I love Jesus with all my heart

I like to joke about the fact that from the moment I opened my eyes as a baby, I was in church and have been there ever since. The Salvation Army has always been home to me, and I value the teachings and guidance I received from various leaders.

God never forgot…

I was 13 years old when I first responded to the call to serve God as a Salvation Army Officer. I was challenged by the guests at Youth Councils, prompting us to respond to the question of what our God-given purpose in life could be. As young as I was, I knew that this was not about my career but about something much more significant. My prayer that morning, standing on the platform with others who had responded, was like the words in Isaiah 6:8. I had a desire for the Lord to use me to do His work. I availed myself that day, and although I tried to move away from that promise as I continued to grow, God never forgot.

I knew immediately…

The day I was saved came years later when, again at a youth camp, now attending as a young adult, I was inspired throughout the week by young people like me who were praising God from a deep place I had never experienced before. I responded to the altar call on the last day, and I knew immediately that my life had not just changed in terms of my relationship with God but that He had already prepared the path for me to serve Him.

This journey has been filled with so many experiences that I treasure. The challenges have made me stronger and helped me grow as a leader. I am so grateful for the love and support of my family, session mates, and mentors who have walked a road with me that not many others could. I love Jesus with all my heart, and no matter what the task at hand is, I often stop to marvel at how God works, giving Him all the glory for His goodness toward me.

There is so much God can do when we make room for Him to speak.

I have learned in this season of my life to really listen to the voice of God, and I encourage those around me to do the same. There is so much God can do when we make room for Him to speak. There is a song by Ivor Bosanko that I have sung silently often as I stand to share the Word: “Holy Spirit, promised presence, fall on me. Holy Spirit, make me all I long to be…” When the devil tries to discourage me, I remember that I am empowered through the Holy Spirit, and I find the strength to carry on.