In one or two paragraphs, please describe your calling to officership.

As a young girl, growing up in Las Vegas, I met The Salvation Army at the age of 11 after I was arrested. Through the love of my new church home, and how intentional they were on showing me how to have a personal relationship with Jesus, I was able to accept Christ at a Corps Cadet retreat at Camp Ponderosa Ranch when I was 14. I knew I needed Jesus for me. During that time, I felt the Holy Spirit lay on my heart that full time ministry in The Salvation Army was where God wanted me to be. As any “logical” teenager, that was a big no for me. I wanted to stay back at the corps and help build that community, that was my “just enough”.

In the years that followed, I had the opportunity to stretch beyond my comfort zone, working at camp, and going on Summer Service Corps (SSC) trips for three summers. On my last SSC summer, while leading a team in the Southern Territory, God opened the door for me to move to Memphis to pursue ministry. I still felt the Holy Spirit nudging, but I kept convincing myself that what I’d already done was “just enough.” It wasn’t until I truly surrendered that I realized I can’t keep telling God I want to be a willing servant and then draw lines around how He’s allowed to use me. I’ve got to be all in.

How has your time at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) been transformative?

I have learned that God moves powerfully in both the mountaintop seasons and the valley moments. That has transformed how I viewed His goodness. Also, how being intentional on developing a rhythm in our spiritual growth can be a game changer!

What was your favorite part of being a cadet?

Community. Living in community can be tough to navigate for some, but it’s been one of my favorite parts of being a cadet. I’ve really leaned into it and seen how life-giving it can be.

What does being a “Champion of the Mission” mean to you? 

Being a Champion of the Mission means to me that as long as I remain in Him and the mission He has called me to, there is victory. He is the reason I can be called a champion!

What are you most looking forward to doing or experiencing in your first appointment?

I am beyond excited to step into a new community. One that I get to love on, that I get to call home, and that I get to share the love of Christ with!

What advice or encouragement would you give to someone who feels called to be an officer but hasn’t answered the call yet?

I would say this, what are your excuses? Why not you? If you claim to be a servant of His kingdom, it’s going to be hard to find joy in  settling for “just enough.” Lean into the calling He has placed on your life, if it’s a call to being an officer, He will make a way regardless of your excuses.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse to share with readers? What makes it meaningful to you?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope.” – Romans 15:13 (NIV)

This verse reminds me to keep trusting Him. My hope is in Him always.

What person from Salvation Army history is inspiring to you? Or what current Salvation Army leader is inspiring to you? Why?

From history, I’d say Mabel Broome. She was a trailblazer for women of color in the U.S. Salvation Army.

As for current leaders, I’m incredibly inspired by Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell. Over the past two years at the training college, they’ve been so intentional in helping shape my leadership and sharing their passion for ministry.

How can anyone – any average reader of The War Cry – be a champion of God’s mission wherever they are?

To be a champion of God’s mission, you’ve got to remain in Him. You can’t know the mission He has for you if you’re not looking. Dwell in His presence, stay in the Word, and surround yourself with a community on fire for Jesus.