Christmas Farewell
Warm Christmas greetings to you all! We join our praise with the company of the heavenly host that appeared at the birth of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 2:13–14 (see next column). These words of praise are a message to the world, and words we hope you will share at every opportunity this Christmas: the good news of the love, hope, joy and peace of Jesus.
Many of you will be aware that we are returning to Australia to take up new appointments in Sydney, with the added benefit for us of being closer to our growing family. We are so grateful for the privilege of being part of The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and have many mixed emotions as we return home.
The foundation of our ministry and our time here in this territory was to be true to our calling from God to preach and share the love of Jesus. Our focus has been our people, and we have worked hard to build and nurture positive relationships, finding creative ways to stay connected, even when Covid-19 border restrictions kept us in Australia.
We also desired to bring greater connectivity to The Salvation Army. Our mission for God is stronger when we move forwards effectively, efficiently and courageously together. Our Territorial Strategic Framework has helped us to create a One Waka culture (Drua, Vaka, Va’a)—all of us together in mission, raising the awareness and celebration of our rich diversity as people of Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Our time saw many changes—both globally and within our movement—but we are hopeful that the establishment of the Rūnanga, with the kawenata (covenant agreement); our new supportive approach to mission through Local Mission Delivery (LMD) and Connected Support Network (CSN); and the living out of our renewed values of being Connected, Compassionate, Innovative and Courageous will enable us to continue as a more united and streamlined movement ready for future challenges. Thank you for your willingness to keep moving forward together, trusting God for greater mission impact.
We praise God for you each and the way you have opened your hearts to us, and simply say thank you. The people of our four nations will always be part of our lives and we are better people because of the mission opportunities and privilege of serving with so many incredible people. We leave with you this prayer and benediction that we shared when we first arrived.
‘Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen’ (Ephesians 3:20–21, ESV).
Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell
Territorial Leaders
Luke 2:13–14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ (NIV)
A ra sa lewe vuqa na kai lomalagi, era sa tiko vakasauri vata kaya na agilose, a ra sa vakavinavinaka vua na Kalou, ka kaya, Sa nona na Kalou na vakarokoroko e na veiyasana ecake sara! A sa veivinakati rawa ko ira e vuravura: sa lomani ko ira na tamata. (FOV)
Nā, ohorere tonu ko tētahi ope nui o te rangi e tū tahi ana me taua anahera, e whakamoemiti ana ki te Atua, e mea ana: ‘Kia whai korōria te Atua i runga rawa, kia mau te rongo ki runga ki te whenua, me te whakaaro pai ki ngā tāngata!’ (PT)
Wahi lage ainjal ke ek jhunḍ swarag se huañ aais aur Prabhu ke jayjaykaar kare lagis. ‘Swarag pe Parmeshwar ke jay! Hiañ dharti pe u admi log ke jon log se u khusi hei, u sab ke saanti mile!’ (FRHNT)
Pea fakafokifā pe na‘e ‘i he angelo ha tokolahi ‘o e hositē ‘o Langi, ‘oku nau fakamālō ki he ‘Otua, ‘o nau pehē, KO E KOLŌLIA KI HE ‘OTUA ‘I LANGI TAUPOTU, PEA KO E MELINO KI MĀMANI KI HE KAKAI KUO HOIFUA KI AI. (TWB)
Ona faafuasei lea ona faatasi mai ma le agelu o ‘au mai le lagi e toatele, ua vivii i le Atua, ua faapea ane, ‘O le viiga i le Atua i mea aupitoaluga; ma le manuia i le lalolagi i tagata ua alofogia e ia!’ (SOV)
