Cadet Valerie Jaber, Southern Territory, shares with The War Cry about her long calling journey, greatest joy in training, and advice for prospective candidates. Lt. Jaber is now commissioned.

How did you experience God’s calling to officership? 

From a young age, I felt a calling to officership. Growing up as an officer’s child made church an essential part of my life, and I was fully involved in all of the corps activities. When I was fifteen years old, I had a real encounter with the Holy Spirit during a church service. God seared the calling to officership into my heart that day. However, as I transitioned into young adulthood, I felt the pressure to become “somebody.” I went on to college, earned my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, and later worked at a university hospital as a financial analyst. 

Years had passed since my initial encounter with God, and challenges brought my husband and me to The Salvation Army Dallas Pleasant Grove Corps. Throughout our nine years there, we witnessed God’s transformative process, which, while gradual and sometimes painful, was beautiful. After much reflection and seeking God’s guidance, we felt the call to officership again; this time, we said yes.

What is the greatest joy you are experiencing as a cadet? 

The greatest joy I am experiencing as a cadet is the joy of surrender. God has consistently shown us that the same God who called us is the one who equips us for the journey ahead. We’re not walking this path alone. God is with us, and He has placed such beautiful people around us, including training staff, our fellow sessionmates, and other officers, to share this faith journey with us. All we need to do is surrender our will to God daily, and with that comes great joy. 

What is your advice for someone who feels called to officership but hasn’t yet responded? 

I encourage you to answer the call. Consider the people of Israel; if they had allowed their fears to hold them back, they would have never crossed the Red Sea. Like the Israelites, walk on the path that God has made just for you. I encourage you to take the step of faith and trust that the God who called you will guide you and keep you every step of the way.

Illustration by Richard Chance