Introduction to Self Denial 2023

The Self Denial Appeal started in 1886 when General William Booth called Salvationists to give sacrificially and to deny themselves so that they could offer God’s love to a hurting world.

The Salvation Army is now active in more than 130 countries, and the Self Denial Appeal still operates in every territory. Whether living in wealth or poverty, Salvationists from all walks of life generously support the Army’s mission to share the Gospel and improve the lives of millions of people through the love of Jesus.

Self Denial Appeal 2023

The theme for the Self Denial Appeal 2023 is ‘A Gift from the Heart’. It encourages us to consider the blessings we have from God and how we can use those to bless other people.

This year’s series highlights The Salvation Army’s work in Kenya and Papua New Guinea. It covers some programmes that have benefited from generous gifts to the Self Denial Appeal in years gone by. Drawing on the key verse for the Self Denial Appeal this year, the videos also challenge us to see how people with so little can still give generously from what they have.

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have“ (2 Corinthians 8:11-12, NIV).

In Kenya West, The Salvation Army’s WORTH project is empowering women to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their communities. Through group savings programmes and business training, women are providing for their families, feeling a sense of worth for themselves and giving hope to other women for brighter futures.

In another week, our video series visits Papua New Guinea and highlights programmes only made possible through non tax-deductible mission funding. Mission support programmes enable The Salvation Army to share the transformational love and hope of Jesus.

Through inspirational testimony and stunning imagery, the series encourages us to reflect on all that God gives us and consider how we can joyfully give to others to further God’s work in the world.

Devotional

This year’s devotional series explores Paul’s writings in 2 Corinthians 8 about giving willingly (verse 11) and out of the overflow of their hearts. He reflected on the church in Macedonia who were poor and yet still gave generously: “ … their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Their generosity was inspired by the love of God and we are encouraged to follow their example.

The six-weeks of devotions will help you engage with the weekly Self Denial videos and discover how God is speaking to you about your response.

The Self Denial Appeal is an opportunity to unite with Salvationists and friends around the world to share the gospel message, bring the light of Jesus to the world and to care for people experiencing disadvantage and need. Together, through the devotional series, we have an opportunity to seek the Lord and bless the world through Spirit-inspired actions.

You can also sign up for email devotionals HERE.

Thank You

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Self Denial Appeal. Your support of the 2022 appeal saw over $1 million dollars raised across New Zealand. This great result means people’s lives are being transformed through the love of Jesus and the work of The Salvation Army in developing countries.

When you give to the Self Denial Appeal you can choose to give your gift to mission support OR community development.

Mission Support funds are non tax-deductible. They support welfare initiatives and build the organisational strength of The Salvation Army in developing countries. Examples include the provision of church halls, residences for officers, computers and training.

Community Development donations are tax-deductible and only support community development projects. Examples include projects for poverty alleviation, clean water and microfinance.

Song for Self Denial 2023

This year’s song comes from one of our feature territories: the Kenya West Territory. Captain Isaac Masini has penned the following song, especially for the 2023 Self Denial Appeal.

It is written and sung in his native tongue of Swahili (with subtitles in English). It speaks to the wonders and blessings of God, and how we give back to him with cheerful hearts.

1. “We have brought all with cheerful hearts,
2. We request Father you receive them.”

An mp3 of the Self Denial Appeal Altar Service song can be downloaded from the resources site along with lyrics.

Weekly Videos

Kids Videos