London Is Calling

Nearly eight years ago, when I stood on a stage in front of a crowd to receive my first appointment as a Salvation Army officer, I had no idea where that journey would take me. That moment was the start of an adventure in ministry. In just eight years since then, I’ve led a small corps in rural Indiana for three years, served in team ministry at a multicultural corps in Minneapolis for two years, and taught the next sessions of Salvation Army officers at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in two appointments spanning three years total.

Each of my appointments has had a special place in my heart. Each has challenged me in its own way, helping me become a better officer. There certainly have been times of joy and sorrow, successes and failures, accomplishments and mistakes (many, many mistakes) - but through it all, God has demonstrated to me why I was appointed there for that time. My officership journey has continued to surprise me at each step.

Now, my journey takes another step in a new direction. Effective September 2, 2024, I will leave the Midwest and the United States for a new adventure in London, England. The Salvation Army has appointed me as the Assistant Undersecretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ).

The zonal departments at IHQ are the main administrative link with territories. The Americas and Caribbean Zone helps coordinate The Salvation Army’s work in 11 different territories. What excites me the most about this appointment is seeing God’s work in the global Salvation Army, supporting territories in their missional effectiveness, and learning from diverse cultures and experiences.

Each change of appointment is challenging. It means saying goodbye to what is known to move into the unknown, leaving behind friends to build new relationships, and setting aside one ministry to pick up another. I will undoubtedly have difficulty saying goodbye to the cadets, officers, and employees of the USA Central Territory’s CFOT. I have cherished being part of this staff as a CFOT officer and distance learning instructor. I know that God will continue to bless the ministry of preparing leaders for the Salvation mission.

2,880 days ago, I began my ministry as a Salvation Army officer and received my first appointment, trusting in the Lord’s faithfulness and guidance. Today, as I receive the next appointment, I trust him even more after seeing the fruit of his faithfulness in Salvation Army ministry.

Here are a few ways you can be in prayer:

• Pray for my family
• Pray for the visa and paperwork process
• Pray for those who will be supporting me in the transition process
• Pray for the cadets, officers, and employees of the USA Central Territory CFOT
• Pray for the territories of the Americas and Caribbean Zone:
• Brazil Territory
• Canada and Bermuda Territory
• Caribbean Territory
• Latin America North Territory
• Mexico Territory
• South America East Territory
• South America West Territory
• USA Central Territory
• USA Eastern Territory
• USA Southern Territory
• USA Western Territory