SALT and Light—and change

Kia ora e te whānau,

If you’ve heard the news, you will know that this is our second-to-last print issue of SALT. From February 2027, we will move to a new-look SALT that will be primarily digital (so read online), however, for those who prefer to read hard copy we are designing it so it can be easily printed on a home or office printer.

The new SALT will retain the content readers told us they love but will be shorter with a stronger Army focus. To deliver on the desire for a tool that tells of the Army’s work and faith we will launch, in March 2027, a new print publication, Light, that will come out quarterly and be available at most of our Army facilities.

I know that change can be difficult, but as followers of Jesus Christ we need to do as He did and go to where the people are using the channels they use. In Luke 7:22, He tells the messengers (the popular communications channel of the day) to report to John the Baptist what they had seen and heard.

In the Book of Revelation, the author, John, is told to ‘Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches’. Again, the use of a popular communications channel, this time to send a more formal message.

Ninety-six percent of New Zealanders are online, and our website attracts 57,000 visitors per month, but data shows that people struggle to find what they need. We are fixing that, and in February 2027 we will launch a new website that tells of our services, faith and work but in a more dynamic way.

Changing SALT does not mean that we leave God behind because His presence is always with us, as Captain Emma Howan reminds us on page 8 as she shares about her cancer journey and the importance of prayer.

You can read about the impact of God’s presence in Tonga at the 40th anniversary celebrations of The Salvation Army in the Kingdom of Tonga on page 20.

Finally, to reassure you that the new SALT is in good hands, on page 26 we introduce a new writer, Major Allan Bateman who from next April will be writing regularly for SALT.

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I welcome your feedback and suggestions, and also your photos, letters, crafts and stories. Please email: communications@salvationarmy.org.nz

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