January 2023 NZFTS War Cry

war cry

8 Answering the Call

War Cry asks the new 2023 trainees how they came to answer God's call to officership.

16 A Willing Helping hand

Eric O'Brien shares the importance of helping people in their time of need.

18 Reflectors of Holiness

We celebrate the ordination and commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness session in Fiji and New Zealand.

26 Kingdom of Clarity

Major Mat Badger reveals the pitfalls and insights of the Parable of the Sower.

28 Law and Justice in the Spotlight

Ronji Tanielu shares about his visit to the US as recipient of the Borrin Foundation Scholarship.

31 Nelson Cabin Community Opens

A new multi-partner transitional housing initiative soon to open in Nelson.

He Guides My Path

ach year dawns full of opportunities and possibilities. New Year’s Day arrives, and we can draw a line on the past and eagerly await the future. How we navigate the year ahead is largely up to us, but it will help if our attitude is in check and our trust is in the Lord.

I believe this year will be a combination of opened and closed doors for many of us. There was a general sense that God was positioning his people strategically over the past year and I believe this will continue into 2023. If I was to give it a label, I would say that this year is the year of the open door.

I love how God can give us hope in what is shaping up to be a difficult year ahead for the world. I love how we can bring our fears and trepidations to him on 1 January 2023 and know he will make a way for us throughout the year ahead. This does not necessarily mean an easy stroll, but a promise of his daily presence, comfort, guidance and peace.

I well remember one particular year when I had made specific plans for the months ahead. I was on a certain path when the Lord completely turned me around and led me in a

different direction. The sense of disorientation and fear was palpable. The loss of control was very real. I felt like I was in a dark place. I walked through that year not really knowing if I was heading in the right direction. All I could do was trust God. The valley lasted way longer than I would have predicted, but the joy, the hope, the blessings that came out of that year have been overwhelming. I now realise I needed to walk through that valley first to get to the place of blessing and clarity.

Psalm 23:3b–4 says, ‘He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and |your staff, they comfort me.’

To paraphrase the psalm: it is the Lord who guides us through the darkest valley, but never just for the sake of it, it is for his sake, and because sometimes we need to go through the valley to get to the blessings on the other side.

Vivienne Hill Editor

QUICK QUIZ

1 What is the term for animals hibernating in summer?

2 What does SPF on sunscreen stand for?

3 Which vegetable do Greeks hang on the front door of homes on New Year’s Eve?

4 Which continent is the only one to not have ants?

5 What is the hottest environmental temperature ever recorded?

TOP FIVE

Guess who’s back?

Life Hacks

Productive things

to do this summer

1 Start exercising and eating healthy

Figure out how you enjoy exercising (eg, running, going to the gym) and find some healthy recipes you’ll enjoy cooking.

2 Redecorate/spring clean your home

Sort through all your clutter, do a deep clean and move furniture around for a change in the new year.

3 Catch up on some reading Finally read those books that have been sitting beside your bed for a long time, or go to your local library to find some good reads.

4 Try something creative Try your hand at sketching, painting, knitting, sewing, woodwork—there are so many creative projects you could start this summer—even if just for fun!

5 Start learning a language Start learning that language you’ve always wanted to master. Duolingo is just one of many learning apps. Make a goal to learn a few key phrases this month.

The days are warm, but for some it can be extremely uncomfortable being too hot. If you’re indoors, a way to keep cool is to close your blinds or curtains. When it’s later in the day and the sun is going down, try opening your windows and doors to cool the house naturally. Also, try drinking ice-cold water, apply a cool damp cloth to your forehead or try having a cool shower. Choose your clothing wisely—try wearing more cotton, which is breathable, and ensure your bed sheets are made of cotton too.

Two years ago I left Salvation Army officership to become a participant in a formation programme for spiritual directors (Spiritual Growth Ministries Aotearoa). It’s been an incredible journey involving working part-time so I could focus on coursework while making space for contemplative practice. I have had a truly enriching, stretching, life-changing time. Now that my study is complete, the journey begins to become a fully registered spiritual director. While that journey unfolds, I am excited to be returning to the Communications Department as a ‘senior writer’. I have missed hearing/writing stories of spiritual transformation and mission delivery, as well as writing theological commentary and faith-based reflection. The past two years exploring the relationship between action and contemplation, as well as the journey towards offering spiritual direction, will no doubt influence my writing for readers—hopefully in a good way!

I am married to Mat (territorial youth secretary), and we live with our 21-year-old musician son Jack. Our daughter Gabbie is married to Nate, and they live in New Plymouth with our beautiful granddaughter Rosella.

Jules Badger

Act of Oblivion

Historical fiction | Robert Harris | Hutchinson Heinmann publishers

The reader is transported to midseventeenth century England following the turbulent War of the Three Kingdoms, the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, and in 1660, the restoration of the Stuart monarchy. The novel revolves around the vengeful hunt for the men involved with the 1649 execution of Charles I. Known as ‘regicides’, these individuals were systematically pursued, brought to trial and executed. The single-minded (fictional) secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council leads the chase to the Continent and as far as New England. This wellpaced and well-written novel was only marred by an overly detailed account of the executions. (Reviewed by David Youngmeyer)

What Are We Waiting For?

Christian pop/alternative rock | For King and Country | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music

This album was released last year, four years since the the last album (excluding a Christmas album in 2021). It’s their fifth studio album, and they’ve kept their Christian pop/alternative rock sound for this album. The theme of the songs is coming to God as you are, through all your struggles and in your brokenness. The highlight of the album was the track ‘For God is with us’ which focuses on Christ coming to earth to be with us, and how he’s still with us today. For King and Country aren’t afraid to talk openly about God in their songs. I think they’re a great band to check out if you’re interested in good tunes with a Christian perspective to them. (Reviewed by Hope Burmeister)

Unbelievable?

Christian thought | Premier Christian Communications | Available wherever you listen to podcasts, or watch on YouTube

This weekly UK radio show and podcast from the Premier Network has been around for more than a decade and continues to grow. Host and moderator Justin Brierly brings together educated guests to speak into a range of topics to do with faith. Despite its unashamedly Christian bedrock, this serves as a safe base to explore open conversations with those who hold very different beliefs across all manner of issues. Typical episodes see a Christian and non-Christian expert engage with a topic to ‘argue’ their case. Justin does an excellent job of keeping discussions focused and fair, and always constructive. Unbelievable? has a huge back-catalogue, with something for everyone. (Reviewed by Matt Gillon)

Source: Please Don’t Pray With Your Mouth Full , by Bob Swanson.

WORD OF THE MONTH ‘Ofa atu

(Tongan, noun) best wishes, love to you.

Source: unilang.org

Honey Baked Haloumi Salad with Raspberry

Basil Vinaigrette

Serve as a salad, light meal or meatless main course. Haloumi has a mild sweet flavour and an engaging squeaky texture. | 20 mins plus 15 mins marinating | Serves 4–6

Ingredients

Raspberry dressing

• 2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice

• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ cup raspberries—fresh or defrosted

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

• Pinch of salt

• ⅛ tsp Dijon mustard

• 2–3 tsp honey—according to your taste

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Salad

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp honey

• a handful of oregano leaves, finely chopped

• zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 x 225g blocks of haloumi cheese, cut into thick slices

• baby leaf salad for 4 people

• ½ a telegraph cucumber, sliced into ribbons

• ½ cup fresh raspberries

• ½ cup toasted walnuts

Method

Blend dressing ingredients in a processor or blender. Sieve to remove solids if desired. Set aside in fridge.

In a shallow, non-reactive dish combine olive oil, honey, oregano, juice and garlic. Coat haloumi in mixture and leave to marinate 15 minutes or keep overnight in fridge.

In a frying pan or grill plate, cook the haloumi each side for 1–2 minutes or until browned but not runny.

Arrange salad leaves and cucumber on serving platter or plates, add haloumi, raspberries and walnuts. Drizzle haloumi with remaining marinade. Serve salad with raspberry vinaigrette and good bread.

Tip

Serve as a vegetarian main course. If barbecuing, place the haloumi in a small pan on the barbecue clear of cooking meats.

Source: Sophie Gray | destitutegourmet.com

Family Stores

This summer make sure to head into your local Family Store for some great deals. Whether it’s clothing, books, furniture or knick knacks, you can probably find what you are after. You can also donate items by just bringing them into a Family Store. Purchasing an item or two helps to support The Salvation Army’s work in your local community. Many Family Stores have a Facebook page, so make sure to get connected to support the work they do. If you want to volunteer your time, get in touch with your local Family Store manager.

What’s On?

Amplify | NZ, Fiji & Tonga

11–15 January (NZ), 13–15 January (Fiji), 16–20 January (Tonga) A creative arts camp for young people. Watch the NZ Sunday church service livestream at amplifycamp.nz/live

Summer Peak Adventure | Raurimu

23–28 January

The ultimate seven-day summer adventure to discover your massive God-given potential. For youth aged 14–17 years. Join an adventure at bluemountainadventure. org.nz/join-anadventure/

Territorial Welcome to Cadets

| Wellington 28 January Join together in worship and prayer as we welcome and encourage the new cadets. Watch the livestream at salvationarmy.org.nz/ cadetswelcome

If your corps or centre is holding a specific event in February, we would love to add it to our calendar. Send submissions to warcry@ salvationarmy.org.nz

SALVATION ARMY PRAYER

Photo of the Month

Plowman Resource Centre

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER

• Haiti—Pray for the Church in Haiti as it navigates the breakdown of society.

• Ethiopia—Pray for peace in a time of escalating conflict, particularly in the Tigray region.

• Yemen—Pray for a way through the ongoing war and its outcomes of poverty, starvation and attacks on civilians. Pray for the gospel to be spread.

• Sudan—Pray for the Church in Sudan as it ministers amidst political unrest and tension.

• Libya—Pray for the small but growing Church in Libya.

We continue to pray for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption; Territorial Lifestyle of Generosity; Territorial President of Women’s Ministries; Territorial Secretary for Chaplaincy Services; Thames Corps; Tīmaru Corps; Tokoroa Corps; Tonga Alcohol and Drug Awareness Centre, Corps and Community Ministries, Kolovai Kindergarten, Regional Headquarters and Sopu Kindergarten; The Salvation Army in Indonesia; The Salvation Army in Italy and Greece.

Digital Archivist Sarah Pearce took this photo on a cold winter’s morning at Trentham Memorial Park while walking with her dad and his dog. ‘It was a very special time as dad was going through treatment for leukaemia, so those walks together are a very special memory,’ she says.

Do you have a photo you’re keen to have featured in War Cry? Send it to us at warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz

Do You Know This Person?

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

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Answering the Call: Champions of the Mission

Booth College of Mission (BCM) and Fiji’s School for Officer Training are preparing to welcome 13 trainees in 2023, for the Champions of the Mission session. War Cry asks the trainees how they came to answer God’s call to officership.

Salome Matakaruru, Sigatoka Corps (Fiji Division)

I grew up in a Christian family. Sakeo and I got married on 18 July 2008. In that same year, we attended senior soldier classes and were enrolled as soldiers on 16 December. I was involved in women’s ministry, youth group and children’s ministry. God also appointed me as a local leader in Sigatoka Corps. Officership was never part of my plan, so when the call came I kept asking God for his confirmation. God answered my prayers and asked me to use my gift, as he blessed me to serve others. God asked me to become the person he created me to be and to do the things he designed me to do. The creator of the universe has called me to be part of his work to bring justice and kindness to his creation. What a joy and privilege!

Sakeo Matakaruru, Sigatoka Corps (Fiji Division)

I worked in sales and marketing for Tappoos Group for the past 14 years. I grew up in a Christian family

where most of my family members are Methodist. I went to The Salvation Army at age 10. I attended Sunday school, junior soldiers, corps cadets and a youth group in Ba Corps. I moved to Sigatoka in 2007 for work. I met my wife Salome and got married in 2008. I heard God’s call for my life at a men’s camp at Sabeto, Nadi, in 2010. My corps officer encouraged me to keep on trusting the Lord with all my heart. This process is a spiritual journey in which I learned new things about myself and about my relationship with the Lord.

Anna Natera, Hamilton City Corps (Midland Division)

I started attending Hamilton City Corps in my midtwenties. Officership was something I’d not heard about before, but from a young age I felt called to ministry. After completing my studies, I worked as a social worker in Community Ministries and served in the local corps with youth and children. During that time the call was still there but in the back of my mind. It was two years ago that Manasa and I started seriously talking about our calling. We decided to start the application process and see where God took us from there. At that point I decided to say yes to God, and have felt an immense sense of peace ever since.

At the age of seven, I felt a strong calling to be an officer in Fiji. My teen years were a time of deciding whether to pursue officership or a different career path. While I chose a different career, I also served with Raiwai Corps as an assistant YPSM (Young People’s Sergeant-Major) and then as a youth leader. Having moved to New Zealand in the spring of 2008 to be with my wife, I once again found myself drawn to youth ministry. As part of my prayers, I asked God to reveal whether or not I was called to become a Salvation Army officer. There was simply no other way to put it other than God had answered my prayers!

Verenaisi Drotini, Labasa Corps (Fiji Division)

After my mother was promoted to Glory (passed away), Semi and I stepped up and supported the leadership at Dogotuki

Outpost in Macuata. People used to tell us that we were called to officership but I would shrug it off because I never saw myself in that role. In 2020 we moved to Labasa Corps to have hands-on training. That year, God shaped me and dealt with the areas of my life that I needed to fully surrender to him. We are now on the verge of entering college and all I can say is it’s the hand of God that led us here.

Semi Drotini, Labasa Corps (Fiji Division)

In my village, my source of income comes from catching prawns all night. One early morning, as I sat tired and cold on top of a wet rock beside the riverbed, I looked up to the sky and asked God if that was all there was to my life. Little did I know that God had already paved a path for me and my family. In 2018 we had our first assessment for college. It got deferred, but we were not discouraged, nor did we give up. It was our third assessment in 2022 where we were accepted at the School for Officer Training for 2023–2024 intake. I have faith that it’s God’s calling I am walking into.

Manasa Natera, Hamilton City Corps (Midland Division)

Tania Viljoen, East City Corps (Northern Division)

I received my first prompt from God when I was prayed for during a small group meeting. The leader said that he was excited for what God had in store for me. A second prompting came when I ended up giving birth to my baby in a carpark. I heard God’s voice saying that I had been given new life too, so what was I going to do with this incredible gift? My corps officers encouraged me to further explore this calling, and I attended Delve in 2021. On the second night, God left me with the clear words that I should not worry but trust 100 percent. He is faithful and will provide what I need, and he has—abundantly.

Naomi Navica, Tavua Corps (Fiji Division)

I heard God’s call to officership in 2003 during Youth Councils. Both my husband and I were there, however, I was not aware that he experienced God’s calling too. Two years later, when we attended another Youth Councils in 2005, I looked across and saw my husband responding to the same altar call that I was. In 2008, we filed our first application for officership but got deferred, and then deferred again a number of times until 2018. Our corps officer Major Maika Ranamalo told us: ‘If God is calling you, then he is calling you! The Salvation Army is just the place of calling, but you have to make the right decision yourself.’ I look forward to allowing God to teach me and mould me so I can utilise his given gifts and talents for the extension of his kingdom.

Peni Soga, Tavua Corps (Fiji Division)

I heard God’s call in 2002 to be used in the kingdom of God. I began to attend the Tavua Outpost, where I met my wife Naomi in 2003. At Youth Councils in 2005,

Naomi and I had the same calling to be officers. We applied and were deferred many times from 2008. We assumed that God had other callings for our lives, but our marriage was affected to the point that we separated in 2013. Our family reunited in July 2014, however, life was still hard. It’s been a process in my life of what will happen if I don’t concentrate on God—much like Jonah and Nineveh. I thank God for his plan for my life and for choosing me from an early age. I’m looking forward to experiencing more of God’s calling in my life. I also look forward to journeying with other candidates and having fellowship with the training officers and my session mates for Champions of the Mission.

Karen Krishnan, Nasinu Corps (Fiji Division)

God placed the call for officership on my heart in 2014, not too long after I was enrolled as a soldier of The Salvation Army, at New Plymouth Corps in New Zealand. It was at the end of 2020 when I finally had the courage to put in my application for the process to begin. It took six years of allowing God to take me on a much-needed journey through brokenness, healing, renewal and finally surrendering, before I took the step to say yes. I look forward to a new season of growing spiritually and improving as an individual and a leader so that I am well equipped to serve the people I am called to serve.

Nikola Vaitaki, Manukau Central Corps (Northern Division)

I knew this was my calling even before I came to The Salvation Army, and I knew when we first started going to the Army that God led us here for this purpose. When I learned about adherents and soldiership,

it really stirred something within me, and I knew this was where God wanted me to serve. The process of that has been challenging at times, but the more I tried to ignore him and the plans he has for me, the more he fought to get my attention. I thank God for being so faithful and never giving up on me. No matter what challenges I face, God’s plans for me never change and I will continue saying yes to him.

Ashton Vaitaki, Manukau Central Corps (Northern Division)

We’ve been a part of The Salvation Army for about six years now. A couple of years ago, Nikola came to me and asked if I wanted to become a soldier with him. I replied, ‘absolutely not’. We were already adherents, so I told him that I would only ever become a soldier if it was a stepping stone to something bigger like officership, ‘but that’s not for me, so I don’t see soldiership as something I’d do’. One month later, Nikola became a soldier, and God revealed to me that soldiership was most definitely my stepping stone into officership. The process has been intense, exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, but we’ve also felt very at peace.

Sereana Sekilini Vasu, Vaini Corps (Fiji Division)

Growing up in The Salvation Army, it has been my dream to serve God at every opportunity I get. God has bestowed something in me that I couldn’t understand when I was younger. My calling has been there from the beginning, it’s just taken me a little while to discover. God has been trying to lead me to the

right path; a path that I wouldn’t regret saying yes to; a path where I will walk with him for the rest of my life. There are rough times, but knowing God didn’t bring me this far to leave me, and knowing I have a whole Army behind me reminding me they’ve got my back and are praying for me, what can I say or do but trust the process and let God take control?

‘Calling doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be as simple as it just feels right’

Noah Builds a Ministry

Noah Spargo is a musician, producer and event producer based in Wellington, who also works at our Territorial Headquarters in Children’s Mission. Hope Burmeister talks to him about studying for a music degree, travelling to America, his band Paper Plates and how God moves in those who want to see him move.

Have you always been interested in music?

Music is definitely something I’ve always wanted to pursue. I can see pictures of myself sitting on the living room floor as a four- or five-year-old playing planks of wood with my chopsticks. What draws me towards music is that it just does something that words can’t do. They call it ‘the universal language’—something

that transcends race, religion and language barriers.

What has the creative journey been like for you?

I started playing in a high school band. We wanted to record an EP together, so we ‘make-shifted’ our way into recording one. We released it, and did lots of gigs. But then once we were out of high school we all dispersed, and I went on to do my music degree at

Massey University. I was constantly composing music, performing and meeting lots of new people. With all the connections I made, I very quickly started marketing myself as a session musician, which is someone who plays for other people. Then during the pandemic over the past one to two years, for online church I started upskilling in the production area and doing a few cool videos.

What has been the highlight for you?

One highlight for me would be going to America and travelling with the National Youth Band. We marched in the Rose (Bowl) Parade, which is a massive televised event in America. We marched through Disneyland and got to go to Disneyland. It was a very surreal experience, something that is not afforded to a lot of people.

What do you think God has called you to do?

More and more I’m learning that what I do is minister to people. We always say it’s all about the people, but I’m learning that it really is! My skills and abilities and what I do take me into places where I meet new people all the time and develop relationships. I see God moving through me in the spaces where I just let him do what he needs to do, and it’s there where he ministers to people.

I can see pictures of myself sitting on the living room floor as a four- or five-yearold playing planks of wood with my chopsticks.

Your EP with Paper Plates was about advocating for mental health. Tell us about that.

I haven’t personally struggled much with it throughout my life, but it’s something that I’ve become more in tune with over the past three years, as I’m sure a lot of us have been sitting with ourselves and our thoughts and being more observant of what’s happening around us. I think music is such a powerful tool. And at Paper Plates, we think music is a powerful tool to explore the world of mental health and to give permission for people to feel a certain way or to experience emotions in certain capacities that they might not otherwise.

What drew you to your role at Children’s Mission?

I’ve been working in Children’s Mission now for two years. In my role, I have the capacity for resource design and helping create resources for not only children’s leaders, but corps officers and other people to use in their spaces. Something that I’m really passionate about is intergenerational ministry. I like to have an eye out for the little guy in the room. In this case, they are quite literally the little guys, because they are children in our corps and in our spaces.

What would you say to a young person wanting to follow their passion and dreams?

Don’t second guess yourself. I often find in my creative process, my biggest discourager is myself. Whether I’m creating music or doing anything creative, I put up a wall before I’ve even taken the first step. I come up with the idea and think someone’s done that better, or that’s not good enough. Be your biggest

encourager not discourager; just step out in faith and don’t be afraid to fail—failing is a great learning opportunity. I look back at some of the stuff I did five years ago and think I would do that differently now, but I would only know to do it differently because I did it in the first place. Finally, where do you see God moving around you?

I see him moving in the people who want to see him move, if that makes

sense? It’s a bit backwards, but the people who have caught the vision, who are passionate in their areas, who have their foot on the floor and say, let’s go get it!

For more info visit noahspargo.com , instagram.com/sprinklespargo, facebook.com/PaperPlatesMusic , and instagram.com/paperplatesmusic

I see God moving through me in the spaces where I just let him do what he needs to do, and it’s there where he ministers to people.

Left: Noah playing bass; Top: Noah marching in the Rose (Bowl) Parade; Above: Noah at Session Work with Josie Moon.

He Waka Eke Noa, All Of Us Together

Happy New Year! I hope you have had room to relax and enjoy time with your family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period. I look forward to serving God and our community with you this year in our mission of caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society by God’s power. He waka eke noa (all of us together) is the theme and goal of our strategic framework, and I love the picture of us all in our different mission centres, using our gifts, experience and skills as paddles to steer our waka in the right direction to achieve our mission together.

This year we thank God and celebrate that The Salvation Army has been privileged to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination for 140 years in New Zealand, 50 years in Fiji, 37 years in Tonga and 5 years in Samoa.

The combination of the love of Jesus and unity in our service will transform our communities and invigorate our strategic priorities of mission impact so we can best share the love of Jesus and serve our communities; to create welcoming and loving places to belong, work, worship and serve ; and, bring sustainability to our mission in order to increase our influence.

Thank you for your commitment to our mission as we continue to work to bring the light and life of Jesus into lives that see only darkness in their circumstances, and to bring hope to those who have broken and shattered lives.

We are stronger together, unified in our mission and our faithbased mandate to share the gospel of Jesus in our four nations. In Romans 15:5-6, we are encouraged to have ‘one mind and one voice [to] glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’. So please join me in spurring each other on this year for God’s glory.

I pray that anyone who meets someone from The Salvation Army or walks through any one of our mission doors will find practical help and experience the love and fullness of life in Jesus.

Commissioner Julie Campbell Territorial President of Women’s Ministries

Romans 15:5-6

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Heoi, mā te Atua o te manawanui, o te whakamārie, e hoatu ki a koutou kia kotahi te whakaaro o tētahi ki tētahi, kia rite ki tā Karaiti Īhu; kia kotahi ai te whakaaro, kia kotahi ai te māngai, e whakakorōria ai koutou i te Atua, arā i te Matua o tō tātou Ariki, o Īhu Karaiti. (PT)

Ia me solia mada vei kemudou na Kalou, o koya na vu ni vosota kei na veivakacegui, mo dou lomavata vakai kemudou me vakataki Karisito Jisu: mo dou lomavata ka domovata ni dou sa vakarokorokotaka na Kalou, o koya na Tama i Jisu Karisito na noda Turaga. (FOV)

Khali Parmeshwar hei jon hamme khusi rakkhe sake hei, aur dheeraj bhi dewe hei. Ham binti karta hei ki u tumme madat kare ki tum Maseeh ke mutaabik, saanti se ek dusra ke sañghe chalte raho. Tab tum sab ek sañghe Parmeshwar, hamaar Prabhu Yeeshu Maseeh ke Pita ke baraai karega. (FRHNT)

Bea koeni, ke tuku kiate kimoutolu e he Otua oe faa kataki moe fiemalie, ke mou felototatau aki be kiate kimoutolu o tatau mo Kalaisi Jisu: Koeuhi ke mou loto taha be, mo gutu taha be, i he fakamalo ki he Otua, io, koe Tamai a ho tau Eiki ko Jisu Kalaisi. (TWB)

Ia foai atu foi ia te outou e le Atua o ia e tupu mai ai le onosai ma le faamafanafana, ina ia gatasitasi o outou loto e tusa ma le finagalo o Keriso Iesu; ina ia vivii outou i le Atua, le Tamā o lo tatou Alii o Iesu Keriso, ma le loto e tasi, ma le upu e tasi. (SOV)

A Willing Helping Hand

Eric O’Brien is a soldier at Ōamaru Corps which he has attended for many years. He shares how helping people in their time of need has been the guiding philosophy of his life.

I’m from a family of eight, and our mother made sure we went to Sunday school every week. I became a member of the Sunday school and Bible class, and I also later became a deacon in the Presbyterian Church.

My mother used to tell us Bible stories when we were young. But something I had trouble grasping when I was younger was how Jesus came into this world to help us understand what God is all about, yet God let him die on the cross. Why did God have to let Jesus die on the cross? Couldn’t he have done something different? But then, at a meeting at The Salvation Army, a young person said in the most basic way that God showed how much he loved us by letting his own Son die on our behalf. It was then that the penny dropped. He called it a ‘transaction’, that God allowed it so Jesus could save us. He took our place. Then I realised why it had to happen, which makes it such a remarkable story.

I realised from an early age that it was God who created the world and everything in it—friends and relations and everybody else. God has put us here to enjoy other people and help other people—so that’s the philosophy of my life.

Searching for a church

When my wife and I married, I got a job down in Gore. We were there for seven years, and then we shifted back to Ōamaru. We didn’t have a house to live in permanently; we were just renting. Our kids were small and we had a boy and a girl. We tried a few different churches because we didn’t know where we were going to live. We went to The Salvation Army one Sunday, and as was our practice over lunch, we asked the kids: ‘How did you like that church?’ and they said, ‘Oh, yes, we liked that one. We’ll go back there.’ So, we just started going there and eventually became soldiers.

My wife and I were running the youth group for nearly 25 years. We had about 30 teenagers in our youth group and that was pretty full on because you had to keep an interesting programme for them. I’ve had other roles. I was a team leader who ran the emergency caravan, providing meals for people in emergency situations like fires and floods and feeding the personnel who were on the ground. You never knew when the alarm was going to go off, and sometimes you had to get out of bed.

I was in the rescue squad as a first responder at the local freezing works where I had worked for over 25 years. People used to ask me what glory did I get out of doing that kind of work. I think it was the same as being in the emergency caravan or with the youth group. It’s not the glory you get out of it. It’s how you can help other people. You get satisfaction out of knowing you’ve done something for someone else in their time of need. It’s always about helping other people.

In times of need

After the 2011 earthquake, I went up to Christchurch to join a team that visited every house in Christchurch for a welfare check. There was a person from The Salvation Army, a building inspector and a social worker in each team. I think there were over 300 of us altogether and we visited every house in

God has put us here to enjoy other people and help other people—so that’s the philosophy of my life.

Christchurch. Some people didn’t want to contact a counsellor or anybody like that. So there were people who slipped through the gaps, and we wanted to make sure that everybody had been visited and had contact. That was quite an amazing experience.

I also went to Samoa after they had the tsunami and helped to build houses, fales as they call them over there. There was a team of about 12 that went over, and they set up a workshop and got things started. We had a programme of building the fales up there and along the east coast. Again, that was the most amazing experience. The thing that stuck in my mind was how the Samoan people appreciated what you were doing for them, and they couldn’t do enough for you. They just looked after you like you were family.

Being called to help

I’m not a great academic. I’ll never make a politician or anything like that. I was a plumber by trade. I’ve had my plumbing certificate for over 50 years. I met a lot of people in the community and all around the place. That’s something that worked in with my philosophy, because when you’re a plumber you only get called when you’ve got to help someone. You go to people’s homes and it’s flooded out, or the ceiling has caved in because the tank upstairs broke or something like that. You’re helping people in their time of need.

We had a major church rebuild and the corps had quite a few tradesmen at the time. We’d do our day’s work and then go down and put in three or four hours of an evening. I found that if you went down to the hall one or two nights a week and worked there, it got to the stage where you didn’t feel tired. We were just about doubling our work week yet I still didn’t feel tired. No one ever complained that they were getting worn out or anything. It was so motivating, and we seemed to have that much more energy. God must have put the vitality in us or something.

Hearing the knock

Last Sunday we were having a few one-minute sermons. When I spoke, I mentioned that Jesus said, ‘Here I am!

I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me’ (Revelation 3:20). I said quite often people hear the knock, but they don’t do anything about it. They miss an opportunity, because one of the easiest ways to get to know a person is to sit down and have a meal with them. Because all you’re doing is sitting down, and eating is not hard work, so it gives you plenty of time to have a one-on-one talk with that person.

Many people want to just look after themselves first, but if we can’t give back to other people, we can become too inward looking. When I look around, I see the number of people who could just do with a bit of a hand. They may need help in their garden, or they might not be able to drive so you can take them somewhere. There are always people who can do with help. If I’m in a position where I can help someone, well, why shouldn’t I?

See and Reflect: Commissioning 2022

WORDS David Youngmeyer, Holly Morton and Hope Burmeister PHOTOS Sarah Pearce and Qalicake Production

Fiji Commissions the Reflectors of Holiness, Yaloyalo ni Bula Savasava

The commissioning and ordination of the Reflectors of Holiness session of cadets took place in Suva, over the weekend of 25–27 November 2022.

There was a great feeling of joy and celebration, as everyone was excited to be together. A few members of the executive leadership team from Territorial Headquarters in New Zealand were able to travel over this year, which was particularly significant as the previous commissioning weekend in Fiji had been affected by travel restrictions.

Covenant Day was held on the Friday; a special day for cadets where they sign their Officer Covenants and are reminded of the primacy of the relationship between themselves and the Lord. The covenants are also a reminder that all of the work that these officers will contribute to their corps and the mission flows out of their love of and service to God.

On Saturday, many friends, family and corps members attended the ordination and commissioning of eight Fijian and Tongan cadets, held at Suva Corps. The service was livestreamed so that those in the wider territory could watch and take part in the celebrations. The cadets, along with flag bearers, were welcomed to the event by the band. The service was punctuated by a number of moving worship songs, including ‘I hear the sound of the Army of the Lord’ and ‘All to Jesus I surrender’.

Captain Andrew Moffat, divisional commander in Fiji, read out each corps that the cadets had come from,

which was met with loud cheers from those attending. Some of the cadets prayed for the meeting in English, Tongan and Fijian.

The New Zealand-based cadets offered a special gift to their Fijian-based session mates: they performed ‘Te haka a te poti’ over video, which they traditionally do to mark the closing of their own commissioning service. Cadets MeleSeini and Peter Otainao also received a special video message from their home corps—Nuku’alofa Corps—in Tonga.

Captain Dale McFarlane, senior training officer at the School of Officer Training in Suva, shared with the congregation how the past couple of years have been for the Fiji cadets. She rejoiced in the fact that Peter and MeleSeini had been able to join the rest of the cadets in Fiji at the beginning of this year, although it was devastatingly in the midst of the Tonga eruption and earthquake.

Dale commended the cadets for the significant commitment that they were making over the weekend. ‘They are true and passionate Salvationists, and are well equipped to enter officership. Each of them yesterday entered into a sacred covenant to love and serve God supremely all their days.’

The cadets were led in the Affirmation of Faith by Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, and were then ordained and commissioned and prayed for. There was then a resounding cheer as the newly ordained and commissioned lieutenants were introduced to the congregation. Following this, the

lieutenants’ children joined them up the front for the presentation of appointments, and were personally acknowledged for their part in their parents’ current and future ministries. The families then stepped forward together for cadets to be commissioned.

Lieutenant Bale Tuinaceva shared her testimony, comparing her story to a puzzle and reflecting on God’s encouragement to follow a new pattern—his pattern. ‘I thank God for the way he has shaped me and moulded my life so that I can be a reflector of Christ to the needy, to the unloved, to those who need salvation in their lives.’

There was a recognition of Major Louisa Raiko’s 25 years of active service as she received her Long Service Award. Louisa was ordained as an auxiliary-captain in 1997 alongside her husband Micah, who retired in 2018. She spent much of her service in courts and prison ministry, as well as in women’s ministries.

The service concluded with the new lieutenants performing a joyful Tongan dance to ‘Eiki Tau—God our Commander’ followed by the band playing as dancers came up the front for a Fijian performance as well.

Graduation Service for Reflectors of Holiness, Ngā Kaiwhakaata i te Tapu

On the evening of Friday 9 December, Hutt City Corps hosted the Booth College of Mission (BCM) graduation ceremony.

Around 200 people—including family, friends and Salvation Army supporters—attended the event to celebrate the graduation of the seven members of the Reflectors of Holiness session, Ngā Kaiwhakaata i te Tapu, with more people joining online.

The Salvation Army Youth Band provided music throughout the evening, richly interwoven with periods of singing, dancing, and Māori and Fijian culture.

Captain Bryant Richards, acknowledged Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell and everyone who supported the commissioning.

Assistant Territorial Secretary for Personnel Captain Bryant Richards shared an encouragement for those sensing a similar call to the newly commissioned lieutenants. He brought the 2023 candidates session—Champions of the Mission—up the front of the meeting to acknowledge their commitment and admission into the school for officer training.

Commissioner Mark Campbell spoke of the significance of this session name, ‘Reflectors of Holiness’ for our Army. ‘We’re a Salvation Army that brings life—the life of Jesus Christ. And to bring that life, we are all to be reflectors of holiness. As people come through any of our mission doors … people have the potential of meeting Jesus in all his fullness, to experience his redemptive power and transformation in their lives.’

Bryant also thanked Majors Garth and Suzanne Stevenson for their leadership of the great BCM team: ‘You’re a bunch of people who are absolutely committed to the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army. You are a taonga, a gift, to us as a movement.’

Colonel Gerry Walker, chief secretary, led a prayer for the cadets, describing their graduation as a passage and a completion: ‘We offer thanks for the success of their journey. We thank you for granting them focus and direction, and then strength and endurance.’

Sessional speaker, Cadet Natalie Kirby, addressed the audience on behalf of her fellow graduands.

‘It’s been a blessing to have had two years of personal development through seeking God more deeply as to what he has for us,’ she said.

‘For some in the session the journey started 14 years ago when they were first called to officership, for others it has been less … God pulled us all together

‘Each of them yesterday entered into a sacred covenant to love and serve God supremely all their days.’

and formed this session to train together and I’m grateful for that.’

Natalie said that the training had its fair share of challenges and joys, and a wide variety of emotions and events.

‘I know that it’s been two years of training because Barry and I entered college with a fairly immobile six-month-old who barely slept through the night and now we have a two-year-old who’s graduated to a big brother, and he sleeps through the night now. We are back to the broken sleep but loving it.’

Commissioner Mark Campbell presented awards to the members of the Reflectors of Holiness session—

Tammy Mohi, Rebecca Moffat, Nick Moffat, Alana LePine, Natalie Kirby, Barry Kirby and Ben Cola.

All received the Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training, while the Diploma in Christian Studies (Theology) went to Tammy, Rebecca, Nick, Alana, Natalie and Ben. In their turn, Tammy, Rebecca, Natalie, Barry and Ben received the Diploma in Christian Studies (Leadership).

Guest speaker Captain Andrew Moffatt, divisional Commander, Fiji Division, who last spoke at a graduation 14 years ago when he represented his own session, told the graduates they had achieved significant outcomes.

‘You all sit here as graduates due to your hard work— well done! You leave BCM adequately equipped to engage as officers in The Salvation Army in the salvation war.

‘The Salvation Army is a great movement in that we officers are encouraged to continue our learning and I would encourage you all to travel the path of lifelong learning and studentship.

‘Be encouraged that you are not only called, trained and soon to be appointed, but celebrate that God has made this possible for his good purposes.

‘You have something that will bring his kingdom here to earth. Life change in some people you encounter will occur because you are you, and you are living lives committed and inspired by Christ.’

Lifelong Salvationist and BCM’s Education Officer and Academic Dean, David Wardle, was honoured for his service to the college since 2010. BCM Principal Major Garth Stevenson said that over the years, 135 cadets have benefitted from David’s wisdom, compassion, commitment and passion for the ongoing learning and growth of all those studying at BCM. This translates to almost half of all the active Salvation Army officers serving in the territory today.

Silver Star Brunch

The Silver Star Brunch for this year’s cadets and their parents was held at Booth College of Mission on Saturday 10 December; a significant recognition of those who have contributed to the lives of the cadets about to be ordained and commissioned later that day. Lt-Colonel Margaret Bateman organised and led the brunch

‘You leave BCM adequately equipped to engage as officers in The Salvation Army in the salvation war.’

as Silver Star Secretary. There were 14 parents in attendance at this year’s brunch in New Zealand, with 16 parents of Fijian cadets being recognised two weeks earlier at the Fiji Silver Star Brunch.

Commissioner Julie Campbell welcomed the cadets and their parents to the ceremony, and Cadet Ben Cola shared on behalf of the Reflectors of Holiness session. Ben expressed gratitude to the staff at Booth College of Mission for their guidance over the past two years of their study and thanked all the parents present for their support of the cadets. He referred to the name of their session and explained that his first example of holiness came from his parents, sharing the importance of their input for his life to reach this point.

Each cadet with their parents came up to receive their certificates and stars, which the cadets then presented to their parents. There was a wonderful mix of emotions, with a lot of laughter amidst a few tears. Graeme and Susan Howan, Cadet Rebecca Moffat’s parents, received their second Silver Star at this ceremony, following on from when their son, Captain Jacob Howan, was commissioned in 2016.

of difficulty. ‘There have been numerous occasions when God has put me in situations where I have been involved in unexpected ministry with unexpectedly positive results.’ He shared how his and Margaret’s appointment to Papua New Guinea was a particular challenge, with feelings of isolation being very prominent for them, especially during the beginning of the pandemic, and that this resulted in him needing to lean on God more and more over this time.

Long Service Order Recognition Dinner

On the evening of Saturday 10 December, a number of officers from across the territory were celebrated for their ongoing service. Nine officers received their Long Service Awards for 25 and 35 years of service, from the Proclaimers of Salvation, Builders of the Kingdom, Messengers of God’s Love, and Messengers of Peace sessions. The officers recognised at the dinner held a combined 275 years of service in The Salvation Army.

Major Suzanne Stevenson and Lt-Colonel David Bateman shared their testimonies, reflecting on their 35 years each as officers. David considered how each of the appointments he has had as an officer have been the right place for him in that season, even in periods

Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell presented the Long Service certificates to the officers, and those at the dinner were able to catch a glimpse of the officers’ photos from their commissioning as they received their awards. The evening concluded with a Christmas-themed devotional thought from Captain Bryant Richards and a closing prayer from Colonel Gerry Walker.

New Zealand Commissioning and Ordination

The Reflectors of Holiness, Ngā Kaiwhakaata i te Tapu, were ordained and commissioned by Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell at Hutt City Corps on Saturday 10 December.

Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Liz Gainsford gave an introduction to the commissioning service in te reo Māori, and the National Youth Band played Whakaaria Mai (How Great Thou Art), followed by a karakia (prayer).

‘We walk like Jesus walks, and we reflect him in that way.’

Liz welcomed Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, friends and family of cadets, and the cadets soon to be ordained and commissioned, and encouraged them in ‘God’s perfect peace and love and assurance and his uncompromising joy’.

Three of the cadets, Tammy Mohi, Barry Kirby and Ben Cola, prayed in three languages, te reo Māori, English and Fijian.

A highlight of the service was when a video was shared of the recently ordained and commissioned lieutenants from the School for Officer Training in Fiji, encouraging their session mates to reflect God’s holiness as they prepare for officership.

tautoko (song of response) from a family member in the audience.

The new lieutenants stood at the front of the congregation, with four reaccepted officers with the rank of captain, Bradley and Fleur Carpenter, and Epironi and Sera Toloi. Colonel Gerry Walker led a prayer, thanking God for the promises made by the lieutenants and the reaccepted officers. The seven new lieutenants were then commissioned to their new appointments, followed by much applause.

Lieutenant Rebecca Moffat shared her testimony about her calling to officership at an Amplify Creative Arts Camp when she was 19 years old. She feared the cost of following the calling, and God pointed her to Matthew 16:24: ‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.’

While putting off the calling for a long time, she finally applied for officership and trusted in God through seasons of doubt and confusion. She met her husband Lieutenant Nick Moffat during their studies and they were ordained and commissioned as a couple.

A message of congratulations and encouragement from General Brian Peddle, the international leader of The Salvation Army, was read by Assistant Principal Booth College of Mission Major Suzanne Stevenson. The General shared that commissioning is only the beginning, mentioning 2 Corinthians 6:3–6 in that everything they do, despite hardships, is for the kingdom. ‘God is now releasing you to be pure vessels in a world stained with sin!’

Principal Major Garth Stevenson spoke about the Reflectors of Holiness undergoing two years of training in personal development to advance the mission of God; ‘knowing God, knowing themselves and knowing their mission’.

The seven cadets then spoke the Affirmation of Faith in English, te reo Māori and Fijian and were ordained as lieutenants, with Tammy Mohi receiving a hongi (Māori greeting) from Mark and Julie and a waiata

New lieutenant Alana LePine read Colossians 1:9–14, about the Lord filling his people with wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit to bear fruit and to grow in knowledge.

Commissioner Mark Campbell preached an inspiring message about being Reflectors of Holiness. He mentioned the difference between decision-making and discernment-making, and demonstrating spiritual wisdom, walking worthy and being strong. ‘We walk like Jesus walks, and we reflect him in that way,’ he said.

Eight new candidates in the School for Officer Training, Fiji, and five at Booth College of Mission in New Zealand will begin their officership training this year, announced Captain Bryant Richards.

A haka finished the service off on a powerful note, representing the diverse cultures in the territory.

While putting off the calling for a long time, she finally applied for officership and trusted in God through seasons of doubt and confusion.

The Kingdom of Clarity

Major Mat Badger introduces us to the pitfalls and insights of the Parable of the Sower in this four-part series.

Part One looks at the seed that falls on the pathway (Matthew 13:3–4, 18–19).

A sense of dread set in. There had just been a nuclear meltdown and as our family watched the images on the news, we did so in silence. And we prayed.

During the time of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, a real sense of uncertainty entered our high school. Common conversations among my friends became topics such as the end of the world, the real meaning of life, and

if God was real. As I think back, I am astounded that a nuclear disaster on the other side of the world could have such a huge impact on my non-Christian peer group—they were scrambling to find some hope in the uncertainty. So each morning during this time, I began to pray for my friends. I asked God to move in their lives—that they would discover the hope that is found when someone

understands and is transformed by the full message of the gospel.

The invitation

About a year later, I heard the most amazing testimony on the radio— an evangelist known for his work among the poor in South America. His message was gritty and real and focused on the question: ‘Why do bad things happen in the world?’ He was being interviewed prior to a speaking tour throughout New Zealand. I thought it would be a great opportunity to hear him and also invite some of my friends. If he shared with a live audience what he shared on the radio, not only would it be an interesting night but my friends would hear a powerful gospel presentation. Quite a few of my nonChristian friends came along.

An unusual turn of events

After a couple of hymns the evangelist took centre stage in front of about 400 people. And then he began to share an obscure version of his radio testimony, including his opinion about the gospel—which to me, didn’t make sense. For a Christ-follower, the word ‘gospel’ literally means ‘the good news’, and this guy was not sharing the good news. What he was sharing was incoherent and made all of us feel uneasy. After about 40 minutes, he then took his message in another unexpected direction.

‘Friends, in 2 Samuel chapter 6 we see that during a tough time for King David his response was to dance before God in worship. I’m sure you will agree with me that these are tough days.’

My inner alarm went off. He continued, ‘This evening, I feel convicted that we should do the same

as David…’ By this time my internal warning siren was screaming!

‘And so tonight we are going to dance before the Lord!’

Just like that, the evening got really weird, really fast. My friends were all looking at me with concerned expressions. One of them voiced what the whole group was obviously thinking: ‘Badger—what the hell is this?!’

They weren’t the only ones surprised. I was blindsided by what was happening and felt betrayed. We all left and stood outside in the car park. Even though I apologised profusely, one of them made a statement that still makes me cringe: ‘Christians are just weird’. I looked back through the windows. Some people were clearly upset and like us were leaving. But for others, there was laughing, crying, and all sorts of ecstatic activity. Additionally, people were responding to an invitation based on a ‘gospel’ I wasn’t familiar with. I was confused. My friend was right—Christians can be weird.

In search of authentic faith

This was the first time I realised that the journey to an authentic faith could be a minefield. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that in the first part of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus addresses the issue of confusion.

‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.’

Later, he shared with his followers in private the meaning of his words. ‘Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.’

Matthew Henry, the famed Bible commentator, makes the point that the farmer represents Christ and that the seed is the message of the gospel going out into the world, and in this case, landing on the pathway. He also makes the point that the work of Christ is shared by his people who are co-labourers in the task of taking the gospel to the nations.

when birds (in the plural) appear in the Bible they tend to represent bad news, in this case, confusion. Here they represent the evil one who comes and snatches away what was sown in a person’s heart. Maybe the birds also represent people who claim to be ministers of the gospel but who are in fact wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The unseen realm

The second issue is more of a reminder: we are involved in a spiritual battle. While the clarity in which the full gospel is communicated is important, even when communicated well there are still going to be those who are bewildered by it and others who simply can’t accept it. Henry wonders whether the path might represent the state of some people’s hearts and minds, hard and therefore unable to be penetrated with the life-giving truth of the gospel.

In addition, I think two key issues are at stake. First, the text makes it clear that the seed is good. The seed is not faulty in any way, it has simply landed in the wrong place.

If we could label the seed the full message of the gospel, a product we could purchase online, it would have a perfect rating. The problem is not with the merchandise, the fault lies with some of the salespeople who are either well-meaning but not qualified for the task or who are deliberately manipulative. I wonder if this is what the birds represent. It seems

Later, in the fourth part of this parable, Jesus made it clear that the message of the kingdom is something that can be understood by the hearer with absolute clarity (13:23). Confusion is a tactic employed by our adversary. In Ephesians 6 the believer is instructed to put on the full armour of God. Central to this defensive shell is the belt of truth, with the key weapon being the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Spiritual warfare happens in what physicist Stephen Hawking described as the ‘unseen dimensions’. It happens in partnership with the Holy Spirit. A clear understanding of the truth of the full gospel and praying for others are core components.

When it came to my friends, in the years that followed several of them did accept Christ. However, one of my friends to this day has never recovered from the confusion of that night.

For a Christ-follower, the word ‘gospel’ literally means, ‘the good news’, and this guy was not sharing the good news.

This was the first time I realised that the journey to an authentic faith could be a minefield.

Law and Justice in the Spotlight

Ronji Tanielu from The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit shares with us how he undertook a whirlwind visit to the USA to fulfill his Borrin Foundation scholarship in 2022. He hopped across four American states, visiting 17 legal projects, attending dozens of meetings and staying with Salvation Army sites in three cities—all over eight weeks.

The Borrin Foundation was established to make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders through the practice of law and to support legal research, education and scholarship. In 2020, Borrin blessed me with a Travel and Learning Award that supported me to explore

innovative and effective models, programmes and organisations working to improve access to justice and legal support overseas.

Community Law Centres (CLCs) in New Zealand provide legal services for over 30 percent of poorer people with unmet legal needs. CLCs do

wonderful work but are underfunded and over-stretched. There is a lot of great work happening in New Zealand to improve access to legal justice, especially for vulnerable whānau (family); but many are still missing out. So, I packed my bags, mapped out the travel plans with my wife, took leave from work for two months and headed over to the USA to finally use the award. Here are three highlights from my trip.

Legal Access Projects

The bulk of my trip was for Borrin. I visited courthouses, law firms and accessed legal justice groups, think tanks and church organisations. I met with passionate people working to improve access to legal justice.

In Hawaii, I met lawyers and judges who started a Court Navigator programme where community volunteers help vulnerable people (who often have English as a second language) to navigate the courts.

In Phoenix, I visited law libraries where the state government funds resources and staff to help people file their own legal papers and represent themselves in court.

In Philadelphia, there were not-forprofit law firms helping poorer locals with tenancy and eviction issues. The passion and skill of those involved was amazing. But I saw major gaps, particularly around sustainable funding for these projects. This made

Above: Ronji with corps officers in Phoenix outside the Kroc Centre; Right (from top): Ronji preaching at Voice of the Martyrs in Oklahoma; Ronji at the Philadelphia Salvation Army ARC with Majors Daniel and Karen Alverio who lead this ministry.

me think of The Salvation Army’s co-founder William Booth’s Poor Man’s Lawyer, where Booth argued for a body to provide free legal advice to people who could not afford it.

In 2010, Luke Geary and The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory founded Salvos Legal, a social enterprise law firm with the business-arm funding the free community law-arm. For unknown reasons, this ground-breaking approach is no longer operating in Australia. But the truth remains that Salvos Legal was an innovative model that provided free legal advice to marginalised people.

As I was exposed to these awesome projects in the USA, I could not help but think that the Salvos Legal approach remains the best model I can find globally to address major legal gaps in our own country. Why? Because this model relies on a sustainable business, or social enterprise model of funding, rather than being beholden to restrictive government contracts. This allows more freedom and independence from the government in providing Christcentred support services.

Love from the Sallies

I stayed with Salvation Army centres in Phoenix, Philadelphia and New York. It was great to

meet Salvationists there who were passionate about Jesus and living it out in their context.

In Phoenix, I visited the local Kroc Centre. There are 26 Kroc Centres across the USA, funded by a $1.5 billion bequest from Ray and Joan Kroc, founders of McDonald’s fastfood chain. The centre had amazing facilities (swimming pools, gym, meeting rooms, etc) but was also pumping with Bible studies (in both English and Spanish) and staff and Salvationists intentional in their faith.

In Philly and New York, I stayed at the Adult Rehabilitation Centres (ARCs), residential homes supporting men and women on their recovery journey from addictions. I absolutely loved my time here having dinner with the men, discussing Jesus and life’s difficulties with them. The fellowship and food were amazing. The ARCs are fully funded by the Army in the USA and so they are unhindered and unashamed in their sharing of Jesus in their ministry. The Salvationists in the USA showed me, as we say in South Auckland, MAD love!

VOM serves over 360 million persecuted and suffering Christians around the world. We have previously served with VOM in Nigeria, China and other places. We also joined in on street evangelism and abortion clinic outreach ministries in Phoenix, Oklahoma and Philadelphia. Learning from others in mission and ministry is always a real joy!

Learning in Missions

The third highlight from this trip was the other ministry work we joined in and learned from. My wife and I spent over three weeks at the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) ministry headquarters in Oklahoma.

In terms of next steps, I have more Borrin work to do overseas in 2023. I hope to develop some innovative and disruptive solutions to these legal gaps. Soli Deo Gloria—All glory to God!

I could not help but think that the Salvos Legal approach remains the best model I can find globally to address major legal gaps in our own country.

It was great to meet Salvationists there who were passionate about Jesus and living it out in their context.

The Salvationists in the USA showed me, as we say in South Auckland, MAD love!

Go

Interdenominational Worship at Waitangi

On February 6, worship services take place on the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi annually, alongside the national Waitangi Day celebrations there. The Salvation Army has participated in the karakia (prayer) at these services for a number of years. Worship at Waitangi hasn’t happened for the past two years due to the impacts of the pandemic. The Salvation Army will be the leading denomination in an interdenominational church event onsite this year, with two services—a dawn service at 5am and a later service at 10am. Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu from the Anglican Church has coordinated and led the official Waitangi services for a number of years. He has asked the Army to participate at the services in 2023.

Three Nations—One Officers’ Fellowship

After the long years of border closures due to the pandemic, the combined Pacific Officers’ Fellowship finally took place on 26–29 September 2022. Nearly every officer and cadet from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa joined at the Novotel Hotel, Nadi, Fiji, for a time of fellowship, learning, laughter, ministry and food. It was the first time since being appointed to their roles that the leaders were together in the same room, so it was a very special time to share together as Divisional and Regional Leaders with their officer teams. Pacific Officers’ Fellowship was a truly special time of celebration and growth in the faith of those attending. We see an Army that God has raised up to live out his mission in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Kenya West Programme

SpiritSong at Hastings

The Salvation Army national singing group SpiritSong recently performed a concert in Hastings, which is their first corps visit in two years since the beginning of the pandemic. For this first concert in Hastings, they had a new musical director and new members. They had limited time to practise together as a group, but all worked hard to make the weekend in Hastings as good as it could be. The weekend was jam-packed for the team, with a performance at a rest home on the Saturday and a concert at Hastings Corps and leading worship on the Sunday.

In Kenya West Territory, a community outreach programme is making a significant difference in the lives of young people who live on the streets in Kakamega, Kitale and Eldoret. The main objectives are to rescue, rehabilitate, reintegrate and resocialise both children and teenagers, meeting their basic needs but also giving them education and skills to be able to make a life for themselves. Regular meals are provided for young people; the main meal is breakfast, consisting of tea and bread, and sometimes lunch which they can make themselves. Teachers recruited by the Ministry of Education have also been running classroom sessions to ensure young people get their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. Many young people have benefitted from this community outreach programme which has been supported by New Zealand Child Sponsorship funds.

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Christmas Proms on the West Coast

Westland Anniversary weekend saw the arrival of about a dozen band personnel plus supporters from Christchurch to help celebrate Christmas with The Salvation Army on the West Coast. A concert was held at Greymouth High School which included a variety of carols, Christmas band arrangements and marches. Handouts of chocolates and candy canes helped to add to the Christmas spirit of giving. Musical items from high school students in both the first and second half of the programme brought a home-grown flavour, including an impromptu performance from the school music group’s drummer, who joined the band for one item.

Hamilton City Corps Men’s Fellowship: Prayer for Ukraine

At a recent meeting of the Hamilton City Men’s Fellowship, some 80 men gathered to hear Yuriy Gladun, the chair of the Ukraine Association, as he shared in quiet yet passionate tones about the conflict in his home country, Ukraine. On the first Monday of each month, Hamilton City Men’s Fellowship meets for a ‘home-cooked’ meal and to engage in awareness of a social issue in the community. Inspired by the International Salvation Army request to pray for Ukraine, the convenor, LtColonel Wilfred Arnold, met with Yuriy and invited him to share the experiences of Ukraine migrants to New Zealand. At the end of the evening, boxes of foodstuffs were gifted to share at the gathering of the Ukraine Association in Auckland.

Nelson Cabin Community Opens

A new multi-partner transitional housing initiative in Nelson, aimed at tackling homelessness, is ready to welcome its first residents. The new Cabin Community Wikitōria—a joint effort involving the Victory Community Anglican Church, Habitat for Humanity and Housing First Nelson Tasman— provides accommodation for homeless people in eight cabins arranged in a community. The Cabin Community is on land owned by the Victory Community Anglican Church, and the cabins— provided by Habitat for Humanity Nelson and built through a building apprenticeship at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology—are suitable for one person each. The community includes access to a common area containing a kitchen and communal toilets and showers. The project took around a year to complete, with the cabins officially opened on 12 December 2022.

The General in Japan

The longed-for visit of General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries) to Japan had been postponed since 2020 due to the pandemic. To the delight of the Japanese, the border was finally reopened and on Thursday 17 November 2022 the international leaders landed at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, following their previous visit to Brazil. The General’s party initially travelled 500 kilometres by bullet train to encourage Salvationists at the West Division united meeting in Osaka, which began with a pre-worship session led by Ryoichi Nomoto and Wakana Tateishi. The General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle were welcomed by a vivid film presentation contributed by colleagues unable to attend in person due to the continuing caution around the Covid-19 virus.

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Official Engagements

Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)

28–29 Jan: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Johnsonville Corps, Central Division

Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary)

28–29 Jan: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Johnsonville Corps, Central Division

Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

No official engagements at this time.

Gazette Summary

To read the full version of Gazette notices, visit warcrymagazine.org.nz/gazette

Promotion to Glory: Major Russell Sawyer was promoted to Glory on 28 November 2022, from Auckland, aged 70 years. Russell entered Training College from Newton Corps on 26 March 1974, as a cadet in the Soldiers of the Cross session. Please uphold in prayer Major Janee Sawyer, Captain Julie Turner, Catherine Stanton and Mark Sawyer and other family members through this time of grief and loss.

Bereavements: Colonel Graeme Reddish of his sister Cynthia Cocker, on 23 November 2022, aged 71 years. We ask you to uphold in prayer Colonels Graeme and Wynne Reddish and extended family members in this time of grief and loss.

Major Christine De Maine of her sister Chanel Robinson, on 22 November 2022, from her home in Bulls. We ask you to uphold in prayer Majors Christine and Nigel De Maine and extended family members in this time of grief and loss.

Captain Stewart Lee, of his father Robert Lee, on 5 December 2022, from Thames. We ask you to uphold in prayer Captains Stu and Michelle Lee and extended family members in this time of grief and loss.

Appointments: Effective 12 January 2023, Captain Annette Bray has been appointed as divisional spiritual life development and prayer coordinator, Central Divisional Headquarters. She has also has an additional appointment as personnel projects and research officer, Personnel Section, Territorial Headquarters.

Captain Perry Bray has been appointed as mission support officer, Central Divisional Headquarters.

Effective 23 January 2023, Major Nigel Luscombe will be serving as military chaplain—Short Term Regular Force Engagement (based at Linton Military Camp), New Zealand Defense Force, as a secondment from appointment for up to six months.

Effective 1 February 2023, Major Phillippa Serevi has been appointed as divisional commander, Fiji Division.

Major Litiana Cola has been appointed as divisional director of Women’s Ministries and divisional secretary for Personnel, Fiji Division. Major Iliesa Cola has been appointed as divisional secretary for Mission, inter-church liaison and divisional leadership development secretary, Fiji Division.

Major Uraia Dravikula has been appointed as corps officer, Tavua Corps, Fiji Division.

Captains Andrew and Rochelle Moffatt have been appointed as corps officers, Tawa Corps, Central Division.

Birth: Cadet Natalie Kirby has given birth to a baby girl, Jemimah Grace Kirby. Jemimah was born at 8:37am on 30 November 2022, weighing 6lb 9oz (2.98kgs). May God bless Cadets Natalie and Barry, and son Daniel as they welcome Jemimah into their family.

Admission to the Long Service Order: We congratulate the following officers on attaining their Long Service Awards.

25 years’ service: Effective 13 December 2022, Major Bronwyn Aldersley and Major Bruce Aldersley.

35 years’ service: Effective 16 January 2023, Lt-Colonel David Bateman, Lt-Colonel Margaret Bateman, Major Andrew Hay and Major Suzanne Stevenson.

Promotion: We congratulate the following officers on their promotion to Major.

Effective 8 December 2022: Captain Annette Bray, Captain Perry Bray, Captain Corryn Vemoa, Captain Ross Wardle and Captain Kevin Waugh We congratulate the following officers on their promotion to Captain. Effective 9 December 2022: Lieutenant Chantelle Bryan, Lieutenant Michael Bryan, Lieutenant Beany (Sung Woo) Cho, Lieutenant Andrew O’Brien, Lieutenant Maree O’Brien, Lieutenant Grant Pitcher and Lieutenant Lynda Pitcher.

The General and The Jungle Book

The Salvation Army has a rich and varied history which is preserved at the Heritage and Archives Centre (Plowman Research Centre). This edition looks at the meeting of General William Booth and famous author Rudyard Kipling on a ship sailing from New Zealand to Australia in 1891.

Joseph Rudyard Kipling was a prominent author in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with his most famous work being the Jungle Book novels, as well as a number of short stories and poems. He was born in 1865 in what was known at the time as Bombay, India, after his parents had travelled there from England. His time in India inspired his writing, and Kipling spent much of his life there and worked on a number of publications as a journalist.

At the same time as Kipling’s birth, William Booth had moved to London and was beginning to conduct evangelical meetings in the East End. It was from this outreach ministry that the East London Christian Mission began, later to be named The Christian Mission and, in 1878, The Salvation Army. Despite the age difference (36 years), these two men had a few things in common. Both had been brought up in the Methodist Church, with William Booth having been a minister in the Methodist New Connexion, while both of Rudyard Kipling’s grandfathers were Methodist ministers. Despite this, in his adult life Kipling was said to not have subscribed to any form of Christian faith. They were also both keen world travellers, and it is noted that they encountered each other at least once, though possibly twice, on voyages by ship. Booth travelled to New Zealand on four occasions, in 1891, 1895, 1899 and 1905. It was on this first trip that he met Rudyard Kipling, most likely on the S.S Talune which was sailing from Bluff to Australia.

Above: General William Booth in New Zealand, 1899. Right: Rudyard Kipling, from the biography Rudyard Kipling by John Palmer (public domain).

In Harold Hill’s book, Saved to Save and Saved to Serve: Perspectives on Salvation Army History, published in 2017, he shares Kipling’s recollection of meeting General Booth on the Bluff wharf as they prepared to board for the journey. This text has been quoted from Kipling’s own memoir, Something of Myself, which was published posthumously in 1937. From this mention in his memoir, it seems that the General had made an interesting impression on the younger writer.

‘I saw him walking backward in the dusk over the uneven wharf, his cloak blown upwards tulip-fashion, over his grey head, while he beat a tambourine in the face of the singing, weeping, praying crowd who had come to see him off … I talked much with General Booth during that voyage. Like the young ass I was, I expressed my distaste at his appearance on Invercargill wharf. “Young feller”, he replied, bending great bows at me, “if I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head [sic] and playing the tambourine with my toes. I’d— I’d learn how”.’

General Booth visited India himself in 1891, the same year he encountered Kipling on the Australia voyage. At that time, The Salvation Army had been present in India for nine years, pioneered with Booth’s permission by Frederick Tucker in 1882.

No-yeast Flatbread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or sugar

• ¾ cup (175 ml) cold water

• Vegetable oil for cooking

The Grand Narrative

While children hear different Bible stories in Sunday school—Jonah and the big fish, Joseph’s dreams, Queen Esther—they don’t always get a full picture of what the Old Testament is for. Obviously there is much that these stories can teach children about good values, but the wider narratives in the Old Testament have a lot more to say around who God is and how he relates to his people.

For parents, it can be hard to work out how to approach teaching children about the Old Testament, especially as it has some trickier parts to explain—including unfamiliar customs, moments of uncomfortable violence and some pretty dry bits of law. However, the Old Testament gives us a clear picture of the nature of God as he meets with and offers grace to his people while they try (and sometimes fail) to be faithful to him.

The Old Testament can give us examples of living (and things to avoid), and overall it shows a people who are waiting and hoping for God’s promises to be fulfilled— waiting and hoping for Jesus. It can be exciting for kids, especially as they get older, to start to see the connections between things happening in the Old Testament and what they know about the story of Jesus.

When sharing with your children about the Old Testament, it might be helpful for you to consider these questions with them as you read together:

• What does this story teach us about God? Where do we see him in the story?

• What does this story teach us about the good news and about God’s plans?

• What does this story teach us about a life of faith? What does God want from us?

Directions

• In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together until well blended.

• Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, and then add olive oil, maple syrup, and most of the water (saving a few tablespoons to add later as necessary).

• Switch to a rubber spatula or spoon and stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. If the dough seems dry, add the remaining water. When the dough comes together, transfer to a floured work surface and knead 5 to 10 times until smooth. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave for 10 minutes.

• Divide the dough into six equal pieces. Dust each piece in flour and roll into a disc that’s between 3mm and 6mm thick. (Rolling thinner will make thinner bread that’s less soft in the middle. Rolling thicker will make thicker, fluffier bread.)

• Get an adult to help you with the cooking: add one to two tablespoons of oil to a frying pan placed over medium heat. When the oil looks shimmery, add a flatbread and cook until golden brown on one side, flip and cook until golden brown on the second side, 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

• Transfer cooked flatbread to a plate, cover with a clean tea towel to keep warm, and then continue with the remaining flatbreads. If the frying pan looks dry, add a little more oil before continuing.

Congratulations to our friends whose parents were commissioned in the Reflectors of Holiness session!

Row 1: Paulini Laliqavoka, Emele Laliqavoka, Jeremiah Laliqavoka, Kelera Tuinaceva.

Row 2: Timoci Tuinaceva, Evangeline Yavala, Laisa Yavala, Jeremiah Yavala.

Row 3: Ilaitia Yavala.

Row 4: Adi Kata Yavala, Daniel Kirby.

Row 5: Judith Mohi, Marara Mohi.

Row 6: Serena Mohi, Amber Mohi, Chantelle Mohi.

Celebration Time!

Read: In the Old Testament, the Israelites had seven special festivals and celebrations that God wanted them to take part in. You might know some of them—Passover, the Feast of Weeks (which falls on Pentecost for us) and the Day of Atonement. Read about some of these in Leviticus 23. All of these celebrations are a reminder of the goodness of God and how he looked after his people.

Think: One of these festivals was called First Fruits, where the Israelites would bake bread and give the best of their harvests and farming to God, to thank him for providing for them and protecting them for another year. Sometimes it’s hard to share our favourite things, but the Israelites knew that everything they had was a gift from God, and they were just giving those good things back to God.

Pray: Thank God for the times of celebration and rest we have. Thank him for sunny weather and all the things you love about summer holidays. Pray for help to go into the new year noticing all the good things in your life from God.

Do: Plan a picnic with your family or some friends, either in a nearby park, or in your backyard. Bring along the bread you’ve made, or some nice summery fruit. Use this time as a celebration of the good things that God has done in the last year for you, your family and friends.

The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: “These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies”.’

23:1–2

We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT)