AOD Caseworker

Community Ministries Manager

Receptionist

Hawera Corps 125th Anniversary

Amplify 2012

Creative arts camp success

The Dangers of the Daily Grind

Are you a list maker? An organized, detailed, Planner with a capital P! Are you the type of person who thrives on projects, setting goals, and being in charge?

Or are you the kind of person who is laid back, sits and contemplates, is reflective and happy for others to do the organizing?

It doesn’t matter which personality you have, sometimes God knocks us off balance! And we need to take time out and review where we are at and where we are going. Sometimes, it's good to get a little wobbly.

Do you ever feel like you just can't get ahead? That you're running on the treadmill of life, on the same cycle over and over? You wake up, go to work, pay the bills (after wondering how you're going to pay them!) come home, cook dinner, do dishes, do laundry, prepare for the next day, go to sleep, wake up... it never ends. And if we're not careful, we can put our trust in our routine and not in the God who woke us up that morning.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves and for our each other is just stop. Step away from the routine, crash on the couch, and just breathe in the Lord's presence. It's not okay to be a slacker or have a lazy attitude. The Bible warns against such laziness. But Jesus also tells us in Matthew 11:29-30, 'Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.' (MSG)

Anyone else need to jump off the treadmill with me today? I see a giant box of chocolate with our names on it...and a Bible just waiting to be read.

By Jenny Carey

Salvation Army helping Fiji

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 11th Month

From about 8mths babies often become quite clingy and can seem frightened by strangers. Your baby may refuse to go to family and friends when it hasn’t been a problem before. Your baby may also have started crying every time you leave the room.

This is normal and often this phase does not last long. Your baby will use such tactics as throwing themselves backwards, stiffening their body or crying with volume you might not have heard before. This does need your patience and reassurance. Don’t force your baby to go to others, let them come around in their own time.

If you are having to leave them with a carer find out what works best for your baby, so that you leave them as stress free as possible. You may need to play with them for a while before you go, or once you see them playing happily quietly leave. Allow some extra time if needed. Believe in your carer and if they say your little one is fine as soon as you are out of sight, believe what they say and know that you can kiss your baby goodbye without fussing, knowing that your baby is OK.

At 11mths, most babies can:

• stand alone
• wave while standing
• hold a toy in one hand while using the other to help stand up
• squat, stoop, bend, get up, and turn without falling
• drink from a cup
• hold a pencil, make marks
• use one word to express a complete thought
• talk ‘gibberish’
• test to see how much they can get away with
• hide when they know you aren’t pleased
• look at pictures in books, babble and turn the pages
• shake their heads and say ‘no’ even when they mean ‘yes’

Kangaroos and turtles

Some babies are ‘kangaroo’ babies - they tend to jump into new experiences. Others are ‘turtles, they tuck in their heads and come out very slowly.

The important thing is that the ‘turtles’ aren't forced to become ‘kangaroos.’ Your baby needs to cope with life’s changes at his/her own pace. If you have a shy baby be patient and encouraging. Your baby won t always be so shy.

Cleaning those new teeth

These new teeth need to be looked after and baby needs to start now to learn how.

Use a soft baby toothbrush! Take your baby’s hand in yours so that they help you with the action. Teach them to clean their teeth in the morning and before going to bed.

Your child will need help with brushing their teeth until they are about 6yrs. Be very gentle when helping. This will take some patience, constant encouraging and your example.

Biting!

Once that first tooth arrives your baby will average a tooth a month over the next year. Your baby may discover a powerful weapon!

Biting often starts when a baby is teething and gums down on anything that gets into the mouth. When your baby bites, your reaction can encourage your baby to continue. If it’s a laughing ‘ouch’ your baby thinks it’s a game. If it’s a cross response, your baby may try it again to test just how much he can get away with!

What do you do? Calmly remove your baby from the part being bitten and say firmly, ‘No biting.’ Then distract him/her by getting their interest in something else. If biting gets
no major reaction, it seldom continues. Calm and firm reactions are your baby’s best way of learning right from wrong.

Dad be ready for stairs

Stairs can be dangerous, it is a good idea to have a baby gate in place so that baby is only on the stairs when someone responsible is with them.

Going up stairs is not hard, this happens almost as soon as a baby begins crawling. But coming down is something else.

As most babies are scared of heights, your baby may well get a little way up the stairs and start to scream. Don't run to save him/her. Your baby needs to learn that if he can get up, he can get down, and that it is not something to fear. Just take time to teach your baby to turn around and come down backwards.

Hold their leg firmly on the step so that your baby can feel secure enough to place their weight on it, and your baby should, without help, put their other knee on the step. Keep repeating the action for each step until baby is safe on the floor. You will need to do this until it becomes instinctive to your baby. Use lots of praise.

When they are a little older teach them to come down facing the front from a sitting position on the step, before they try to walk down. Sit beside them and show them how, with elbows on the step, for balance, as they move their foot down to the next step.

Drinks

Milk is still important in your baby’s diet. Cow’s milk is not recommended until 1yr. It does not have the vitamins and minerals a new baby needs, especially iron.

DO NOT give your baby tea, coffee or cola drinks as this reduces the absorption of iron in their bodies. Sugar in drinks is not good for the forming of their teeth.

Positions for drinking

Your baby needs to sit on your lap or in a highchair. Babies who are propped up with pillows or laid on the floor are more likely to get ear infections or choke.

Swimwear

In keeping with hygiene and safety regulations babies are also required to wear some form of swimming gear. Nappies are not appropriate in the pool as they hold water and become too heavy. You can get special nappies or togs which will contain any poos your baby may pass whilst in the pool.

Be aware that a baby’s flotation device is not a lifesaving device, so stay with and keep your eye on them all the time.

Beat the whining blues

When your baby starts whining try what is called ‘hinge actions.’ Babies at this age are wild about hinges.

When reading a book to your baby they are more interested in turning the pages (hinge action), — so go with it. The first place a baby wants to explore on someone’s face is his blinking eyes, or his moving mouth - hinge action!

So when your baby starts whining or poking faces, look for a ‘hinge action’. Push open a door, open a cupboard and watch baby push it shut. A light switch will also work. Hands have ‘hinge action’ too so do the finger play. You can also give your baby a toy that has a ‘hinge action’ and chances are you’ll solve the whining problems.

 

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

New Reinforcements Join Officer Ranks

Stepping forward to serve

This issue carries an extended report on December 2011’s commissioning of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory’s newest Salvation Army officers (ministers). Their enthusiasm and excitement was a wonderful tonic at the end of a busy year.

Some entered their two years of training with trepidation, unsure if they could meet the demands of full-time study and perhaps wondering how they would balance study with family demands. Others probably struggled with being of a ‘mature age’ and having to submit to the rules and routines of academic life, especially in a residential setting. Yet God was with them.

It is exciting to see the calibre and spiritual dynamism of those stepping forward to serve as officers in these days. God is blessing our Army and answering our prayers for future leaders. One of these, Lieutenant Sandy Galvin, has written a challenging reflection on Waitangi Day (page 3).

As you’d perhaps expect, there was a lot of singing over the commissioning weekend. One of the songs sung with gusto  by the new officers and the congregation was entitled ‘I’ll Not Turn Back’. This song especially resonates with Salvation Army officers:

If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly,
To be the servant of my Servant Lord,
If darkness falls around the path of duty,
And men despise the Saviour I’ve adored.

I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost,
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost …

If tears should fall, if I am called to suffer,
If all I love men should deface, defame,
I’ll not deny the One that I have followed,
Nor be ashamed to bear my Master’s name.

Please pray for our newest officers. Pray that their joy in growing God’s Kingdom upholds them in even the hardest times, so that they can remain focused on God’s calling ‘to live, to love and save the lost’.

Major Christina Tyson

Bible Verse

Romans 12:11–13 The Message
‘Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.’

Roma 12:11
‘Kia uaua, kaua e māngere; kia toko tonu ake te wairua; me te mahi anō ki te Ariki …’

Ecumenical Hospital Chaplain

New officers off to a good start

International Leaders visit Fiji

Back to school

We often express surprise at how ‘adaptable’ our kids are. But children can feel stressed too, and often lack the language to express it. Instead, they may internalise these feelings so it affects them physically, through illnesses like repeated colds, head and stomach aches, or changes in behaviour. If we know the signs, we can find positive solutions to help children manage stress.

Our children learn by example, and the new school year can be stressful for everyone. As parents, we’re facing financial costs and renewed busyness; while the kids are facing new classmates, teachers, and even schools. If we are stressed out, our children will learn to feel stressed and anxious too. So, perhaps the best way to teach our children stress management, is to manage these stressors ourselves.

Learn how to communicate possible stressors in a positive way. For example, instead of saying ‘we can’t afford all this gear for school,’ talk positively about what can be purchased within the budget, and let your child choose a couple of special items themselves.

Here are some other tips for focusing on the positive, to manage back-to-school stress:

Talk about it: Ask your children (individually) how they are feeling about the new school year. Don’t dismiss their feelings, and make sure they know that you understand. It can be helpful to share how you felt at their age, and how you managed any stressful situations. Talk through their anxieties, and move on to finding possible solutions. Thinking about ways to deal with bullies or making new friends, for example, will help your child feel more confident. Then discuss the positive things about school, like seeing their friends again and the fact that they’re growing up (always exciting!).

Practise it: Visit the school and classroom before school starts, so that your child feels confident about where to go on their first day. If you know any other kids that will be in your child’s year or classroom, it can also be a great idea to get together over the holidays—that way they’ll both have a familiar face on their first day of school. A couple of weeks before term starts, begin getting the kids back into their school routine of going to bed, getting up and having breakfast, to ease the transition.

Buy it: You don’t have to buy all the latest gadgets, but preparing for school with a special shopping trip can be fun. Let your child choose a couple of inexpensive special items to get them excited about starting the school year.

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p10)

Connect to Mission

This message was written for a women officers’ retreat a few years ago by Lt. Colonel Janice Buchanan. Lt. Colonel Janice Buchanan was one of the USA West’s bright lights and forward thinkers. She was Promoted to Glory several years ago, but leaves a great spiritual heritage that is alive in many of us – in whose lives she invested.

Perhaps her message will give you some perspective as you consider women in ministry and ministry for women in The Salvation Army? How can we reach women for Christ in our new day?

A Historical Perspective

Trace the Army’s outreach ministry to women from the Victorian era to the current post-modern age.

Introduction:

I’d like to introduce you to an 'acquired ancestor'—a woman Salvationist from the last turn of the century.  I don’t know who she is but she is obviously one of us!

I found her in an antique store in Santa Cruz, California.  I couldn’t afford her, so I left her on the wall and walked out of the store.  But the guilt of abandoning her stayed with me and haunted me, over and over again.

What if someone bought the hand painted photo just for the frame and threw the photograph away?  What a shame that would be and it would be my fault for not buying her.  But she isn’t my relative, why should I care?, the inner dialogue of my mind would answer in return.  

A year later I went back to the same antique store and she was still there—reduced in price but still expensive.  I bought her just so I could finally have a peace of mind about her, and hung her on the wall of my office.  “She looks very like my husband’s father’s mother,” I would explain to all who asked.  I’ve named her after Grandmother Lucy Maude.

I don’t know if this has occurred to you yet, but a hundred years from now, someone may buy a photograph of you or me—depicting a woman Salvationist from the turn of the 21st Century!  And he or she may wonder at the heritage we will have left behind.  I hope it will be something of value.

But before we talk about us let’s take a look at Salvationist Lucy Maude’s world 100 years ago, just as the Victorian era was ending; especially as it relates to The Salvation Army’s Women’s Ministries Outreach efforts. 

Women’s Ministries - Early 1900’s

The idea of the Home League first originated in England with Mrs. General Bramwell (Florence) Booth, in response to the great need of women who lived in the crowded city tenement houses, which were large, often dilapidated buildings divided into rental apartments. 

Families were large, with children playing and even living on the streets.  Many children were orphaned.   Many died young, diseased, and living in squalor.  In those days, women could be street sellers, or house servants: cooks, housekeepers, nannies—but mostly, they stayed at home to try and keep the family together as best they could.  

Mrs. General Edward Higgins was responsible for organizing the first official meeting in Leytonstone, England in 1907.   Programs were simple, consisting of nutritional and child rearing lectures, devotional worship sessions and a time of fellowship around the Army cup of tea! The programs were simple, but they were well attended.  Women from every city area were able to easily get to the Army once a week on the designated day, at the designated time.

What is most significant about the Army’s ministry to women is: The Salvation Army’s women’s meetings were not limited to its members, as most churches of that time.

Membership was offered to women of sixteen years of age and over, whether married or single, saved or unsaved, churched or unchurched, Salvationist or non-Salvationist, without respect to race or creed.

From its inception Women’s Ministries has always been an outreach program with its aims being:

• Win women & husbands to Christ
• Promote a purposeful life
• Work toward the betterment of the home, community, the nation
• Link people to the fellowship of believers

Transition:  The Women’s Ministries program followed these aims & its simple basic format, pretty much without fanfare or complication until the world was impacted by WWII

Women’s Ministries - WWII 1939-1945

World War II, between the years of 1939-1945, was the most devastating war in human history.  It involved entire world-wide human and economic resources.

Women took up the men’s work in fields and factories.  They became office workers, teachers, & provided postal services. They changed their clothing to meet the practical demands of work and to conserve precious money for greater needs. They changed their lives—forever!

Women’s Ministries - post war

Technology provided washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, television, and leisure time. And women stayed on in the workplace! Interestingly, as the women of post war days changed—WOMEN’S MINISTRIES BEGAN TO CHANGE TOO!

Attendance at Home Leagues in the USA, began to take a National nose dive!   Modern societal changes were competing for women’s time and attention.  As the war ended and we inched into the decade of the 50’s:
A National Home League Standard of Achievement was developed.  “Good standards are what we need,” the Women’s Commission declared—“Guidelines to insure quality four-fold balanced programs of worship, education, fellowship, and service.  These strong elements will attract the woman of today.

And so, a corset of goals and objectives were laced firmly around the Home League program—to shore it up, to keep it firm and steady—to keep it together.  Everyone agreed, it was a good plan.   Secondly, Home League contests were launched, pitching league against league to create interest and a competitive spirit.  Prizes were offered to the winners—1st, 2nd, 3rd, Good, Better, and Best.    Fortunately, & unfortunately this new emphasis worked and attendance figures once again took a climb.

Transition:  But by the end of the 70’s the Home League Standard of Achievement was starting to sag.  After all, it had been 20 years since there had been any significant changes:

So, somewhere between 1979 & 1980, the Home League National Goals Award program was launched. (In America)  This time corps were awarded plaques and brass bars for winners of all five goals.  And later, achievement seal incentives were added for those who achieved any one of the five goals.

The old Standard of Achievement was spruced up & new goals were added.  New contests were launched.  It had all worked before and it would work again.   The Home League corset was cinched up again—even tighter than before.  It was interesting to note that the Home League Aims—the Fundamental Purposes were not even mentioned as a part of the National Goals Program.  The emphasis on program and competition represented by the corset had squeezed out their focus. After all, it was assumed that the fundamental purposes were clearly understood as the underlying focus of the program.  Besides, spiritual results were hard to evaluate and even worse it seemed somewhat irreverent to offer awards for their accomplishment.  It was thought that it would be better to leave them out of the goals award system. 

Transition:  Guess what?  I just thought I’d mention that another 20 years passed! And here we were on the verge of a new century, in what is called the Post-Modern Age.  It was time for another major change in the Women’s Ministries program.

As a matter of fact, change was occurring during that time in American and the Territories influenced by Western Culture:

• Women’s Outreach Ministries were launched
• Home League came under the umbrella name of Women’s Ministries
• Local corps initiated Women’s Ministries goals being encouraged to augment the National Goals— these, helpful as they were, added to the burden of the National Goals and pulled the corset strings even tighter

Women’s Ministries - Post-Modern Age - 21st Century

Let’s take a look at post-modern women: Going from street sellers & house servants of the Victorian Era to field and factory workers - office workers, teachers - Post-modern women are now free to be just about anything they want to be: Post-modern women lead complex lives. Their lives are as diverse as men have always been. It is no longer possible to hold one simple Women’s Ministries meeting on one designated day and time to meet their needs. IT’S TIME FOR A NEW WAY FORWARD IN WOMEN’S MINISTRIES.

I think even old Lucy Maude would rejoice and play her timbrel if she could. Because the new way forward is a renewed focus on winning women to Christ!

A new model for women’s ministry

> download the women's ministry programme paper (PDF, 72KB)

Thinking about a new model for your Women's Ministries?

Lt. Colonel Janice Buchanan shares 8 concepts to make your women's ministry more effective. These concepts can help you establish a process that will:

• Address the diverse interests and needs of women
• Revitalize established Women’s Ministries Outreach Groups
• Initiate Women’s Ministries program where none exists
• Strengthen corps officer women in their role as Women’s Ministries Coordinator and Program Developer
• Offer more effective use of resources
• Provide a self-sustaining programme that targets new people, and develops new leaders in an ongoing manner

Lessons for lasting happiness

My Christian journey began 24 years ago in the Philippines, when a friend invited me to a Bible study. I was 24, single and finishing my Master’s Degree in business. Although I was religious and attended church, I
never experienced God’s presence in a real and personal way until I read the Bible for myself.

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, my life took a different turn. I had joy and a profound sense of eternal security. I started sharing the Gospel with my parents and siblings, and then with my future husband, George. Our family grew as we followed God and helped those around us find God by inviting them to church and Bible studies.

God blessed our family tremendously. We bought more properties and built up more businesses. My parents built a seven-bedroom house with a large pool and a staff of 10, including live-in maids and chauffeurs. We spent lavishly, and our prosperous lifestyle attracted lots of friends.

Life became so busy, with numerous parties to attend, lots of places to see and lots of things to do. We slowly started giving up our Bible studies and Sunday church fellowship. Eventually, this led our family into a life of spiritual and moral complacency and all kinds of addiction. We spent money mindlessly, believing the prosperity we enjoyed would never come to an end.

In 1997, the unthinkable happened. The Asian economic crisis caught us flat footed. Our businesses were forced to pay millions in interest charges for our huge bank debt, while at the same time, sales dropped and large accounts remained unpaid.  The dream was over. Terrified, I remembered God and searched again for his presence. I believe it was God who led me and George to give up our share in the family business and start a life on our own in New Zealand.
It seemed like we wandered in the wilderness over a number of years. Without staff to do things for us, George and I would complain to each other, or quickly react to the smallest amount of pressure, like carrying our own groceries, washing the dishes or paying our bills.

God gradually changed the picture for us through the years, healing our pain and restoring our hopes. God taught us about endurance and how leisure was sweeter after hard work. He taught us humility through serving others. God taught us contentment of even the smallest blessings. He taught us to set the right priorities, choosing time for our kids in place of more material possessions, and to be good stewards of our resources. Enriched by these lessons, we found our paradise once again.

When we came to The Salvation Army in Glen Eden, over a year ago, God’s message became even clearer. He wanted me to be firmly planted in the faith, so he gave me a close-knit church family and life-transforming Bible teaching.

I have learnt that being busy is being on the precipice of a life without God, so I’ve taught myself to stop and take time out for God—not just once, but two or three times a day. I have also learnt that true happiness is not found in more material blessings, but in having strong and loving relationships with the people God has placed around me.

By Cindy David (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p9)

Re-gifting (with integrity)

Make it about others, not you: if you’re wanting to get rid of an item you think is tacky, the new recipient will probably think it’s tacky too. Only re-gift if you genuinely think the person will love it.

Be honest: most advice on re-gifting is about how to disguise the gift as ‘new’. This is a not-entirely-honest tactic, and can backfire if the person finds out. But if you say to them: ‘Hey, this piano-key necktie just isn’t me, but it made me think of you’ (following point number one), they will feel genuinely valued—which makes it a great gift.

Be sensitive to the giver: if you sense the original giver will be hurt by your re-gifting (for example, if the gift is hand-crafted or given with lots of care) then don’t do it. At the right time, you may be able to pass it on. The test is whether you’re willing to be honest about the gift’s fate, if asked.

Make it fun: In the US, where regifting even has a national day (18 December), some people have adopted a ‘white elephant’ game. This is just like Secret Santa, but you give away items you already own but no longer want—a great idea to stow away for this year’s Christmas party.

Done badly, re-gifting can be tainted by a selfish attitude. But done well, it’s a great way of sharing what you have. Be honest about where the gift came from, and let them know you thought they would enjoy it. The chances are that those you re-gift to will feel blessed, and so will you.

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p9)

Budgeting your time

Live by the time-tested motto: ‘eight hours work, eight hours recreation, and eight hours rest’.

During the industrial revolution, when the working day could be up to 16 hours long, a movement began for ‘eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, and eight hours rest’.  Labour Day was even made a public holiday to celebrate the introduction of the eight-hour day. We can recapture the spirit of this social revolution by learning to allocate—or ‘budget’—our time more effectively so that our work, family and rest times are ‘in credit’.

Prioritise leisure time that will energise rather than drain you, says time-management guru Steve Pavlina. ‘People cut things like exercise while leaving plenty of time for TV, even though exercise invigorates them and TV drains them,’ he says. One of life’s stressors is a lack of time for family, so ensure you budget time for your family, partner and yourself as part of your ‘eight hours of recreation’ a day.

At work, practice time management techniques that will reduce stress, and help you work effectively. ‘Time Management That Works’, an online course, has these useful tips:

Dealing with emails: set aside uninterrupted time when you don’t check emails, then batch process them two or three times a day. Write efficient emails that anticipate the response, to minimise email congestion.

Keep three lists: one is a daily list of tasks, generally no more than eight; then a list that is less important and needs to be achieved in the next month; and finally, a ‘someday, maybe’ list as a placeholder for ideas.

Making phone calls: Keep a list of calls you need to make, that you can do when you have a spare moment, like on the bus or waiting in a queue.

If you get your work and personal life in balance, it will help with that final, elusive goal: eight hours rest each day. And the best thing about time-budgeting is that you don’t have to save up—you are gifted with 24 hours every day!

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p8)

Waisake

Mary Grace

Youth Tutor

Salvation Story

 

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Mata`afa’s story

For several generations, Mata`afa Fohe’s family have served the Tongan royal family. Mata`afa’s grandfather was the best friend of Queen Salote’s husband, Prince Tungi. After the Prince died, this service to the royal family continued through Mata`afa’s father, Tevita.

As the Fohe children grew, they regularly attended Wesleyan Methodist Church but Mata`afa later felt his parents had not really understood that Jesus wanted a personal relationship with them. At 13, he was sent away to board at Tupou College. He was a bright student, but got into all kinds of trouble and this led to him being expelled. An initially repentant Mata`afa worked to pass his exams externally but soon after he returned to his prodigal lifestyle.

When Mata`afa was 21, he saw a group of people going into a new church. He had heard these people were so fervent that they cried when they prayed and so he slipped in to the hall and sat at the back. When the appeal for people to come forward and accept Jesus, someone invited Mata`afa to go forward. That was the moment he met Jesus Christ. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and the joy of the Lord.

The next morning, Mata`afa went and told his parents that he had received Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. His father grabbed a bush knife and angrily chased after his son, yelling, ‘I am going to kill you today! Who are you to come and preach to us when we have been Christians long before you were born?’ Mata`afa was very upset and left straight away.  Months later, his mother begged him to come home, which he did, spending most of his time in a hut on the family’s farm, reading his Bible. Then, one night, he dreamed that he was flying into Heaven to meet his Lord. What began as great joy ended as a nightmare because he looked back and saw his family members had been left behind. From that moment on, Mata`afa had a great passion for evangelism and he didn’t want anyone to be left behind.

From 1969 to 1971, Mata`afa studied at the South Pacific Bible School in Fiji and after graduating, he gained a scholarship to Northwest University of the Assemblies of God in Kirkland, Washington, USA.

Kalo’s story

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God. My times are in your hands.’ 

Carolyn Jean Hochstatter was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1955. When she was three, her family moved to Valdez, Alaska, as Assembly of God missionaries. At a young age Jeannie, as she was called, found it natural to mix with children from different cultures. When she was six, she reached out to Jesus, trusting him as her Saviour. She knew from then that God was calling her to be a missionary and she told God that she was willing to do any kind of missionary work, except planting churches. She knew that churches were planted at great sacrifice but didn’t realise just how great a sacrifice that could be until her father was shot and killed when she was 17. (Psalm 31:14-15)

Her mother moved back to Washington with the three younger children, but Jeannie stayed in Alaska to finish her last year of high school. During this time, Jeannie felt unwanted and although she questioned the value of her life, she clung to the assurance of God’s calling and her knowledge that he would look after her. Looking for a church to attend, Jeannie found one 40 miles away. It was through the love and prayers of this church family that Jeannie began to understand the healing power of love. The following September, Jeannie left Alaska for Northwest University of the Assemblies of God.

Mata`afa and Kalo

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:29)

Mata`afa had been at Northwest College for over a year when Jeannie arrived. She remembers standing at the back of the class when a college student with jeans that were too tight, an old-fashioned briefcase, and a smile that spread from ear to ear paused in the doorway. A distinct voice spoke in Jeannie’s chest: ‘This is the man for your life.’  ‘No!’ she replied emphatically, but she was curious—who was this not-so-tall, dark stranger?

Mata`afa was required to earn a B average to keep his scholarship. He had left the required maths credits for as long as possible and so asked a friendly young student who was doing well to tutor him.  Jeannie helped Mata`afa with maths, then with chemistry and literature.  Gradually, Mata`afa fell in love with Jeannie. He graduated with a BA in Biblical Literature, and Jeannie with her Associate of Arts Degree on 1 June 1975. Six days later, they were married in Kenny Lake, Alaska.

It was always Mata`afa’s dream to return to minister in Tonga. For the next three years, he worked to save money and by the time the Fohes left for Tonga in 1978, they had two daughters. The couple built a large house in Fua`amotu, with the intention that they would one day hold small church services there. It was Mata`afa’s father who began calling Jeannie, ‘Kalo’ (derived from Carolyn).  The couple then returned to the US for five years, where their son was born. When they returned to Tonga in 1983, the Fohes built a general store which Kalo managed as well as home schooling the three children, while Mata`afa farmed.

Serving The Salvation Army

In 1986, the Fohe family joined The Salvation Army’s leaders from New Zealand in a prayer meeting to launch the Army’s work in Tonga. The Fohes became soldiers (Salvation Army members) and in 1989, Mata`afa became a regional envoy in The Salvation Army, assisting the officer in charge of the Army’s work in Tonga. He also planted a corps at Fua`amotu, with services held in his and Kalo’s home. In 1990, Kalo was asked to tutor the youngest children of the Tongan king.

While they were in New Zealand in 1993, God spoke to Mata`afa and Kalo saying ‘Close the shop!’ This was because it was the couple’s store that was standing in the way of them applying to become officers. They decided that they would be obedient to God and became territorial envoys in charge of the Fua’amotu Corps.  In January 1994, the Fohes were appointed corps officers of Nuku`alofa Corps. Word got around that if young people needed a place to live, then Mata`afa and Kalo’s home was open to them. With sometimes as many as 23 mouths to feed, the couple recognised God’s hand of provision each and every day.  After four years, the Vaini Plant received its own officers and the Fohes moved to Nuku`alofa, where Kalo worked on a three-year curriculum for primary, junior and high school levels that was translated into Tongan; she regards this as her most valued work.

In January 2005, the Fohes were appointed to New Zealand, and began seven years of service as corps officers at Otahuhu Corps. Their work was once again very demanding, as the Fohes ministered in multi-cultural South Auckland., but they have been very grateful for the many wonderful church members and volunteers who assisted with the load.

Mata`afa and Kalo retire this month, grateful to God for the wonderful opportunities he has given them to love and serve others in the name of Christ. ‘To God be the glory!’ is their retirement prayer.

By Kalo Fohe (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p5-7)

A call to Māori Christians

Tiriti O Waitangi: Ko Aotearoa toku Turangawaewae. E Tu! E Tu! E Tu! Tangata Whenua o Aotearoa. Kei te piripiri mai te iwi Māori ki te tangata Tauwiwi.

Tears stream down my face when I think of the many generations of Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand affected by the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

I think it is fair to say that the humbleness of our ancestors in days gone by meant that they signed the Treaty believing its translation into Te Reo was accurate. However, it soon became clear that the Treaty was mistranslated—either deliberately or in error—and this resulted in two totally different understandings. A high price has been paid because of this.

I acknowledge the tears and heartaches of our forefathers, and also the progress that has been made with our dominant Pākehā Treaty partner. In the spiritual realm, I truly believe it is yet to be recognised that God destined us Māori people to be kaitaiki (guardians and protectors) over Aotearoa New Zealand. God was and is our blessed navigator and provider.

Joshua verse 1:6 says, ‘God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, because he will lead these people to inherit the land, God swore to his forefathers.’ To me, this verse speaks both reassurance and command to Māori today. God reminds us that he remains our leader and provider. And God commands us to be strong and courageous, speaking out for our land’s care and protection, and for the wellbeing of its people.

Let me paint you a picture of beautiful memories from my past—of my upbringing as a child surrounded by God’s awesome creation.

I was raised on a marae where the land was tilled well, where men hunted for food, and women and children gathered water from our springs. We enjoyed food, water and life skills in
a natural environment. We harvested freshwater food from the lake, our soil was rich, and fruit trees and orchards were all around our homes along the lakeside. Greens such as watercress, puha, and dandelion came from the whenua—we reaped what we sowed
and never failed to feed the wider Māori community. Every Sunday, our whānau would travel to Whakatane and Ohope to gather seafood, returning with kai for extended whānau as well. 
 
A picture paints a thousand words, but sadly this particular picture is torn apart, so that my heart breaks and grief comes in. This past hurt is lessening because Christ has made me strong. He has allowed me to feel the hurt, but he is also bringing healing. Yes, the Treaty covenant has been broken by the dominant partner so that healing of our relationship is needed. But healing is possible.

Māori Christians must cling to hope of reconciliation: people to the land, Māori culture to non-Māori culture, and people to God. We must be strong and courageous, doing whatever we can about the injustices that remain, for the sake of our future generations. When we do this, we are also doing what God calls us to do for the Kingdom of God.

He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He Tangata He Tangata He Tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people! 

By Sandy Galvin (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p3)

Respite breaks for families in dire need

The Help

‘The Help’ is a film about African American house maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s. These women were trusted to raise white children, but not to polish the household silver or use the household toilet.

This drama has a good mixture of laughter and tears and you may even catch yourself cheering out loud. Skeeter, a young, naïve, southern society girl aspiring to be a writer decides to write a series of interviews with the local maids who have spent their lives raising white children.

In today’s world you feel uncomfortable about the discriminations of that day but I found myself asking, 'How did they keep working each day with such self composure and grace in the midst of unreasonable expectations, rudeness, verbal and emotional abuse, distrust and racial prejudice?' Even when they shared their stories they did it in such a way as to protect their abusers. How were they able to laugh and enjoy their own lives, when they had nothing because of unfair pay? 

The housemaids inner contentment had nothing to do with their surroundings at work or at home. Where did their ‘help’ come from? If you have seen this film or read the book, then you will have seen the answer - their faith. They are an extroverted, exuberant, enthusiastic and expressive people when, as a community of believers, they come together in praise and worship to God. They built each other up, their faith was fed from the word of God, their hearts were healed, their strength renewed, and grace found to go on into another day and another week. ‘The Help’ knew ‘The Helper’. How sad that the employers missed seeing Jesus ‘in service’ in their homes.

When life gets tough, when life’s happenings cause us such sadness, when life is unfair, when you just have to get on with it, where does your ‘help’ come from? 

Our Heavenly Father, made a provision for us through Jesus' death & Resurrection:

‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit (The Helper) comes on you; and you will be my witnesses’  Acts 1:8    

Are you experiencing His provision for you?

'Come as the promised Helper to our day, oh Lord.'

By Major Joanne Jellyman.

Heart of the matter… It’s all about Attitude!

How often do we hear the comment 'I don’t like his or her attitude'?  Maybe as parents we’ve said to our children 'I don’t like your attitude'.  We have a tendency to look at someone’s behaviour, judge it as unacceptable, and blame it on their attitude.  

Why is attitude so important?  Attitude is our feeling or disposition toward something or someone; therefore it largely determines our behaviour.  Our response or reaction comes out of our attitude.  How then, do we determine acceptable behaviour?  What is our benchmark as children of God? 

'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.'  Philippians 2:3-5

Our attitude is our responsibility. A right attitude towards others only comes from being in close relationship with Jesus.  In every situation, why don’t we start with the question 'What would Jesus do?' and allow Him to adjust our attitude accordingly.

By Philippa Van Abs

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 10th Month

Sometime between 10 and 14mths most babies say their first meaningful words. Once they consciously call something by its name, other naming follows quickly.

At 10mths, most babies can:

• walk when someone holds their hand
• sit down from standing
• climb on and off chairs
• carry something in a hand
• point to parts of the body when asked
• feed self and help hold cup
• react to approval and disapproval
• cry if another child gets attention
• repeat the same word over and over

Development of a conscience is occuring now

Step 1: is when you say ‘no’ and remove your baby from an object and you turn their attention to something else. You will have found yourself having to constantly repeat this until your baby understands what you are saying along with what you are doing.

Step 2: is when your baby stops and turns to look at you to see if you’ll say ‘no’ or if you are watching before going ahead with something they are aware is not right.

Step 3: is when your baby goes up to an object, says ‘no, no’ to himself, but goes ahead and touches it if no one stops him.

Step 4: is when your baby goes up to the object, says ‘no’ to himself, stops, and goes to another object that does not convey the word ‘no’. This is the moment that your baby’s conscience is beginning to work.

Angry outbursts

Angry outbursts may have begun to happen and perhaps are now more often and louder and yes, embarrassing if you are away from home. Your baby needs clear guidance, understanding and a good loving example -in other words don’t get angry!

Hold your baby Firmly against your chest and walk away from other people and talk calmly with your baby. What your baby needs most is your calm, reassuring control NOT your anger, rough handling and raising of voice. These cause fear.

Think about what caused the problem and how you can work to avoid it another time.

Shopping for clothes

If you are shopping for your baby a good rule is to ‘Upsize’ one size to their age. This will help get the most wear out of any clothing. Unlike adults trying clothing on, this is not something you want to do in shops with your baby.

Each time you buy shoes put your baby’s foot on a piece of paper and draw around it. Cut out the outline and take with you to the shop.

Preparing to travel with baby/children

• always take more than you think you need
• make sure you take the favourite toy or blanket
• have one or two new toys just for in the car
• make sure medications are packed in hand luggage
• when counting up how many nappies you’ll need, imagine a sudden onset of unexplained diarrhoea and pack accordingly (ditto for wipes, tissues, etc)
• clothing - pack spares and for changes in weather
• a hungry child makes for an unhappy child and puts stress on everyone - pack lots of snacks
• when travelling by car take small breaks from the car to eat.

Motion sickness in babies and children

Motion sickness is usually caused by movements when travelling in a car, but can also happen in planes, buses and boats. Almost half of all children suffer from motion sickness at some time but will grow out of it.

Symptoms are: nausea, a paleness, clamminess, yawning, sweating, headache, dizziness, vomiting

Avoid motion sickness:

• eat before you travel – but avoid fatty foods (crackers, chips or plain biscuits are great)
• water is the best fluid if you have a child who gets car sick
• encourage your child to focus on things outside the car
• ensure there is fresh air circulating - if you’re on a plane, make sure that the air vent is turned on and is directed at your child
• don’t allow your child to read while travelling
• keep your child’s head still – this will minimise his sensory confusion
• if you can, stop travelling for a short time and let your child have a break from the motion
• consider using travel sickness medication if they have a pattern of being sick
• be prepared for the inevitable child accident (keep an ice cream container, a change of clothes, wet wipes and a towel handy at all times)

Daylight saving tips

It’s a pain, when baby wakes at 5am instead of the already early 6am. Generally it takes about a week to settle to the change.

Change to summertime

1. Over the course of one week, put baby to bed 10mins earlier each day. Always remember that an overtired baby is harder to settle so the more gradual the change the less disruptive it will be.
2. Make sure that baby’s room is darkened and use the room as the place for stories and quiet time before bed. This will help your baby adjust their body clock by thinking it is already dark.

Changing back to standard time

1. Reverse the process with the time changing to winter time. Over the course of one week put baby to bed 10mins later each day.
2. Don’t make a battle out of it, give your baby time to adjust and routine will follow again.

 

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

Cook /Kitchen Supervisor

Come & See

> download the bible study series Come & See (PDF, 236KB)

Foreword

It is always exciting to be able to share good news. We may invite our friends to come and see… a visiting family member, a new baby, a new home, or new possessions. There is joy in sharing.

During 2012, the shared theme for Women’s Ministries throughout the world is Come and see… . This series of 12 Bible studies invites us to come and see…God’s creation, his provision for us, his gift of Jesus and what Jesus has done for us. As we study together we are invited to see for ourselves, but also to consider how we, as Christian women, can invite others to ‘come and see’. We should not keep the good news to ourselves.

The Bible study follows a path through the Old and New Testaments, inviting us to see the story of how people learned more about God and his provision for human beings. The individual studies do not have to be used in this order – for example some are suitable for Christmas, Easter or Harvest time. You may want to use one each month or as a weekly series at some time during the year, or alternatively take more than one week on a particular study when there is a great deal to discuss.

The studies follow a simple pattern that you can use in any setting. They are designed to be flexible, so that you can add material that is relevant to where you are.

• Each study begins with – What the Bible says, where you explore ‘What does the text actually say?’ It is important that you read the Bible carefully and allow it to speak to you and guide the content of your study.
• The second stage – Our lives/world today, considers such questions as: what does the Bible reading tell you about your lives? Does it highlight any problems in society? What challenges are there for the way you live your life?
• The third section – Discussion, poses a number of questions. Depending upon where you are using the studies, you may choose to select one or two that seem most suitable for you, or ask different groups to discuss other aspects and possibly, if you have time, share what they have been speaking about.
• Some of the studies have a final section that uses a Bible passage or verse from a song – To think about. You may want to use this to encourage silent reflection, sharing in small groups or as the basis of your closing worship – it is for you to decide.

We enjoy sharing our news with each other. So this is an invitation to do what we enjoy – to tell how God has invited us to ‘come and see’ and to find ways of sharing in his mission as we invite others to share what we have.

Heart of the matter… True Worship

Imagine. Honest, real, no pretence, intimate, complete God focused worship.  What would that look and feel like in the very depths of our hearts?

Pastor Mike Pilavachi of the Soul Survivor Church in Watford England during the late 1990s, challenged his congregation to think about their attitude to worship. Was their worship a true offering of praise and honor to the Lord or had it become a vehicle to feed self?  From that challenge Matt Redman wrote the song Heart of Worship. The rest as they say is history.

That was then. This is now. Has anything changed? When we attend corporate worship opportunities or enter in to personal times of worship, is it about God?

Do we keep it ‘real’ in our worship? Do we remain intimate and God focused?

The Psalmist proclaims…. 'I will praise you O’ Lord with all my heart.  I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing and praise your name on high' Ps 9: 1 (NIVLA)

It’s in the total offering of ourselves in humble, joyful; full heart focused adoration of God, that we can then experience rich Christ centred worship.

By Avis Owen

Consider the birds… (4)

Most birds were designed by God to fly. There are a few exceptions of bird species that do not fly.

New Zealand has the largest population of birds that do not fly either by design or adaptation to the environment.

Birds like the penguin fly through the water. The emu and ostrich do not fly but run. It is a wonderful thing to see birds flying. The eagle and hawk soar. The seagull and tern seem to float. The humming bird hovers. The sparrows flit. Geese fly in vee formation. Swallows seem to swirl.

My sister, Arlene, loves birds. She is an artist and a care taker of birds. She also volunteers at Liberty Wildlife a wild life rescue and recovery service in the Phoenix, Arizona area. When birds come to Liberty, they have been injured. A quick decision is made about treatment. Some birds are treated with the view that they will be able to be released back into the wild. Other birds are so damaged that they will never be able to fly again or fend for themselves. Volunteers and staff have to be especially careful about how they work with birds because the bird can form a bond to the humans taking care of them and will lose their fear of man and not be able to live in the wild. There is always great joy when a bird is rescued, recovers from its injuries and is released into the wild.

We can learn a lot about life by observing bird behaviour. As we watch them, we contemplate and associate human behaviours with bird traits. Wise owls encourage us to be wise. Silly geese and daffy ducks describe our goofy times. Clucking hens can sound like nagging. Crowing crows sound like bragging. We try to avoid practicing the pecking order. When a woman is about to give birth, she begins to nest. Birds inspire in some the desire to fly.

The two wings of a bird can help us understand the importance of both salvation and sanctification for the Christian life. We need both if we are going to be able to soar spiritually and powerfully. If we “wait on” or serve the Lord we will mount up with wings like eagles or run and not get weary like the ostrich. We are praying that the Holy Spirit be the wind beneath your wings this week as you soar the heavenlies with God.

By Commissioner Debi Bell

Inconvenient Truths

> download Telling the Inconvenient Truths (PDF, 1.55MB)

Summary

Forum organiser Chris Frazer discusses the inconvenient truths exposed at the Pacific Trafficking in Persons Forum, held on 2-3 December 2011, and the truth about how we can stand against this crime that is happening in our backyard.

‘Ending human trafficking is not idealistic or naive. It is audacious. And it is people of audacity who change the world.’ Rob Morris

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 9th Month

Do you need to get in a couple of extra hours with your baby a week? Change bath time, so you can be a part of it, or make it your special time and mum’s time out.

Babies love boats. Anything that floats will do: Upside-down jar lids, blocks, paper cups. If the tub’s big enough, join your baby. Never leave your baby alone — not even for a minute. Babies can try to stand and slip and fracture skulls very quickly and easily. They can also drown in 3cm of water. Make bath time fun and safe.

At 9mths, most babies can:

• sit and turn without losing balance
• try standing alone
• stand when held by hand
• side-step around furniture
• try to build towers
• poke fingers into things
• understand simple sentences
• cough, click tongue or copy you whistling
• perform and get applause
• figure out things by themselves
• partly cover eyes or look upside-down to see things change
• remember things from the day before
• get upset when toys are taken away

What kind of parent are you?

All parents make mistakes, and finding balance becomes different for everyone, but LOVE acts like a cushion for our children. It is impossible to give too much of the right kind of love. Love that children thrive on that is caring, respectful, accepting, forgiving and trusting. The more the better.

If their lives are covered with a thick layer of this kind of love, parents can make some mistakes and children will bounce right back, so sure are they of their parents’ love that nothing can shake it.

Bottom line is, children will not feel loved if they are not receiving enough positive attention. Make sure you are building a love cushion for your baby, so that when your child makes a mistake they know it will be ok, fear will not follow. When you make a mistake, and we all do, it won’t destroy your child. You want to see them live out and hear them say without a doubt, ‘But, I know my dad, still loves ME.’

Are there any changes you would like to make to your parenting style? Start now and experience the benefits later. The memories you make now will last a life time, so
make sure they are good ones. Their memories of childhood is what they will pass onto their children.

Relationship Care

How is it going? How long since you went out alone together? Do you need to make a date with the mum?

Plan time together: a walk, date night or trip to café. Hide some surprise messages. Buy an unexpected present. Email, write, txt a love note telling all that you appreciate and love about your wife/partner. Plan for your baby to have a ‘sleep-over’ with grandparents or someone who your baby knows well so you can both have a sleep in.

Safety tip

Take a tour of your home on your knees. You’ll gain a whole new view of what your baby can get into.

Play time

The best play things are toys that encourage your baby to put things in and take things out. By 10 - 12mths baby will have it worked out and even be able to help you put away the toys from the floor to the place where you keep them tidied away.

Fever - high temperature

If you think your baby’s temperature is up and you have a thermometre, place it under the arm for a minute to get a good reading of baby’s temperature. BUT the best gadget you can get yourself is an ear thermometer. It takes their temperature in 2secs! You can also feel baby’s forehead and compare it to yours.

If baby’s temperature is below 38º C, but your baby is miserable, then a dose of Pamol for babies will be enough. Read instructions carefully and never exceed the dose.

Useful tips:

• ensure your baby keeps sipping water
• keep the room cool and remove any duvets and blankets
• don’t put your baby into a cold or lukewarm bath as this may cause baby’s temperature to increase, instead use a lukewarm cloth around the face, hands and underarm
• if very hot, dress in a singlet and naps and wrap baby in a blanket if taking out for medical care
• be careful not to overdress a baby with a fever, remember they are already hot

Occasionally a baby will have a convulsion (fit) as the result of fever. If this happens, lay your baby on their side on the floor or in the cot so that they cannot choke on any vomit or saliva.

If your baby is not his/her usual self, or baby:

• has an unusual lack of energy
• is not eating or drinking
• is very sleepy
• has a rash
• is breathless
• has a stiff neck
• seems to be pain
• has a temperature 38ºC or above

then see a doctor!

 

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

Fay Clarke and Judy Knight

Fay & Judy are life-long friends and have been soldiers at Wellington South Corps for over 40 years.

They have co-led the Strathmore Women’s Bible Study group for over 10 years. Using Commissioner Debi Bell's, 'Upon These Altar Stones,' material has been exciting for them. The group has gained new and fresh understandings of the Old Testament as a result. They adapted the material to suit the make-up of their group and added in some extra ideas of their own.
  
Judy is passionate about Women’s Ministries and has been involved with such groups all her adult life. To see women grow spiritually is so rewarding for her and to know that God can use her in this way is humbling, yet exciting. It was getting involved in a Home Group in her Corps at Wellington South, which showed her that one of her God given ‘gifts’ is hospitality. This has proved to be such an enjoyable ‘gift’ for her as she has opened her home to women for Bible Studies as well as many other events. She enjoys Bible Study, crafts, reading, travelling, photography, cooking & family – especially her grandchildren. Now recently retired, but having worked in the Corporate world for nearly 30 years, God gave Judy her own 'Mission' field, right there in the work place, where she was able to support, help, mentor & pray with other staff in their times of need, with the approval and support of her  Managers. Many of these still keep in touch, which gives Judy the privilege of being able to give on-going support. 
 
Fay is passionate about ministry to women and has been involved in facilitation at many women's Corps camps, territorial and divisional conferences and events. She is currently employed at THQ in the Personnel Department and previously had a career in Education. Fay enjoys travel, reading, cafes and spending time with family and friends. Initially co-leading a home group was not on Fay's bucket list but she has enjoyed the challenge of finding appropriate material to use, and more importantly the joy of spending time with wonderful women, all keen to study God's word and grow spiritually together. Sharing joys and sorrows, praying with and for each other and speaking into lives has been such a privilege.

Silver Star Fellowship Luncheon

The Silver Star Fellowship Luncheon for the newest members was a success! The Friends of Christ session in New Zealand and the Friends of Christ in Fiji witnessed the induction of the newest members by territorial leaders, Commissioners Don and Debi Bell.

Both groups were blessed to hear a message by World President of Women’s Ministries and Silver Star Representative, Commissioner Sue Swanson. Commissioner Swanson challenged the newest Silver Star Fellowship members to keep on praying for their children.

After the presentations of the certificates and photos, all of the Friends of Christ session members were asked to pin the Silver Star badges on their parents and surrogate parents. This was a time of personal thanks giving to the people who have meant a lot to each of the Friends of Christ.

We express a big thank you to Major Elaine Vyle for making this happen for our territory. Watch for quarterly updates on what is happening with the Silver Star Fellowship.

Thank you from the Ramoth Children’s Home

Territorial Project for the 2010-2011 year has officially ended and we are happy to share this thank you letter from Mandy for the NZ$ 14,474.77 received.

Thank you from Mandy Carian, Directory of the Ramoth Children's Home

30 November 2011

On behalf of the children and staff of Kinderhuis Ramoth I would like to express our sincere thanks for the time and effort that the women of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory spent over the past 12 months raising funds to help support us here in Suriname.

Working in an environment as this is full of challenges, and one of the greatest of these is the constant financial struggle to ‘make ends meet’. The money that has been raised by the Women’s Ministries Department will go a long way to helping the children in practical ways and also to improve the facilities and living conditions here at Ramoth.

We have already used a small amount of the money for some urgent repairs on the building and we are currently planning how we will use the rest of the money. A full report will be sent once this is all completed. However we hope to use the money on some of the following: 

• Further repairs and maintenance on the building
• Replacement of electrical appliances
• Christmas presents for the children
• Food and supplies
• Clothing and shoes for the children
• Psychological support for a number of the children.

Some of the money will also be used to help with the ongoing monthly costs of running Ramoth.

The generosity and willingness of all those involved in this project to help the children of Ramoth is so greatly appreciated. 

We pray God’s blessing on each and every person that has contributed in any way to this fundraising effort.  We would also like to wish you each a blessed Christmas season.

Every blessing

Mandy Carian
Director
Ramoth Children’s Home

Territorial Women’s Ministries Goals for 2012

The Territorial President for Women’s Ministries in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga announced the Territorial Women’s Ministries Goals for 2012:

Make Dynamic Disciples of Jesus:
1. Keep salvation of the lost as a priority in all our programmes and projects
2.  Identify, develop and train women leaders at all levels (officers, cadets, soldiers, corps and community)

Increase Number of Soldiers
1. Promote active membership in TSA as most desirable
2. Educate and engage our women to be active in the salvation war

Take significant steps to eradicate poverty and injustice
1. Practice lifestyles that love and honour God and our neighbours
2. Be Salvation Army 'activists' for a better world (in word and deed)

Be a connected, streamlined and mission focused Army
1. Take the territorial motto of: 'We are all in this together' to heart
2. Find the gaps and fill them by linking effectively with other programs

New Year Revolution: Advice for a Healthy Lifestyle

Make haste … slowly

Welcome to 2012! I do hope that this year has started well for you. Have you followed the time-honoured tradition and set a few goals for 2012? One cynic describes a New Year’s resolution as ‘something that goes in one year and out the other’, but they can be a really good idea. That is, if we set realistic resolutions and follow a plan. Otherwise we’re just paying lip service to the idea of change, aren’t we?

This War Cry offers advice from a Wellington GP, Dr Alana Wilson, for those of us wanting to tackle health and wellbeing issues this year. I like Alana’s advice to start small. The odd step backwards is to be expected, she says. ‘Just give it another go, do it another way—no one’s perfect, so don’t expect to get it right straight away.’

In any positive change, inspiration and motivation are the keys to reaching our goals. Without these, our best intentions remain just that. So, at the start of this year, take some time to identify one or more areas where you’d like to make change (in other words, set a few goals), write down why you you’d like to make those changes (identify what motivates you), and then seek out some inspiration to keep you on track. That could include tracking down some good reading material, seeking advice from experts, or simply gaining a pledge from a few friends that they’ll be part of your 2012 cheerleading team.

And don’t overlook the value of setting some spiritual growth goals this year. Realise the value that regular church attendance and involvement in the life of your local church can make in keeping you inspired and motivated.

There’s wisdom in the old saying: make haste slowly. The best changes in life demand the investment of long-term work and commitment. But you know you’re worth it!

Major Christina Tyson

Bible Verse

Psalm 16:11 Good News Translation
You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.

Nga Waiata 16:11
Ka whakakitea mai e koe ki ahau te huarahi o te ora; kei tou aroaro te hari nui, kei tou mātau ngā āhuareka e kore e mutu.

New Addiction Centre

New addiction centre for Palmerston North

Get Connected

God’s Saving Work

I asked Jesus into my life when I was at primary school, and still remember my joy and excitement. I had this burning desire to know more about Jesus, and wanted to tell all my friends. But I got laughed at, and so I stopped talking about it.

When I was about 14, I was introduced to drugs and alcohol. This was the beginning of my trek through the wilderness. My teenage years were about parties, drinking and drugs, with no real sense of direction. I did a panel beating course when I left school, and decided to head to Perth, Australia, to look for work. Before I left, I managed to clean myself up and started to feel my life was changing for the better.

What have I done?

I arranged to stay at a friend’s place in Perth. When I got there, I discovered that he was heavily into drugs, and I thought, ‘What have I done?’ I began working nights in a coolstore, so saw less of my flatmate, but I made friends with a woman next door who was expecting a child. She was in an abusive relationship, and when she had the baby, decided to move away from her partner.

We stayed friends, and one day when I was over at her place, she pulled out some speed, and we injected it. We fed off each other’s addiction, and with bills mounting up at my flat, I decided to move in with her.

I started to look like a junky. I didn’t eat and sometimes went days without sleeping. I lost my ability to relate to the real world, had little contact with my family, and even at work, I didn’t engage in conversation. Amazingly, I managed to keep my job.

Eventually, we had a beautiful baby girl together—and for a brief time I felt a sense of joy and hope again. But I was still using heavily and felt too ashamed to pick up the phone and tell my family, so they didn’t even find out about my daughter until she was seven months old.

The real turning point for me was when I almost died. I overdosed on a mixture of drugs, and felt my whole body go cold. I could feel my mind starting to shut down, and I knew I was going to die. I cried out to God and begged him to save me.

Suddenly, I felt his warmth and strength enter right through me. I just knew this was God saving me, and that I wouldn’t die.

His saving work

From that night on, I no longer felt the urge to run away from tough times and seek the comfort of drugs. Instead, I ran to God and the Bible. I returned to New Zealand later that year, and was reunited with my family. We are so close now and I’m so grateful for their love and support.

Today, I am a soldier in The Salvation Army, and work as a budget advisor at Porirua Community Ministries. I am a work in progress, but I will never walk away from God again, and I pray he will continue his saving work in me.

By Damien Hazlewood (abridged from War Cry, 14 January 2011, p9)

Eco Tips From Your Granny

Being more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, you can start by going back to how your grandparents did it:

Write a shopping list: It’s estimated that about a third of household food is thrown away. It’s not rocket science, but a good old-fashioned shopping list will help you to avoid buying food that you don’t need.

Beauty is not better: Whatever happened to the strangely-shaped apples and wonky carrots? With consumer demand, tonnes of good fruit and vege are now thrown away because they don’t look ‘perfect’. So, go for the beautifully unique-looking produce—it tastes as good and has as many nutrients. Help reverse the consumer trend that is causing so much unnecessary waste.

Use a shopping trolley: Invest in a wheeled shopping trolley like your grandma had (although you can buy funky ones nowadays), and you’ll be able to walk home with your groceries. Choose unpackaged produce and pop them into your trolley—this will not only reduce packaging waste, but will also help you to buy only what need, and not get sucked into ‘special deals’ where you end up buying more.

Bake your own bread: You don’t need a power-guzzling breadmaker. Find a simple recipe and bake your own bread—it will be free of additives and preservatives, and the kneading is a great arm-toner!

Eat fresh: Fresh, ripe produce has more nutrients than those stored in refrigeration units. The best way to eat fresh is to buy from the producers and buy what’s in season—there are plenty of farmer’s markets around now, and you could even pick your own if you live near orchards.

Buy locally: As well as the nutritional benefits, buying locally hugely reduces the carbon footprints from transport and packaging. In addition, it’s much easier to find out when it was picked, where it came from and how ‘green’ their farming practice is.

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 14 January 2011, p8)

Resolve to be Lazier

This year, resolve to be lazier. Many of us start each new year with gritted determination to lose weight, get fit, or change some bad habits. These changes sound easy in theory—just stop eating so much and get active—but change is hard in practice and we often end up back where we started.

The early church leader Paul, in Romans 7:17-20, put it like this:

‘I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions … I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does’ (The Message).

But what does Jesus have to do with changing our diet, or getting off the sofa? The theme of the entire Bible is that all our gritted teeth and self-imposed rules are not enough to save us from ourselves. We need God’s grace. And this loving, merciful grace came to us in the form of Jesus Christ.

True change begins when we realise that we don’t have the answers, and that we need to surrender to God’s greater, loving guidance. His grace is not too short to reach into the everyday habits we want to change. God created us as physical beings, as well as a spirit and mind. And, as our loving Creator, he cares about our physical body.

There’s a catch though: true surrender is not about manipulating God to get in line with our plan. It’s about letting God change us his way; trusting that as our creator he longs for us to be the best we can be.

And God’s way is not about putting a bandage on the wound, but about healing the wound itself.

If you can’t break out of bad habits, God may be asking you why you need them. What are you getting out of them? And how (and why) does change make you feel uncomfortable—emotionally and physically? None of us would have developed any bad habits, if they didn’t meet some need. God can help us deal with these wounds, if we bring them to him. He promises to meet our needs.

So this year, resolve to be more lazy. Instead of gritted teeth and white knuckles, fall into God’s grace. This is his promise to you: ‘My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9, The Message).

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 14 January 2011, p3)

Consider the birds… (3)

'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?' Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT)

A little bird told me. That phrase is used when you don’t want to reveal your source of information. It is some times tied to Ecclesiastes 10:20: 'Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.' (NLT) As a leader, it is helpful when people clue you in on vital information so that you can make wise decisions and lead well. It is not supportive when people pass on malicious gossip or pass on confidential information in the guise of helping you. When you are in a people business, (caring for people) there is a fine line about sharing information and gossip.

My grandmother often told me, 'God gave us two eyes to look with, two ears to hear with, two hands to help with, two feet to go with, but only one mouth. Be careful about how much you say.'

The social network of Twitter is full of a lot of words as people 'tweet' (write down and share) their thoughts for the other tweeters to read. There are a whole flock of little birds singing if you care to join. Sometimes the information is important and sometimes it is just the need to talk. People have been hurt or embarrassed by this tweeting. Others have been helped and encouraged. Weigh your words before you tweet or before you speak because once the words are set free from the mouth or the mind, you cannot call them back. Be careful little birds what you say.

By Commissioner Debi Bell

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 8th Month

Realise you are the luckiest dad in the world. Catch sight of God’s face in the unconditional love your child gives you.

At 8mths, most babies can:

• pull themselves up to standing
• pick up small things
• let you know if they are happy, sad or scared
• squeal to get attention
• say two-syllable sounds
• recognise some words
• turn toward familiar sounds
• explore everything
• understands ‘in’ and ‘out’
• get upset when fussed over
• get frustrated when they can’t find something

Teething

Between 6-10mths the lower front teeth are out, and between 8-12mths the upper front teeth are out. This usually involves some pain and irritability and turns sleep patterns and routines upside down - sorry! Signs of teething include: a grizzly mood, dribbling, crying, reddening of cheeks, sore bottom, biting on anything, being off their food (for several days, but do not get upset, they WILL NOT starve themselves).

It's doctor time when you notice inflammation of gums, sinuses or ears, and fever.

Hints for dealing with teething:

• let them drink on and off, taking as much as they want during the day
• buy rusks (provides food and something to bite on)
• buy a variety of hard and soft teething toys
• try Bonjela or Weleda baby teething powder, chamomile tea or powder for general soothing and calming effect
• Pamol for babies (read all instructions carefully)
• some babies like a ‘cooling’ sensation with their teething, so put the toys and rusks in the fridge to chill

Fun things to do together

Bath: If you are not already, bath and/or shower together. Play lots, pouring water over your baby, blowing the bubbles and playing with the toys. Make sure the room is warm, so that if mum is not around to take the baby while you take care of yourself, then wrapped in a towel baby is warm and safe on the floor for a few moments.

Reading: Reading to your baby can’t be encouraged enough. It is great for bonding and having that special time together, especially before bed. It is a great way to wind down in the evenings, calming and preparing your baby for sleep. You may think your baby is not old enough for stories, but it’s not about the story; it’s about the sounds of your voice as you read and the pictures you talk about. It’s about the overall experience.

Play in the kitchen: If you don’t help with the meals then why not start now. It is a number one winner with mums. Make it fun and a special time with your baby, and plan in extra time for play as you prepare. Spread some pots and lids, big spoons, plastic bowls, measuring cups, etc, on the floor for him/her to play with. Hold conversations with your baby about what is going on around them. Every now and again, show baby how to do something new.

Dance with your baby: Do this while holding your baby and remember to move slowly and turn both ways. Dancing will help develop your baby’s sense of balance, and good balance helps strong back and tummy muscles.

Curiosity may kill the cat, but don t let it harm your child. Use a playpen when you have to leave your baby for a few minutes, rather than risk leaving a mobile and curious baby alone.

Food

Don’t pass on your food likes and dislikes. How? By pulling a face or making disapproving sounds when feeding your baby something that you may not like yourself.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are markings on your baby’s skin that may be permanent or fade over time. The most common birthmarks are caused by a collection of tiny blood vessels just beneath the skin. They may become more obvious when your baby cries. They are harmless and generally disappear in several months but sometimes over years.

Other kinds of birthmarks can be caused by abnormalities in the way the blood vessels have developed or how they work. Some birthmarks are more permanent than others, but in most cases they don’t cause any physical problems.

 

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

Keep on Believing!

In this next year we will feature women in ministry and ministry programs that are specifically for women. One of the hallmarks of The Salvation Army is its recognition of women as equal partners of men in the salvation war and co-labourers in the building of God’s Kingdom. The Salvation Army also acknowledges that equal does not mean same. The gifts, skills and talents that people use are always tempered with their unique blend of their nature and how those gifts, skills and talents have been nurtured. Science has proven that all humans are born with subtle and not so subtle differences in the blend of their temperament. This will colour the way a person will use their gifts, skills and talents. For instance true extraverts (outgoing and sociable people) will use their gift for teaching far differently from the way true introverts (reserved and shy people) would use their gift for teaching. In The Salvation Army equal opportunity is given for extroverts and introverts to use their gift of teaching. Science has proven that males and females are “wired” differently in how we use our brains. We do not approach life and life challenges in the same way, but in The Salvation Army both the female and the male approaches to life and life challenges are valued and we are given equal opportunity to participate. That is something to celebrate.

Questions for discussion

• How has science proven that women’s brains work different from men’s brains?
• How has science proven that all people have a different mix of temperaments that determines how they act and react? Is it nature or nurture?

While there are many things people, males and females generally have in common, there are some gender specific things that must be addressed. In the early days of The Salvation Army our major focus was to enlist and equip women and men to participate in the salvation war regardless of their gender, social status, or economical state. Once saved the scouring maid, the lady of the manor, the lawyer and the chimney sweep were given equal opportunity to preach the Gospel. The major requirement was the evidence of true salvation in word and deed. Women enjoyed a freedom in ministry they had not seen for centuries. The founders and early leaders of our movement encouraged and fed the flame of women in ministry. They also recognized that it is the tendency of fire to burn out unless it is constantly fed. In addition there were many things which threatened to blow out the flame of women in ministry, and those needed to be addressed. The challenge: how do you keep the flame of women in ministry fed and prevent it from getting blown out? The answer was to begin a specific focus on women, how to reach them, how to teach them, how to utilize them and how to keep them fired up for the sake of Christ. Using military terms like league and legion to mean section or groups was a natural. So in 1906 Florence Booth introduced the Home League.

Questions for discussion

• What cultural barriers did women of the 1800s overcome to be able to minister the Gospel?
• What were some of the ways women ministered the Gospel through the movement known as The Salvation Army in the 1800s?

Why call it Home League? By the early 1900s The Salvation Army movement recognized that while it was working hard to get people saved keeping them saved was also a challenge. It was becoming apparent that if the home environment was not a redeemed environment it was hardly possible for saved people to live saved lives. The home life became a big focus and it seemed natural that women would play a big part in the redemption of the home as well as the redemption of the community. It was never intended that women would be relegated back to the home and kept from the rest of the Army’s ministry. If you look at those early Home Leagues you will see uniformed and militant soldiers studying the Bible and taking those lessons to the home and to the street. (We are witnesses for Jesus in the haunts of sin and shame, in the lands beyond the sea, and home and in the mart according to song 832 of our song book.) It was also recognized that many of the early converts of the Army were not skilled in home making and needed to learn how to sew, clean, cook healthy meals, budget and parent. Teaching these skills also met needs of the women yet to be reached by the salvation message and opened doors for them to be reached. So calling the women specific ministry the Home League meant sense in the early 1900s. (Home – habitat, dwelling, abiding place, and League – confederation, union, group) Think of other groups which began around the time period of the late 1800 and early 1900s, League of Women Voters, League of Nations, Junior League.

Questions for discussion

• Was it a good thing to organize the Home League?
• What were the positive outcomes?
• What were the negative results?

Over the years the gender specific focus of the movement and ministry changed, evolved and drifted. In the 1970s it became apparent that we needed to fan the flame and clean out the fire place. Women in ministry and specific ministry for women were far more than what had become a “women’s program” rather than a movement and ministry. The Home League had developed into a program with a lot of resources and branches into ministry. It had not transcended generational appeal. Part of this has to do with how women relate to each other as well as internal and external culture. Studies of how women relate in groups tell us that we will tend to become comfortable with the size of a group, its political and social dynamics, and will be reluctant to allow new women to join. Women’s groups work better in even numbers and are like linked loops rather than loops that are continually enlarged. (Home League Circle groups were an attempt to grow the influence of the main group beyond the first circle.) Women’s groups will become comfortable with an internal focus unless there is a dynamic to give it an outward focus. (Community projects, world mission projects and Home League Bazaars were the attempt to keep a balanced focus.) Outside cultural influences included the post world war political agenda to get women to give up their jobs and return to the home so the men returning from the battle field had jobs. Cultural propaganda of the thirties and the fifties was to paint the ideal place of the woman as a home maker. The Home League was happy to help these new homemakers. We drifted even further from the “win the world and the home for Jesus” idea to a “win the home for Jesus” type of focus. Internal culture was trying to preserve traditions, drifts, the program, the numbers and to complicate matters the drift that happened with the structuring of our organization so that the married woman officer had as her major focus a women’s program rather than a women specific movement or ministry.

Questions for discussion

• What are the improvements of the way the married woman officer is viewed since the 1970s?
• What are the improvements of the way the single woman officer is viewed since the 1970s?
• Are there more or less women soldiers involved in our corps as local officers since the 1970s?
• How do group dynamics affect the way women interact?
• How do group dynamics affect the way we organize our women’s groups and outreach efforts?

Now in 2011 we are still on the journey our reformation. Do we still need a women specific focus to fan and feed the flame? I would say that science, culture, experience, and many other factors still say that yes, we need to address gender specific challenges of all our people. We also need to address age specific challenges. That is why we need to continue to flame the fires of ministry for children, youth, young adults, adults, middle aged, and aged adults. The knee jerk reaction to the natural drift that took place with the Home League was to throw it all out rather than keep the fire going and clean the fire place, add new fuel and fan the flame. The program was a good program, but it was not a good movement. The program had a fantastic ministry, but it was not THE ministry. The movement and ministry are about how women can be involved in the redemptive work of Christ in the most effective ways and effective places possible. In the home, the market, the haunts of sin and shame…where ever God places us. Women have equality in opportunity to work for God, but we are not the same as men. We have different challenges and will approach ministry in different ways. Most men do not have to fight for or remind the world they have equal opportunity, but women constantly face this battle and need affirmation and support. In general women tend to gravitate to groups. Men will work and play as teams, but joining groups are more of a challenge for them. Spiritual warfare language generally appeals more to men and is more likely to get them involved in church than the unity and peace approach that generally attracts women. What should the women in ministry movement of The Salvation Army look like ten years from today? You are the women who will help determine that outcome.

Other Questions for Discussion

• Are our younger women involved in ministry in the corps?
• Where are our young women in the corps learning to pray out loud, give their testimony, preach and teach? Who should provide the programs and opportunities? (Corps, Division, Territory)
• Do the young women and middle adult women know how to lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
• From where will the next generation of our women warriors for Christ arise? (Prayer Warriors, Evangelists, Home Makers, Teachers, Preachers, Local Officers, and Officers)
• Do our Home League members and our elders have more to offer and teach us? How can we honour them for what they have done in the past?
• What is the most effective ways to reach families for Jesus sake?
• How can we be witnesses for Jesus where so ever we may be?
• How can we win our community to Jesus?

Would love to hear from you! Take these questions to your corps, your women’s groups and to your prayer chambers and consider them. Send me a note at Debi Bell and let me know what you think.

Victoria

Youth Worker / Job Broker

Tutor / Job Broker

Administrative Assistant

Family Social Work Team Leader

Consider the birds… (2)

'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?' Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT)

Last week we asked you to stop, look and listen to the birds. Did you do it? What did you hear? What did you not hear? After the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch we noticed that the birds were quiet even near our home in Johnsonville. This lack of tweeting for at least a week was quite unnerving. It was not that we were too busy to listen; it was that they were not singing at least at the times we were listening. We asked different people living in Christchurch if they noticed the silence of the birds. Several mentioned that was one of the first things they noticed.

When we lived in the Washington DC area of the United States, our home was in the middle of a small forest. We had about 35 trees in our yard. Trees have leaves that fall and must be raked up in the autumn. Trees also house birds who love to sing. One afternoon I head the sound of what seemed to be hundreds of birds tweeting. I raced to the back door to find out what had happened. A group of migrating birds were visiting the trees of our back yard. They were swooping all over the place and making a racket that even disturbed the local birds. It was kind of like being in a scary movie, but it was exciting. Then suddenly the birds moved on and a brief, eerie quiet was left in their wake. That silence lasted about twenty minutes.

We like to go to Kiatoke Regional Park and walk. While there we stop and get quiet so we can listen to the birds. It brings refreshment to my spirit. Listen to the birds. Listen for the variety of bird song. What do the birds have to say about God?

'Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.' Song of Solomon 2:11-12 (NLT).

By Commissioner Debi Bell

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 7th Month

Your baby will catch your eye and smile, looking for a response, expecting you to smile back and talk. He/she will look away and try again, smiling to you as if to say, ‘hey, dad, didn’t you see my smile? I want to talk.’

If your baby does not get responses, you will notice a withdrawal by looking away when you look for response to your interaction, or by comforting with sucking of thumb/fingers or blanket.

At 7mths, most babies can:

• use fingers and thumb to pick up objects
• notice cause and effect
• bite on their first tooth
• begin to crawl on hands and knees
• keep legs straight when pulled up and try standing by self
• feed self finger foods and play with spoon and cup
• imitate sounds like ma, mu, da, di, and ba
• see, laugh and touch self in mirror
• tease (pull hair, poke fingers in eye)

Tips for baby proofing:

• remove hanging things
• baby-proof latches on cupboard doors
• put away small objects
• place breakables higher
• cushion sharp edges on furniture/tables
• keep pot handles turned away from edge
• keep jug cords out of reach
• tape down cords or wires for tv etc
• hook drape cords up high from chair/table height
• keep medications in high cupboard
• secure unstable furniture that could topple
• keep house plants out of reach that could be poisonous
• make sure baby cannot climb out a window
• wedge books in tightly on lower shelves of bookcases

It's time to play ball

Babies love balls of all types and sizes - as long as they are soft and big enough not to be swallowed! A beach ball is good. Your baby can hit at the ball and crawl after it.

Then try a small ball that they can pick up. Throw it gently into your baby’s lap, let them play with it and as it rolls away, do it again and enjoy your play together. Try hiding it under a blanket and encourage your baby to look for it. If he/she does not look for it show and cover again. Your baby will begin to understand that when something disappears it is not gone forever.

Playing parental see-saw

Know the see-saws in the play ground? Remember the ups and downs and trying to get the balance right so you don’t get bumped off? Well, this happens with parents, they play see-saw with their children trying to balance out each other, going to extremes and their children get the bumps.

Here’s how it happens: Dad comes home from a tough day and demands, ’Kids, why haven’t the dogs been fed? And I told you before I left this morning that I wanted the rubbish cleaned up, and why is this baby playing with my remote when there are toys all over the floor’ All in a gruff/scary pitched voice.

What does mum do? Most likely, she goes to the opposite extreme, trying to balance dad’s authority with a little extra love. She might go to the kids when dad’s out of hearing and reassure them that dad loves them but that it’s important to get things done around the house, we don’t let baby have the controls and that’s why he gets hard on them. Then want to give them their tea and get them off to bed — everything will be better tomorrow.

Here’s the problem—the more dad reacts to his expectations, the more it will force mum to lean in the other direction to protect her babies. See-saw, up and down, back and forth.

What kids really need is for their parents to take a break, talk about what has been happening in their time apart and start with a balanced expectation that allows both to be authoritative and loving. Dad having an understanding before taking a stand avoids parents see-sawing along with disagreements starting.

Everyone is a potential child abuser

Did you know that under the right circumstances anyone could be a child abuser? That is frightening, isn’t it?

It is possible for anyone of us to lose control if we become overwhelmed with pressures that can come with parenting.

Mix together some financial problems with little or no support from a spouse, a dad coping for a weekend on his own, no friends handy, unknown neighbours, add no sleep and a baby who has cried for the last ten hours, and even you can break under the load.

What’s the answer? Build around you good support and find some help before you break. People cannot see through walls or read your mind. Make sure their numbers are in your cell phone, and include ‘Plunket line’ 0800 933922.

Meal times

By now your baby is enjoying mealtime with everyone. Don’t be frustrated with your baby’s first attempts at feeding themselves. Have a plastic sheet for under the highchair and place it away from walls out of reach from baby’s sticky and messy hands.

You don’t want mealtimes to be an awful experience for your baby, with constantly saying ‘no’ to something they don’t yet understand. Don’t laugh at behaviour you don’t want repeated.

Remember that food is a wonderful part of their learning. Food will get squished and smeared on anything they can reach. Give baby a little to play with while you spoon in their food.

Your baby will tell you when they have had enough. Babies will not like all foods that are good for them, so be sure that whatever the choices are, they do get enough iron for healthy growth (red meats, chicken and fish).

Without enough iron the body can’t make enough red blood cells and the body’s issues and organs won’t get the oxygen they need to function well.

Allergic reactions to foods

Most allergic reactions are fast and some are potentially fatal. If you see your baby having an allergic reaction that involves the swelling of the face or lips, if baby develops sudden and violent vomiting or diarrhea, or has trouble breathing, speed is the key. Go straight to a hospital or ring an ambulance immediately.

Skin troubles?

Heat Rash: Small pink pimples, often across the body. Don’t over dress baby or overheat room. Keep clothing loose and cleanse and dry skin thoroughly.

Infant Acne: Pink spots on face, from birth. Usually goes away by its self in first few weeks. If not, talk to health professional.

Cradle Cap: Crusty patches on scalp. Wipe gently with baby oil, leave on a few minutes, shampoo with baby shampoo, then use baby brush or comb.

Chafing: Red, itchy mark on skin, usually caused from tightness of clothing, or where skin rubs together with chubbiness. Remove or loosen anything that is tight against the skin. Clean, rinse and dry skin thoroughly. Apply baby powder or lotion.

Eczema: Red, very irritating, scaly skin. Clean and dry thoroughly. Talk with Plunket nurse or Doctor. Try sensitive-skin products especially designed for babies.

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

New Year Revolution

Number one; yes, you can make change. And number two, don’t try to change everything all at once,’ says Dr Alana Wilson, a General Practitioner in Wellington.

Whether you’re wanting to change your diet, wish you were more fit, or want to achieve a better work-life balance this year, Alana says the key is to make change slowly, and not to expect perfection.

Food for thought

If you’re wanting to manage your weight, Alana warns against getting caught up on numbers—whether it’s the bathroom scale or your Body Mass Index (BMI). ‘Aspiring to a size eight is ridiculous. Skinny is not necessarily better; it’s about maintaining a good average,’ she says.

The simple rule when it comes to weight control is that if you take in more energy than you expend, you’ll put on weight. In other words, don’t eat more than you need in a day. ‘Especially for those of us who work, we often don’t have set meals and we graze. Then we go for the high-energy food with refined sugar. But you need to have all the food groups in proportion each day to get a balanced diet,’ says Alana.

Making long-lasting dietary changes is all about balance, variety and watching your portion sizes. ‘Visualise your dinner plate,’ says Alana, ‘the top half should be vegetables, a quarter of the bottom half should be protein or meat, and the other quarter should be carbohydrates—which includes potato and taro.

She warns against getting sucked in by dietary fads, especially if it means cutting out whole food groups. ‘Diets don’t work, and quick-fix solutions don’t work,’ she says. ‘You’re trying to make changes all at once—it’s too different, often too expensive and too rigid.’ Instead, she suggests concentrating on making small, manageable changes. Choose a few goals that you can stick to, and build on that.

This may not lead to instant weight loss or dramatic results, but Alana says it’s more important to be healthy than to be skinny.

Making change work

When her children were growing up, Alana’s philosophy was not to make a battle of meal times. Instead, she put out bowls on the table, including healthy choices like carrots and peas—either raw or cooked—and let the children create their own meals. Her only requirement was that they eat at least one vegetable, and because they got to choose, it wasn’t an issue.

Alana bases her meals around the vegetables, not the meat, and has never insisted that dinner plates are empty. But she laughs when asked whether she always sticks to healthy eating guidelines. ‘We’re appalling! We have way too much junk food in the house, and yes, sometimes it’s just easier to put packaged snacks in their lunchboxes.’ But the aim is not perfection, but balance.

The principle is the same if you are wanting to start exercising, Alana advises. Recommended guidelines are 40 minutes of exercise a day—but she points out that people can start by doing this in 10-minute stints.

It’s also a great idea to get teens interested in sport. ‘We encouraged our kids to be active, and we found one thing that each of them was good at and encouraged them in that—so now one is a dancer, one is a gymnast, one is into film and drama and walks everywhere, and one is very sporty.’

Team sports are great. Set up a neighbourhood touch rugby team, or join a rugby, soccer or netball team. There is a huge choice when it comes to sports activity in New Zealand and much of it is free, or available at only a minimal cost.

Living with less stress

Despite the headline grabbing statistics of obesity, the problem of stress is perhaps an even greater health issue—in fact, obesity is often a stress-related disorder. ‘Anecdotally, it’s estimated that over 60 per cent of visits to GPs are for stress-related problems,’ says Alana.

Other stress-related health problems range from high blood pressure, an increased rate of accidents, and heart disease, to anxiety and depression. ‘As GPs, we’re more often than not dealing with mental health issues. So it’s very much about the whole person, and the physical and mental are intimately related.’

The greatest causes of stress that Alana sees in her practice are work and family related issues.

‘Make sure you take your holidays. Some people have to work two or three jobs, and it’s very stressful, but everyone is entitled to a month’s holiday a year. You will get more out of your holiday if you take them in two-week blocks. This allows you to get sick—which will happen—recover, and still have some time to relax.’

Alana is critical of sick leave allowances in the workplace and emphasises the importance of taking enough time off when you’re ill. ‘Many sick leave allocations are ridiculous. If you’re sick, just stay home and get better. Firstly, if you come in to work you’ll infect everyone else; and secondly, for a lot of illnesses the only treatment is rest—you’ll be sick for twice as long if you come into work.’

Parents have a particularly hard time because they often have to stay home with their sick children, and when they fall ill themselves, don’t take time off to recover. ‘It’s our work culture that needs to change,’ says Alana. ‘But you need to give yourself permission to stay home and rest.’

Making time for your family and your partner are equally important for reducing stress. ‘You need uninterrupted time with your family, your partner and time for you—even if that’s 20 minutes in the bath listening to music.’

As a busy doctor with four children, Alana knows well the work and family pressures that can become overwhelming. For this reason, she has some simple boundaries that make life more manageable: ‘I don’t cook anything that takes longer than half an hour; we’ve surrounded ourselves with support from friends and family; and we spend a lot of time in the car taking the kids to activities, so we use that as quality time,’ she says.

‘My message is: you can do it! Everyone’s different, everyone’s an individual, and change takes time. It doesn’t always work, there’s always that odd step backwards—and that’s fine. Just try, and don’t give up. It’s always possible to change’

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 14 January 2011, p5-7)

Consider the birds…

'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?' Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT)

There are over 10,000 species of identified birds in the world. Over thirty different bird species are specifically referred to in the Bible. The dove, eagle, swallow and raven are mentioned the most. The dove and raven play predominant roles in helping Noah determine when to open the door of the ark after the flood.

The eagle is a swift high flying bird that lends itself to many metaphors. The swallow builds its nest in the sanctuary of the temple. The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

God sent ravens to feed Elijah. Jesus talked about the sparrows and used the metaphor of a hen drawing her chicks to herself to express His desire to bring the people of Jerusalem to Himself. God used the image of an eagle carrying its young as a way to describe how He would carry the people of Israel to safety.

Birds are featured in the Bible. So this week stop, look and listen to the birds. Consider what they can teach you about God.

By Commissioner Debi Bell

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 6th Month

You know the saying 'Time flies when you're having fun'? Take a moment to marvel that you have been a dad for 6mths!

This is where baby doesn’t stay put and may even be crawling, if not soon. Your baby seems to want to explore everything that is in sight... Life is all about discovering and developing their senses: see, touch, hear, smell and taste.

Learning comes from lots of repeating. Next time if it is something they should not be touching then, after talking about the hazard, move them away with firm words.

Don’t always be saying, ‘No’ and moving them to somewhere else before first talking about the new discovery that is not safe.

Tasting new foods is fun. Solids right now are an important learning experience, not just a meal for them.

At 6mths, most babies can

• turn, twist and roll from back to tummy
• sit up
• pass objects from hand to hand
• make sounds like f, v, th, s, sh, sz, m and n
• pick up things, turn them upside-down, shake them and listen to the sound made when dropped
• play games with familiar people
• get upset when around grown-up strangers but friendly to unfamiliar children
• keep busy doing something all the time
• turn when hearing their own name
• complain and howl when not getting their own way
• have strong likes and dislikes about new foods

Boy girl differences

Do you treat them differently? It’s easy to fall into the trap because of a child’s sex and hold back hugs and kisses from little boys or demand they stop crying and act like a man, while expecting that girls will be more emotional.

Without thinking, you may speak more firmly to boys and reserve your tenderness for girls.

The truth is that both boys and girls enjoy trucks and dolls. Both thrive on hugs and kisses and need to learn to express their emotions, and both need to learn firmness and tenderness.

Dad be ready for this

• thinking your baby sleeps through the night 6mths before they really do
• having mum give you baby, with a desperate look on her face as soon as you walk through the door
• feeling a little jealous if mum gets to spend more time with the baby than you

Encourage development

Spend time on the floor playing with your baby, the more practice baby gets moving, the stronger baby’s muscles will become.

Let your baby have some experience with the touch and feel of their food! It is messy, but it is also fun.

Make sure your baby’s toys have a variety of different textures to explore with their mouth. Give your baby a (safe) mirror to play with.

Spend lots of time talking with your baby — you are still baby’s best ‘toy’. Involve your baby in what you are doing around the house. Make sure baby can see what is going on. Don’t leave your baby on the floor alone while off doing something else.

Daddy workout time

This can be your special time when changing baby’s nappies: Stretch baby’s right knee to touch his/her left elbow. Do this a couple of times then switch sides.

Pull-ups. With baby grasping your thumbs, and your other fingers holding baby’s forearms, gently pull your baby up to a sitting position, and then when baby learns to straighten their leg muscles, you can continue pulling baby up to a standing position.

You’ll want to encourage some balancing skills with a helicopter ride. Lie on your back and holding baby facing you, lift baby up in the air above your head, his/her legs out straight behind. Go up and down, around, and it will only take a few minutes to feel you are getting a workout, too. Don’t do this too fast or you will scare your baby.

Distracting and entertaining babies

What is a fussy baby? One that complains whenever you put them down and whines until you pick them up and then smiles like nothing’s wrong! Babies do not just whine and fuss for nothing. There’s a reason for their behavior. Messy naps and empty tummies are not the only reason babies fuss, they could be bored.

You need to lift your game a bit as your baby seems set on wriggling out of every situation that is boring, such as being dressed and nappy changes. Some tips:

• be patient
• don’t encourage it
• give baby something to do that is of more interest, keep some toys just for change times
• keep your sense of humor
• what about a lava lamp?
• fill a small empty clear water bottle with washing-up liquid, water and some glitter (the liquid and glitter create interesting shapes and reflections. BUT make sure cap is screwed on tightly)

One of the strongest things your child will ever achieve is the realisation of cause and effect.

Start with a light in the ceiling. Holding your baby, turn the light switch on and point to the light saying, 'on'. Then switch it off and say 'off'. Repeat this, not too quickly, several times. Your baby will want to try it also. You will know your baby is beginning to understand how lights work when they immediately look up to the light.

Crying danger signals

Your baby needs to develop their voice, so crying is normal and healthy, but call a doctor if accompanying the crying is:

• fever and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• convulsions
• limpness
• pale or blue skin
• unusual bruising or rash
• your child never cries, or is extremely weak and sounds more like a kitten than a baby

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

‘Be still and know that I am God…’

'Be still and know that I am God...' Psalm 46:10

I recently heard about a syndrome that New Zealand nutrition and weight loss specialist Dr Libby Weaver PhD is talking about. It is called 'rushing women’s' syndrome. I immediately identified with it! Do you? Perhaps it’s just my season of life with a young family and a busy ministry to take care of? Yet I look at the women around me and see many, even some who are retired, suffering from the same damaging condition. Every day is filled with expectations and demands. No matter how much we pack into each day, a nagging feeling remains that there is more that we could or should have done.

Ruth Haley Barton, one of my favourite Christian authors, describes the problem this way. She says that she was so busy attempting to meet all the demands in her life that she had become like a jar of river water all shaken up. What she needed was stillness and silence so that the sediment could settle and the water become clear.

Fellow rushing women, we are getting all churned up and it’s not healthy for us! We need to stop and rest. We need to find a place of silence and solitude. We need to be still and know that God is God and through our personal communion with Him find peace and a new perspective for everyday living.

By Jenny Collings

December 2011 edition

> download the December 2011 edition of the Public Sphere newsletter (PDF, 938KB)

Editorial

A just world requires that people are treated fairly in those workplaces hidden from public scrutiny and that all children are protected from abusive sexual and labour practices. Sadly, according to speakers at the recent Pacific Trafficking in Persons Forum ‘The Inconvenient Truths’, the Pacific is not free from exploitative workplaces and the abuse of children.

Speakers at the forum from countries across the Pacific revealed exploitative employment practices, sex trafficking and the trading in consumer goods manufactured by children.

Reports on trafficking in persons are sometimes weakened by anecdotal information presented in an extravagant, highly emotional manner. The Pacific Trafficking in Persons avoided this trap with evidential reports and papers presented by reputable organisations working in this field within the Pacific. Researchers came from a diverse range of creditable organisations, including Auckland University, the Australasian Institute of Criminology, Stop the Traffick UK, Save the Children, the Department of Labour and the US Embassy.

The report from Dr Christina Stringer and Glenn Simmons of Auckland University documented labour abuse and disturbing human rights breaches on foreign-chartered fishing vessels contracted to New Zealand companies, and operating in the exclusive economic zone.

The research showed that although crew voluntarily entered into contractual agreements to work on these foreign chartered vessels, they were then subjected to exploitative working conditions—some forced to work shifts of more than 50 hours, and paid as little as NZ$6700 a year. Examples were given of crew having their passports and other documents confiscated, and the use of debt-bonding to keep crew members compliant was a common tactic. Crew suffered maltreatment on board ship, including verbal, physical and occasionally sexual abuse, as well as insanitary living conditions, food rationing and substandard food and water quality.

Trafficking in persons represents modern day slavery and, appropriately, the forum finished with a strengthened commitment for organisations to provide further research on the subject, and to work together for the abolition of trafficking in persons in the Pacific.

By Major Campbell Roberts (Director, Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit)

Extraordinary Change

> download Shar Davis' Ordinary People - Extraordinary Change (PDF, 40KB)

Summary

‘The Inconvenient Truths’ Pacific Trafficking in Persons Forum was a first for me. It was the first time I had ever attended a gathering specifically addressing the issue of Trafficking in Persons in the Pacific. It was a first for me to hear speakers from a variety of countries and vantage points surrounding this important subject. It was the first time I have stopped to consider the plight of those who work on the fishing boats that operate within New Zealand waters … and make that connection with trafficking in persons.

Christchurch kids smile

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 5th Month

Getting your life together again

Life was familiar. You slept through the night, phone calls were uninterrupted, your meals were far more predictable and your evenings your own. Going out is a whole new ball game as well... that’s if you make it out at all!

Your baby has certainly shaken life up and you are now thinking about how you can get your life more active again.

Why not put it back in such a way that it’s better than before? Think about your values, lifestyle and living conditions.

At 5mths, most babies can

• watch a person’s mouth when talking and try to imitate
• make sounds and interrupt conversations for attention
• play peek-a-boo
• cry when seeing strangers
• stop crying when talked to
• touch, hold, turn, shake and taste everything
• recognise own name
• look for something that has dropped
• show fear, anger or disgust

Support parenting

Good parenting comes not when you do it alone, but when you have good support people around you.

Not everyone has built-in extended family support and your neighbour may not be the kind of person to help you when you’re down and struggling with the kids.

If this is the case, then you need to find yourself a few good people to encourage and support you when you need it. Here’s how:

• look for people in a similar situation to yours
• if you are parenting alone, find another single parent and find something you can do together, such as walking or being in the park at the same time with your baby/children
• adopt a grandparent, look for older people who are in your life and invite them to join you for a meal or an outing and see how they interact with your baby/children
• find a friend at work, gym or church

We all need someone. Sometimes the best support of all is emotional support for those times when life is the pits. If in those times they help you, don’t let them go.

Be prepared

Your baby will begin to show strong attachment to dad and mum by crying when you go out of a room. Baby may also begin to show signs of uncertainty with strangers, seeming to be shy, becoming clingy and fearful around other people.

Don’t force your baby to go to anyone no matter how well you know them. Ask them to give your baby time before picking them up or playing with them.

It is ok if your baby doesn’t want to go to people, keep your baby feeling safe.

Baby proofing

Make your home a safe place to explore by covering up plugs, putting gates at stairs and catches on cupboards. Your job at this stage is keeping baby safe and secure as you encourage your baby’s
development.

Baby discipline

Your baby is completely incapable of thinking ahead, understanding, reasoning, or having any idea of what could happen and what effect it would have.

When your baby pulls on a cord or sucks on a stereo knob, firmly tell your baby, 'no' and quickly redirect to a safer activity. With baby’s short attention span, baby will quickly forget about it.

As baby becomes more active you will have to do this constantly and in different areas of your home with different objects.

Yelling at your baby, who cannot understand a situation, is not appropriate — harsh words with harsh sounds will only upset and frighten.

Constantly building positive reactions into your baby’s life is what it is all about at this age.

Why is music and singing so important?

Babies are able to recognise and respond to music right from birth. Songs with actions are great and encourages awareness of the body, language with repetition and stimulates the brain and develops memory skills. Songs can also:

• teach concepts, such as 'under, over, up, down' or body parts
• develop hand-eye coordination from tapping out beat
• develop timing skills that later help with kicking a ball, throwing and catching

Have fun singing nursery rhymes such as: Incy, wincey spider, This little piggy went to market, Round and round the garden, Twinkle, twinkle, Humpty Dumpty etc!

Looking forward

Your baby is just about to experience the biggest thrill of its life. He realises he doesn’t have to stay where he has been put. He can roll over.

You can help by putting toys just out of reach. Help the same foot as the movement of baby’s hand towards a toy, to move forward also. If your baby needs a little help, give a slight nudge.

Your life will never be the same again, your baby is off!

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

Where’s Jesus?

At the end of another year, I wish all our readers a very happy and meaningful Christmas from the team here at War Cry. We pray you’ll enjoy relaxation and refreshment with family and friends over the holiday season.

It has been our privilege to share some wonderful stories of Jesus and his work in people’s lives with you over the past 12 months, and to keep you up-to-date with the great work The Salvation Army is doing across New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. What a joy it is to for our staff to hear of the transformations happening in people’s lives as love and hope meet human need.

The question we’re asking in this special Christmas issue is: ‘Where’s Jesus?’ Because, let’s face it; in the frantic busyness that typically accompanies the lead up to the holiday season, it’s sometimes hard to spot Jesus or to make room for him. Is it any wonder that Christmas Day loses some of its sparkle? It’s like we’ve turned up at an awesome party but forgotten to invite the guest of honour.

Jesus came close to us, to bring us close to God. Where’s Jesus? He’s certainly at work in the lives of those who have shared their stories in the pages of our Christmas War Cry. Jesus lives in and through them.

Let God speak to you through their words. And if you haven’t met Jesus for yourself, follow their lead and take a step of faith—recognise that you need Jesus in your life. Welcome that gift from God this Christmas. May Jesus fill your lives and overflow into the world around you.

Major Christina Tyson

Bible Verse

John 3:16-17 Contemporary English Version
‘God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!’

Hoani 3:16
‘Koia anō te aroha o te Atua ki te ao, hōmai ana e ia tana Tama kotahi, kia kāhore ai e ngaro te tangata e whakapono ana ki a ia, engari kia whiwhi ai ki te ora tonu.’

Bringing Joy at Christmas

Heed commission’s recommendations

Upon These Stones Programme Resource

12-week bible study programme resource titled 'Upon These Stones'. Created by Commissioner Debi Bell and adapted by Wellington South Corps.

Week 1 - In the Beginning: Cain and Abel (PDF, 62KB)
Week 2 - Two by Two: Seven by Seven First Covenants (PDF, 56KB)
Week 3 - Abram: Father Beginnings (PDF, 76KB)
Week 4 - Isaac: Promised Son (PDF, 61KB)
Week 5 - Isaac: God Has No Grandchildren (PDF, 60KB)
Week 6 - Jacob: Mighty is the God of Israel (PDF, 59KB)
Week 7 - God Gives Instructions to Moses (PDF, 70KB)
Week 8 - God Instructs Moses Regarding the Tabernacle (PDF, 57KB)
Week 9 - Joshua: Wet Feet Faith Walk (PDF, 70KB)
Week 10 - Gideon: Empowered by God for Mighty Things (PDF, 114KB)
Week 11 - David and Solomon: Temple of the Lord (PDF, 72KB)
Week 12 - Elijah: Serve God Alone (PDF, 220KB)

Worldwide Prayer Meeting

Leader Focus

Through this section, you will get to see a picture of women officers and soldiers who are working to make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven and for The Salvation Army.

Xenia

Eleven years ago Xenia found herself on a plane from Auckland, pregnant and with absolutely no idea where her life was heading.

A woman on the plane told her about The Salvation Army, and Xenia visited her local centre as she attempted to set up a new life on her own.

The Salvation Army initially helped Xenia get settled with food parcels and emotional support. When her son was born they also assisted with baby clothes, blankets and other practical assistance. ‘They helped me out so much,’ she says. ‘I don’t know where I would have been without them.’

Two years ago Xenia found that she required help in a different way. Her new relationship had turned violent, and she needed support to get back on her feet after choosing to end the relationship.

‘In the last two years The Salvation Army has been there for me during a bad situation,’ she says. ‘They saw what happened and guided me along. And in the end, I got out of it with their help.

‘I love the saying, “Christianity with its sleeves rolled up”,’ she continues. ‘They didn’t carry me. They walked beside me—and that is a huge difference.’

After once again taking positive steps forward in her life, Xenia began volunteering at her local Family Store for an hour a couple of times a week. Two years later, Xenia is there every day.

‘I work here with these people, and it’s just like working with family,’ she says. ‘I used to volunteer here just to get out of my house, but it’s not that anymore; now it’s just to be here with my family. It’s a huge family, just an amazing family.’

Because of the assistance she received, Xenia now wants to help other women in domestic violence situations, helping them to believe in themselves and to become strong, beautiful women as a result.

Overseas Development

In partnership with NZAID, Overseas Development works with communities to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, particularly alleviating poverty and providing universal education.

Overseas development is managing an NZAID-funded project at Lomaivuna Rural School, Fiji, and a literacy, savings and micro-credit programme for 7,500 women in Kenya West. Fundraisers held over the past year also enabled bikes to be purchased for Salvation Army cadets in Tanzania and Malawi to aid travel to and from centres.

Into the future, Overseas Development will focus more on education, ensuring particularly women and children receive basic literacy skills. Projects continue in Malawi, The Philippines, and Kenya West.

December 2011 update

Welcome to the New Zealand Fiji Tonga Territorial Women’s Ministries Web Page! It has been up and running since November 2011. It is my desire as the Territorial President that this web page be one of the first web resources you turn to for ideas for your programs, inspiration for your week, and a place to catch up on what is happening in Women’s Ministries through out the world.

It is designed to have a new devotional thought each week. Several of our women officers have already contributed to the Inspirations page so you will get a variety of writing and devotional styles. As we get more we may change them more often so keep looking!

We will also have a variety of resources available on the Resource Page. Right now we are featuring the DADS resource because helping men become better Dads helps women be better Moms and blesses our children. (It even helps us “aunties” who have no children be better aunties!) The DADS resource is the work of Major Joanne Jellyman. The Resource page also has the 2009 Women’s Ministries Manual from the Central Division. (Thanks to Major Jenny Carey for that work.) There will be resources from the USA Women’s Ministries, International Resources, and other Territories. We will also republish the 12 'Upon These Stones' Programs showing how the Wellington South Women’s Bible Study Group adapted and used them. 

The Information Page will cover a variety of stories about what is happening or has happened in our ministry with women or our women in ministry. The Blessing Page is a page where we will put other web links for ideas and programs.

The Leadership Page will be added and will feature women leaders from our territory. You will get to see a picture of women officers and soldiers who are working to make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven and for The Salvation Army. You can read about them and we hope be inspired in your own leadership roles in your family, community and corps. From time to time we will feature mystery or guest leaders so 'stay tuned' and connected.

From Debi, Wynne and Elaine – Keep on Believing!

Bringing Christmas home

The Reporter 2011 - Issue 4

- Bringing Christmas home

- A year in review

- Lending a hand this Christmas

- The strength of family

- Canterbury earthquake update

> view and download this issue online (PDF, 1.65MB)

Printed copies

Printed copies of the Reporter can be obtained directly from the Public Relations Department.

Peek-a-boo

Sometimes we hear people talk about becoming a Christian as ‘finding Jesus’. It’s as if Jesus is lost and we, cleverly, track him down in some cosmic game of hide-and-seek. Where’s Jesus? There he is!

It’s true that the Bible contains a lot of passages promising that when we look for God, we’ll find him. But the important thing to remember is that God, by giving Jesus to the world, has already done the hard work in coming looking for us. God did what we couldn’t do; with the gift of Jesus, God made a way for lost people to be found and rescued.

When you think about it, our finding Jesus has more in common with an infant’s game of peek-a-boo than hide-and-seek. In peek-a-boo, the adult is just a breath away from the child, and one or other peeks through their fingers, or pops around a piece of furniture so that the child squeals with delight. Peek-a-boo, I see you! There isn’t much finding to be done in peek-a-boo; it’s really all about celebrating that someone we love is already close by.

And so it is with us and God. You see, God has already lessened the distance between him and us—the distance that was once vast and uncrossable because of our sin—so that we really do only have to open our eyes and our hearts to see that Jesus is here with us.

An unbroken relationship with God

Rather than saying that we ‘find Jesus’, it might be more accurate to say that what we find is the importance of Jesus. We realise that unless we trust in what Jesus has done to remove the sin that comes between us and God, we are lost. We realise that with all that this world has on offer, it cannot supply the one thing that we need most of all: an unbroken relationship with the God who made us and loves us.

Writer Robert Fulghum says there is a grown-up version of hide-and-seek: ‘Wanting to hide. Needing to be sought. Confused about being found.’

Maybe that’s how things are between you and God? Perhaps you’ve read some of the stories in this magazine, and you know you need to let Jesus find you. You know you need the love, forgiveness and closeness of God. You want God’s peace and guidance in your life. But you’re holding back, perhaps unsure of what it will really mean to trust Jesus with your life. Will your friends or family think you’re weak or even odd? Will your popularity or success come under threat? Will Jesus ask too much of you?

Don’t hold back. Receive the gift of Jesus into your life. This is the single most important and influential decision you’ll ever make. It isn’t only about dealing with your sin and guilt—Jesus will help you live a life that pleases God and is of the greatest use to others.

Turn to Him

You don’t have to go hunting for Jesus. He is near and is simply waiting for you to turn to him, to trust him with your life, and then to travel with him, putting him first from now on.

If you realise the importance of Jesus for your life, perhaps you’d like to pray this prayer? The words you say aren’t as important as the desire of your heart.

Jesus, I believe in you and I trust you. Thank you for loving me and seeking me out. Thank you for paying the penalty for my sins by dying for me on the cross. I am sorry for going my own way in the past and ignoring you. Forgive me for that, and for all the wrong things I’ve done. I trust you, and today I make you the leader of my life.

If you prayed that prayer (or something similar), tell someone about it. Someone at your nearest Salvation Army, for instance. They’ll want to celebrate with you, and can also help you walk with Jesus every day.

By Christina Tyson (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p19)

Now I See!

I became a Christian four years ago, in my late 50s. Family troubles at the time were really starting to eat away at me. A friend suggested I go to an Alpha Course, and while I was on the course I had a miracle from God.

A few years before, I had started to lose my sight. I’d been to opticians and specialists and been diagnosed with macular degeneration, loss of my central vision.

I knew what it meant to go blind because I run a telephone information and news service for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. I was the original news reader for the service and now have 14 people in my team. As a volunteer for the Foundation, part of my training involved wearing glasses that simulate what it’s like to lose your sight this way and to only see life from around the edges of your eyes. So I knew the signs.

I’m not a quitter and I didn’t want to get desperate. I just wanted to make the most of my situation. 

While on the Alpha Course I was using a magnifying glass, so it was obvious I had an eyesight problem. I spoke to one of the girls about it and she asked if it would be okay to pray for healing for me and to pray that I would bring God into my life. I felt a little uncomfortable when they started praying because I hadn’t experienced anything like this before, but as they prayed I felt a heat and peace come in through my head and go through my body. I felt that I was being wrapped up in a big, warm cuddly blanket.

I’d always held myself back from God because I never felt worthy enough. I’d known that Jesus was real, but the Alpha Course was the doorway—it gave me the confidence to actually say out loud: ‘Yes, I am worthy of Jesus, and yes, I want him to be a big part of my life.’ And at that moment, I knew I was worthy. I knew that Jesus was with me.

I was quite emotional and cried all the way home. The next morning, I woke up and went to get out of bed. As I did, I looked down at the floor and could see everything in detail on the carpet.

I knew straight away that I had been healed. I went back to the same optician I’d been going to for over five years and she did not know what to say.

Today, Jesus is my everything; in everything I do or think or say, I think of Jesus. Now that Jesus is in my life, I have absolute calm where before I would have said the wrong thing or judged people. If I’m in a situation where I don’t know what to do, I’ll say out loud: ‘Jesus, please show me the way. Show me what I should do.’ I feel a calm coming over me and I just know that if I trust, it will be alright. Jesus has changed me so much and I feel his presence with me all the time.

I’d always liked drawing when I was a child. As my sight was going, I had this real urgency to pick up a paintbrush—and once I was healed, I started to paint portraits of humans and pets. That artistic gift must have been inside me, because people want to buy my paintings. I feel that I’ve been given a wonderful second chance, and I need to step up and give something back. So I have children come to my house for art lessons.

I was enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier (member) a year ago. I now serve as pastoral care and community worker at The Salvation Army in Johnsonville. And I’m loving it! I feel like I’ve come home. From now on, I want to live like Jesus did—I want to treat people like Jesus did.

By Sue Bradley (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p15)

Time to Evaluate

I will make the values of the Kingdom of God and not the values of the world the standard for my life.

This statement taken from the Soldiers Covenant has been causing me to think deeply lately. While many of our values as Salvationists are clear cut and well defined there are others where the waters are somewhat muddier. The world’s values are constantly changing as noted by John Gowans, and often we subtly adopt them into our lives, homes and churches barely noticing that we have crossed a line between Christian values and Worldly ones.

Since our values will determine our standards and our actions, it’s important to choose the right ones.

Jesus said, 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.' Matt 6:33

Can we honestly say that we put The Kingdom first in everything?

What are the values in your life that you will not surrender no matter what?

Perhaps more tellingly, what else would you sacrifice to retain them?

By Sharryn McAuliffe

Victor

Gift Giving with Less Stress

I suspect I’m not alone—I usually love gift-gifting, but the enforced giving at Christmas is stressful and a strain on the wallet. So here are some ideas for gift-giving with less stress:

Not-so-secret Santa

In my growing family of four siblings, in-laws, and more and more nieces and nephews, we realised one Christmas that it had taken us two hours to unwrap all our gifts. The balance didn’t seem right. So we decided to pull one name out of a hat, and buy a gift just for that person.

We discovered that the giving and receiving of gifts was just as much fun, but there was less emphasis on the consumerism that often overtakes Christmas.

Second-hand Santa

My friend’s family decided to have a second-hand Christmas. Everything they bought had to be from an op shop—The Family Store being first choice, of course—and could not be over $10. They found some real treasures, the gifts were more creative, and some were lovingly refurbished at home.

Most importantly, it took the emphasis away from finding the ‘perfect gift’, and every offering was accepted with gratitude. It’s also a sustainable option—and better to have recycled knickknacks you don’t need, than new ones!

Gifts to Give Away

Many people are starting to re-capture the concept that giving is better than receiving. There are several options now available to give the gift of helping another person in poverty. World Vision’s ‘Smile’ programme, for example, allows you to give gifts in everything from a goat, pig, pencils, toilet—and you can even train a teacher.

Another way of doing this is to agree as a family, that for every gift you buy each other, you’ll donate a gift to your chosen charity. Take along the kids when you give your gifts away, and it may well be the memory that stays with them for life.

A Potluck Christmas

If hosting Christmas is your biggest stress, here’s one to help you. Instead of giving gifts, ask each adult to bring along the gift of food for a potluck lunch, and a fun activity to contribute to the day. There is no need for hours of preparation—the fun is in the surprise; and it takes the pressure off trying to create the perfect Christmas dinner. The activities everyone brings for the afternoon is their gift, and with all the fun, no one will miss present-opening time.

Christmas is full of comsumer and family pressure. But most people agree Christmas is really about celebrating the birth of Jesus, and celebrating each other. So why not open up a family discussion and decide on some new traditions to bring back the joy of Christmas?

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p15)

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 4th Month

Babies thrive on positive attention. It’s not too early to start rewarding baby behaviours with positive words when they smile, attempt to talk, reach for a toy, lie quietly, have a bath without crying, stand on legs while being held, etc.

‘HOW?' you may ask. By simply saying, ’thank you’. By keeping their attention. By talking to them about what’s happening.

At this stage, crying is NOT a negative behaviour, rather your baby’s way of saying, ’I have a need’, and you don’t want to ignore that.

Looking forward

When your baby is getting to the stage of holding a conversation with you, try the following:

• talk to your baby and then wait and watch their attempts to communicate with you
• watch your baby respond differently to questions you ask
• watch for signs of your baby wanting to finish talking with you, by looking elsewhere, or closing their eyes and becoming grizzly

Signs for concern:

• baby doesn’t make sounds
• doesn’t startle to loud noises
• doesn’t look for where sounds are coming from, using their eyes and moving their head around

Be ready for:

• wishing you could hurt in your baby’s place
• mum being too exhausted for romantic moments
• your baby starting to cry just when mum is feeling romantic
• going out to only one movie a year

SUID (Sudden unexpected infant death)

Cot deaths still happen and all babies are at risk. This is more likely before 6mths.

It can happen to a baby wherever they are sleeping, not only when in their cot. When you put them to bed, do not overheat with too much clothing along with too many blankets. The room should be between 16º and 20ºC.

Babies that are safest from SUID:

• are smoke-free during pregnancy
• have a completely smoke-free home and family
• sleep on their backs
• sleep with their face clear for breathing and keep cool

Sleeping through the night

Between 4-6mths most babies are getting enough goodness from their foods to sleep 6-7hrs at night. If you get up in the night, the baby will not smell mum’s milk.

Without making eye contact, tuck blankets firmly down if needed, give some comfort pats and slip out again.

Is your baby ready for solids?

Some clues that they are ready for solids are that they put things in their mouth and chew on them as well as watch you while you’re eating (mimicing your chewing). It will seem that you can’t give your baby enough milk.

6mths is the recommended time for starting solids.

Being a devoted dad

Time and attention to your baby means LOVE. There is no substitute.

• Make the time you can spend with your baby meaningful. Changing nappies can be time to have fun: talk to your baby, nibble their toes, tickle their tummy, touch and name different face/body parts.
• Include your baby in your activities. When you are reading, read aloud. If you are working on your car, put the baby in the pram and talk about what you are doing. Take your baby in the pushchair if you're jogging or running.
• Think about other ways that could help you have your special time with your baby each day.
• If possible when your baby wakes in the morning, make a tradition of having snuggle time in bed. These are precious moments and won’t last long once your baby gets on the move.

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

More than lip service

TSMP Quarterly Update

The Greatest Gift

I was brought up in Suva, Fiji, in a Christian family. Since I was born, my parents taught me about Jesus. But when I grew up I turned away from what I had been taught. At the age of 12, I left school. I told my father that I didn’t want to go to school and that I wanted to be on the land.

So at 12 years old, I left and went onto the land, farming taro, as well as cassava and other vegetables.

The Other Side

I wanted to try the other side of life, and I chose the wrong crowd and the wrong place. Although I was a taro farmer, my biggest crop was cannabis. I became an alcoholic, and I went into the city to drink, take drugs and abuse people. I would go to a nightclub, find a woman and turn violent. This is not something I like to tell people, but it is part of my story, and the life I was living.

Sometimes I would spend all my money, and I would have to sleep on the streets until I could get money to go home. I would sleep with the other homeless people, and we would try to find food during the day.

An Audible Voice

In Fiji, it is our culture to go to church every Sunday, no matter who you are. The closest church to my farm was The Salvation Army Lomaivuna Corps (church), so I went there every Sunday. Sometimes I would turn up drunk or stoned, but they still accepted and loved me.

When my parents got older, they came and lived with me. Every morning they would pray to God and read the Bible, and I would join them. One day, my mum said, ‘My son, when are you going to come back to what you have been taught about Jesus?’ I said, ‘I’ll come back when I’m ready, Mum.’ But I knew it was a wise word. My dad said, ‘God still wants to use you and is calling you today.’

I went across the river, where my cannabis field was, and I couldn’t get those words out of my mind; it was powerful. I kneeled down in the middle of the cannabis field and looked up to heaven, feeling the sun beating down on me. I said to God, ‘If it’s you, my Father, I’m ready to listen.’

Then I heard an audible voice, although I didn’t know where it was coming from, saying: ‘Do not fear my child, I am your God. Do not dismay, I am with you always. I will strengthen you, my child. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I am the one.’ They were words from Isaiah 41:10, and I remember them to this day.

Then and there, I gave my life to God. I said, ‘I’m willing and I repent. I want to change right now and return to my first love: Jesus Christ.’

At the very moment I surrendered my life to Jesus, the officer at The Salvation Army felt the Holy Spirit tell him to come and see me. He came across the river, and to the field where I was still kneeling. He said, ‘God has told me that you will come and help the corps (church).’ I went straight with him, and told him I wanted to start by cleaning the toilet—so that’s what I did. I pulled out all my cannabis plants, and I went to every person that I had wronged, abused and been violent to and asked for their forgiveness.

A New Life

I planned to be single all my life and had no desire for a wife, but I felt that God was calling me to be an officer in The Salvation Army. Because I left school at 12 and was just a country boy, I wasn’t accepted for officer training in Fiji. But I didn’t let go of the dream.

One day, a Salvation Army officer from New Zealand called Jeannine, came as a guest speaker. She was only there for three days. Before she came, a woman told her that she would meet a man in Fiji.

Everyone was telling me to go and talk to the guest speaker, but I had no thought of marriage. I walked to the beach and kneeled down and prayed, and asked God if I was meant to be with Jeannine. When I looked up, I saw an impression of an angel in the sky, and I felt that God was telling me ‘yes’. Jeannine asked me to come to New Zealand, but I said, ‘I’m just a farmer.’

Then I ran into an old friend, who could see that I had changed. I told him about my new life, and about Jeannine. Then and there he got out his chequebook, and told me to come back to him if I needed anything else. I tried four times to get a visa for New Zealand, and was rejected because of my criminal record. On the fifth attempt, I was granted a visa, so in 1999 I came to New Zealand.

Jeannine and I went to Upper Hutt Corps where I was a youth leader and part of the music group. I still believed that God was calling me to be an officer, so I applied for officer training at Booth College of Mission in New Zealand, and this time I was accepted. I did my assignments orally, did practical work as a chaplain in prison, and evangelised in gyms and the pub.

Today, I’m the corps officer at Kilbirnie in Wellington. I just love people, no matter where they have come from. I love to work with addicts and alcoholics, because you have to give away what you have received—and it was God who changed me.

By Joe Serevi (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p17)

Lost people found

So, Jesus came ‘to seek and to save the lost’ (Luke 19:10). That’s you and me. But what does Jesus mean by describing us as ‘lost’?

The Bible tells us that rather than live for God in the world, humans have chosen to go their own way. This has led us into a spiritual wasteland—we are lost without God in the world.

A spiritual wasteland

The problem of sin is at the heart of this dilemma. It’s not a popular thing to talk about ‘sin’ today. We seem to prefer to either overlook sin altogether, or to minimise it as part and parcel of being human. Actually, that is the case, for ‘all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory’ (Romans 3:23)*.

Sin isn’t just doing, thinking or saying wrong things—it’s an attitude of rebellion against God that sees us run our lives without reference to his standards and laws. Left unchecked, sin leads to misery, hurt and confusion. It can also leave us unsure of our place in the world. Disconnected from God we don’t have a true sense of our identity as God’s loved children. And neither do we have access to God’s help as we journey through life.

There was a time when we shared an open, unbroken friendship with God. Adam and Eve (the first humans) loved God and obeyed him. But they turned from God, choosing to make decisions without regard to his rule over their lives, even acting in deliberate opposition to what God had told them was right.

There is no way sin cannot come between us and God. Habakkuk 1:13 explains why sin creates such an insurmountable barrier, saying of God: ‘Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.’ Because God is holy, he must sit in judgement on sin. He cannot simply look the other way.

Romans 6:23 says, ‘The wages of sin (the payment we deserve) is death.’ The sentence handed down for sin is the spiritual death of being cut off from God in this life and eternally separated from God after we die.

Paid in full

The good news is that Jesus made a way for us to come close to God again by dealing with the problem of sin.

When Jesus was crucified, he died in our place, as our substitute. Our spiritual debt is now paid in full. When we trust in what Jesus did on the cross, we are saved from both the power and the penalty of sin.

Colossians 2:13 says: ‘You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins. God wiped out the charges that were against us … He took them away and nailed them to the cross.’*

Human nature is to turn away from those who wrong us, ignore us or simply don’t get us. But that’s not God’s way. God’s way is the way of love and forgiveness. And he longs to see us turn back to him.

By Christina Tyson (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p14)

* Contemporary English Version

Come As You Are

Pania walked into The Salvation Army’s Hope Centre in Wellington ‘literally bowed down’, hiding behind a hoodie and sunglasses to shield her from the world. Today, her face glows as she speaks about ‘being a daughter of the Most High God’, and her words have the power and conviction of a gifted orator. ‘I came into this place a broken person, but God showed me my importance, my worth and value,’ says Pania.

She reflects about the lifetime of abuse that found her walking into the Hope Centre. ‘The root of my brokenness was from rejection and abandonment from birth, when I was adopted out into the wider whānau,’ says Pania, as she begins to unravel her story.

Although she was ‘protected and spoilt’ by her adopted dad, she ‘never had a relationship’ with her adopted mum, and alcohol was always a big factor in her family life. She adds, almost as an aside, that she was sexually abused by wider family members. The threats and intimidation that went hand-in-hand with this abuse meant that from an early age, her life was ruled by fear.

Pania’s adopted mum was also physically abused for many years, and eventually left for another man. Her dad dealt with it the only way he knew how: alcohol. Still a girl, Pania was left to care for her four brothers, while her father became more and more absent. ‘I was so angry at Mum and Dad, there was no one there to support me and my brothers, and I was robbing whoever I could to feed us,’ she says. Her doctor prescribed valium to help Pania cope, and drug dependency got a grip on her.

Life with the Mob

At the age of 14, Pania found the whānau and sense of security that she longed for when she got into a relationship with a patched Mongrel Mob member. With it came the Mob lifestyle of drugs and crime.

Her relationship became violent, and for the next 13 years of her life Pania says she ‘can honestly not remember a week that went by without getting bashed’. Along with the physical abuse came another type of violence: ‘He would put me down, saying I was ugly, fat and no one would want me.’

They had a son and a daughter, and Pania dreamed of having a ‘proper’ family, despite the intimidation and fear she lived with. She did try to leave several times, but was always drawn back. ‘I felt no one wanted me, and it was better than having nothing,’ she says.

Meanwhile, people came into her life that spoke to her about Jesus, and she went to church every now and then. Pania now says that they were ‘seeds being sown’ into her life.

There was ‘another hiding’, no different to the many others, but this time something changed. ‘I knew this fantasy of the happy family was never going to happen, and I was exposing my children to violence. I went to the Police for the first time in all those years, and put him in jail,’ says Pania. ‘I knew this was a turning point in my life.’

Finding Love

She found the resolve to escape her abusive situation, but for the next 15 years battled a deep depression. Her thoughts got darker and darker, and she tried to fight off ideas of suicide. One day, wanting to escape, Pania took her mother’s car. But her mind became confused, and she couldn’t remember the familiar roads she had driven on all her life. Pania sat in the car and wept. ‘I cried out to God and said, “You’ve got to help me because I don’t want to hurt anymore. All I’ve ever wanted to do was love people. Why won’t anyone love me?” ’

Just then, a policeman knocked on her car window, and there was one of her brothers, and her mother in tears. ‘I could see the pain and hurt in her eyes, and it made me think, “I wonder if my mum loves me?” I had never felt that before.’

Soon after, Pania’s cousin came from Wellington to take care of her. ‘She refused to leave until she knew I was okay, and said ‘Come home with me.’ So, for the first time feeling a sense of love in her life, Pania moved to Wellington.

One day, she came into The Salvation Army for budgeting advice, still a ‘broken down’ person. Staff member Ondray Moir went up to her and simply said, ‘I want to tell you something: Jesus loves you.’

‘There was such power in those words,’ says Pania. ‘I just cried. But I thought, “Does he really? For how long? Is he going to hurt me?” But it made me feel good, so I kept coming in and Ondray kept speaking into my life, and each time I left there it was like I was being built up, and life was being breathed into me.’

A New Identity

Through the support and encouragement of Ondray and Hope Centre Manager Ollie Seumanufagai, Pania decided to give church another try. ‘This time, when I went along, I knew this is where I needed to be.’ She still battled with her lifestyle though. One Saturday night she got drunk and started breaking into cars, ending up with a night in the cells. ‘The next day I asked the policeman to drop me off at church. I’d lost my shoes and half my clothes the night before, and was still reeking of alcohol. The pastor’s wife came up to me and just said, “Parnz, it’s okay, you don’t need to explain anything to me.”

I just burst out crying, and she just took my hand and sat with me. ‘People think they’re not good enough, but God says, “Come as you are, in all your brokenness.” ’

Pania’s eyes light up as she continues, ‘And this is the good news: as I started to journey with God, I began to see the depth of his love for me. I started to see myself how he saw me, and it gave me healing and restoration. He knew everything I’d been through, and with gentleness, patience and love he transformed me.’

Giving Hope

A year after she first visited the Hope Centre, Pania looks back her journey with insight: ‘Although I’ve been discouraged, abused and rejected, it’s only through the love and grace of God that I’m able to forgive those who have hurt me, and understand that they have their own brokenness manifested through drug and alcohol addiction, anger, domestic violence and generational cycles of abuse. God has given me a genuine love and compassion for them, and my prayer is that they, too, would come to know the love of my heavenly Father,’ says Pania.

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p12-14)

Big Love

I’m a fiercely proud South Aucklander, and I even have a Mangere/275 tattoo on my leg. I guess my passion for my neighbourhood came from the struggle that has shaped who I am today.

I was born in Samoa, but moved to Mangere when I was young. My parents, Fasavalu and Mora, are my true heroes. They came here with little money and little English, and ended up buying a home, getting good jobs and supporting us kids as best they could—which sometimes meant working two or three jobs.

One of the only Pakeha people we knew was the community constable, and Pakeha were always in authority to me—they were the teachers, cops and judges. So I grew up with a real distrust of Pakeha and I learned to hate ‘the system’.

I got into trouble and was thrown out of school at 13. I’ve seen some terrible and scary things—senseless violence, and broken people and families. I’ll always have partial vision in my left eye after getting attacked with a baseball bat.

But there were people who helped me too. I was accepted into a new school and some of the teachers encouraged me. When I left school, I got into university.

At about this time, my parents moved to Australia and I took on their mortgage, and tried to support them overseas. I was going to university during the day, worked as a bouncer at night, and in the weekends I worked in a warehouse.

That year, in a bad relationship and working two or three jobs, I failed uni. I didn’t know how I was going to get enough money. I knew I wouldn’t be allowed back, and I thought the only choice for me was to make some bad decisions, where I would most likely end up in prison.

But my sister went to church, and she asked me to go along with her. It was 9 March 1997, at 8 pm, when I responded to the call to salvation. I grew up to be staunch; not to show emotion or weakness. But I also knew that there was a spot there that only the Lord could fill, and that if I didn’t choose him, my other decisions would take me down a dark road.

I was still working at the nightclub, and had only been a Christian for two weeks. One night, about 10 Islanders as big as me turned up with machetes and bats. I didn’t know how to pray, but I said: ‘God, I need some help!’

I told them, ‘You can kill me, but I promise that some of you will die with me tonight.’ An amazing sense of calm and peace just fell on the place, and they decided to turn away. I knew God had really intervened!

I had new purpose in life, and I applied for Law School. Miraculously—I honestly don’t know how—I got in. I graduated five years later with a degree in law, and a Bachelor of Politics with Honours.

Right now, I co-own two small businesses—a security company called SOUL Security, and a consultancy called Catalyst. My original purpose was to create wealth and employment, but now I want to use my skills and businesses for God’s Kingdom, and hopefully support mission and outreach work in South Auckland, New Zealand and abroad.

I still have big love for Mangere and South Auckland. We have midnight prayer meetings and set up barbecues in the places people gather to party. I’m involved in various family and community Bible studies, and other outreaches in our neighbourhood. My heart beats for true salvation and discipleship.

Last year I began working for The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. The Army is seen by some as white and middle class, but its clientele is very diverse. My passion is to see people come to Christ as Lord and Saviour, and to see communities drive change at the grassroots level—especially the centre of the universe that is Mangere!

By Ronji Tanielu (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p9)

Modern-day slavery exposed in New Zealand waters.

Modern-day slavery exposed in NZ waters

Celebration Followed by Tragedy in Indonesia

Jesus Came to Save Us

‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost’ (Luke 19:10)

Every Christmas, TV programmers pick up on the seasonal theme with some typically cheesy movies.

If you’re looking to chill in front of the TV over the holidays but want something edgier than Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone, consider an action flick—something with a life-and-death rescue quest at the heart of the storyline. Because that’s the heart of the Christmas story.

Which means that even the first Die Hard instalment has more to do with Christmas than the fact that Bruce Willis saves the day during an office Christmas party.

Son of Man

Jesus coming to Earth was a supernatural rescue mission. Jesus even described it that way, saying: ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost’ (Luke 19:10).

The phrase ‘Son of Man’ is a Jewish term that simply means ‘a man’. Jesus used it to show his identification with our humanness. He didn’t seek us out us as a stranger, unfamiliar with our situation, but as someone who knew what it means to live in this world and who was prepared to do whatever it took to bring us back to God.

But Jesus was not only human; he was also the divine Son of God. That’s because his mother, Mary, was pregnant by God’s Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:21 records what Mary’s fiancé was told to reassure him that he child she carried was God’s, not some other man’s: ‘She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus (which means “the Lord saves”), because he will save his people from their sins.’

Because Jesus was human and divine at the same time, he was the only one able to set us free—as God willingly dying in our place.

The Messiah

This brings us to a second meaning of ‘Son of Man’. It’s also used as a code word for ‘the Messiah’, whom Jews believed God was sending to send to save his people. The Old Testament prophet Daniel wrote about seeing a vision of ‘one like a son of man’ with ‘authority, glory and sovereign power’ over all people and whose kingdom would never be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). Jewish religious leaders interpreted Jesus’ use of the ‘Son of Man’ title as a claim to be the expected Messiah.

Another name for Messiah is ‘Christ’, which is where we get the name ‘Christmas’.

The ‘lost’ that Jesus came ‘to seek and to save’ refers to the entire human race. Cut off from God because of our sin, we needed God to take the initiative. There was no way we could save ourselves.

Even though he knew he must suffer and die, Jesus undertook his mission willingly.He told his friends: ‘… the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses. They will sentence him to death and hand him over to foreigners, who will … beat him and kill him. But three days later he will rise to life.’

Unlike those few movie heroes who die for a cause, death wasn’t the end of the story for Jesus. The resurrection proves that Jesus’ rescue mission was an unqualified success. 

By Christina Tyson (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p7)

The Man Clothed in Light

UK-born Katie remembers that one of her first experiences of Jesus was when she was 10. She was kayaking when her boat capsized and she got stuck underneath the water. ‘I remember everything going very slow and gentle, and I said to myself, “I’m going to meet Jesus now”, and felt really peaceful.’ She was rescued, but over the years says she knew that Jesus walked with her.

But when she was 15, Katie’s close friend Paula died in a car accident. ‘At Paula’s funeral the pastor said we should be “grateful to God” for taking her. A light switch went off and I instantly felt so angry at God. Two days later, I started taking class A drugs, with the thought that at least if I die tomorrow I’ll have done everything I wanted to do. I was dragged straight away into a really dark world.’

Not about God

At 21, she was introduced to Buddhism. ‘I really liked it because it wasn’t about God, and when you chant it’s about how you have the power to change things.’ says Katie. ‘The problem was that every day I would get up and chant that I could stop taking drugs, and every day I would end up taking drugs again.’

It was about this time that Katie met a Kiwi bloke, doing his OE in London, and they moved to New Zealand. Although they had two children, their relationship was flawed and dishonest from the beginning, and Katie found herself lonely and isolated in her new country. It was in New Zealand that she was first introduced to methamphetamine.

Katie maintained a mask as a friendly, happy, outgoing singer and a practising Buddhist. She was even made the leader of her local Buddhist mother’s group in Auckland. ‘They would all come around and chant, but I felt like I couldn’t relate to them and I couldn’t share with them my darkest secret. In the middle of chanting, I would pop to the toilet so I could smoke meth.’

Katie’s mask began to crumble and her relationship disintegrated. ‘Meth took it to a whole new level—I went from being sociable to not at all [sociable]. I would hear screaming in my head when I was coming off meth, and the only way to stop it was to take more.’

Bridge to Life

That’s when Katie found herself at The Salvation Army’s Bridge Programme in Waitakere. She says she was very cynical about ‘the talk of Jesus and God’. But one day, as she sat crying in the garden, one of the staff asked to pray for her. ‘He laid his hands on me and I felt tingly all over, from my head to my toes. When I opened my eyes it was as if everything had got brighter, and I could hear birds singing and the breeze in the trees. It was very confusing because I didn’t believe in Jesus or God.’

Although Katie stayed sober for five months after leaving the Bridge, she relapsed, and for the first time began using needles.

‘It went so fast and so dark after that,’ she says. ‘I knew I was lost to drugs, so I tried to kill myself.’ But miraculously, she didn’t die. Instead, she realised she needed more help and went into a residential treatment programme called Higher Ground.

‘I still struggled with doing the [Alcoholics Anonymous] 12 steps, because they are all about handing control over to God, but Buddhism is all about controlling yourself, so it just wasn’t fitting anymore.’

When she left the programme Katie held on to her sobriety for three years, but was ruled by anxiety and fear. ‘I just spent most of my days with the curtains closed; I was so afraid of everything. Resentment and regret from my past was eating me up, and I had so much hatred towards men because of the way I’d been treated sexually. I didn’t believe in love, and I thought it was an absolute joke.’

Love Comes

But love was to come to her. She met a man from a Muslim family, and Katie describes their relationship as ‘two people who were both lost, but found each other’. He told her stories from the Bible, and she began to read them for herself. ‘One day I said to him, “You are born alone and you die alone,” and he said, “No, you’re never alone. God is always with you.” ’

Soon after, she was to discover the source of all love. ‘One night I had a dream where a figure came to me. He was a man and had a cloak over his head, and he was white and full of light. He put his hand on me, and my whole body was washed with light and I felt so clean. When I woke up, I felt completely clean and light.

She started opening her curtains, and the anxiety began to lift. She attended church and finally succumbed to what she already knew deep down—that the man who had appeared to her in white was Jesus Christ, and he had washed her clean.

Today, Katie and the man who shared her faith journey are married, and they have a six-month-old daughter. Her older children are also on the journey of faith with her. ‘My kids believe in God now and my daughter is always telling me how much she loves Jesus,’ laughs Katie. ‘My relationship with Jesus is so intimate. I’m not afraid to do anything in my life. He’s given me the courage to do the best I can in my life, in this world and the next.’

When Katie reflects on her journey towards Christ, she recalls a simple text sent to her recently by Tokoroa corps leader Loll Raven, who she first met at the Bridge: ‘Loll texted me and said, “Jesus was relentless in pursuing you.” That made me cry all day, because when I look back it’s true. Jesus was relentless in the way he pursued and found me’

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 17 December 2011, p5-7)

For Such a Time as This

A Christmas Message to readers of Salvation Army publications around the world from General Linda Bond.

How relevant is the Christmas story for the 21st century? It is celebrated every year with carols, trees, glitter, lights and gifts, but is the coming of Jesus into the world of any significance for such a time as this?

More than two thousand years separate us. Where are the points of connection? The answer becomes clear when we look at two groups that played a central role in the first Christmas: the wise men and the shepherds. The two groups have often been contrasted, emphasising the differences of occupation, religious background and learning. However, what they have in common may be what relates to us now.

Both groups were men of reflection, the wise men studying the heavens, looking for signs; the shepherds with their long evening hours thinking of their occupied homeland and wondering when the promised Messiah would come. Surely there was an expectation that something would happen, must happen, to bring peace to the world. Would such reflection give birth to hope? I think so.

Both groups experienced a divine intervention—a revelation. The shepherds were visited by an angelic host announcing the birth of the Saviour of the world. The wise men saw a star which became their guiding light to lead them to the Christ child. These two groups of very different men responded to the supernatural events and moved out of their comfort zones. Both shepherds and wise men took the divine signs seriously. An action of faith was needed and they took it.

God never disappoints. For both groups, the realisation was all that God had promised. The Saviour King was born. And whether it was kneeling at a manger or giving gifts to the child, shepherds and wise men all saw the face of God, the face of love in Jesus, Saviour of the world!

This past year has been a time of unparalleled natural disasters, economic troubles and political upheavals. For such a time as this, reflecting on this world and perhaps even our own needs, there could be cause for despair. Yet Christmas is about hope, as it was two thousand years ago. Jesus not only came, he lived and died for the world. And he lives today! That gives us hope.

We may not see a host of angels this Christmas or a guiding star, but God will come to each one of us in a discernible way, as he did to the shepherds and the wise men. We may choose to conclude that it is just the annual spirit of Christmas but it is God making himself known to us. How we react to it will be a matter of faith, a case of rising from our watch in the fields or following the star, so to speak. And if we do leave our comfort zone to seek the God who seeks us, we will discover that he is real, just as the shepherds and the wise men did.

He is love. We are loved. The Saviour of the world came to earth many years ago but he also comes today to us—to you, to me.

Pacific Trafficking in Persons Forum

Stop trafficking where it begins

Christmas Appeal 2011

Library

The library at BCM often purchases new resources that would be helpful in the day-to-day ministries across our territory. This page aims to highlight some of our new books, DVDs and studies. If you're interested in borrowing a resource, please be in touch with our librarian, Beverley McKenzie.

> download our Library Featured Resources Archive as of 2 February 2012 (PDF, 1.48MB)

Featured Resources

	Creation, Un-creation, Re-creation: a discursive commentary on Genesis 1-11 Joseph Blenkinsopp 'This stimulating commentary, based on a lifetime's study and reflection, make a major contribution to unravelling the myriad problems of interpretation in Genesis 1-11. John Day
	It Seemed Like A Good Idea At the Time: Some of the best and worst ideas in the bible A Kenneth Wilson Ken Wilson leads us on a whimsical tour through the causes and effects of decision making in a host of biblical situations.
	Love Right at the Heart Robert Street The Salvation Army would be nothing without love. The love of God is its major resource. Salvatinists the world over could not do what they without love for both God and mankind. Love must always be right at the heart- of everything.
	The Ecology of the New Testament: Creation, Re-creation and the environment Mark Bredin Because God cares deeply for His creation, we should too. The Ecology of the New Testament will challenge your thinking and lead you to act on behalf of God's good creation.
	Between Truth and Fiction: A reader in Christian Theology and Literature Edited by David Jasper and Allen Smith Between Truth and Fiction introduces readers to a wide variety of texts of different kinds from fiction to lyric poetry, dram and sermons. Its is rooted in biblical literature and encourages  reflection on many of the crucial hermeneutical issues of the present time.

The Better Thing

Each day we wake and are faced with expectations of one kind and another. Those we place on ourselves and those that others place upon us! To discover God’s expectations of us can be life changing and liberating.

When Jesus called in to visit Mary & Martha at home, Martha did what we all do, busying herself being a great hostess while Mary relaxed and enjoyed the company of their guest.  Was this what was expected?  Of Mary toward her sister? Of Christ who visited with them or was Martha’s expectation placed upon her by herself?  Would she rather have been sitting with Mary instead of toiling away with growing resentment towards her sister for not helping?

Like us, Martha had to say something and Jesus responds ‘Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her’ – John 10:41

Perhaps to be in the moment; to choose the ‘better thing’ was simply to sit at his feet and listen.  What was thought to be important could wait. Does our busyness keep us from Jesus feet?

Do our own expectations of ourselves reflect Jesus’ greatest desire for us – to sit at his feet?  - to know him?

By Claire Anderson

Prayers for Christchurch

Prayer requests for Christchurch are listed below. Please check back monthly for updates regarding the people of Christchurch - the needs are immense and ongoing.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16.

Thank God for:

• The people who, even in these difficult financial times, continue to give resources to The Salvation Army.
• The opportunities given to the Community Care teams to be out in the Christchurch areas meeting, encouraging and bringing people hope for the future.
• All the people who have been helped by our social workers.
• The on going activities of the ‘Schoolies’ and the opportunity of sharing with 750 children, volunteers and staff in the upcoming 'Christmas in da hood' on Friday 9th December
• All those involved in the Earthquake Recovery Program and responders throughout Christchurch and New Zealand as they work together in a compassionate role for the people of Christchurch.

Prayer for:

• The Community Care team as they take the Christmas message to all the people they have contact with this month.
• The ongoing work of the chaplaincy and pastoral care support.
• The continued support the social workers are providing for the Corps and centres.
• For continued guidance for the 'Schoolies' in their ministry for 2012.
• The people of Christchurch that they will be receptive to the truths of Christmas
• And that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

It is now 10 months since the February earthquake. While a lot of work has been done, there is still a lot to be done. People are tired. Streets are still broken. Jobs have been lost. Houses are still being zoned. People are frustrated and feelings of hopelessness are evident. There are many challenges ahead for 2012.

We all need Prayer.

A Politics of Our Selves

D.A.D - ‘dads are devoted’ - 3rd Month

Now your baby’s hands will begin to explore, though a little clumsily.

Put bright toys within arm’s reach every day so they can learn to direct their movements and grab at the toys, begin to hold them, and put them right into their mouth (what all babies do as this is the most sensitive organ for learning).

Involve your baby in things that you are doing so they can see what is going on around them, but don’t leave them on the floor in another room for longer than a few seconds.

Why baby doesn't sleep all night

Babies are not born knowing day from night. They usually go through a light sleep for 20-30mins before they drift into a deeper sleep.

Keep your baby in a good routine, which will help baby’s day-night sleep pattern. Children/adults are self-settlers, but babies have to develop this skill. Try not to be overly stressed or unrealistic about your baby's ability to sleep.

Try these tips:

• Stick to a routine.
• Keep your baby in the family area, only using the bassinet/cot when you know baby is due to sleep.
• When night comes, begin your night-time routine and settle baby into bed.
• Don’t have a lot of toys around that will stimulate them.
• When baby wakes in the night, go in and check that everything is ok, tucking baby in if necessary; and without talking, leave the room.
• If baby cries, use settling techniques.
• If baby is happily singing, cooing and it’s 2am, don’t disturb, as your baby will get tired and go off to sleep again and probably with a little cry.
• The less input from mum and dad the better.

At 3mths, most babies can

• lift their head, lean on elbows, arch back and rock when on tummy
• push with arms and legs when held
• grab at things with open hands, but with poor aim
• answer sounds by gurgling, cooing and squealing
• get excited when seeing familiar people, the breast or the bottle
• stop sucking to hear sounds, then look and suck at the same time
• follow sounds with their eyes

Baby's body language

‘I’m sleepy’ - slow eye blinking, yawning, putting fists up to their eyes.
‘I’m hungry’ - opening the mouth.
‘I’m alert and ready to play!’ - Making sharp body movements, along with wide eyes.
‘No’ - arching the back, turning the head away and no eye contact.

Drinking

Water is the best drink to give your baby when they want something other than their routine milk meal.

Once your baby is 3mths, water no longer needs to be boiled and cooled so use cold water straight from the tap. (Water from tanks or bores needs to be boiled until baby is 18mths old).

Exercise and development

Bubbles: $2 shops have bottles of bubble liquid. Watching bubbles helps baby’s eye coordination. It is also fun in the bath, but avoid bubbles getting into baby’s eyes.

Swiss Ball: Using a very large ball, place baby on top (either back or tummy) and gently roll them so that your baby is upside down, side to side, etc., carefully keeping hold of your baby all the time.

Sensory fun: Either in a pram or on a blanket, put baby near or under a tree. Watching the branches or leaves move helps with eye coordination. When a little older, introduce the feel of grass, sticks and leaves.

Safety tips for choosing a safe baby rattle:

• make sure it cannot fit into your baby’s mouth (a baby’s mouth can stretch to hold larger shapes than you'd expect)
• make sure it is made out of unbreakable plastic. Babies can choke on broken pieces of plastic or the beads inside.
• get one that has no sharp points that could bruise or cut

Meningitis

Signs for concern:

• fever
• a blank and staring expression
• vomiting or refusing feeds
• fretful with a high-pitched moaning cry when handled
• difficult to rouse
• the soft spot on the top of the head (fontanel) may be tense or bulging
• neck retraction (where the neck is arched backwards)
• fingers and toes may look blue and feel cold even though baby has a high temperature
• a pale, blotchy complexion and a rash that does not fade on pressure

If you suspect meningitis contact a doctor immediately! If your doctor is unavailable ring for an ambulance.

This resource was produced by Major Joanne Jellyman of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory.

The Christmas Blues

As a child I raced towards Christmas Day. My Christmas pilgrimage began after school ended.

Mary and Joseph may have travelled by donkey (the Bible only tells us they arrived in Bethlehem, not their mode of transport), but our family travelled by Kingswood as we journeyed from Wellington to Palmerston North and Grandma’s.

Family Festivity

Aged Christmas decorations were taken out of storage and the tree trimmed. We dusted off deck chairs and hung out under the summer sun, cycling to the local swimming pool as the temperature climbed. No pump bottles of sunscreen; sunburn (and peeling!) was a summer ritual. Seven cents bought a Popsicle in those days, and the local dairy would even choc-dip a lemonade or cola ice block for an extra few cents. Awesome!

Money went further, but consumerism was still the order of the day. I recall the year my sister and I got Barbie dolls—an extravagant gift. I also remember snapping off one of my doll’s arms within just a few hours and my father, the quintessential Kiwi DIY-er, fashioning a metal pin to restore her to full mobility.

Church attendance wasn’t a big part of my family’s Christmas observance. My grandmother, a churchgoer for most of her life, had ‘fallen out’ with her local church after the death of a son from cancer in his mid-teens. I understand her response to such a tragedy but wish the bitterness that gripped her after my uncle’s death could have found solace in a God who is no stranger to suffering.

Is Christmas a 'problem' this year?

Perhaps as you head towards this Christmas, disappointment is colouring your outlook on the season. Sometimes life circumstances serve up challenges that we don't anticipate and that can be a struggle to resolve, and this has certainly been a challenging year for many New Zealanders - for all sorts of reason.

I'm reminded of a scene from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' ...

Charlie Brown: I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

Linus: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.

Like Charlie Brown, there are times when Christmas can feel a bit problematic. Christmas exacerbates existing stressors and can be a tipping point for some of us.

Are you dreading having to put on a ‘Christmas face’ this year? It’s no academic exercise to consider an antidote to Christmas gloom, but neither do we want some clichéd prescription for ‘joy in a box’. So if you're already suffering from the Christmas blues, the answer is returning to the essence of that first Christmas, before the trappings of Christmas consumerism, sentimentality and holiday-making got mixed in.

A Season of Waiting

When Jesus was born, there was strong anticipation at what the coming of Messiah (saviour) would mean for his people. This was no trouble-free time: God’s people were suffering. They may not have sat in a counsellor’s office to tally their ‘stress scale’ scores (Christmas carries a score of 16 points, by the way), but they knew that life was not always easy. And they were calling on God to put things right.

So, Jesus came into a season of waiting. And perhaps this Christmas is such a season for you? Maybe you are waiting to see what God will do next in and around your present reality.

Waiting is hard. When my children were young we didn’t put presents under the tree until almost Christmas Day because the anticipation (and temptation!) would become almost overwhelming. As they’ve grown older they understand that the presents are there but they’re secret - not yet revealed. This is the essence of Christmas gift giving: anticipation and expectation together. Something good is coming (there is no doubt), but we have to wait a while.

Life does get muddled and messy sometimes - and we don't have to pretend otherwise. But in these messy seasons, we can find relief by looking for signs of God’s presence and listening for his voice of love and concern. We can watch and pray.

The ancient writer cries, ‘How long?’ to God (Psalm 94), but then quickly adds: ‘When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me.’ While our instinct in tough times (or simply at Christmas!) can be to ignore God, these are the very times we need to turn our face towards him.

By Christina Tyson