Some of our War Cry editions have a unifying theme; others don’t. And sometimes, even though there was no theme intended, a common thread seems to emerge. In this editon, that’s certainly been the case as I’d suggest the theme of ‘persistence’ can be traced through many of our pages.
The article on the facing page talks about the new United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and includes this challenge: ‘… the world is getting better, and it’s not good enough’. We’ve done some great things to fight poverty in the world, but we need to persist and work toward some new goals.
Our interview with Children’s Commissioner Dr Russell Wills notes progress made to fight child poverty, neglect and abuse, but Dr Wills points out that plenty of ‘next steps’ still need to be taken. Will we persist as a nation to prioritise the needs of our most vulnerable, our children?
Lieut-Colonel Ian Hutson looks back on 10 courses of the Hauora Programme, which helps gang members fight methamphetamine (‘P’) addiction. If funding can be secured, this programme will continue to transform lives.
We want to persist in this partnership!
And Captain Dr Judith Christensen reflects on the University of Otago’s recently released study of our work in the addictions field. While many positives emerged, we will persistent in honing our service in the light of feedback from this study.
It may seem odd to quote atheist philosopher Frederick Nietzsche in a Christian magazine, but I’m reminded of his words: ‘The essential thing “in heaven and earth” is that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.’
I hope we may each continue to persist obediently in the areas God has led us to, paying attention to what needs to be done so that life is made more worthwhile for everyone.
Christina Tyson
Editor
Psalm 18:19 Contemporary English Version
‘When I was fenced in, you freed and rescued me because you love me.’
Ngā Waiata 18:19
‘I whakaputaina ahau e ia ki te wāhi nui, i whakaorangia ahau e ia; he āhuareka nōna ki ahau.’