Messenger of Hope

On 26th May 1999 I was commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in the Royal Albert Hall in London.  It was a magnificent day, full of solemnimity, reflection, comtemplation as well as all the joy of pomp and circumstance.  I remember it as clearly as yesterday.  I was determined to enjoy the day and to take in as much detail as I possible could.  This was going to be the most important day ever in my life!  This was the fulfilment of all that God had called me to.  The reason why He called me as His child.

I was seven years old when I asked Jesus into my heart.  I remember kneeling before Him and saying that I want a friend with me all the time and Jesus was the friend that I really want to know.  Oh, that day of asking is etched on my memory.  It was very real, it was very life changing and one that has given me a passion for children's ministry.  I was saved as a child and I believe that children can be the very instrument of bringing others into a powerful knowledge of Jesus Christ.

I read my bible everyday, I prayed every day.  I was given a Good News Bible for my 7th Birthday and it was read from cover to cover.  I still have it now, even though it is falling to bits. I want to remember and see the child like faith coming from it; the notes that I wrote in the margin and the little thoughts that I noted down on scraps of paper.

At the age of 21 I went to a Divisional Meeting where the then Territorial Commander, Commissioner John Larsson was speaking.  He talked about 'Vocation'.  He said that everyone had a 'Vocation'.  He pointed at me and said 'You have a Vocation'.  There were hundreds in that room, but he looked at me and pointed at me and told me I had a Vocation.  I remember the feeling in my tummy.  The stirring of the Holy Spirit wanting to alight something within me.  So in complete obedience, I went and knelt at the Mercy Seat and asked God to confirm my calling which he did!  (Another time and another blog!)

Thus began the Candidates process.  This was by no means easy, it was challenging, made me think alot about myself.  But in my mind all the time was the fact that if God had called me He would get me through every step.

1993 I entered the Training College as a Messenger of Hope.  (Days of Training for another time!!!)

16 years of ministry has been an amazing journey.  Lots of tears, lots of laughter.  Seen many saved, seen many walk away.  Been hurt, been broken.  Been mended, been matured.

The Message has stayed the same.  Jesus loves you.  You are Special.  God wants you in His family.

The next 16 years?  Who knows.  But what I do know and am completely assured of:  Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.