Lifting the Ceiling
I’m currently reading The Unlikely Doctor by Dr Timoti Te Moke. This autobiography feels like a fusion of Once Were Warriors and Gifted Hands. It’s a uniquely New Zealand story, capturing both the disturbing realities of our society and its redemptive possibilities.
In the book, Dr Te Moke reflects on questions that surfaced during moments of deep despair and hopelessness—questions echoed by other young men whose stories we’ve previously shared in SALT. These are the unspoken challenges: Does it need to be this way? Is there a better way? Dr Te Moke has courageously told his story, and I honour and respect his remarkable ability to allow struggle and abuse to shape him into a man with something vital to offer this country. He rewrote the narrative that once defined his life.
This edition of SALT is about rewriting the narrative. You’ll read stories like that of Tricia Hendry (page 8), who allowed God to shape her life in such a way that her loss to suicide became a foundation for her work. She now speaks not only for those who walk that same path, but also teaches practitioners how to support people surrounded by grief and sorrow.
Other powerful stories are featured. On page 18, read how CJ allowed Christ to rewrite his narrative of gang life and drugs. On page 12 is Derek’s story of redemption and the unconditional love and strength of his children as they sought to bring their father back from destruction.
Jesus will never stop calling us back to the path of his perfect will, no matter how far we wander. From our first breath to our final moment, he is faithfully at work—shaping, guiding and redeeming. He is not intimidated by our sin, our wounds, or the shadows we carry. He invites us to bring our whole selves—especially the parts we hide—to him. He speaks the language of truth and meets us there with unwavering love.
Yet, for many of us, there exists an invisible ceiling: a silent barrier formed by half-spoken prayers and guarded confessions. It’s the
space between who we truly are and who we pretend to be before Christ. This ceiling dims the light of his love and muffles the warmth of his acceptance. Will you let it break? Will you trust him enough to let your truth rise
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: [email protected]
Magazine Contents
Articles
Leadership Links
Faith Stories
Grace Notes
Reframing the Narrative of Decline
Salvationists in History
New Structure: The Social Wing
