Captains Rona Mutcha and Matthew Beatty
Captain Matthew Beatty travels the world, helping people who need immediate aid in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. His duties have kept him away from home for more than 300 days over the last four years.
“When he is away, I always tell him, ‘Make sure and let me know when you land—let me know that you are OK,’” his wife, Captain Rona Mutcha, said.
Since 2021, Captain Matthew has worked at International Headquarters for Emergency Services as program officer for strategy, security and project support, while Captain Rona has been associate corps officer at the Regent Hall Corps in downtown London. She also has served as the chaplain at the No. 10 Drop-In Centre and St. Ann’s Lifehouse—part of Westminster Homeless Services.
At first, Captain Rona was a bit uncertain about her duties, particularly about being a chaplain.
“I was nervous, but I was excited too,” she recalled. “I said, ‘Lord, show me the beauty of this.’”
Having been deployed on teams to serve after disasters in Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Indonesia, Captain Matthew increasingly felt called to minister full time in International Emergency Services.
“It’s nice to be a beacon of hope, let people know they are not alone,” he said. “We are there to bring comfort and support; for our officers and staff too.”
In October 2023, when Category 5 Hurricane Otis hit Mexico, Captain Matthew flew immediately from London. For weeks, his days were spent clearing debris, including fallen power lines and trees, and distributing meals to people who had lost everything.
“We work with people when they are at their lowest,” Captain Matthew said. “I try to ‘stand in the mud’ with them as best I can.”
He recalls being in Poland within four days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We were in an active war zone,” the captain said. “I was tasked with getting supplies. We worked with UPS. I threw together a quick plan and worked with The Salvation Army’s Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory; we got a Sprinter van of supplies—the first official shipment of supplies into Ukraine.”
Captain Rona works with many people who are experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing.
“Homelessness in London is growing. It is heartbreaking,” she said.
She’s found her niche by building strong relationships and sharing the gospel. “My platform is sharing God’s Word,” she said.
The captain created a weekly “karaoke church” featuring spiritual songs, and often a secular song or two.
“Some people might say, ‘I don’t believe in God,’ so when they hear the word ‘church’ they may not want to come. But my programs include everyone. We sing, and we worship. My only rule is the words are appropriate,” Captain Rona said with a smile.
She indicated birthday celebrations at the drop-in centre and at St. Ann’s are one way to make people feel special. During the Christmas season, Captain Rona oversees the holiday dinner at the centre. Another holiday meal is served at St. Ann’s for residents and staff.
Both Captains Matthew and Rona feel comfortable in their roles and are grateful to be serving in The Salvation Army.
“God showed me the beauty of this appointment and His faithfulness through the lives of the people I minister to,” Captain Rona said. “Some are experiencing homelessness, but they can still smile. God uses that as my encouragement.”
“I’ve been to 40 countries in four years,” Captain Matthew concluded. “It has been a privilege to see The Salvation Army at work all over the world.”
