Praise His Name
Kia ora e te whānau,
It’s New Zealand Music Month and in this issue we look at the powerful role music plays in worship.
As young children, my sister and I sang along incessantly to the 1970s Christian children’s record, Bullfrogs and Butterflies, almost certainly driving my mother up the wall. I can still recall those songs, and our collection of Christian children’s albums as well as our much-loved children’s Bible, with its frankly gory illustrations, shaped our faith then and continues to.
When my daughter, Luciana, was born nine years ago, I played CDs of Christian children’s songs, with ‘Arky Arky’ and ‘Little Donkey’ becoming firm favourites. Luci would sing these songs as I pushed her buggy along Queen Street in Auckland twice a day. Although it may have sounded like childish prattle, a true believer knows that by singing, ‘So rise and shine and give God the glory,’ Luci was declaring God’s glory in the centre of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest city—and there is power in the Word.
May is also Mother’s Day, and we mark it with two moving pieces; one on page 8 by Kai Sanders, on the lessons he has learned seeing his wife Mathilde embrace the role of mother.
And the other, a profile on Cheryl Limmer on page 18. After reading it, you would be forgiven for thinking that the theme for this issue is resilience. Cheryl’s story is an incredible one of parenting and trusting God even when He seems furthest away.
Finally, a shout-out to all the mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, future mothers, spiritual mothers and those who stand in the role of mothers. As someone who experienced 16 years of infertility before the arrival of our daughter from a third and final round of IVF, I know that, for some, Mother’s Day can be challenging. Whatever your situation this Mother’s Day, I echo the prayer shared with me long ago, that this Mother’s Day, ‘May God be closer to you than breathing’.
You may have noticed a different face at the bottom of the page. I’m covering the SALT editor role as we explore moving Army stories and SALT fully online. You can read about and access our survey on page 31.
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
Mother’s Day: Becoming a Family, One Day at a Time
Reintegration: Making Home Base
