'Why I do what I do': Salvationists share what motivates them

Members, local leaders, employees and officers share their passion, motivation and inspiration.

Dawn Hutter (Babysong Group Leader, Bridgwater)

I enjoyed taking my children to Babysong and took over leadership as it could have closed, and I know it’s not always easy to find a baby group.

God blessed me with my voice, and I feel honoured that I can use my gift in this way while bringing a link between the corps and families in the community.

Tati Del Campo (Sutton)

I first came to know the Army through their warm welcome and genuine care. That experience inspired me to get involved and give back to others.

Today, I serve because I’ve seen how combining compassion with practical help makes a real difference in our community. I do what I do because, together with like-minded people, I can live out my faith by sharing the same kindness that was once shown to me.

Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

My job in life is to pray and to help people discover the wonder of prayer. I’m passionate about that because I meet so many people who just pay it lip-service or steer clear of it altogether thinking it’s too hard, too boring or too confusing. I have found prayer to be the single most exciting, joy-bringing, hope-stirring thing in my life, and I want everyone to discover what it’s really like!

Young People’s Band (Winton)

I like playing in the band because... 
Jack It gives me a new skill! 
Esme It makes me happy! 
Ava They teach me a skill and an interest in music! 
Archie I can see it makes people happy! 
Millie It’s fun and I like learning my instrument!

Stephanie Stanger (Corps Secretary, Kirkwall)

Being a local officer provides me a unique way of serving God, my church family and community, as well as supporting our corps officers. I carry out various tasks, but one sums up why I do what I do – updating our history book. We’ve been working in Orkney for 139 years, and the history books are full of poignant memories. Most importantly, they document God’s faithfulness and clearly show that God has a plan for this part of his church.

I’m inspired by how our corps has shared Jesus’ love in innovative ways that have impacted people’s lives. As I update our current book, I write with future generations in mind and pray they’ll be encouraged and challenged to keep sharing the gospel.

Collette Gaudion (Recruiting Sergeant, Guernsey)

I do what I do for the joy of leading people – young or older – to faith in Jesus, for the knowledge of the forgiveness and love of God, and for the reassurance that God is always there. ‘I Want to Tell What God Has Done’ (SASB 852) is exactly what I want to do. From experience I know that he can take your life as he did mine and make it anew.

Beverley Nichol (Corps Secretary, Bedlington)

Having been a lifelong Salvationist, it’s been my purpose to serve the Lord to the best of my ability. Having recently undertaken the role of corps secretary, I’m serving him in a practical and spiritual role. This isn’t a duty but a privilege to be active for Christ.

Walking my Christian path is a continuous learning curve, and the Lord never ceases to amaze me. I do what I do because ‘he leadeth me’ (SASB 645). We may not always feel equipped for the tasks he asks us to do but, rather than calling the equipped, I do believe he equips the called.

Adam Howie (Community Mission Facilitator, Edinburgh Granton)

I would like to think that it comes from a belief in the example of the radical love of Christ, whose example calls us to seek justice, bring hope and serve those in need, whosoever they are!

Bev Appleby (Junior Soldiers Sergeant, Stockton)

As an educationalist, Proverbs 22:6 has always been my goal, to nurture and inspire children to be the best versions of themselves. Having the opportunity to do that as a junior soldiers sergeant is a real privilege.

I was apprehensive about taking on the role – I felt I may have been too out of touch. But God moves in mysterious ways and those he calls, he equips.

I have discovered it is a journey in which we explore together what being a junior soldier is all about. The children teach me far more than I teach them.

Our children and young people are an integral part of our church family, and I am grateful I can play a small part in helping to build the Kingdom. I pray that what they learn will equip them in all their lives as junior soldiers of Jesus.

Captain Tracy Collis (Divisional Ecumenical Officer, North West and Isle of Man)

My passion for ecumenical ministry comes from Jesus’ call that we should be one and work together for the benefit of the Kingdom (see John 17:21–24). When I experience other Christian traditions, it enhances my understanding of the many aspects of God’s character.

Joan Foster (Histon)

I’ve been privileged to be involved in a prayer card ministry for some years, sending messages of blessing and encouragement to people associated with our church.

Although I don’t get out much, I can reach out to others believing that prayer changes things. In turn, I’m blessed when recipients respond, confirming that God is at work in their lives, and that they are feeling his love.

Sharon Nirmala (Young People’s Sergeant-Major, Dublin City)

As a YPSM, I combine leadership, service and faith to positively influence young people in our church. My role involves mentoring fellow soldiers, organising programmes for youth and supporting worship.

Driven by the Army’s motto of ‘blood and fire’, I’m passionate about spreading the gospel to young people. This position has allowed me to develop leadership skills, deepen my faith and represent the Army’s values.

Ibukun Baku (KA! JAM Coordinator, THQ)

When the Holy Spirit filled me, my life changed. I had no doubt that I was loved and accepted by God – not because of anything I did but because of all that Jesus did. And I want our children and young people to experience this for themselves.

I’m blessed to work with such a great team and consider it a privilege that we play a part in sharing the gospel. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do!

Rosie Clark (Food Bank Coordinator, Scunthorpe)

My passion stems back to my German grandma, a beautiful Christian who opened a soup kitchen when things were hard. This was the same period as William Booth starting our Movement here. In my small corner, God has placed me to feed his people. I am blessed to work with volunteers who have the same passion, to give and not to count the cost. ‘Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me’ (SASB 944).

Captain Jennifer Gosling (Tutor, William Booth College)

Throughout my life I’ve been blessed by many people investing in me as a person and as a leader. I have a passion for learning and development, and I love seeing people flourish.

This appointment provides an avenue for me to invest in people who are on spiritual leadership journeys. God always has something new to teach us, and I’m excited about the things I’m learning and the fact that I can help others discover what God wants to develop in them, too.

Janet Devine (Volunteer Leader, Heckmondwike)

I do what I do quite simply because I care. When our officers left during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a case of do we want to stay open or do we want to close. Everyone wanted us to stay open, galvanising us into action. We currently have about 15 members, with half involved in leading worship. I am also passionate about our Christmas toy and food parcels for local families in need, and Friday Friends, our community drop-in. I firmly support the Army’s motto of love God, love others. It’s about love in action!