Welcome Home!

For 160 years, The Salvation Army has sown into the harvest field, and God has been faithful to the movement. Each year we see the results of this sowing and reaping cycle, just as sure as the seasons come and go. But something is happening. This year could be a bumper crop, and we are each called to take our place in the field that is ‘white for harvest’ and bring to faith those who are ready and waiting to hear about Jesus’ kingdom. 

Each month in SALT you will have noticed an increase in the stories of people whose lives have been changed and who are joining the Army. What started as a trickle after Covid-19, is now gaining momentum. 

One particular story was published in February’s SALT. It came to us from Oamaru Corps and spoke about Larisa Te Awa (Ngāpuhi), who had been attending the corps and volunteering. In the published photo, Larisa is wearing a Salvation Army-branded tee-shirt and is proudly standing with two other people who are also being enrolled as adherents of The Salvation Army. They are all choosing to make The Salvation Army their church home.  

Sadly, this week, we received the news that Larisa has passed away. Larisa’s name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, and she is now in the presence of Christ. How wonderful! But how very sad for her friends and family. 

I don’t know Larisa’s full story, but God does. He knew when and where and under what circumstances she would pass. What if nobody had talked to Larisa about Jesus? We would be none the wiser, but God knew, and as the prayers from Oamaru Corps and the wider Army were prayed, Jesus welcomed her home.