A Heart for Change

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The Salvation Army is a large and far-reaching organisation. This has been highlighted to me over the last few months, as I have seen our dedicated Territorial Emergency Services’ officers and volunteers deployed to a range of crises around the world.

In this week’s War Cry, Captain Doug Newman reports on his trip to the Bahamas, answering the call from International Headquarters to assist with the recovery operation of the Category 5-force Hurricane that hit the region in September last year.

We also report on the Samoan measles outbreak and the wonderful work of The Salvation Army in Samoa, as they ministered and walked beside families affected by sickness and death.

This sense of care for our community and concern for people outside of our own region is part of the ‘normal’ Christian life. We can’t all go to Samoa or the Bahamas, but we can support those who do, in many ways.

Not only can we assist communities far away, but it is important we are aware of the needs within our own country. The State of the Nation Report 2020 called for all New Zealanders to become involved in lobbying our current and future governments to prioritise the needs of people who are marginalised, victims of poverty and crime, and their children, who have little hope of a positive future.

When we work together as Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti, Huia Tangata Kotahi (People of the Land, People of the Treaty, Bring Everyone Together) then lasting change can and will happen. After all, we are the Army that brings life, and through Christ we can move the immovable.

Vivienne Hill
Editor

Bible Verse

Matthew 25:35–36 (NKJV)
…for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.

Matiu 25:35–36
I hiakai hoki ahau, ā, whāngainga ana e koutou. I matewai ahau, ā, whakainumia ana e koutou: he manene ahau, ā, whakamanuhiritia ana e koutou. I tū tahanga, ā, whakakākahuria ana e koutou: he tūroro, ā, tirotirohia ana ahau e koutou: i te whare herehere ahau, ā, haere mai ana koutou ki ahau.