Keep the Change
Kia ora e te whānau,
This month we are exploring the concept of change and how we respond to it.
Change is one of the few constants of modern life. I regularly tell my, often incredulous, nine-year-old about life growing up in 1970s and 80s New Zealand where nothing seemed to change. Most shocking to her is that we watched a black and white television until 1980 when it finally died. Fortunately, my grandparents had recently purchased a colour television; unfortunately, they donated their old black and white one to us. Eventually my parents caved, and I can still recall the excitement of coming home one afternoon to see Yosemite Sam facing off with Bugs Bunny in full, glorious, colour.
In this issue, Kelly Cooper explores how Jesus was the ultimate changemaker—a rulebreaker who challenged societal norms and in doing so revealed God’s heart and intent. You can read this on page 16.
We are also blessed to host an array of exciting guest writers. We get to read the wise words of Captain Sarah Green on page 8, who takes us through some of the change she has experienced in her life and how she has weathered those storms. On page 20, Hutt City Corps attendee Ravi Casinader shares a thought-provoking piece on his response to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
To mark National Volunteer Week in New Zealand, on page 24 SALT reader Wendy Joy Baker celebrates the dedication and talent
of volunteers.
Although this issue’s focus is on change, we also have a beautiful testimony from Elsie Mowat from Mosgiel Corps that parallels this theme by shining a light on both Elsie’s constancy and that of our Lord and Saviour.
Regarding change at The Salvation Army, last month we ran a survey about putting SALT and Army stories online. We received over 500 responses with some clear themes emerging including how popular SALT is with readers aged 60+. There’s a lot more to be explored in how we, as an Army, meet the communications needs of our various audiences—so watch this space!
Regardless of wherever we are on our respective change journeys, I think it was my mother who said to me ‘everything happens to us through a filter’, meaning that God is in control and He is sovereign above all.
The magazine can be viewed either as an online magazine on Issuu, or the bulk of the articles, leadership links, news, and shorter reflections (Grace Notes) have been added into their various sections.
I welcome your feedback and suggestions, and also your photos, letters, crafts and stories. Please email: salt@salvationarmy.org.nz
Magazine Contents
Articles
Making New Pathways (When Life Changes)
The Next Generation Fighting For Freedom
A Christian Migrant’s Response to the Treaty of Waitangi
Rotoroa Island: A Sanctuary of Restoration
