Nail My Colours to the Mast

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There is an old nautical practice called ‘nailing your colours to the mast’. This dates back to the Age of Sail when ships would only fight while flying their national flag. If the flag, or colours, was felled, and surrender not an option, then the colours would be fixed with nails to the mast. This clearly showed the intents and plans of the ship to continue the battle.

Now, as I come on board as the new War Cry editor, I will nail my colours to the mast. My colours represent the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my captain and my guide. It is to him that my allegiance is given, and I will follow him wherever he leads. The colours also represent The Salvation Army who has commissioned the ‘ship’ in which I am stationed. My aim as editor is to work with our wonderful editorial team, to tell the stories of the battles and victories of the people within this organisation, and to ensure the War Cry encourages and enlightens our readers on their missions.

In this week’s War Cry, you will read the redemptive story of Angel Murphy who, with the help of Christ and The Salvation Army, overcame her difficult circumstances. Angel clearly nails her colours to the mast, and though her circumstances remain challenging, she has set course and she will not be moved.

It is these stories—your stories—that are witness to the transforming power of the Gospel. I look forward to meeting many of you and telling your stories and sharing your challenges and victories.

Vivienne Hill
Editor

Bible Verse

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Roma 1:16
Kāhore hoki ōku whakamā ki te rongopai: ko te kaha hoki ia o te Atua hei whakaora mō ngā tāngata katoa e whakapono ana; mō te Hūrai ki mua, mō te Kariki anō hoki.