership and the Pasifika community living in Aotearoa, of whom there are abundant numbers in the New Zealand-based corps. ‘Some of them go to the Army, but they feel like they don’t belong because there’s no connection,’ he admits. ‘My vision for Pasifika people is that they will belong to The Salvation Army in New Zealand, that they are not just going to the corps for the sake of going to the corps.’ Joe, along with his wife Jeannine, ran a Cultural Minor at Amplify Creative Arts Camp this year for the first time. The reception was strongly positive. Joe says that as an officer in The Salvation Army and as a Pasifika person, he carries mana. ‘The mana that I carry is who I am, where I come from, and I’ve got something to give. The mana that I have is the love of God,’ he says. ‘I want them [the Pasifika people] to know that we can be proud to be in the Army. If you feel like you belong to the Army, that this is your spiritual home, you can belong to it … these are people who we need to hear from.’ Joe is saddened that there are people living in New Zealand— be they of Pacific, Māori, Asian or any ethnic background— who don’t feel connected. As proud as he was to represent his
Captain Joe Serevi, pictured left.
community and the Army at the official apology, he hopes it is a stepping stone to a day when he has someone else in uniform by his side to represent the New Zealand-based Pasifika community. ‘I want the Army to be represented well. Out of all those Pasifika in that room, there was only one from The Salvation Army—it was me,’ he says. ‘I hope that someone will come and join me, that someone will come and say, “Can I join you?” ’ This means the Army must continue seeking out the voices of Pasifika people—especially those in marginalised, vulnerable communities—and encouraging them that they are very much valued in Army spaces. To hopefully see this come to fruition, Joe’s plan is to continue, unapologetically, sharing his story and culture with those around him and encourage others to do the same. ‘You have your story. We have our stories. You have your values. We have our values. You have your culture and I have my culture—we have our culture. If we can work together, I think it’s going to be blooming like the sunflowers. It will bloom because we’re all in it together.’
An apology can never reverse what happened or undo the decades of disadvantage experienced as a result, but it can contribute to healing the Pacific peoples in Aotearoa. Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand
This apology is a step in the right direction to right the wrongs of the past and help heal the wounds of trauma that still reside in the psyche of those who were directly affected. Hon Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples
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Living with Chronic Illness With so many health conditions located under the umbrella term of ‘chronic illness’, it is highly likely that either you or somebody close to you will be diagnosed with one of these over the course of your life. Some examples of chronic illnesses include epilepsy, asthma, cystic fibrosis, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease or mental health issues (such as depression or generalised anxiety disorder). Learning that you have a chronic illness can come as a surprise, and the diagnosis (potentially for a degenerative or incurable condition) might not only cause a change to your lifestyle, but also a change in your outlook. It is important to have the right steps, resources and strategies in place to keep both your physical and mental health in order. Here are some tips. • Find a general practitioner or specialist you trust and feel comfortable around. Know what your essential medications and appointments are. • Learn the ins and outs of your condition from verifiable, trustworthy sources, like medical professionals or fellow patients/survivors (if you go to the Internet for advice, look for sites which end in .org or .gov).
DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT… explain your illness to them so that you are on the same page and tell them what you do (and don’t) need from them in terms of support.
• Plan for any changes to your lifestyle; for example, new medications, changing the layout of your home and allocating time for appointments.
• If your new circumstances are causing you unmanageable stress or mental distress, reach out for further support from medical and/or mental health professionals.
• Use this opportunity to re-evaluate your lifestyle and make healthy changes:
Whether your condition needs to be managed for only a year or it becomes a long-lasting reality, chronic illness doesn’t have to negatively change the quality of your life—even if it changes the way you live on a day-to-day basis. Depending on the severity of your condition, there will be some bad days, some better days, some days where everything feels out of control and some days where everything goes to plan. Don’t push yourself too hard or set high expectations—take each day as it comes.
• find an exercise activity you enjoy and schedule this into your week • assess your diet and, in line with your doctor, make necessary changes • reduce alcohol consumption • take up journaling, both to track your condition but also to process your emotions • pick something you are passionate about and fit this hobby into your timetable. • Look forward by setting goals. • It can be helpful to shift your focus towards others by practising generosity (to benefit others) or gratitude (to thank the people in your life). • Don’t be afraid to reach out for support, regardless of whether you have been managing your condition for a short or long while. Identify people you trust who can support you;
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Helping a Friend with Chronic Illness • Ask them about the practical ways you can support them. • Always keep open channels of communication. • Know your own limitations; look after yourself so you can look after them. Source: Au.ReachOut.com
TESTIFY! Shane and Sandra Terris were facing homelessness when they walked into Palmerston North Corps and discovered God’s presence and found a church family. Sandra: A few years ago, our little girl got sick with a rare condition that hits one of about 100,000 people. We were working in Wainuiomata, but moved to Palmerston North and ended up homeless. We couldn’t get a rental, so we were living in emergency housing. We were in a bit of a bad place. Shane’s dad had recently passed away; we had no friends, no family and we were still travelling backwards and forwards. We ended up walking into The Salvation Army for support, food, general help and friendship. We weren’t brought up in a Christian life. The last time I went in for a food parcel it was quite scary; they prayed over me and I felt like I wanted to jump out the back window! But when we came into the Palmerston North Corps for help, they were so loving and caring. From there, little things were happening in our lives. We started feeling a difference individually and within our family. I found myself at the kitchen window saying, ‘Lord, is this really you?’ The next day, something else happened and I found myself looking out of the same window saying, ‘Lord, this is real. You are in my life’. We became volunteers and, about a year after, we began to go to church. We absolutely love it. The kids love it. Everyone here is like a family. I run a playgroup, help with the soup kitchen and with the foodbank. Shane does pick-ups for Recovery Church and church on Sunday. We’re practically here six days a week, doing whatever we can for the ministries and the community. We wouldn’t have it any other way. We want people to be just as happy as we are.
WE’VE ALSO FELT THE POWER OF PRAYER; MANY PEOPLE HAVE PRAYED FOR US AND LOTS OF THOSE PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. Shane: We first came in for food assistance, then over the next two to three weeks we came back for more help, and they recommended that we go through the budgeting service. We’re much better off financially because of that. Then, by being involved in the church, the power of God kept opening up doors. The captains have been amazing. Captain Stu [Lee] has been there to listen to me and offer advice—he probably doesn’t know, but to me he’s a role model. We’ve also felt the power of prayer; many people have prayed for us and lots of those prayers have been answered. All the time you see other people in the church family acting out what is preached. I’ve learned about patience, love towards others and being nonjudgmental—to take people for who they are and do the best you can to serve them. When I first came to
Palmerston North, I unearthed and was dealing with a bit of child abuse that happened to me when I was a young kid. I didn’t deal with it until I came here and one of our social workers recommended counselling. Dealing with the abuse and learning how to forgive was hard at the start, but it was so important. Since we began volunteering about four years ago, they’ve trusted us and given us more responsibility. We have purpose here. For me, it’s about changing the family tree. I relish that challenge because it’s about changing the future for my children. My mum has even started going to a church, and that’s my big goal. My family’s always been plagued with alcohol and drugs and parents splitting up and fighting. I want to be the person that leads by example and changes the generations to come. 21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 11
More is More
Photography: Georgia Cotter
Over the weekend of 23 to 25 July, around 140 delegates attended this year’s MORE Youth and Children’s Leadership Conference, held at Silverstream Retreat Centre in Wellington. BY CAPTAIN MAT BADGER
While MORE Conference is a territorial event, it needs to be said that we really missed our friends from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, who couldn’t attend because of the current border restrictions in place. Right at the start of the conference, we took time to pray for and acknowledge our Fijian friends who are currently in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis and the devastating impact that this is having in their community. This year’s theme was ‘growing through it’, and there were several motivating factors behind this tagline. First of all, it was an acknowledgement that here in Aotearoa New Zealand we made it through 2020, the year in which we became overly familiar with the terms ‘unprecedented times’, the ‘new normal’, and ‘team of 5 million’. Although these phrases were well used, we can’t deny the truth they hold—we did go through something pretty wild together. It was messy and hard and, in some cases, it still is. So, the idea behind ‘growing through it’ was to acknowledge
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what we’ve been through retrospectively, but, at the same time, also look forward to the future through the lens of growth. There are always challenges emerging, whether they’re related to Covid-19 or not. These challenges will always stretch us, whether it’s through personal character development or through innovation as we seek to engage a world that is rapidly changing.
Quality speakers This year we had a fantastic line up of keynote speakers and seminar and workshop presenters. On our opening night we had the privilege of hearing Mike Dodge, from Canterbury Youth Services, speak, reminding us of the importance of having healthy, outward focussed and inclusive youth and children’s ministries. On Saturday night, Captain Shaun Baker reminded us of the importance of staying connected to the Vine (John 15), and on Sunday morning Captain Kylie Tong used the story of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37–50) to illustrate the point that we should always be getting ‘better not bitter’. After divisional time on Saturday morning, each delegate had the option to attend one of two seminars. The first one was presented by Carol Brieseman and her topic was ‘Engaging the Minds of Children’. She talked about the importance of tapping into children’s curiosity to help them discover the world around them as the basis of learning about the amazing Creator
…WE REALLY MISSED OUR FRIENDS FROM FIJI, SAMOA AND TONGA, WHO COULDN’T ATTEND BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT BORDER RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE. God that we serve. The second option was presented by Sam Bloore who talked about creating disciples right where faith and culture intersect. He focussed particularly on how we can help individuals, especially young people, establish and enhance a personal spirituality that is biblical, stable and sustainable. Our workshop presenters included Matt Renata who did two sessions. His first workshop was on the theme of balancing our cultural identity, he talked about what it means for us as individuals and ministry leaders to explore together the restoration of balance in our culture here in Aotearoa. In his second workshop, he introduced some ‘Top Tips for Introducing Te Ao Māori to Ministry’. Tracy Boon’s workshop was titled ‘Caring for Yourself’, and she talked about the need for a healthy balanced lifestyle in ministry to avoid burnout. Raewyn Keane presented a workshop on ‘Creating Sensory Play’. Neville Bartley presented twice: his first workshop was on the topic of ‘Understanding Intermediate Kids’, and his second one was on ‘Effective Storytelling’. Jill Matthews’ presentation was on ‘Working with Volunteers’, and Bel Lemanutau’s workshop was about ‘Youth Ministry on a Budget’. We then had further workshops from Carol Brieseman, Sam Bloore and Mike Dodge on a range of topics, such as dealing with unacceptable behaviour, teaching and behavioural techniques, trends in emerging adulthood and speaking to groups.
Fun factor Of course, all of this seriousness was balanced out with a whole ton of fun in the evenings. On Friday night, the opening ceremony of the Olympics was projected to a rather rowdy and enthusiastic audience.
On Saturday night, endless doughnuts from the doughnut truck were provided free of charge, and the delegates had the choice of either taking part in the MORE Quiz with Scott Keane or playing laser tag under the full moon until midnight. If people didn’t want to do either of these options, they could simply relax by grabbing a coffee and a board game from the café or go and hang out in the Market Place, which had several displays hosted by various groups. These stall holders included Kyle Aitken and the team from Blue Mountain Adventure Centre, the Candidates Department, Manna Christian Stores and Rosy Keane and the Women’s Ministries Department. There was also a stand where delegates could complete the new ‘Your Voice Matters’ survey for teens, young adults, children’s leaders and youth leaders.
Thank you team There are so many people to thank for helping to make this year’s MORE Conference the success it was. First, a huge thanks to Pou Tikanga (Cultural Advisor) Ken Te Tau for leading us in our mihi whakatau (formal speech of welcome). The space you created for us was amazing! Thanks also to Nick Vemoa and the team for leading us so well in corporate worship; Kris Singh, Kase Walker and the team from Creative Ministries for serving so well in the area of sound and lighting; Ash Patel and Georgia Cotter for their camera work; and Captain Nathan Holt and Moshe Jivan for being such great MCs. A huge thanks also to Captain Jordan Westrupp for the endless coffee, and to Captain Missy Ditchburn and her team for looking after the delegates’ children. Thank you also to Captain Beth Campkin and Captain Jeannine Serevi for looking after the morning prayer meetings. James Adams, thank you so much for leading us in our poroporoaki (farewell). A huge thanks also has to go to Claire Gardner, Bethany Coleman and the rest of the THQ Youth and Children’s team for making MORE happen. And finally, to everyone who helped out in some way that I may have missed here—thank you! The MORE Conference’s purpose is four-fold: to inspire delegates in their ministry; to give them spiritual refreshment; to create an opportunity for networking; and give them quality training in children’s and youth ministry leadership. If you are a leader or a volunteer working in the area of youth and children and have never been to MORE Conference before, we would love to see you next year.
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Photography: Moscow Circus website.
Off to Join the Circus—Again! BY HOLLY MORTON
Margaret Pearce from Dunedin City Corps shares her story of re-joining the Moscow Circus after the passing of her husband John. And while her tent-maker ministry may not stretch to patching the big top, she is thriving in her ‘God-led’ role. Last Easter, Margaret Pearce was visiting her daughter in Ashburton, and on her way through Rolleston she passed signs for the Moscow Circus. Margaret, along with her husband John, had previously been involved with the circus about 20 years ago, working under Harry and Marie Weber for six years—New Zealand circus royalty. The circus was still setting up camp— if Margaret had passed by the day before, as was the original plan, she would have missed them. Instead, she popped in that afternoon to catch up with Marie and left with a decision; she was going to run away with the circus again! She drove back home to Mosgiel, repacked her campervan for permanent living and joined the circus in Queenstown. At the time, Margaret had been volunteering at the Family Store warehouse in Dunedin, and although she struggled with leaving her corps family, she has been happy to be on the road again— travelling around the country and visiting different corps. Since she re-joined them, the circus has performed in Queenstown, Invercargill, Dunedin, Tīmaru, Christchurch and Ashburton.
Jill of all trades Margaret has been working with the Moscow Circus since April this year, mainly in their office but often picking up whatever odd jobs need to happen as well: selling tickets, answering phones, paperwork and sewing costumes. Margaret is also involved with supervising the children who are being schooled by correspondence. She explains that it has taken her a little longer this time around to get the hang of the office work. 14 WarCry 21 AUGUST 2021
‘Learning the ropes in the office has taken a wee while as it is all computers now, back when I worked for them last time it was ticket books and plans.’ Margaret feels that this time with Moscow Circus is a God-led adventure for her, both in having opportunities to share the Good News and for her own personal needs. ‘I have found at this time with life at a slower pace, God has had me spending time reflecting on what has been happening in my life over the last six years since the passing of my husband John, with whom I shared 42 wonderful years. [God] could see that I wasn’t ready to be by myself and I needed to be busy …
THERE NEVER SEEMS TO BE A DULL MOMENT AT THE CIRCUS. ‘...THERE ARE A LOT OF BEHIND-THE-SCENES THINGS THAT GO ON TO BE ABLE TO TAKE A SHOW LIKE THE GREAT MOSCOW CIRCUS AROUND THE COUNTRY.’
During the national lockdown last year, Harry set up the Weber Bros base in Cambridge with a cow, chickens and freezers full of food, and the performers all spent that time together doing maintenance and training.
Set up and pack down
it brings me joy waking up every morning and knowing the Lord is with me and looking out and seeing contented people around me.’ Margaret is thankful that God has understood what her heart desires and has offered her opportunities for connection and community again.
Ministry to children The circus has about 44 people onsite, with 13 children, and the Webers’ youngest children have already taken to calling Margaret ‘Nana’. She has felt the call to share and encourage them through her own faith journey. ‘It is great to be part of a village again … I’m a person who walks alongside. With all that the Lord has done for me in my life and how he’s cared for me and enabled me to do what I do, when he puts things in my path I just obey. ‘One of the things I asked for was Sunday mornings off to go to services, which was no problem. Most of them do have a belief, but it’s just good to be able to talk to them. I’d say they have a belief but not a commitment.’ Margaret is very open about the importance of her faith with her circus family, and she wears her soldier’s uniform every Sunday. Her hope is to be able to be a listening ear and a comforter through their ups and downs, as well as telling them about God’s goodness. Margaret has already seen some incredible moments of the Lord moving through the camp. One of the young men injured his shoulder and Margaret felt called to pray for him. ‘I could just feel it working. And he looked at me and said “How?” and I said, “You believe in Jesus and that he died for us? That’s how: it’s Jesus not me.”’ Margaret has a steady faithfulness for God’s voice in her work, which she describes as simply ‘planting seeds and nurturing them’. There never seems to be a dull moment at the circus. The performers practise either in the morning or directly after a show when the tent is still warm, according to Margaret. The circus children play in the centre of the caravan setup, often on their bikes trying to copy what the FMX riders do on their motorbikes in the show.
There is always something that needs to be done, whether that is cleaning up the tent or upgrading their house caravans. The process of preparing in a new town is also very involved. Margaret explains that ‘there are a lot of behind-the-scenes things that go on to be able to take a show like the Great Moscow Circus around the country. Once the itinerary is planned then grounds have to be found and booked, council contacted and power, water and toilets organised. ‘After the last show the side walls are taken off and folded, props removed, chairs carried out and stacked ready to go on the trucks, then when the tent is empty the roof is lowered, folded onto pallets ready for the forklift to load. Last to come down are the four big king poles. Then we start again. It is a very enjoyable life.’ Margaret isn’t sure what the future will hold working with the Moscow Circus, for now she knows that God has placed her back in their world after 20 years and she is happy enough just following his call. When asked how long she thinks she’ll be with the circus, her answer was, ‘until it’s time to move on. I haven’t really looked at that, I’ll just go where the Lord leads me. When my work here is done, he will let me know’.
MARGARET FEELS THAT THIS TIME WITH MOSCOW CIRCUS IS A GOD-LED ADVENTURE FOR HER, BOTH IN HAVING OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS AND FOR HER OWN PERSONAL NEEDS.
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Waihi Corps Celebrates 125 Years … Plus 1! One hundred and twenty-six years ago, two men arrived in Paeroa at 4am and walked over to Waihi in the rain (a 20-minute drive these days). So arrived the first officers of Waihi Corps. One hundred and twenty-six years later, Waihi Corps and many friends gathered to celebrate and give glory to God for all the lives that have been transformed through the decades. We were blessed for the weekend with guest leaders LtColonels Rod and Jenny Carey and an ensemble from SpiritSong. Celebrations commenced with a little history and prayer. The rest of the afternoon was filled with talking, laughter, food, an historic photo exhibition and history books—all captured by our roving photographer Major Paul Gardner. Our celebration dinner saw 100 people fed in fine style. Graeme Tongs read from his great-grandfather’s diary, about the
original, incredibly draughty Waihi quarters which had no fire. Eric Lindsey entertained us with a light song and brought an inspired speech of his family heritage and inheritance, because of God and the Waihi Corps. Lt-Colonel Jenny Carey ended our evening with a beautiful devotion. Number one soldier Sel Baker cut the two beautiful cakes (125 and 1) gifted to us by Rita Brown. Sunday brought wonderful worship to our awesome God, and an anointed message from the Book of Joshua, by Lt-Colonel Rod Carey. God is with us as we step out into the next 125-plus years. We give God all the glory and thanks. God is present and with us at Waihi Corps as we live God’s love. BY MAJOR WENDY SANSON
(Clockwise from top) Sunday Celebration congregation; Sel Baker with his certificate for 75 years banding at Waihi; Present and former Waihi Corps officers; SpiritSong ensemble; Celebration dinner. Photography: Major Paul Gardner. 16 WarCry 21 AUGUST 2021
Just Gifts Launches Hope 320
Generosity Through Vaccines With the rollout of vaccines well underway across New Zealand, it is easy to forget that many other countries don’t have that access. Wealthier nations—New Zealand included—were able to purchase a large portion of available vaccines in late 2020, despite intentions of equitable distribution, leaving developing countries battling against the virus without immunisation. In our position of being in a country where most people have been able to get back to their routines of seeing family and friends and returning to work, study and hobbies, various groups have been raising awareness for different ways to support countries that are struggling to contain Covid-19. Anglican Missions has launched a Givealittle campaign called ‘Get One. Give One’, encouraging people to donate at least the cost of a Covid-19 vaccine to the COVAX alliance—which includes UNICEF, WHO and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI)—to help developing countries have more access to vaccines. The money donated will go to UNICEF’s facilitation of a global supply of up to two billion vaccine doses to be sent out to vulnerable and low-income communities. The cost of delivering a single vaccine is about $10NZD, and while the idea is to donate alongside people’s own vaccination, Anglican Missions is encouraging donations even if getting vaccinated is further away for some. This is a way we can help address the inequality that has arisen in the availability of vaccines around the world and show our care and concern for those in need at this time.
Can you fundraise $320 to empower lives overseas? Hope 320 is a concept generated by The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland—and the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory is getting on board. Every ‘Hope 320 Combo’, which can be purchased from the Just Gifts website, supplies the resources to provide medical care for two children from The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking programmes in Tanzania. Plus it goes towards teaching incomegenerating activities, which enables human trafficking survivors to receive vocational training in areas such as tailoring or hotel management. Also, it assists communities to access clean water by providing sand dams. Sand dams are made to slowly disperse water from the river, as communities may only receive rain four or five times a year. ‘It’s designed specifically angled back, so it holds the water and releases about a third of the water to go down into the sand where it is filtered and the impurities are taken out,’ Overseas Development Officer Lt-Colonel Milton Collins explains. ‘The water that is left there is a whole lot safer for use.’ The project links in with The Salvation Army’s international commitment to the WASH (Water and Safe Hygiene) programme. To empower these communities which are vulnerable to droughts and unclean water, The Salvation Army is partnering with a non-profit organisation called ‘The Water Project’. The Water Project goes to various African communities to teach them how to build the sand dams, and the donated funds provide the necessary materials. ‘What they’re trying to do is train people who have built a sand dam to then be able to go and assist their neighbours to build their own, rather than getting The Water Project to come in and do it all the time.’ The dam is also designed so that vegetables can be grown alongside the bank. ‘It’s how they can get the best use of water,’ Milton says. ‘It’s quite exciting to see the use of good technology.’ Milton encourages corps, youth groups and individuals around New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa to get creative about raising money for this initiative so that the territory can send across multiple bundles. To purchase a Hope 320 Combo, visit the Just Gifts website at justgifts.org.nz/products/hope-320-combo
For more information about the campaign, visit angmissions.org.nz/appeals/get-one-give-one To donate, go to the Givealittle page givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/get-one-give-one
21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 17
Emergency Food and Psychosocial Support Provided by Salvation Army in Wake of South African Unrest Rioting, looting and burning of businesses have claimed the lives of nearly 340 people in South Africa since unprecedented civil unrest began earlier this year. Local media reports suggest that the violence has caused an estimated $3.4 billion of damage. With the disturbances affecting the KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces particularly badly, the situation has been exacerbated by major disruption to logistics operations and transport links. The Salvation Army in South Africa is therefore working to address the resulting food shortages, especially among the country’s most vulnerable people. Developing plans in conjunction with local authorities and partner agencies, an initial 17,500 people across the two provinces have been identified as being
in need of additional support. Now, and for the next six months, these individuals will receive nutritious food parcels (or vouchers where appropriate) in order to mitigate hunger. Trained Salvation Army officers and volunteers will also provide spiritual and psychosocial support to those traumatised by the violence they have witnessed in their community, or who have been hit by the knock-on effects of unemployment or food insecurity. A majority of aid recipients will be women and children, as they are the demographic most severely economically impacted by this violence. Many of the targeted households are extended families headed by grandmothers who take responsibility for the welfare of the younger children.
Read: Nehemiah 1:1–11 Golden Text: ‘When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days, I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven’ (Nehemiah 1:4). When I was at Training College 16 years back, we studied the Book of Nehemiah. I came to know and understand better who this man was in his time. I admired him, reading his whole book, and my heart melts and is broken before God as I reflect on how this brave man encountered every opposition— as the devil tried to discourage him and his people when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah knew what to do, he prayed. Nehemiah was one of the most powerful Jews in Babylon, but he broke down in tears as he heard of Jerusalem’s
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In common with other disaster responses, dynamic assessments will be made throughout the initial planned response. These will ensure that the distributions of food are addressing the most significant needs and optimising the collaboration with other agencies and government responses. Salvation Army teams will also be assisting communities affected by the violence in a variety of other ways. For example, a group of volunteers from Soweto Central Corps (church) has supplied tea, soup and bread to community members involved in cleaning up the nearby Dobsonville shopping mall after damage was incurred there. Members of the Durban Central and Imbali Corps have been out in the community assisting
miserable condition. He mourned for God’s holy city and scattered people. He did not hide his concern and feelings. From chapters 1 to 13 of Nehemiah, his prayer reflected his heart’s passion, which offers us a very clear way to follow, despite difficulties and the opposition we face. He faced them with joy and, in the end, the work was accomplished. Currently, around the globe, we are going through these sad moments, which bring us to tears. Speaking on Fiji alone, Fiji is now in a stage where Covid-19 cases are rising every day and the fatalities are also increasing. To some, it does bring fear, uncertainty, pain and chaos, which they have not experienced before. Political issues arise; this leads to instability, which brings confusion where people do not know what to think. When things heat up, where do we run to? Who do we call for help? As to what Nehemiah did when he heard what was happening (Nehemiah 1:4), he sat down and wept, he mourned, he fasted and prayed before God. He prayed before he spoke with the king, he prayed on the journey and he prayed when he encountered resistance. He interceded on behalf of his people. I believe this encourages us in what to do: let us fast and pray over this situation, in awe, with a humble and forgiving spirit; let us be broken before the Lord and cry to him for help, now, for he longs to hear our voice; let us seek him, because he hears our prayers. Whatever our situations, big or small, let us pray, pray and pray… BY CAPTAIN VAKATOTO WAWA
with the cleaning-up operation, and officers at Pietermaritzburg Corps have been busy purchasing food and snack items to support teams maintaining security at night. Also in Imbali, The Salvation Army is networking with other organisations to obtain additional food parcels for distribution. The leader of The Salvation Army in Southern Africa, Territorial Commander Colonel Daniel Kasuso, expressed his deepest sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives in the latest disturbances. ‘Let us join hands as citizens of our beautiful country to build a better society for all, rather than bring suffering to each other. Let us also join together in prayer for our country, asking God to bring calm and peace to our situation,’ he added. Social media platforms are also being used to encourage prayers for peace, protection and reconciliation. As shared by International Headquarters on twitter @salvationarmyIHQ
GAZETTE Bereavement: Phyllis Moreton, the mother of Major Suzanne Grant, was promoted to Glory from Palm Grove Retirement Village, Christchurch, on Thursday 29 July 2021. Phyllis was a senior soldier for 78 years and an active local officer for much of that time. We ask you to uphold in prayer Major Suzanne Grant and her husband Philip Grant, along with other family members, at this time of grief and loss. Murray Fairhurst, the father-in-law of Major Glenys Fairhurst, brother-in-law of Major Shirley Bridle and grandfather of Captain Sarah Healey, was promoted to Glory from Blenheim, on Friday 30 July 2021. We ask you to uphold in prayer Major Glenys Fairhurst, Major Shirley Bridle, Captains Sarah and Shane Healey, along with other family members at this time of grief and loss.
…THEY LIVED IN POVERTY, BUT COMPARED WITH US, THEY WERE FAR RICHER IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. FAITH HOPE LOVE are words shared often at weddings, placed on a picture and sometimes held close to oneself on a chain, bracelet or tattoo. They are profound words full of depth and meaning. Recently I had the privilege of conducting the celebration service for the life of my father-in-law, Ken Malcolm. I bypassed the usual passages of Scripture used at funerals, for one commonly used at weddings—the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13. Ken’s faith journey started in a pub because someone from The Salvation Army Winton Corps visited weekly to see how everyone was, listened to their stories and gave away War Cry while carrying the familiar wooden collection box. This led to belief in Jesus, hope in the eternal and love for others. Ken quickly donned a Salvation Army uniform and, before long, was fully involved in corps activity, including returning to the pub, not to drink, but to outreach to others, the method by which he first came to faith. This he must have done for close to 50 years, in addition to holding various other roles—including that of corps treasurer, board member of Jeff Farm, the Invercargill Social Services Council and other community groups. Many of us would consider his commitment one of sacrifice or self-denial, but not Ken. He considered this service an opportunity and a privilege. Currently all of the Army is focussed on Self Denial, where we consider the work undertaken outside of our countrires, usually where conditions are worse. During this time, we deny ourselves of something so that we might better identify and financially support those in greater need. In the 1990s my wife and I served in Ghana, where living conditions were tough and the people had nothing in comparison to us, but they too denied themselves so that they might also provide for others worse off than they were. But here’s the thing: yes, they lived in poverty, but compared with us, they were far richer in faith, hope and love. There is a saying that faith can move mountains. I never saw that in Ghana, but I heard testimonies of faith so strong that medical miracles of healing occurred and significant spiritual battles were won. This provided hope, not only in people’s day-to-day lives, but eternally. And then there’s the love they richly expressed, something they openly modelled from what they knew of Jesus. This reminds me of a Scripture from 1 John 3:16–18 that says, ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’ I wonder is this word from John the Revelator for us as we ponder on faith, hope and love and respond to the invitation to put this into action outside our own countries through the Self Denial Appeal? Lt-Colonel Allan Clark Territorial Secretary for Business Administration 21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 19
Grief in its various forms comes to us all so Major Sue Hay encourages and reminds us that death is not the end.
DEATH IS NOT THE END
I was only twelve years old when the ambulance pulled up outside our house before dawn to transport Mum to hospital. Grandma was staying at the time and as Mum was wheeled out on the stretcher bed, Grandma, who had never seemed overly religious, made my sister and I kneel in front of the lounge sofa to pray. We prayed for Mum’s life to be spared, then got ready for school as usual. I remember the challenge of suppressing my fears and my tears, as I acted out my part in a scene from Macbeth during the morning school assembly. It was the first time I had come face to face with the prospect of losing someone I loved. And although Mum came home that time, her hold on life became more and more tenuous. There were further admissions to the Intensive Care Unit and many more admissions to hospital as her body slowly failed her. As a teenager, I regularly grieved alone at night as I witnessed Mum’s deterioration, grappling with questions like, ‘God, why won’t you heal her?’ Over time I discovered that there are often no answers to our ‘why’ questions. Yet in our grief there is always an invitation. For me it’s been an invitation to trust God with my pain, fears, vulnerability and unanswered questions. And there is always an invitation to allow God to journey with me through overwhelming darkness and sorrow. Over our lifetimes we feel grief for a variety of reasons: the loss of hopes and dreams; a decline in the physical or mental health of ourselves or a loved one; the loss of a precious pet. A change of job or home can bring excitement and grief, whilst the devastation caused by circumstances outside of our control— such as earthquakes, floods, fire or a pandemic—usually creates significant heartache.
Stages of grief Elisabeth Kübler-Ross helped us understand and embrace the multiple emotions of grief by describing five different stages of the grief journey: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance. It’s now widely 20 WarCry 21 AUGUST 2021
GOD PROMISES THAT JUST LIKE THE CANDLE THE ENDING OF ONE FORM OF EXISTENCE WILL MAKE WAY FOR ANOTHER. accepted that grief is not the neat linear process Kübler-Ross proposed—we move in and out of the various emotions associated with grief over time. Our grief responses don’t tend to follow neat lines or an orderly progression. Sometimes, we just can’t seem to ‘get over it’ and we struggle to find closure. Dr Pauline Boss, in her book Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief, contributes helpful insight into the grieving process by describing two types of what she calls ‘ambiguous loss’. In the first form of ambiguous loss, the person is no longer physically with us, yet they remain psychologically present in our lives. Examples include maintaining contact with an ex-partner to ensure shared childcare after a messy separation; ongoing grief for a child who has gone off the rails and distanced themselves from the family fold; or when a loved one has gone missing and never been found. The second form of ambiguous loss refers to when the person is still with us, but their ability to be emotionally or cognitively present has been seriously eroded. Perhaps this is due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, significant mental health challenges, a brain injury or they are disconnected from us due to an addictive or obsessive behaviour. These types of enduring grief mean constant feelings of sadness become our norm. When the situation remains unresolved, finding closure is unrealistic.
Reframing grief Pauline Boss has helped me face my own ambiguous loss. Her work has released me from feeling guilty when the situation triggers anger or deep sorrow. It is reassuring to discover that ongoing sadness is an appropriate response to a
grief which has no endpoint. Boss even suggests ambiguous loss is the most difficult loss of all to deal with. Our society struggles to tolerate pain, and so some are more likely to question our lack of faith than to recognise the legitimate heartache which accompanies experiences of grief and ambiguous loss. Although we may not attain the abundant life Jesus spoke of (John 10:10), Boss suggests we can learn to live with enduring pain if we can find meaning in it. For example, much of my childhood trauma is similar to the trauma of those who turn to alcohol and drugs. My experiences have helped me understand and walk alongside those I work with in Salvation Army Bridge programmes. For others, a tragic death may lead to the channelling of anger into things like petitions for safer roads, advocating for changes to gun laws or better support for victims. Finding an outlet for our pain gives it purpose. I now believe that when Jesus said he offers us ‘abundant life’ he meant he would empower us to live a meaningful life.
Lingering fragrance Whenever I grieve or walk alongside others processing grief, I recall a time when a group of women gathered to remember a very dear friend who had lost her battle with addiction. We lit a special candle for her as we sat together with our pain, our memories and our questions. Once our time of remembering was over, I blew out the special candle. The wispy smoke caught my attention as it wafted freely in the room around us. The candle had looked alive as the flame danced and flickered in front of us. We had admired its light and the colours contained within its solid wax form. We had appreciated its vibrant presence in
the very midst of us. Yet, although the flame was very tangible and real, it had limitations, it did not break free from the wax base. Once the flame was extinguished it became a graceful grey plume, filling the small room with a new and distinct aroma. Initially we had focussed on the flame. Now our attention turned to the grey smoke wafting gently around us. The way we experienced the candle had changed. For me, the candle represents what I know to be true: death is never the end. We are not simply snuffed out. God promises that just like the candle, the ending of one form of existence will make way for another. We will exist in a new sphere. We will rise to new heights and be freer than we have ever been. Our essence, our wairua (spirit), will continue.
Holding on to hope This was the hope which held me during the days following Mum’s death. By then I was 25 years old and had gone home to spend a couple of days with my parents before commencing training as a Salvation Army officer. Mum died as I walked into her bedroom to greet her. Even back then, I knew that what was true for the candle was true for my mum, her physical death released her from the confines of her broken body— at last she was free. There is comfort in knowing our loved one will never be extinguished. Those of us who remain experience their wairua in new ways as they live on in our hearts. So although we will not escape the impact of grief, God invites us to grasp hold of the hope that death is not the end of the story.
AND THERE IS ALWAYS AN INVITATION TO ALLOW GOD TO JOURNEY WITH ME THROUGH OVERWHELMING DARKNESS AND SORROW. 21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 11 August: Fiji Spiritual Day, online 14 August: Delve, Silverstream Retreat 16–18 August: South Pacific Zonal Leaders’ Conference, online 28–31 August: Visit to Midland Division 1–2 September: Women and Leadership Symposium, Auckland (Commissioner Julie Campbell) 8 September: Spiritual Day, Booth College of Mission Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 16–18 August: South Pacific Zonal Leaders’ Conference, online Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 16–18 August: South Pacific Zonal Leaders’ Conference, online
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Want to Know More? I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:
10–12 September 2021 Be enriched and refreshed in the stunning environment of Living Springs on the Banks Peninsula. Take time to go deeper in your relationship with God.
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Single and shared accommodation available. $180 per person + travel.
Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Contact Colonel Heather Rodwell to register your interest heather.rodwell@salvationarmy.org.nz
Quiz Answers: 1 Canada, 2 Joey, 3 Emily (one), 4 Liquid Crystal Display, 5 A viper (Acts 28:3–6).
22 WarCry 21 AUGUST 2021
Create a Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Letter! Here’s a fun craft activity for you and your friends or siblings to make at home. You will need… • Thick cardboard • Scissors • Yarn (multiple colours) • Tape • Pom-poms (optional) • Glue-gun (optional) Step by Step… 1. Use the scissors to cut out your first initial from the cardboard. Get a parent (or other adult) to help you. OU e did Y le, W 2. Pick a colour and cut off a long piece examp of yarn. Tape it to the back of your as an e think cardboard letter. Wrap the yarn ’cos w retty p around your letter until you reach you’re . the end of the length (or you can cut cool the length so that it ends on the back of your cardboard letter). 3. Tape the end of the yarn to the back. 4. Continue steps 2 and 3 until you have covered your letter in different coloured yarn, however you want to style it. 5. (Optional step) You can finish off your letter by gluing on a pom pom—but if you’re happy with your yarn-wrapped letter, then leave it finished as it is!
: Source g.com/ lo b r a artb rapped yarn-w rs/ e tt le ard cardbo
‘“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.' Mark 10:51–52
Fun Fact: A study found that the average person will spend two weeks waiting at traffic lights over the course of their life.
Maze!
Can you find your way out? OUT fix a How do you mpkin? cracked pu pkin With a pum patch.
During the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth, there was a blind man named Bartimaeus (that’s pronounced BARti-MAY-us). He had been unkindly shut out of society, forced to spend his life begging for scraps on the streets. One day he realised that Jesus, the promised Messiah he had heard all about, was in his city, passing down his street! He called out to Jesus as loud as he could. Everybody around him told him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus persisted. Jesus heard his cries and he told him to come. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. ‘Rabbi, I want to see,’ he replied. ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘Your faith has healed you.’
Fun Fact: Someone once IN tried to sell New Zealand on eBay— do you even need three guesses to pick which neighbouring country this prankster was from?
And just like that, Bartimaeus could see! He was overjoyed and followed Jesus as he continued ministering to those around him. Bartimaeus had remarkable faith in Jesus’ healing power, even though he had never seen or spoken to him before. He had the courage to call out to him, even when people told him to be quiet, and his voice was heard by Jesus amongst the huge crowd. KNOW THIS...
FORLE SA
When you call out to Jesus, he will hear you. 21 AUGUST 2021 WarCry 23
FATHER & KIDS WEEKEND WHO
Fathers and kids (aged 6–13 years).
WHAT
Connect with each other through a range of outdoor activities designed to get you working together and growing as a team. A great opportunity to create lasting memories and give Mum a break!
WHEN
29–31 OCT 2021 COST
Dad: $190, Kids: $110 each (GST inclusive). Cost includes two nights accommodation, 1.5 days of activities plus evening programmes, food, qualified instructors and specialist gear.
ACTIVITIES
May include: whitewater rafting, caving, high ropes, gorging, kayaking, mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, tramping, swimming, campfire nights and more!
phone 07 892 2630 | bmac@nzf.salvationarmy.org
bluemountainadventure.org.nz
@bluemountainadv facebook.com/BlueMountainAdventureCentre