Many of the stories shared in the pages of War Cry over its history have taken courage to tell. In the time I have been editor, I have been reminded time and time again of people’s courage in the face of adversity—and of the power of God to heal and restore.
This week’s story by Ann Stewart is an example of one such story. Ann has a wealth of life experiences—good and bad. In this way, her story is like that of any one of us. Sadly, though, Ann experienced what is uncommon for most within The Salvation Army, although regrettably it is true for a very small number: she suffered abuse at the hands of a Salvation Army church member.
Perhaps remarkably, Ann was able to work through the pain of that experience and the difficult detours it introduced into her life, including alcoholism. Today, she testifies to the wisdom of trusting her life into God’s care, recognising that while one of God’s supposed followers had failed her in his sin, this did not mean God was not on her side.
The Bible is clear that God sides with the person who is abused against those that pervert their position of power. The Bible also speaks strongly of the need for God’s people to protect the vulnerable and the innocent from abuse. This, of course, is one of the reasons why there is universal condemnation when abuse is perpetuated at the hands of a churchgoer—because we all inherently know that this is not what God wants. We see such action for the hypocrisy that it is.
I remember reading once the testimony of someone who had experienced some terrible hardships. This person said, ‘The tragedies of life will always colour our lives, but I intend to choose the colour!’ After years of challenge, Ann has found healthy ways of bringing colour and beauty back into her life.
I thank Ann for sharing her story and echo her desire that anyone who may also have been abused at the hands of someone in The Salvation Army would—when the time is right for them—seek help.
See www.salvationarmy.org.nz/complaints for advice about The Salvation Army’s complaints process, or contact your nearest Salvation Army or our Territorial Headquarters in Wellington.
Christina Tyson
Editor
Ephesians 4:23–24
‘Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.’
Epeha 4:32
‘Kia whakahoutia te wairua o to koutou hinengaro; Kia kakahuria iho hoki ki a koutou te tangata hou, no ta te Atua nei te hanganga i runga i te tika, i te tapu o te pono.’