RESPONDING TO THE REFUGEE CRISIS HURRICANE KATRINA 10 YEARS ON FIVE HAPPINESS THIEVES

CREATIVE MINISTRIES CONFERENCE NEW BOOK: BLOOD ON THE FLAG MIDLAND KIDS CAMP

FAITH IN ACTION | 17 October 2015 | Issue 6628 | $1.50

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army Te Ope WhakaoraNew Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL André Cox

TERRITORIAL COMMANDERRobert Donaldson

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

EDITOR Major Christina Tyson

GRAPHIC DESIGNLauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson

STAFF WRITERS Ingrid Barratt, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh

CONTRIBUTORSKris Singh (music reviewer)

PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford

OFFICETerritorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Phone (04) 384 5649 Fax (04) 382 0716 Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry

SUBSCRIPTIONSSalvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0768 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org$75 per year within NZ

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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.

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ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6628Please pass on or recycle this magazine

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BIBLE VERSE

1 John 5:3 Contemporary English Version‘We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow.’

1 Hoani 5:3‘Ko te aroha hoki tēnei ki te Atua, kia pupuri tātou i āna ture: ehara hoki āna ture i te mea taimaha.’

WISE WORDS

Obedience is the fruit of faith.

Christina Rossetti

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How will the world respond?As Seth Le Leu writes in this edition, it seems as if the world is changing before our eyes. Poverty and conflict are driving refugees from war-torn countries in a desperate search for safety and a more hopeful future for themselves and their families. I am sure all of us have watched, dumbfounded, as scenes previously associated with the mass migration of World War II newsreels have become regular features in the evening news. We have probably also been moved to tears as we have witnessed the welcome extended by those nations and individuals prepared to look beyond their own economic needs to make room for others.

Seth argues that the world is paying the price for 15 years of underinvestment in development—we did not deliver sufficiently on the Millennium Development Goals and the world that exists today is a legacy of that failure. He hopes New Zealand will use its place on the UN Security Council to broker a solution to the Syrian crisis. Let us pray that such a solution will be found.

The Salvation Army’s international leader, General André Cox, has issued a strong plea to all European leaders to help the hundreds of thousands of refugees seeking assistance within the region. He writes: ‘From wherever these men, women and children have come, and whatever the circumstances that have driven them to undertake perilous journeys, we cannot either turn a blind eye or simply do the minimum in terms of aid and assistance. These are our brothers and sisters and we must help with all urgency and with great practicality. I call on governments to work together to devise and implement practical and caring solutions for the immediate and longer-term future.’

The General adds, ‘Our hearts are broken, and we must act. The Salvation Army is responding to needs right across Europe—but every Salvationist can pray, and we have confidence that God hears us (1 John 5:14).’

Please pray for those who are helping these refugees, and for all who are in a position to think and act for long-term solutions.

Christina TysonEditor

BY INGRID BARRATT

The moment I stopped being a cynic and started liking Dr Libby Weaver was when she said that running makes you

fat. Not in those exact words, but I’m sure she was insinuating it. When Dr Libby gave up running for two hours a day, and instead did Tai Chi and gentle walking, she started losing weight. Apparently, we’re wired to run when we’re in danger, so when we run for fitness we sub-consciously still feel like we’re in danger. Finally, someone is putting into words how I’ve always felt!

Dr Libby, as she’s known, is bio-chemistry’s answer to Oprah—a doctor of the people, with a great knack for tapping into the deepest anxieties or our times. At the moment, Dr Libby is touring New Zealand promoting her new book, Exhausted to Energized, bringing her brand of pop-bio-chemistry to a thoroughly modern ailment: bone-aching tiredness.

Throughout history, life has been hard. But what has brought us to this particular exhaustion is that we’re doing it all, and we’re doing it on our own. Dr Libby explains that we’re a blip in human history—only in the past century have male and female roles changed so much. Yet, the essential support networks of wider extended family no longer exist.

I recently read a story in the paper about the new-fangled role of the ‘sleep consultant’ for families with babies. Emma Purdue, one such sleep consultant, tells stories of working with women who are slurring their speech drunkenly, they are so sleep deprived. Of parents living on two to three hours’ sleep a night for months on end. Of young mums hospitalised with exhaustion, their immune systems shutting down.

It’s a damning reflection of our culture that we need to pay someone to help us get much-needed sleep. But we should count these people as heroes for being brave enough to ask for help out of a dangerous place.

In our stubbornly self-sufficient culture, our body systems have no choice but to be in a constant state of danger, explains Dr Libby. One of the most powerful things we can do to lower our stress levels is to breathe deeply from our diaphragm. A few times a day, take 20 deep breaths. Breathe slowly, allowing your stomach to go in and out. This simple practice of deep breathing tells your body that you are no longer in danger and that it’s okay to rest.

This reminds me a lot of what people of faith call ‘praying’. A theme throughout the Bible is that we should find rest in God; we should take time to be still, to sit by quiet waters, to be refreshed. ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ says Psalm 46:10—some versions say, ‘stop your striving …’

Praying gives us the ability to rest our souls by stilling ourselves and handing over our anxieties to a power bigger and stronger than us—a power we know as God. There is nothing more natural than praying. It is a wonderful antidote to our white-knuckled individualism. Because we actually can’t do it all on our own. We need a loving, helping hand.

This sounds so much better than running around in a state of terror. So, take a deep breath. Give it to God. Ask a friend for help. And, by the way, maybe get some more sleep. Thanks, Dr Libby!

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SynthpopEvery Open EyeChvrchesEvery Open Eye is phenomenal! Refining everything that made 2014’s The Bones of What You Believe excellent, Scottish synth pop band Chvrches continue to deliver pulsating beats, catchy chorus hooks and excellent production. Opening track ‘Never Ending Circles’ encapsulates the band’s sound, with an upbeat yet melancholy chorus hook playing against squelchy, warm synths. Singer Lauren Mayberry delivers lyrics with an innocent, childlike quality, yet still with a commanding presence. ‘Clearest Blue’ represents the intricate sound design and layering that makes this record stand out. Superbly produced, with top-notch song writing.

Worship#LETSGOPlanetshakersPlanetshakers’ latest effort #LETSGO is an interesting record, notwithstanding its marketing-slogan album title. It’s typical Planetshakers in the sense of its tightly produced, arena anthems coated in studio sparkle. The contrast comes from tracks like ‘Stepping In’ and ‘Glorious Collision’, which channel early ’90s-ballad-worship style against modern, electronic synthpop sound. ‘Born to Praise’ is fairly weak lyrically (especially with its very feminine tone), but musically is an exciting mash of progressive rock, gospel and rap. #LETSGO isn’t amazing, but it’s solid—albeit with a bit of an identity crisis. Perhaps check out on Spotify or iTunes first though.

WellbeingExhausted to EnergizedLibby WeaverDr Libby, as she is known, is the face of populist medicine —although it should be noted she is not a medical doctor, but a PhD in bio-chemistry. Same difference to most of us. Dr Libby has again tapped into our cultural angst: we all want more energy, don’t we? Certainly, Dr Libby’s insight into the bio-chemistry of the body, and her ability to explain it in relatable ways, makes this a fascinating read. She brings it together with nutritional and psychological knowledge, providing plenty of empathy and encouragement. And, ultimately, that maybe just what the doctor ordered. (Little Green Frog Publishing)

Sci-fi AdventureThe Martian (2D & 3D)Ridley Scott/ M (offensive language)Matt Damon plays astronaut Mark Watney in Ridley Scott’s suspenseful and spectacularly satisfying take on Andy Weir’s book of the same name.

A team of explorers cuts short their mission on Mars when a massive storm hits. Watney is struck by debris and left behind, presumed dead. Knowing it will be four years before any rescue mission reaches him (assuming he can even let NASA know he’s alive) and that his food supplies will be long gone by then, Watney promises himself: ‘I’m not going to die here!’

And so Watney employs his ‘super power’ of botany and an arsenal of MacGyveresque techniques in what seems most of the time to be an impossible quest to survive. And yet …

It’s perfect casting, with the preppy Damon perfect as warm and witty Watney. Mars might take a lot from this man, but it’s not getting his sense of humour! (And in a movie that runs to two hours and 21 minutes, this humour is an audience essential.)

While Watney grows potatoes in his own excrement and listens to disco music, back on Earth an impressive cast that includes Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, Kristen Wiig and Chiwetel Ejiofor set to work to manage the PR fallout of this space tragedy and (eventually) to devise a rescue plan. This leads to some glorious interactions between ‘management’ and the clever people who know how to build rocket ships and calculate space travel over vast distances when there isn’t a Tardis to hand.

The Martian reminds us that science, maths and astrophysics nerds are the coolest people. In fact, the overall message of this tale must be: pay attention in science and maths classes—your life might one day depend on it! A must-see movie for anyone who loves a really good space flick.

Bookshelf

Playlist Reel News

ReligionThe Jihad of JesusDave AndrewsDave Andrews’ argument for embracing the Muslim perspective on Jesus may alarm some Christians, but his thesis is profound. Andrews acknowledges the sacred place Jesus holds in the Muslim faith and shows how the ‘strong but gentle Messianic figure’ can become common ground, rather than a source of conflict. In doing so, he reframes the concept of jihad and restores its original meaning as a ‘sacred nonviolent struggle for justice’. This book comes at a time when Christians are realising we must move beyond a ‘clash of civilisations’ and live out Jesus’ model of reconciliation. (wipfandstock.com)

ChildrenIn the BushNed Barraud and Gillian CandlerSubtitled ‘explore and discover New Zealand’s native forests’, this beautifully illustrated book is a great way to introduce young Kiwis to our natural heritage. It is essentially a picture book, accompanied by lively descriptions of our native birds, grubs and forest. While some illustrations could be scary for young readers, older children will be captivated by the red-winged kaka and imposing morepork (ruru). The second half of the book is a wonderful illustrated guide—helping children and adults identify birds, mammals, plants. There’s even a pull-out section you can take on your next bush walk. (Potton & Burton)

To win a copy of Exhausted to Energized, tell us your favourite city.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 2 Nov.

GIVEAWAY

Heart Attack winner: H Bigwood

Vivienne Hill first came to The Salvation Army’s Family Tracing service looking for her birth parent. She has now joined the service as its team leader. Vivienne describes being a ‘Bethany baby’, finding her birth parents and her passion for re-connecting families.

have the best job in the world,’ says Vivienne Hill, who earlier this year became team leader for The Salvation Army’s Family Tracing Service, which helps to find missing family members. As an adopted child herself, Vivienne knows the power of re-connecting with family. ‘Finding my birth parents affected me

so profoundly. I know how difficult it is, but I also see the huge benefits,’ explains Vivienne. ‘I absolutely knew I wanted to work here, because it’s so vitally important that in this disconnected age, we re-connect at a family level.’

Vivienne Hill describes herself as a ‘Bethany baby’—an affectionate term given to children born in The Salvation Army’s Bethany hospitals for unmarried mothers. Although the last Bethany centre closed down in 2011, there were seven Bethany hospitals around the country during the ’60s, when Vivienne was born. Unlike most babies, Vivienne was cared for by her birth mother for several weeks before she was adopted to ‘wonderful parents’, who were part of The Salvation Army.

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her through Psalm 139:15–16: ‘My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place … Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’

‘This is so precious to me,’ reflects Vivienne. ‘Even if nobody else knew about me, God knew about me. He knew who my parents would be and who my birth parents were, and my adoption was part of his plan for me. Within that, I found incredible healing.’

And so Vivienne decided to make the call of a lifetime …

ReunitedThe first words Vivienne said to her mother were, ‘You don’t know me, but you do know me, I was born in Bethany.’ And a very quiet voice came back and said, ‘I know who you are.’

Vivienne and her husband nervously travelled to meet her birth mother for the first time. It was a moment she will never forget: ‘As soon as I saw her, I knew her. It wasn’t like meeting a stranger. It was that feeling of “I know you from somewhere”, but I couldn’t place my finger on it.’ Vivienne recalls that she went into shock during that first meeting and was literally unable to talk, but the similarities between mother and daughter were unnerving.

‘I watched and observed, because it was fascinating to see our similar mannerisms. We met for dinner that night—and we were wearing exactly the same style of dress and both had a silver scarf tied at our neck.’ The symmetries continued. ‘Our husbands have the same first and middle names. I nearly bought the house she was brought up in. There were so many near misses, people we both knew and strange coincidences over the years.’

The story of Vivienne’s birth was finally unravelled. Vivienne’s mother was engaged to be married and the day before the wedding, her fiancée went missing. He absconded to Australia, never to be seen again. After being publicly left ‘at the altar’, Vivienne’s mother had to face single parenthood. In a society that did not accept single mothers, she was sent to Bethany to give birth and adopt her child out.

Vivienne still maintains a good relationship with her birth mother and husband, as well as her half-siblings. She explains that while she has a unique and loving relationship with her birth mother, Vivienne’s adoptive parents will always be her ‘real parents’.

The final piece of the puzzleTo find her birth father, Vivienne turned to The Salvation Army’s Family Tracing Service. All she knew was his name and the city in which he lived. Family Tracing was able to track him down in Australia, and after a couple of weeks she received a letter. Her birth father told Vivienne about her family history and she learnt about his wife and her half-siblings. Another letter followed, accompanied by a photo of her father. Vivienne was elated, and made plans to meet him in person.

Then Vivienne received another message. Her birth father had said he no longer wanted any contact with Vivienne. His family did not know about her and she was never to get in touch again. Despite this bitter blow, Vivienne says she has no regrets. ‘It took a long time, but I can now say I am thrilled I found him. I got the information I needed to know. I don’t take [him not wanting to meet me] personally because he doesn’t know me.’

Vivienne’s faith in God has been pivotal in finding healing from any feelings of rejection. ‘When you come to Christ, the acceptance is complete, there’s no rejection and never will be any rejection. God is my loving heavenly father, and that is incredibly healing.’

‘My parents were very open about the fact that I was adopted; there were no secrets,’ says Vivienne. ‘But when you’re adopted there is nothing beyond yourself. You can’t look at someone and say, “I’m like that person.” No matter now wonderful your parents are, there’s that feeling of disconnection—it may not be the same for other adopted people, but I certainly felt that.’

In 1985, the Adult Adoption Information Bill was passed, allowing adults who had been adopted to find their birth parents. The day the Bill became law, Vivienne sent off an application for her pre-adoption certificate—with her parents’ blessing.

When Vivienne got the certificate, she received only her birth mother’s name and last known address. Vivienne had some detective work to do: the address no longer existed, so Vivienne found an old map and started ringing around the area. After two hours of phone calls, she stumbled across a woman she soon knew was her biological grandmother. She laughingly recalls how that memorable conversation went:

‘ “I’m Vivienne, I’m an old friend, could you please put me in contact with your daughter?”“Can I tell her who’s calling?”“Um, just an old friend.”“Did you nurse with her?”‘I guess you could say that …” ’Vivienne finally got her birth mother’s phone number,

and nervously made the call. It was her mother’s husband who answered and before she even gave her name, he knew exactly who Vivienne was. They had been waiting for her call.

RebornGod had been preparing Vivienne for this moment in time. Growing up in The Salvation Army, Vivienne had attended junior soldiers classes and given her heart to God. Yet feelings of rejection were never far away.

‘People think that you’re “just a baby” when you’re adopted, so it doesn’t affect you. But adoption is a rejection—being ripped away from your mother is a trauma and your spirit is injured. When you think about it, your spirit is ageless, so the wounds you carry in your spirit from birth are just as raw when you’re an adult. And you need to come to Christ for healing,’ Vivienne reflects.

When she was in her 20s, Vivienne had her first child, and it triggered a deep depression—which she believes was rooted in her adoption. She couldn’t sleep, was haunted by feelings of failure and couldn’t leave the house. With her husband often away for work, she was isolated and alone. God’s presence came to her through an unexpected source: the Jehovah’s Witness church. Their visits were a reprieve to her isolation, and she was reminded of her Salvation Army teachings.

One day, Vivienne prayed and committed herself to Jesus Christ once again. ‘My depression was like a light going out. But when I prayed, the light came back on. My depression lifted immediately,’ recalls Vivienne. ‘Everything changed when I came to Christ.’

It was finding unconditional acceptance in Christ that gave Vivienne the courage to search for her birth parents. God spoke to

God knew who my parents would be and who my birth parents were, and my adoption was part of his plan for me.

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Full circleSitting in her office at Family Tracing, Vivienne has come full circle. She is now helping others re-connect with lost family members. The role—alongside Captain Kristine Walker—is part-detective, part-counsellor.

Vivienne describes how they ‘pull at every thread’ in searching for missing persons, using internet searches and electoral rolls, as well as numerous other searches within the confines of the Privacy Act. ‘We may find out that the person attended a Baptist church in Tauranga in the ’60s, so that’s a thread we will follow up,’ she says. ‘If they are adopted, they may have a Māori birth name, or there may be an iwi connection. So we start pulling at those threads, and more often than not one of those threads will lead to someone,’ explains Vivienne. ‘No stone remains unturned. If they can be found, we’ll find them!’

But the role also calls for a very careful touch and empathy for individual situations. The privacy of each individual—whether the enquirer or the person being traced—is of utmost importance. ‘Every case has a back story—it can be tragic, funny, all those things—but you’re coming into a very intimate and vulnerable part of a person’s life, and being part of their journey is a privilege.’

There are times when a person is traced who doesn’t want to be found, and Family Tracing never judges or tries to influence that decision. ‘There may be good reasons why they do not want to be found. So we stop it right there, and the result will be “no trace”.’

But even when re-connection doesn’t occur, the process of reaching out can still be very healing. Family Tracing recently found a son who didn’t want to pass on his contact details, but he sent a message to his mother and father saying: ‘Losing contact was not your fault, you didn’t do anything wrong and I love you very much.’ That was enough to bring enormous relief and comfort to the family.

But with an 80 per cent success rate, more often than not the service is a catalyst for restoring family relationships. Recent stories come easily to mind for Vivienne.

‘A family had come from a war zone to New Zealand as refugees, and when they arrived the children got separated. One of the children, as an adult, was traumatised and sought help. His counsellor contacted us, hoping that finding his siblings would aid in his healing. We were able to reconnect him with his siblings,’ recalls Vivienne.

One of the most common reasons for family disconnection is long standing feuds, or an argument that causes a rift in the family. When these relationships are restored, letters of gratitude come pouring in. After Family Tracing recently re-connected a father with his son, the father told them: ‘Thank you so, so much. All I want to do is hug my son. Thank you for finding him.’

Vivienne says that Family Tracing is at the ‘cutting edge’ of the church, capturing Salvation Army founder William Booth’s original vision of caring for the lost and vulnerable. ‘We’re dealing with vulnerable people, often not churched, often at the edges of society. And that is the gospel call, to heal the broken-hearted and the disenfranchised.’

No stone remains unturned. If they can be found, we’ll find them!

Reuniting Families Since 1885Family Tracing is a lesser-known service of The Salvation Army, but it has been part of the Army’s mission since the very beginning. William Booth saw the effects of the ever-widening gap between the poverty-stricken countryside and the growing affluence of the larger cities.

In the mid-to-late-1800s, many subsistence farmers would send their daughters to cities, such as London, in the hope they would secure positions within families as servants. Life on the farm was hard and provisions few. Young women left the confines of local villages to find work ‘in service’. They would arrive at the railway stations of England, where they were preyed upon by pimps and predators, and many ended up in the brothels of these cities or shipped off to Europe, South America and the Near East.

Those girls who managed to secure work were often illiterate and unable to communicate with their families back home. This caused many families to lose contact with their daughters and, at times, sons. Almost every day, The Salvation Army received letters from anxious parents asking if the Salvationists could track down their missing children. This coincided with Booth’s growing awareness of the plight and vast number of young women and girls exploited and coerced into prostitution.

On 11 July 1885, William Booth addressed a letter to The War Cry asking for help to set up a place of assistance and enquiry where parents and relatives could send in details and photographs of missing people. He also opened a centre where these vulnerable girls could be helped and reconnected to their families.

The enquiry office was set up and placed under the guardianship of William Booth’s daughter in-law Florence Booth, wife of Bramwell Booth. It soon became known as ‘Mrs Booth’s Enquiry Department’. The first advertisement for a missing person (a wife) appeared in The War Cry on the 10th of October 1885 and read:

Missing. From her home in Farnworth, Widnes [sic], since September 1883, Sarah Barrow; she is about five feet four inches in height, dark hair, one eye a little larger than the other and with that eye she is blind, though a casual observer would not perceive this. Any information to her whereabouts or any tidings of her whatsoever would be thankfully received by her husband, Thomas Barrow, 13 Elliot Street, Simms Cross, Widnes, Lancashire.

In New Zealand, lists of missing persons appeared in The War Cry as early as the mid-1880s. In 1926, the Enquiry and Missing Friends Department was established in New Zealand and handled 202 cases in its first year, with 99 successfully traced.

In this ‘age of communication’, you’d think there would be a decrease in enquiries to Family Tracing, but not everyone can be found on Facebook or through the internet. The disintegration of the traditional family unit has seen the disconnection and displacement of family members. This creates the stream of enquiries into the offices of Family Tracing throughout the world. Connecting families continues to be as important and profound as it was in William Booth’s day.

Vivienne Hill

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/FamilyTracing to connect with the Family Tracing Service, p: (04) 382 0710 or e: family_tracing@nzf.salvationarmy.org

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LIFESTYLE

Five Happiness Thieves

Studies show that chronic negative attitudes lower your health, happiness and well being. If you want to be happier, turn those negative thought patterns around.

1. Self-defeating talk: Sentences that start with things like, ‘I can’t …’, ‘I won’t …’, or ‘I’m not good enough …’ will reduce your confidence and sabotage your success. Habitual self-defeating talk is like having a false friend who puts you down all day long. Don’t be a bad friend to yourself.     

2. False assumptions: Negative thinkers often presume the worst, and that will determine their mood. Do crowded trains, rain or supermarket queues ruin your day? These things are neither negative nor positive in themselves, and you can choose how you will react.

3. Comparison: A sure way to make yourself miserable is to compare yourself to others. The Bible teaches us that we all have unique gifts and qualities, so comparing yourself to others is pointless. When you catch yourself comparing, take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Say ‘no’, give it to God, and replace it with a positive thought.

4. Past regrets: We should learn from the past, but not be stuck in it. We cannot change what has already happened, but we can shape and influence what is yet to happen. At times, the first step is simply to break from the past and declare that it is you, not your history, that’s in charge.

5. The blame game: When we blame, we hold others responsible for our misfortunes. It’s certainly true that people can cause us significant pain and suffering. Your feelings of bitterness and resentment may even be justified, but they won’t make you happy. Don’t give your power to the person who has hurt you. Choose to let go and be happy!

Source: Preston Ni, www.psychologytoday.com

BUDGETING

The ‘Buy One Sell One’ ChallengeFor those of us for whom fashion is a need, not a want, here are three easy steps for squeezing your budget (and yourself into that outfit).

1. Love everything in your closet: Make this your goal. Start your clothing-budgety-adventure by culling your wardrobe. Don’t keep anything you don’t wear, don’t like or that doesn’t fit properly. Even if you have beautiful, adorbs, hardly-worn clothes … but you don’t wear them … cull!

2. Sell, sell, sell: If it’s in good condition, reasonably fashionable, vintage or is a good clothing label, there will be people who want your stuff! By far the easiest place to sell clothes in New Zealand is on Trade Me.

3. Sell one, buy one: This is where it gets fun. For every item you sell online, put the proceeds into your budget for clothing. If you sell a piece of clothing for $10, you are allowed to buy something for $10.

Tips for selling online: Do some research before you put your clothes online—look at what comparative items sell for. Don’t over price, or your items won’t sell. What is the cheapest you would be willing to sell it for? Start your pricing there.

Take good photos and create a good description, but don’t overuse flowery language. Provide the facts,and mention any special features of the item —whether it is a sought-after label, vintage, boho or on-trend. Be honest about any imperfections.

Tips for buying online: Your money will go further if you also buy second-hand. Online sites can be a treasure trove if you watch out for the pitfalls: always ask for measurements and stick to styles that you know suit you. Try and make every item you buy a unique addition to your wardrobe —but something that will also work with your other clothes.

Most of all, be patient and wait for the perfect item—remember, your goal is to love everything in your wardrobe. And if disaster strikes and that ’70s polyester psychedelic cape turns out to be a mistake, just stick it back online and do it all again!

Adobo ChickenChicken simmered in this tender, salty sauce is tender and tastes fantastic. Adding chilli gives a hint of heat. | Serves 4

2 Tbsp canola oil1kg chicken pieces1 medium onion, peeled and sliced4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped1 tsp peppercorns½–1 tsp minced chilli, optional½ cup soy sauce½ cup wine vinegar1 cup hot water1 Tbsp honey4 bay leaveschopped coriander and/or chilli to garnish

Heat oil in large pot. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, then lift out and set aside.

Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion has softened. Add peppercorns and chilli (if using) and cook for a minute longer.

Return chicken to pot, then add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine, bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 mins.

Uncover, increase heat and boil for a further 15 mins to thicken the sauce a little.

Serve over steamed rice, garnished with a little coriander and additional chilli if desired.

From Simply Delicious One Dish Recipes by Simon and Holst. Go to www.holst.co.nz

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. John Milton, Paradise Lost

TestifyFor Hamilton Budgeting counsellor Lucia Daniels a chance conversation with a Salvation Army officer led to the job she’d been looking for to make a difference.

I decided I wanted to work in budgeting when I had a conversation with an old colleague while cleaning their Work and Income (WINZ) office.

She told me about the government’s move to have clients undertaking budgeting. I knew instantly that ticket had my name on it and within a month I started the training course.

I became a full-time budgeter with the Salvation Army in 2011. I had approached another budgeting service with no joy and was heading to the bus stop when I met a Salvation Army officer standing outside the church and she told me they were looking for budget advisers.

My father grew up in Auckland during the Depression and always told me that without the Sallies and the horse-drawn soup carts they would have starved. My grandmother was eternally grateful for the work of the Sallies, as all her eight children survived the Depression. If my work helps clients in any way, I believe in a small way I’m repaying the gift the Sallies gave me.

When clients come to me, most don’t have enough money in their budget for food, whether from credit over-commitment, reduction in income, family breakdown, relocation, or just insufficient income for rent, power and food.

Their first appointment can take up to two hours, working out their needs and goals.

Clients often feel ashamed and use the word ‘failure’. By setting goals we create a focus that gives hope. It’s important for clients to know there’s someone on their side who wants to help.

A budget to me is a plan—you start with a draft, then go through and ask: ‘We have to find this much money, is there anything in here that can be changed?’ When nothing is left to change, we consider food parcels, insolvency applications and KiwiSaver withdrawals. Many clients don’t know their WINZ entitlements, so I try to educate them about those.

I expect one change from each client, each time I see them. Budgeting requires tenacity and practise. Through small steps, fine tuning the plan as skills are

grasped, they regain a measure of control. My life’s experiences have helped prepared me for this job and I seldom ask a client to change something I haven’t.

I work with integrated case managers at WINZ, with Housing New Zealand, and occasionally the Tenancy Tribunal. Sometimes I’m also asked to attend Strengthening Families meetings.

Once a client achieves a balanced surplus budget, our assistance slowly reduces. Clients know they’re welcome to return if they need. If they do, the same process starts again—always at a faster rate.

I’m passionate about contributing to make the world a better place. I love my work and seeing clients empowered. When I see clients come to me with something they’ve accomplished, it makes all their hard work worth it.

Q&A

Will she change her ways?

Dear Q&A, I’ve been married 15 years and my wife still won’t close the cupboard doors. How can I get her to change?

Probably the most practical solution to your conundrum is that you could take off the cupboard doors. Then again, the mess inside the doors will probably make you feel just as grumpy. What is the biggest problem here: open cupboard doors, or your reaction to them?I can hear your answer: ‘It’s the cupboard doors!’ Well, you’re not alone in your suffering. A poll of couples found that closing doors is one of the most common reasons for bickering—along with other important issues like, ‘someone is snoring’, ‘clothes are left on the stairs’, and ‘what to eat for dinner’. Considering all this, it’s perhaps not surprising that the number one reason for bickering was ‘not listening’.Experts agree it’s not so much about what frustrates you; it’s how you handle it. If you attack, it will put your partner on the defensive. Making your point more and more loudly is not an effective strategy. Bitter and abusive arguments, as well as ‘the silent treatment’, are very destructive to relationships. Instead, try a ‘soft start’—this means bringing up the subject without blame, attacking or putting your partner on the defensive. You are entitled to ask that bad habits change, and you can respectfully bring this up with your partner. But temper this with large doses of grace. The answer to your question, ‘How can I get her to change?’ is probably: ‘You can’t.’ Habits like not closing doors are a mixture of personality, family upbringing, habit, forgetfulness and simply ‘being human’. I suspect you have quirks that frustrate your wife, too—like your baffling obsession with closing doors. Learning to be gracious and patient with each other (or ‘long-suffering’, to use a biblical term) and to speak kindly in all our day-to-day frustrations is the mystery and beauty of marriage. So, finally, expect to spend quite a bit more time closing doors behind her.

Lifestyle | 09

Let’s TalkI would like:

to explore what it means to follow Jesus

information about Salvation Army worship and activities

prayer for the following needs:

NAME:

ADDRESS:

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

10 | WarCry 17 October 2015

BY SETH LE LEU

Is the World Changing Before Our Eyes?The refugee crisis in Europe is revealing the shifting face of global poverty. Will we confront the reason for this invasion of the desperate?

Some weeks ago, I was asked to write this opinion piece for War Cry. At the time, the article would have dealt with the end of the Millennium Development Goals and the mixed results of efforts over the past 15 years to ending poverty in the world. We were looking forward to the world leaders’ summit and the launch of the new Sustainable Development Goals era at the United Nations General Assembly, with the exciting prospect of finally ridding the world of extreme poverty in the next 15 years.

The world seemed fairly predictable at the time, but so much has changed in the past three months that it seems as though the world really is changing before our eyes.

I work for World Vision, where we are engaged in bringing long-term development through child sponsorship programmes and—with the assistance of ordinary New Zealanders—helping communities in developing countries lift themselves out of extreme poverty and have the chance for a decent life. When disasters come along, those same New Zealand supporters are so willing to donate to help people in need in Vanuatu, Nepal and the Syrian refugee crisis, to name the latest campaigns we have run. Prior to my time with World Vision, I worked with The Salvation Army’s development and emergency programmes across 100 countries worldwide. The breadth of these two organisations and their footprint in making a positive change across the world is pretty impressive. For the past 30 years this has been my life, and so when I’m asked the question ‘is the world changing?’ it is answered with some knowledge of how development aid is done.

So, what is changing? In the past, refugees poured out of conflicts and generally settled in refugee camps in neighbouring countries. There are 60 million refugees worldwide—the equivalent of nearly 14 New Zealands according to the UNHCR, the UN agency tasked with looking after them. UNHCR and development organisations have assisted those communities to achieve some level of meagre existence in those places. Most refugee camps are tough, dangerous places; nothing like the amazing care that New

Find more Cartoons by McKerrow on www.facebook.com/cartoonsbymckerrow

SUDOKU

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

QUICK QUIZ

1 Which novelist created the character Jack Reacher?2 Where in the body is the Eustachian tube?3 What Māori word means to wait or delay something?4 What was the name of the high school in the musical Grease?5 Who is coach of the Wellington Phoenix Football Club?6 Which famous outlaw uttered the last words: ‘Such is life’?7 The Canary Islands is part of which country?8 In which sport would you hear reference to the back nine?9 Where would you encounter Mrs Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss

Scarlet and Professor Plum?10 What Pharisee had a feast that Jesus attended?

1 4 8 5 7 33 8 9 2

2 7 3 5 17 4 8 1

8 2 93 6 8

1 7 2 52 1 9

4 5 8 9 2

914286573538719426267345198746528319182934765359671842893167254621453987475892631

Quick quiz answers: 1 Lee Child, 2 The ear, 3 Taihoa, 4 Rydell High, 5 Ernie Merrick, 6 Ned Kelly, 7 Spain, 8 Golf, 9 In the game Cluedo, 10 Simon (Luke 7:36–50)

Difficulty Easy

Close Up | 11

Zealand gives to refugees. But even so, in some places, generations of displaced people eke out an existence of permanent displacement.

Similarly, 15 years ago when the Millennium Development Goals were set, the pattern was that the poor stayed in their countries and development agencies and governments developed programmes to improve the conditions there. Progress was uneven, but since 1990 to 2014 we have lowered the daily death rate of under-fives worldwide from a staggering 35,000 per day in 1990 to a still totally unacceptable level of 16,000.* This is hard-won progress we must celebrate, yet there is still a long way to go to reach zero.

Fifteen years ago, when the Millennium Development Goals were set (with much fanfare), the world’s leaders agreed to expend 0.7 per cent of their GDP on overseas development aid. This was calculated to be sufficient to rid the world of extreme poverty. In 2014, the global average, according to the OECD, was 0.29 per cent. We promised the poor the cheque was in the mail, but in the end we welched on the deal.

Then came the European summer of 2015, when something fundamentally changed. At the same time, World Vision had launched a campaign called ‘The Forgotten Millions’ to raise awareness of the extreme conditions for the Syria and Iraqi refugees. Then we saw something unprecedented: a vast movement of people leaving the Middle East and crossing over to Europe. Suddenly the paradigm changed. No longer can we stay in our affluent homelands doing a little bit to satiate the needs of the desperately poor. They are ending up in Europe’s backyard and they can no longer be considered forgotten because they have literally turned up for lunch.

For the past few weeks the conversation over who will receive the refugees has annoyed me. Of course, there is a need to treat people decently—this is a reflection of our humanity. But the deeper, most pertinent question is: how do we deal with the reason for this invasion of the desperate? At the time of writing, the international discussion is finally moving towards dealing with the major source of the present flood of refugees: the Syrian/Iraqi conflict. The answer is to be found at the Security Council with a solution to the Syrian conflict. Here, New Zealand has such a pivotal place to play. We sit on the Security Council and have the chance to be an honest broker to find a solution there. If this deeper solution is found then the issues of the refugees becomes simply a matter of logistics and money.

But this is not the total answer. A significant proportion of the

refugee influx into Europe are simply people from the forgotten corners of the world where the development effort hasn’t been sufficient. This is a legacy of 15 years of underinvestment in development and we are paying the price. The poor are no longer ready to wait forever for their homelands to change. If a better life is to be found in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, enough of them will try and some will succeed in making their way to our place.

I would like to ask how sincere world leaders were when they all rolled up to the UN General Assembly and all signed the new Sustainable Development Agenda? Again, they have promised:• We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms

and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment.

• We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations.

• We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.

• We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.But what do these statements mean? What is the definition of

‘determined’? The poor of the world have a right to believe that these statements are evidence of a sober determination to achieve these goals. When our leaders sign us up to these undertakings, the human response should be that our word is our bond and we will do what we say.

If we fail to carry through with this, I would predict that this summer’s situation in Europe will merely be the first of many similar people movements until people can find a place to live where there is hope for their children. Either we invest in the forgotten places, or we welcome their people to our place. *UN Interagency Group on Child Mortality 2015 report, page 1.

Refugees are ending up in Europe’s backyard … they have literally turned up for lunch.

We promised the poor the cheque was in the mail, but in the end we welched on the deal.

Demonstrators in Spain march In support of Syrian refugees. Photography: Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

Think About It …What is one habit you’d like to give up?

What is one habit you’d like to pick up?

What is the biggest threat to you starting or continuing your good habit? What might help you overcome that threat?

What is one thing that could help you keep up your good habit?HabitF

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ing

By V

anes

sa S

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Knuckle cracking, TV watching, nail biting, Facebook checking … we’ve all got a few habits we don’t like, so how can we form habits we do like?

17 October 2015 WarCry | 13

Cut it outThe best way to break a bad habit is to stop —which is, of course, easier said than done. To make this easier, it’s a great idea to replace that bad habit with a healthy one. If you’ve been spending hours each night watching TV, switching it off and just sitting there probably won’t help. So pick up something beneficial that will fill that time instead.

Dip your toes before diving inLike going cold turkey, diving in head first into a new habit doesn’t always work. We can get overwhelmed or disappointed when results don’t happen quickly, and it can also be super hard trying something new. Take your time and build up slowly by increasing the amount of time you spend on your new habit over a few weeks. This is also a really good way to get into reading the Bible regularly! Start with small and achievable chunks of Bible reading and build up.

Start nowThere’s no time like the present—if you want to break a habit, start now! Don’t put it off or make excuses. As the saying goes: ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.’ So get to it and make positive changes. Why wait to make a really positive change in your life? Aren’t you worth it now?!

Make it a priorityOne of the biggest downfalls of breaking or starting a habit is motivation. It will be super difficult to stop or start a habit unless you actually want to achieve it. Have a think about what areas of your life you want to make change in and then picture what you want your life to actually look like. Work toward that goal. Whether it’s better NCEA results, a healthier body, enjoying more time with God, or cutting down on your gaming—keep reminding yourself of why you want to make change. This will help you keep prioritising your new habits over the old ones.

Identify threatsThe best remedy is preventative action, not a reactionary response. Identify any threats to your new habits and put measures in place to stop that threat before it threatens your progress. That might mean removing the Facebook app from your phone (at least until you break your Facebook habit), getting rid of sugary drinks and chips in the house (if you’re looking to get healthier) or putting the PlayStation away in the cupboard when you’re finished (so it’s not calling you to come and play). Get rid of those triggers that tempt you to fall into old habits so you can more easily focus on where you’re heading.

Acknowledge Newton’s First Law of Motion‘Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.’ This applies to both bad and good habits. An object (in other words, ‘us’) will stay where it is and keep on the same path unless something is applied to it, unless something pushes it, unless something changes. If we want to change where we are, we need things around us to change. If we want to keep up our good habits, we need to make sure we’re aware of the things around us that could knock us off our path.

Make it fun; reap the rewardsWhen cutting out a bad habit or picking up a new one, always remember why you’re doing it. Be your number one fan, quit the hatin’ and have fun! Celebrate the small steps (like increasing how long you can read the Bible for now or how many hours you last without checking Instagram) with a reward for when you break your habit or reach your new goal.

Utilise anything & everythingAnother great way to keep up a good habit is to make the most of all the helpful motivators out there. This could be journaling or writing down your progress, having a Fitbit or similar to remind you to exercise, downloading an app that reminds you to get on with it (like Streaks, Anti-Social and Time Out), asking someone to keep your accountable, or even simply marking things on a calendar. Any motivator helps!

In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul writes: ‘You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.’

When we choose to follow Jesus, our lives become different to how they used to be. Our thinking and attitudes change, because the Holy Spirit is making us into a new person with godly habits. And if our old habits (like sitting around, eating bad food, gaming for hours, or checking Facebook every five minutes) become barriers to the good things God has for us (like study, family, good health and doing God’s will in the world!), we do need to change something!

None of us are perfect. All of us can grow and change for the better. So don’t be afraid to ask God to show you anything in your life that is holding you back. Ask the Holy Spirit to change your way of thinking so you more intentionally follow Jesus’ example of how to have a great life while making the most of every opportunity to do good.

Our lives are filled with habits—whether we know it or not. From how we act or think, to how we choose to fill our time and how we interact with others. Over our lives we slowly pick up and develop a whole heap of unique habits … often without realising it.

Now, habits are not necessarily bad. A habit is an established or regular tendency or practice—especially one that’s hard to give up. So many things are good for us to be doing regularly: exercise, studying, eating good food, spending time working on a hobby, hanging out with family and friends, talking with God, reading the Bible, and so on. These are good habits that should be a struggle to give up (and why would we want to?!).

But as well as good habits, we’ll also have some other, not-so-good habits. These aren’t necessarily shocking or terrible. They’re pretty typical activities like endless TV watching, spending hours on Facebook or Instagram, hard-core gaming, and even eating deliciously naughty takeaways.

These things aren’t bad in moderation—they’re enjoyable ways to relax and unwind—but the problem is these habits can end up taking so much of our time that they crowd out really important good habits. Or they’re things (like eating junk food) that if we do them too often will have some seriously negative effects on our life. When we begin spending more and more time on these not-so-good habits, it’s easy to neglect healthier and more beneficial habits. How we choose to spend our time is really important … for better or worse.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Rap/Hip HopJoey the Jerk

Joey the Jerk is a Christian rap artist and founding member of hip-hop crew LA Symphony. Catch Me If You Can is his debut record as a solo artist. It’s a strong rap record and an even stronger statement of faith. Opening with the catchy ‘King Without a Crown’, there’s a sort of home-grown ethic that infiltrates a lot of the songs on the record. ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ moves

with kicks and claps, punctuated by guitars and deep rolling basses. Joey’s flow is energetic, sensitive and his rhymes are powerfully delivered. The record is raw and powerful, and well worth checking out.

MUSIC LYRICS GOD CONTENT

PANIC STATIONS Pop PunkMotion City Soundtrack

Panic Stations is the sixth record from pop punk band Motion City Soundtrack, and the first without original drummer Tony Thaxton. This record attempts to recapture the optimistic, energetic and melodic tone of the band’s earlier work, and for the most part is successful. The song writing is highly energetic and feels very organic. Each song caries a strong hook or

theme, and there’s very little filler in the record’s 11 tracks. The production isn’t quite balanced—the drums feel very low in the mix and quite bass heavy, but it’s not enough to detract from the overall experience. A great return to form, and worth checking out.

MUSIC LYRICS GOD CONTENT

Want to work with young people? Or do you already work with young people and want to upskill?The Salvation Army really values young people! Which is why we need experienced and qualified youth workers and leaders prepared to invest in the lives of young people in New Zealand.

The cool thing is that working with young people is potentially one of the most rewarding things someone can do with their life!

The Territorial Youth Department and Youth Missions Training faculty of Booth College of Mission recognise the importance of developing and supporting those who work with young people. Because of this, we are launching a new three-model approach to youth work training in 2016.

These three models are: Foundations of Youth Work, Youth Work LAB Apprenticeship and Youth Work Distance Apprenticeship.

Through The Salvation Army, people looking for training and professional development in youth work can get great education and gain the required skills to work in a range of settings. The aim of the three models is to develop youth workers and leaders who will make a long-term impact in local corps, centres and communities around New Zealand.

1. FOUNDATIONS OF YOUTH WORKThe Foundation for Salvation Army Youth Work is an entry-level training programme for those working in youth ministry on a volunteer or part-time basis.

The programme, delivered through four one-day workshops, is a development opportunity for volunteer or part-time youth leaders who want to explore a career in youth work.

2. YOUTH WORK LAB APPRENTICESHIPThe Salvation Army Youth Work LAB Apprenticeship is a full-time, three-year commitment that includes undertaking practical youth work in a supportive environment at an approved LAB (different locations across New Zealand), while studying for approved qualifications.

This is for those wanting to train in youth work and who may sense a calling to this work as a vocation or long-term career. It is preferred that applicants have had prior involvement in the life of their corps/centre or divisional youth team, as well as some experience of youth work practice.

3. YOUTH WORK DISTANCE APPRENTICESHIPThe Salvation Army Youth Work Distance Apprenticeship is a full-time, three-year commitment that includes undertaking practical youth work in a supportive environment in their local corps/centre, while studying for approved qualifications.

The Distance Apprenticeship is ideal for those wanting to train in youth work and who may sense a calling to this work as a vocation or long-term career. Again, it is preferred that applicants have had prior involvement in the life of their corps/centre or divisional youth team, as well as some experience of youth work practice.

For more information and to apply, contact your local Divisional Youth Secretary or go to www firezone.co.nz

Applications close 23 October

The Salvation Army aims to train and equip youth workers and leaders to engage with and positively influence young people in New Zealand society.

Creative Ministries Conference Inspires Future Vision

The territory’s first Creative Ministries Conference was held at Silverstream Retreat near Wellington over the weekend of 18–20 September. Intended as a place to foster and encourage creativity, leadership and worship, the conference was an ideal breeding ground for new ideas, thoughts and visions for the future of creativity in The Salvation Army.

Led by the Creative Ministries Team from Territorial Headquarters, the conference began on Friday evening with a welcome and the introduction of a vision statement for Salvation Army creative ministries by Lieut-Colonel Rod Carey, Secretary for Programme. He shared from 2 Chronicles about extravagant praise, and the role of the creative person in the ‘song of praise’ to Yahweh.

It was a blessing to host several amazing guest speakers and worship leaders over the weekend. Friday night’s keynote address was presented by Eric Himes, Director of Young Adults Ministries and Worship Arts in the USA Central Territory. Eric spoke about ‘a heart of flesh’ from Ezekiel 36. Sharing from his own experience, Eric described how his heart was softened by the very forms of worship he couldn’t understand and connect with, and by the very people he felt were opposed to how he worshipped. His message was humbling, yet challenging and set the tone of the weekend.

Punctuating Eric’s message was a performance by guest worship leader Strahan Coleman. Strahan’s folk psalm ‘You’re The Dawn’ beautifully and poetically illustrated the idea of a heart made of stone being pierced by the light of awakening in Christ. ‘You’re The Dawn’ is from Strahan’s latest album, Posters, which picked up a Tui Award for Best Gospel Album in 2013. It was an honour to have him as our guest over the weekend.

Saturday’s programme opened with our third guest speaker, Carla Lindsey. As an established writer, academic and teacher, Carla presented the challenging topic of modernity/post-modernity with precision and refined simplicity. Her words made a huge impact on the way many conference delegates thought about their church and community contexts, with conversations spawning from the new thought-place delegates found themselves in.

These conversations were fuelled by a selection of workshops offered over the weekend. Talented tutors presented compelling and practical workshops spanning a range of topics, including life planning, creative theology, worship leading, design, song writing and much more. These workshops, along with the keynote sessions and a Q&A panel formed the core of the teaching over the weekend.

Sunday’s programme concluded the conference with a morning worship service in which Major Christina Tyson, Territorial Communications Secretary, brought an insightful and encouraging message about finding our creative place and purpose. Reflecting on the lack of separation between us and God through Jesus, Christina urged delegates to utilise their skills, talents and passions in combination with each other to lead others to him.

Closing our time with combined worship put a holy seal on the weekend, as delegates joined together in a joint mission to use their creativity to bring people to the Kingdom.

The Creative Ministries Conference brought a sense of renewed vision and reignited passions for delegates, and the Creative Ministries Department is excited about future possibilities and fruit that will come from this event.

By Kris Singh (Creative Resource Developer)

For more information on the Creative Ministries Department, including photos and video of the conference, go to www creativeministries.nz, or like us on Facebook at www facebook.com/cmdnzft

Photography: Joel Knight

Our Community | 15

Café Style Helps Food Bank

Mixing a food bank with a drop-in café is helping Hibiscus Coast Corps change the way they help people in the region.

Corps Officer Lieutenant Ben Schischka said the food bank is open for two hours on a Thursday and sees people in need enjoy some food and drink and talk to assessors in a more informal setting. Up to 12 volunteers, including some past clients, take part by welcoming clients, packing food parcels, bagging bulk goods, preparing food and drink, or assessing clients. They see an average of 15 families on a Thursday and a corps volunteer has just started offering budgeting assistance on a Wednesday morning.

Based on a similar model used by the nearby Albany Bays Corps, the Hibiscus Coast Corps drop-in ministry has been running for more than 18 months. It is helping corps members build good relationships with clients and offer wider support than just a food parcel. ‘To be welcomed and invited to receive a good coffee and a scone is part of our very intentional effort to value people and share the love of Christ,’ Ben said.

There is only one other major food bank on the Hibiscus Coast and it is set up to take clients under very specific circumstances. The corps’ drop-in centre style allows it to be more flexible, Ben said, but they work hard to make sure they are helping clients make long-term changes.

Although much of the Hibiscus Coast area just north of Auckland is well off, there are a significant number of beneficiaries as well as those in full-time employment who are struggling financially. ‘We see more and more clients who are unable to support their families with food due to increasing rent. We have also seen young mothers who

have moved to the coast to escape violent circumstances and who are now facing increased cost of living,’ Ben said.

On average, the corps receives four enquiries a week from those who are homeless or facing the threat of homelessness, and there are next to no affordable accommodation options in the Rodney area.

Despite these ongoing challenges, Ben said the drop-in team have witnessed powerful God moments and answers to prayer. ‘It’s so exciting in a follow-up meeting when a client recognises the power of prayer and testifies to God’s provision in finding them that new rental, flatmate or job!’

Being a smaller setup gives them the freedom to spend more time engaging in faith conversations and praying with clients, with some people coming to Christ or attending corps events.

‘We don’t have to try to preach to them—they naturally just ask the questions and we respond. For us, it’s really encouraging to know the atmosphere of love and acceptance is leading people to a place where they can start to discover Christ. God is doing something great through the Hibiscus Coast Corps’ drop-in ministry!’

New Leader for Churches Education Commission

The organisation responsible for Bible programmes in more than 660 New Zealand state schools has appointed a new national director.

Stephanie Sewell will take up the leadership role at the Churches Education Commission (CEC) from late October. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in children’s work, both in the church and in the community.

The appointment comes as CEC prepares for a High Court case around religious instruction in schools in April 2016.

‘We are thrilled to have Steph join our team,’ said Murray Burton, CEC Board spokesperson. ‘She brings significant strategic leadership and acumen to the role. She is a dynamic communicator and inspirational enabler who will strengthen our already capable

and passionate team.’CEC is an ecumenical

charity group funded by donors that represents 16 Christian denominations, including The Salvation Army. Together with its 2500 volunteers, CEC runs Bible programmes in about 30 per cent of New Zealand’s state primary schools.

Go to www cec.org.nz for more information

Staff and volunteers from Hibiscus Coast Corps.

Save the Date for the 2015 Wattie’s Cans Film Festival

The Wattie’s Cans Film Festival is returning on Monday 2 November to help Kiwis in need by collecting cans of food for Salvation Army food banks throughout New Zealand.

From late October, Kiwis throughout the country will be able to exchange any can of food for a movie ticket. Wattie’s will then generously match every can donated with one of their own. After the festival, all cans go directly to The Salvation Army.

‘Last year, the Wattie’s Cans Film Festival provided over

52,000 cans to The Salvation Army, which the Army then gave to families during the financially challenging Christmas period,’ said Major Pam Waugh, Territorial Secretary for Social Services and Community Ministries. ‘The 2015 film festival will have a fantastic selection of films on offer and it’s hoped that we’ll be able to help even more families this year.

‘Household budgets are stretched by rising living costs, especially for rent and power, and with Christmas around the

corner we would love Kiwis to show their support for those who need it most,’ Pam said. ‘This is a great way to help reduce the stress on families who are doing it tough in the lead-up to Christmas.’

Over a million cans have been donated since the festival launched in 1994, with Event Cinemas, Hoyts and lots of independent cinemas kindly offering their theatres for the night. This year, 50 cinemas are supporting the event.

16 | WarCry 17 October 2015

GAZETTE

Promotion to GloryMjr Kevin Goldsack on 25 Sept from Palmerston North Hospital, aged 73. Kevin John Goldsack was born on 5 Feb 1942. He entered Salvation Army Training College from the Palmerston North Corps with wife Merilyn in 1964 in the Proclaimers of the Faith Session. Following their commissioning on 16 Jan 1965, Kevin and Merilyn were appointed to Whatman Children’s Home as Assistant Managers. This was followed by appointments at Carterton, Woodville and Brooklyn/Island Bay Corps as Corps Officers.

Kevin and Merilyn returned to the Whatman Children’s Home as Assistant Managers in 1970. In Jan 1977, following a break in service, Kevin and Merilyn were appointed as Assistant Officers Epsom Lodge, Auckland. In 1978, they were appointed to the Bridge

Programme, first to Wellington as Programme Director and Manager of the Arawhata Recuperation Centre, then as Superintendent at the Christchurch Bridge Programme and Addington Social Service Centre.

In 1984, Kevin was appointed Manager at The Nest Child Care Centre Hamilton, before moving back to the Auckland Bridge Programme, which also oversaw the work on Rotoroa Island. It was from this appointment that the Goldsacks started the Recovery Church ministry, which is a valued aspect of The Salvation Army today.

Between 1997 and 2000, the couple served in the Australia Eastern Territory. On return to New Zealand, Kevin became Divisional Secretary for Programme in the Southern Division as well as Mission Director of the Redroofs

Retirement Residences in Dunedin and Mission Director for the Training and Employment Programme in the Southern Region. In 2001, Kevin was appointed Dunedin City Commander in addition to his other roles. In 2003, Kevin became Divisional Commander of the Southern Division.

Kevin retired in 2007. His last appointment while in retirement was as Assistant Mission Director of Employment Plus. In retirement, Kevin also gave oversight to Woodville Corps.

A service to celebrate Kevin’s life was held at Palmerston North Corps on 29 September 2015, conducted by Mjr Wayne Jellyman.

We honour Mjr Kevin Goldsack for his 37 years of active officership and his continued ministry in retirement. Please uphold Mjr Merilyn Goldsack, Suzanne,

Andrea and Matthew and other family members in prayer at this time of grief and loss. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus!

Annual General Change 2016The Editor regrets that Tongan appointments for newly commissioned officers were unfortunately omitted from our 3 Oct edition. These appointments are effective 14 Jan 2016.

Tonga RegionLts Eliesa and Selalina Prescott, Corps Officers, Nuku’alofa Corps; Lt Selalina Prescott, Regional Children’s Secretary; Lts Faleata and Raechel Leha, Corps Officers, Vaini Corps; Lt Faleata Leha, Court and Prison Officer and Regional Social Services Team Leader.

Hurricane Katrina Ten Years On

Hurricane Katrina struck southern areas of the USA 10 years ago, a devastating event in one of the most active and expensive hurricane seasons in US history. With an established presence across the USA, The Salvation Army was uniquely positioned to support survivors during and immediately after the storms, and for the years following. Today, The Salvation Army continues to be a source of hope, stability and service to residents of Mississippi and Louisiana.

The 2005 hurricane season spurred The Salvation Army’s largest emergency disaster response ever in the United States. Generous donations totalling $USD 382 million were received to support survivors of the storms—all of these funds have been disbursed.

When the storms hit, Salvation Army emergency disaster workers and volunteers were on hand to deliver shelter, food and hydration, and emotional and spiritual care. A total of $USD 157 million was spent on immediate response efforts, including:• 178 canteen feeding units and 11 field kitchens brought in from

across the country• more than 5.6 million hot meals and 8.2 million sandwiches,

snacks and drinks served• 178,313 cleaning kits and 235,229 food and grocery boxes

distributed• 282,000 emergency disaster assistance cases registered• emotional and spiritual care provided for more than 275,000

individuals• direct financial aid delivered in the form of gift cards and

housing/utility assistance• provision of equipment and transportation for trained Salvation

Army disaster personnel• assistance to more than 2.6 million survivors in the affected region

The Salvation Army transitioned to long-term recovery in January 2006, allocating a further $USD 225 million. Long-term recovery services focused on case management, reconstruction and support for volunteer rebuild teams. Financial assistance programmes also helped with home repair, job training and other initiatives to aid long-term recovery in communities.

Continuity of social services is critical to the ongoing health of local communities. Volunteers, staff and officers worked to restore basic social service programmes to the Gulf Coast—reopening homeless shelters, community centres, a rehabilitation centre, children’s programmes and church services.

As part of its overall recovery programme in New Orleans, Louisiana, The Salvation Army initiated a community-based disaster recovery and economic resilience initiative called ‘EnviRenew’. Through this initiative, The Salvation Army supported new home construction, green home sustainability and technology, and eco-friendly energy programmes in the hard-hit Broadmoor, Riverview and St Anthony’s neighbourhoods. The programme sparked a broader conversation about disaster resilience that culminated in a Resiliency Summit.

Today’s Salvation Army facilities include:• A new Emergency Disaster Services centre in Jackson, Mississippi

(MS), with an emergency operations room, 17,000 square feet of warehousing, a state-of-the-art amateur radio station and a vehicle yard for a fleet of specialised disaster equipment and vehicles.

• Reopened corps (churches), social services, a homeless shelter, Adult Rehabilitation Center and family store in New Orleans.

• A 52,000-square-foot Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Biloxi, MS, to replace facilities lost during Hurricane Katrina.

• Reopened corps, social services programmes, a homeless shelter and Family Store in the Mississippi cities of Gulfport, Pascagoula and Lucedale. The Salvation Army is presently acquiring property in Gulfport to develop a new Center of Hope housing programme for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.Because responding to catastrophic disasters takes a significant

toll on responders, The Salvation Army has invested in local disaster programming and resiliency programming, including training, equipment and infrastructure, emotional and spiritual care. It has also increased post-deployment follow-up services for disaster workers. Additional community-based needs have been served through a variety of local programmes, services and infrastructure projects.

‘The Salvation Army is a long-term part of the community in the Gulf Coast, and everywhere in the United States where human need exists,’ said Commissioner Jeffrey, The Salvation Army’s USA National Commander. ‘After disasters large or small, personal or communal, people rely on us to help them get back on their feet. This is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. It is our mission and our calling.’

Our Community | 17

Thoughts from along the way …

For your consideration and contemplation, here are 16 thoughts, observations and challenges I’ve heard along the way. Enjoy …1. ‘God is looking for people through whom he can do the

impossible. What a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.’—A.W. Tozer

2. ‘As long as we’re content to live without revival, we will.’ —Leonard Ravenhill

3. Are we possessed with the desire to genuinely praise Jesus? If so, the best evidence is not by the way we sing songs or pray prayers in church, but how we live our lives away from church.

4. ‘A man may be a good Catholic, a good Presbyterian, or a good Methodist without being in any way pledged or bound to devote himself to the salvation of his fellows. But without that ambition, no man can be a Salvationist.’—Bramwell Booth

5. We will never win the world by imitating the world.6. Commitment isn’t the same thing as Christlikeness.7. There’s plenty we don’t get right. But if there’s anything we

have to get right, it’s godly living. If we miss that, nothing we do points in the right direction.

8. ‘The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven if Christ were not there?’—John Piper

9. We will never ‘storm the forts of darkness’ by sitting in a pew and merely singing about it.

10. In our Salvation War, let’s be sure to fight the real enemy. Nothing is more tragic—nor more demoralising to soldiers —than hearing about those who have been hurt or lost as a result of ‘friendly fire’.

11. ‘Tomorrow’ is one of the enemy’s most effective lines.12. ‘Many of us know so little of Satan’s real power because we

yield so easily. He has no need to exert himself unduly. We fall so quickly for so little.’ —Frederick Coutts

13. The true test of our servanthood is how we respond when we’re treated like one.

14. When the values of the world scrape against the values of the Kingdom, there’s tension and a choice has to be made. If you’ve signed the Soldier’s Covenant, you’ve made your choice. But does your living agree with that choice or call it into question?

15. ‘One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.’ —John Piper

16. No Salvation Army covenant includes an expiration date.

Colonel Willis HowellChief Secretary

LEADERSHIP LINKS

BY NIGEL BOVEY

Blood on the FlagA new book by Major Nigel Bovey explores the fascinating history of the ‘Skeleton Army’—a militant group that attacked early Salvationists.

I remember my father, who was a local officer at Exeter Temple Corps in Devon, showing me an old Army flag that had a bloodstain on it. He told me this was the blood of a Salvationist who had been attacked by the Skeleton Army. I then came across a copy of the front page of a newspaper called The Skeleton, set up by the Skeleton Army in Honiton, like a rival to The War Cry. Because I’ve been the editor of The War Cry since 1999, I was interested in somebody trying to set up a newspaper in opposition to it.

Anybody who tries to write a book about history should be aware that it is dangerous just taking one source of information. You have to look beyond one source to get a fuller picture. And the more sources you have, the fuller picture you get, and the fuller picture you can convey to the reader—so I wrote Blood on the Flag through the eyes and pens of secular reporters.

When you read War Cry reports of what happened—where stones are thrown and halls are smashed, where Salvationists are beaten, arrested and imprisoned—you don’t get the detail. What you get is ‘Hallelujah, the Kingdom is extending’ or ‘It was rough but souls were saved’. That was the message The War Cry was giving to its own people: ‘Keep going, the fight is worth it. It is tough, but the crown is there.’

The secular press takes a more objective, journalistic approach. That’s where you find how many people were on the streets; the names of those who were arrested; and the transcript of the court cases. And that’s also where you find, through the comments of the editor and letters from readers, what the public thought about this new Salvation Army.

In many instances, the Skeleton Army and its supporters would take to the streets in their thousands, and maybe you got 20 or 30 Salvationists and 2–3000 people wanting to physically abuse them and push them out of town. I identified 67 towns where this happened over a 13-year period.

18 | WarCry 17 October 2015

Generally, opinion was divided. On balance, people liked what The Salvation Army did, but wished they did it quietly within their halls. That’s the overriding message you get from magistrates, police and businessmen. If the open-air meeting is outside your premises and 300 people are gathered that means customers can’t get to your shop.

In Basingstoke, some 50 miles west of London, there were 50 pubs and three breweries, and the chief magistrate was a brewer by the name of William Blatch. The Army was so successful in going to the pubs, preaching the gospel and winning women and men to Jesus, that people didn’t go back to the pub. In one press report, a publican testifies that whereas he used to sell beer by the barrel, now he couldn’t sell it by the pint. The Army was so successful in getting people out of the pubs and off alcohol, and into a fulfilled life with bread on the table, shoes on the feet and clothes on the back, that the brewing industry rebelled and publicans started to say to the ruffians: ‘Here is a pint of beer. Here is some money. Go and beat up a Salvationist.’ That’s how it started.

The attacks of the Skeleton Army assaulting Salvationists fuelled riots and led to the Army being banned from assembling on the streets in several towns. Salvationists refused to accept these restrictions and many were arrested for ‘disturbance of the peace’ and ‘disorderly conduct’.

Founder William Booth took this very seriously. First of all, he always maintained, rightly, that Salvationists were doing nothing wrong. In fact, he issued orders, reminding his officers to tell their soldiers that they must not do anything that would be illegal or that would provoke reaction. He wrote to politicians, including the Home Secretary. He kept asking them to tell the magistrates that Salvationists deserve protection. If someone is beaten up, you don’t arrest them, you arrest the one who is doing the hitting. Booth recruited friendly Members of Parliament. He also recruited friendly journalists.

Finally, The Salvation Army not only won the legal battle and the liberty to march and preach in public, but a number of soldiers from the Skeleton Army were saved and became soldiers of The Salvation Army.

The most notable was Charles Jeffries. On New Year’s Eve 1881, he and about 30 other Skeletons attended the watchnight service at Whitechapel Corps to disturb the meeting, but something impressed

him and he couldn’t cause upset. It is said that when the prayer meeting opened, Jeffries, and then one after another of the Skeletons, voluntarily went to the penitent form, until a row of them knelt there—some crying, others laughing. Jeffries went back the next day and gave his heart to the Lord. Later, he became Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army. So he was probably the most prominent convert.

Would today’s Salvationists, in the comfortable world in which many of us now live, be prepared when we go to the corps on Sunday to be confronted by hundreds of screaming, spitting, punching hooligans? Would we be prepared to sit through a meeting when the windows and the roof tiles are coming in? Would we be prepared to worship on Sunday, if somebody came into the hall and threw red powder, let rats or pigeons loose, or set off fire crackers? Would we go again next Sunday and the Sunday after? Every time we put on our uniform, we would be a target.

In my opinion, this was a generation of exceptionally courageous Salvationists. If they had not resisted, if they had not kept going to the corps, if they had not kept bringing the gospel to the streets, I do not think that The Salvation Army would have lasted 150 days, and this year we would not be celebrating 150 years.

They had a very focused vision—that God needed them to reach out to the person who hadn’t any money or clothes or shoes, whose life was wasted on gin, whose husband was a womaniser or a wife-beater, somebody who wasted all their life on opium or gambling. William said to his wife, Catherine, ‘These are our people.’ It is for each of us to decide whether we still have that vision.Reprinted (in abridged form) from The Officer magazine, July–August 2015

Blood on the Flag is available from Salvationist Resources p: (04) 382 0768 or e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org

People liked what The Salvation Army did, but wished they did it quietly within their halls.

Mission Matters | 19

God is nowhere and everywhere in the Old Testament book of Esther, says Carla Lindsey.

Do you remember the stories from your childhood? Perhaps they were stories of goodies and baddies, of princes and princesses. Stories that ended with, ‘and they lived happily ever after’. Have you ever heard the story of someone’s life and it’s left you floored—what they’d been through, you had no idea. Stories are powerful things. Stories stick with us. Stories can make concepts easier to understand.

Jesus knew that. He used stories (called ‘parables’) to explain complex theological ideas. Much of the Bible is in narrative form—a story. It’s the story of how God through Israel and through the church sought, and still seeks, to reconcile with his creation. This story is not written by a single author, but by around 40 authors over 1600 years.

Esther’s author is unknown, but they knew how to tell a good story. They used humour and irony. They used surprise and tension to draw readers in and keep them guessing. They gave clues God was there, but didn’t mention him directly. And now, we will see how everything is resolved—and discover why the author was writing to begin with. It’s not a happily-ever-after ending. It’s not a perfect ending at all, but we do see God’s people triumph over their enemies. The good guys win!

The story so far A quick recap. Haman, the Prime Minister of Persia, hated the Jews and had, with King Xerxes’ approval, issued a decree for their annihilation. The queen, Esther, was a Jew but had kept that secret. On hearing about the decree, Esther’s guardian, Mordecai, convinced her to plead with Xerxes for the lives of her people. Even though approaching the king could cost Esther her life, she decided to use the position she was in and approach the king. Xerxes was only too keen to hear what she wanted from him, but instead of making her request, she surprised everyone and invited Xerxes and Haman to a banquet instead. At the banquet she still didn’t make her request. Instead, she invited Xerxes and Haman to yet another banquet.

Before the second banquet, Haman, who loathed Mordecai, had built a gallows (or some kind of structure) for Mordecai to be executed on. But in an ironic twist, instead of executing Mordecai, Xerxes had Haman honour Mordecai publically. Mordecai was the Jew Haman hated most, so Haman was mortified! But as Haman was still recovering from the shame of having to honour Mordecai, it was time for the second queen’s banquet. And so we pick up the story ...

Poetic justice?Haman had been feeling so important; after all, he was invited by the queen to a private party, but was now humiliated.

Xerxes was eager to know what the queen wanted from him and why she kept putting off asking.

Esther was nervously getting ready to make her request. She’d had two opportunities already to ask, but for some reason she held back.

At this dinner party it would be now or never. How would the king take the news that Esther was a Jew? Would he show mercy to her and her people? His track record indicated he had little regard for human life. Perhaps he wouldn’t care? Perhaps he would side with Haman? And so the king and Haman went to eat with Esther for a second time. Over the wine the king asked her again, ‘Now, Queen Esther, what do you want? Tell me and you shall have it.’ (Esther 7:1-2).

Finally Esther held back no longer. In a most respectful way, she told the king she and her people had been ‘sold for slaughter.’ They were going to be exterminated. Xerxes was furious and demanded to know, ‘Who would dare do such a thing?’

I wonder if Haman was sitting on the edge of his seat thinking, ‘Hmm, I wonder who it could be?’ He would soon find out. The one who would do that was … Haman! As Esther unmasked her enemy’s identity, she also unmasked herself. She was a Jew and Haman was the hater of Jews. Haman faced the king and queen with terror (7:7). Terror here could be translated, ‘dumbfounded.’ He did not see that coming!

When the fuming king left the room, Haman begged the queen for mercy, throwing himself down on the couch where the queen was reclining. That just made things worse. When Xerxes came back, he thought Haman was molesting Esther. Esther has been criticised for not setting the king straight on this. But even if she had, it probably wouldn’t have made any difference. Haman’s fate had already been decided.

Haman’s head was covered. He was a condemned man. Xerxes had Haman executed on the very structure that he had built for Mordecai to be executed on. Poetic justice? After all, Haman got to experience what he had prepared for his enemy.

But wait, there’s moreAnd that’s where the story ended when we heard it in Sunday school. The bad guy was dead, the people were safe, and the king and queen lived happily ever after. But the book of Esther has another three chapters. The story is definitely not over!

Xerxes gave Haman’s property to Esther and took the royal signet ring back from Haman and gave it to Mordecai.

But the danger wasn’t over. The decree to annihilate the Jews was still in force. It hadn’t been revoked. In fact, it couldn’t be revoked. That was the way Persian law worked. What the king said stood forever. Kings could not just change their minds, because that meant admitting they were wrong. And kings were too proud to do that. After all, they were practically gods—superhumans who didn’t make mistakes.

But they did make mistakes and this was one. So the king was stuck. Since Xerxes couldn’t revoke his decree, the next best thing was to write another decree to counteract it. And that is what he did (or at least he had others do this for him). Xerxes, as he had done many times earlier in this book, let other people decide what should happen. He instructed Esther and Mordecai to write their own decree in whatever fashion they liked and then to stamp that decree with his royal seal.

And so, two months and 10 days after the original decree, the royal

Seeing the Invisible GodPART 5 OF 5

20 | WarCry 17 October 2015

massacre of six million Jews in the not too distant past.The point is that the Jews were kept safe, while many of their

enemies died. The Jewish people saw this as reason to celebrate. And most likely this is why the story of Esther was written. By the time this book was written, Purim (commemorating these events) had been celebrated for many years. The story had probably been passed on orally from one generation to the next, but the writer felt it was now time to preserve it in writing. This was a story not to be forgotten!

We have a clue that preserving the story was the writer’s motivation from the last half of Esther chapter nine. Here, the writer spells out what they are celebrating and why they celebrate in a particular fashion. He includes two letters, one from Mordecai and one from Esther, encouraging the people to celebrate Purim.

This was a story that must not be forgotten. The Jewish people must always remember how God had saved them and how he had placed a young woman in the right place to be his agent in their salvation. This was not a story that ended with ‘happily ever after’, for even after this deliverance there would be Greek oppressors and then the Romans and more to follow them. Perhaps that was why the Jews needed stories like this. To remind them to look back and see what God had done in the past. To remind them that God had always been there, even when they couldn’t see him.

It does us good to remember this too. Not to live in the past, but still to look back from time to time. To remember what God has done, the times when it seemed like he wasn’t there and yet, with a different perspective, we see that he was. We all have a story. Stories are more effective than sermons. We need to not only remember the past, but celebrate it and pass our story on.

Points to ponder

Where do you need to speak up on behalf of for others?

What do you need to celebrate about God’s activity in the world and in your life?

What stories do you need to pass on?

secretaries were summoned to write again. Mordecai dictated a letter that was translated into every language in the empire and sent out via the same efficient horseback courier system used to spread news of the original decree. These letters explained that the king would allow the Jews in every city to organise for self-defence. If armed men of any nationality in any province attacked the Jewish men, their children, or their women, the Jews could fight back and destroy the attackers; they could slaughter them to the last man and take their possessions (8:11). In other words, the people who wanted to attack the Jews still legally could, but the Jewish people had permission to fight back. It would at least be a fairer fight.

Finally the day for Haman’s decree to be carried out arrived. The blood bath began. Five hundred non-Jews were killed that day in the citadel of Susa, including 10 of Haman’s sons. The Jews had the upper hand. Mordecai was becoming an important person to the king, so the officials sided with Mordecai to score points with the king.

Interestingly, the author tells us three times that the Jews took no plunder. Taking plunder was something they were entitled to do. But their motivation for fighting was self-defence, not greed.

A twist in the taleAnd here is where the story of Esther takes a strange and rather unsettling twist. It seems that 500 dead in the city and the single day’s fighting wasn’t enough for Esther. Toward the end of the day, Esther, who seemed like such a sweet girl, went to Xerxes and asked that the decree be extended for another day. She asked this, firstly, so that the bodies of Haman’s sons could be hung. The sons were already dead, but in the Persian world, to have their bodies hung on display would send a clear message. Secondly, she wanted another day of fighting.

Why? We are not told. Perhaps Esther had more information. Perhaps she knew what was going on in the provinces and that they needed another day. But some say Esther was simply vindictive. She had been given mercy and responded with violence. She had the king where she wanted him—perhaps the power gone to her head?

Esther’s behaviour reminds us that the Bible’s heroes are not perfect. They do not always act as we think they should. They do not always act with love and grace. That’s because they were real people. Their stories are told warts and all. And God used them warts and all!

Xerxes granted Esther’s request for an extension to the decree. And after the second days fighting the death toll was 75,000. That is a big number! It is also a debated number. Was it really that many? Perhaps this is a symbolic number? Some translations of the original text have smaller numbers. The Septuagint has 15,000 and the Lucianic text has 10,107. Maybe something got lost in translation. Or maybe it was 75,000? History shows that such massacres happen. In 90BC, Mithridates had at least 80,000 Romans killed. In 1258AD Hulagu sacked Baghdad, killing 800,000–1,000,000. Not to mention the

The story of Esther takes a strange and rather unsettling twist.

Babylon Susa

The only thing more difficult than having a relationship with an invisible God is having no such relationship.

Phillip YanceyReaching for the Invisible God

Soul Food | 21

CALENDAR

OCTOBER

16–18: National Youth Band Visit / Auckland City Corps17: Preschool Ministries Conference / Midland Division17: Youth and Children’s Ministries Leaders Development / Northern Division17: Global Leadership Summit / Central Division19–22: Officers 10-Year Review / Booth College of Mission19: Women’s Coffee and Dessert Evening (Hutt City Corps) / Central Division20: Women’s Coffee and Dessert Evening (Auckland City Corps) / N Division23: Hawke’s Bay Anniversary25: Social Service Sunday / Fiji Division26: Labour Day29: Family Store Achievement and Recognition / Northern Division30: Men’s Camp / Tonga Region 31–1 Nov: East Coast Regional Gathering / Midland Division

NOVEMBER

2: Marlborough Anniversary3: Officer Development Day (Porirua) / Central Division3: Constitution Day / Tonga Region4–5: Street Day Appeal / Fiji Division5: Officer Development Day (Feilding) / Central Division6: Standing Together Recognition Event / Christchurch 6: Mini Youth Camp (North) / Fiji Division6: Women’s Rally / Tonga Region

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)

17–18 October: Queenstown Corps21 October: 10-Year Officer Review, Booth College of Mission26–28 October: International Governance Review, Hong Kong & Sydney (TC)1 November: Auckland Korean Corps6–7 November: Standing Together, Christchurch

Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries)

18 October: Ōtāhuhu Corps21 October: 10-Year Officer Review, Booth College of Mission31 October–1 November: Porirua Corps 50th Anniversary3 November: Home League, Blenheim (TSWM)6–8 November: Standing Together, Christchurch

PRAYER FOCUS

Please pray for: Fua’amotu, Gisborne, Glen Eden, Glenfield and Gore Corps, The Salvation Army Reintegration Service, The Salvation Army Ghana Territory.

International Bible Reading ChallengeWEEK 42 Hebrews 2–Hebrews 6 WEEK 43 Hebrews 7–Hebrews 11Go to www.salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge for daily reading guides and more.

New Social Justice WebsiteThe Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) has launched a new website. Go to www.salvationarmy.org/isjc and look out for the ‘Speak Justice’ podcasts, helpful and inspiring resources, a ‘meet the ISJC team’ area, and read about what the ISJC is up to at the United Nations. Like the ISJC on Facebook.com/SalvationArmyISJC and follow @SalvArmyISJC on Twitter.

22 | WarCry 17 October 2015

Email: childsponsorship@nzf.salvationarmy.org Phone: (04) 384 5649 Fax: (04) 802 6259

With your fi nancial support, The Salvation Army can help care for children in need.The Salvation Army Child Sponsorship Programme

www.salvationarmy.org.nz/childsponsorship

Help children in need develop into healthy, happy and fulfi lled young people.

Do you know these people?BOHNER/POTINI, Kathy or Cathy, born 1959–1960GRAHAM, Ange Miriama, born approx. 1945 in KarapiroPRATT (nee WALL), Marion Norma, born 1930 in WellingtonRICHARDS, Gillian Wendy Bruce, born 1958 in AucklandRYAN, Stephen Paul, born 1939–1940 in Cooma N.S.WTAINE, Pre-adoption last name, born late 1946 in WellingtonYATES, Helen May, born 1944 in Fairlie

Help us find these missing people and bring peace of mind to their families salvationarmy.org.nz/familytracing

Kids from the Midland Division enjoyed an incredible camp in Rotorua from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd of August this year.

The whole weekend was focused on developing God’s creative gifts, with lots of different elective options to choose from. On Saturday night, every corps—leaders and kids—presented an item. So many talented people!

Sunday morning’s church service was a chance to show everyone what had been learned over the weekend, with some amazing performances and wonderful lessons from God. Those helping drive campers home were invited to come early and see what their clever kids had been up to, with the entire Rotorua Corps also turning up to enjoy Sunday morning’s worship with the kids.

Answers: 1 & 3, 5 & 8, 10 & 12, 15 & 16, 17 & 18.

Fun4Kids | 23

Midland Kids Camp: Creativity on Display!

colouring in time!

can you find 10 differences?

can you find 2 identical images in each row?

GIVE A CAN TO SEE A MOVIEMON 2ND NOVEMBER 2015 - SEE watties.co.nz FOR DETAILS

- DO A GOOD THING -JOIN US TO SUPPORT THE SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS APPEAL. DONATE A CAN OF FOOD FOR A TICKET AT ANY PARTICIPATING CINEMA FROM 21 OCTOBER FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT.

A full list of cinemas can be found on watties.co.nz or follow us on facebook.com/WattiesNZ

THE NEW ZEALAND MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS

ASSOCIATION

WATTIE’S HAS BEEN A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE SALVATION ARMY FOR 22 YEARS