That's what it's about

I watched, with pride, as my daughter reminded me what church and faith is all about.

It was Sunday morning and we had taken the church to the community. There were over 35,000 people at the Festival and there we were, the Sallies (or Salvos) right in the middle of it. Big "Red Shields" out front, chocolate shields with our church details, flyers advertising our programs and mission, and our people in the new Church branded (Shield and Cross) shirts - there was no mistaking who we were, or Whose we were.

But back to my daughter: She sat at a table with crowds of children around her for 7 hours that day. Children of all nations and faiths came to have their faces painted, there were butterflies and Spidermen all over the place. Muslim girls in their head scarves, and islander boys, no matter who they were or what language they spoke: I heard my daughter asking about their lives, I heard her telling them how beautiful they were, I heard her sharing her journey with them, I watched as she engaged with them where they were at, and I saw them going away happy, excited and encouraged.

I don't know that the artist ever explicity mentioned the name of Jesus, or God, or Church - but I know that childern left knowing they were special!

That's sounds like a ministry that Jesus would be proud of to me.

Expectant Transformation

After this week I can mark another NZ city off the list of places to visit during my stay here. This week we had the opportunity, thanks to the Army, of travelling to Christchurch for a few days. Officially we were there for "Unleashing", the launch of the strategy for NZ.

We were challenged to be focused on three mission intentions: Caring for People, Transforming Lives, and Reforming Society.

As a person committed to the Transformation of lives through the principles of Community Development signing up to that kind of agenda is not hard to do. It's what I believe in, both in the spiritual and the physical. But I wonder if we are really serious about it sometimes.

At the moment I'm part of an amazing church (corps) that lets us experiment with alternatives. For example this weekend we'll be worshipping in a park with over 15,000 other people. We're going to set up a stall in the Auckland International Cultural Festival and let people know who and whose we are. Our church is going to be visible in the community and pray for opportunities to talk with people about God and Faith - and hand out free chocolate too!

In my opinion, that's the way you show people you care enough, that's how we're going to transform lives and reform society. You can't do it from a fortress filled with soldiers of varying degrees of commitment to the cause - you have to do it in the field of conflict. It's time to recognise that the fortress really only exists to equip and refresh the soldiers (an essential work, but not the ultimate end) for the work of relating to, and engaging with those that would probably never think of gracing the halls of our buildings.

The church has to go where 'they' belong and meet 'them' where they're at. To expect that they will just show up in our churches on their own, (although some still do, thanks to God's Spirit) is to live in denial. The church must be engaged in and with the community if it wants to transform lives - because transformation only happens from a position of trust and respect.

Doubting with Integrity

I can't remember the number of times in my young years as a Christian that I was told that I should have no doubts. But I did, and I do...

I grew up in a boarding school that taught me a strict, disciplined christianity: and whilst that sounds bad, it wasn't. My experiences at the school taught me many things that benefit me today. But it also filled me with a sense of guilt if I didn't always get the religious part right.

I read recently of another young man, who "came up to the well-known American preacher Harry Emerson Fosdick, and confessed with some distress - that he no longer believed in God. 'So you are an atheist,' said Fosdick. 'Describe to me the kind of God you don't believe in. ‘The youth then outlined the childish ideas about God in whom he could no longer believe. 'My boy,' said Fosdick, 'that makes two of us. I don't believe in that God either.'

Don't get too worried, yet, I do believe in God, and I do know this God to be intimately engaged in my life. But the God I know is much different to the one of my youth. And I think that the God I am trying to know likes doubt... the God I am trying to understand, (but let's face it never will) applauds the person who, with integrity of heart and mind, questions, yells and argues with the reality that is life and God.

I think that one of the origins of doubt is integrity. It is not wrong, or sinful, to doubt, we must continually challenge long-held beliefs, and "sacred cows". The only faith that is worthwhile is that which is not afraid to question anything. Nothing is too sacred for honest analysis. Doubt which springs from integrity is very healthy.

So my pet subject of integrity raises its head again... after all it's all about integrity!

Bula Vanaka

It was hot and humid when I arrived in Nadi last Monday afternoon and I didn't have time to hang around as I made my connection to a 15 seat, twin-prop for the short (25 minute) hop across the Island to Suva. My immediate reaction was, "I know this place".

Other than the people greeting me with the words "Bula" and "Bula Vanaka" it felt just like Sri Lanka. Hot, humid and tropical. The vegetation and the mountainous interior were a little different, but other wise the long white sand, coconut tree lined beaches looked the same.

I had the privilege of spending the next two days visiting Salvation Army Corps (churches) and Centres in the Suva area, before driving back to Nadi and visiting centres in that region on the Thursday. The Salvation Army is doing some great things and making some amazing differences in people's lives in this country.

Despite the presence of military personnel and regular checkpoints there was never any issue or concern for security during my visit.

I was able to visit the Laimovuna Farm (Rehabilitation Scheme) and meet some of the young offenders that have been entrusted to our care. Here at the Farm they learn some farming skills and are also part of a self-awareness and capacity building program to try and equip them for a better life. The farm sells pigs, taro and cassava and is doing well.

I also had the opportunity of meeting some of the girls at the Mahaffey Drive Girls Home, a home owned by the government but administered by The Army. Here 13-17 year old girls who are victims of abuse are taught skills that will equip them for life at the same time as continuing their schooling. The girls know they are loved and accepted here.

As well as these wonderful programs the Corps and their Officers are doing some great work, for some in trying circumstances.

Part of the project work SANZ is involved in here is rebuilding Corps Hall and Officers Quarters, Renovating the Cadets accommodation block at the School for Officer Training in Suva and providing some equipment for Tiny Tots and Music programs.

I had an amazing journey and was made to feel very welcome in this country. It will be good to be part of the projects here.