by Major Andrew Shiels
The joy that comes with being an officer lies with the unpredictability of ministry. Each day brings a different challenge or experience, along with different ways of learning and growing. Joy has come from the people I have had the pleasure of working with and witnessing God’s transformative power in the lives of people He has entrusted me to minister to. It comes with seeing the community in which God has placed me come together to provide for those in need.
Nothing prepared me for how God was going to challenge me and provide joy more than our women’s and family shelter. The world of sheltering individuals was not my specialty, giftedness or education. I’d had only one other appointment with shelter responsibilities. There was so much to learn and little time to make decisions, but I had a great social services staff. There were challenges yet so much joy in the sheltering ministry. To see smiles on our guests’ faces when they reached their goals of permanent housing and getting a steady job is something I will always cherish. There were heartaches, tears, days of feeling defeated but also many blessings. I wouldn’t change one thing. Joy comes from the Lord, as Romans 15:13 (NIV) tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
As an officer I am always looking for the joy of the Lord in my ministry. I am grateful for the challenges that encourage me to grow in Him and the people who motivate me, challenge me, encourage me and allow me to play a part in building the Kingdom of God. There is joy in the small, often overlooked moments: the quiet prayer before a service, the spontaneous act of kindness, the laughter shared during a community gathering. These moments are the heartbeat of ministry. They are reminders that the work we do is not just about grand gestures but also about the simple, everyday acts of love and service that collectively make a significant impact.
To learn about becoming an officer, visit salarmycentral.org/candidates
