I am a soldier in The Salvation Army and worked for the Army for six years. I now work for my Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) in employment and training. I also worked for 13 years with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in health education and marketing. I wrote grants and led community coalitions while managing them.

01. How did you first become involved with The Salvation Army?    

I didn’t know anything about The Salvation Army until I applied for the job, and I didn’t know that they were a church, not just emergency services.

I chose to become a soldier after being a Christian since my youth. I loved the mission of The Salvation Army and its emphasis on soup, soap and then salvation. I enjoyed ministering to those in need and being able to pray with them, too.

02. What is your favorite event or program in The Salvation Army?  

Outreach to those in need, and, again, soup, soap and salvation. I’ve also enjoyed doing nursing home ministry and community care.

03. Who inspires you and why? 

Growing up, I was most inspired by Mae Rasmussen, a godly servant who opened her home to my family and me when we were in need many years ago. She’s already been promoted to Glory.

04. What hobbies do you like to do?   

Reading, writing, teaching, crocheting and singing.

05. How do you spend time connecting with God? 

Digging into God’s Word, reading, praying, singing and meditating. [I also enjoy] time in worship and fellowship at church and with the church body.

06. How does your faith influence your work and/or your everyday life? 

Whatever you do in word or deed is all to be for His glory. I pray about my effectiveness and ability to be present, listen and reflect on clients, and try to meet them where they are with compassion and understanding.

07. What is your favorite Scripture verse and why? 

My favorite is 2 Corinthians 13:5, which says, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves …” It’s a reminder to remember what it’s all about. Without Him, I’m just a clanging gong or noisy cymbal … God is love and I need to be His arms and feet while serving others.

08. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

What God has done for me—forgiveness and bringing our family back together.

09. What are your hopes/goals for the future? 

To continue to grow in Christ, in God’s Word and in love, and to be able to learn how to lead others to Christ; to help grow God’s Kingdom.

10. What has been one of your biggest joys in following Jesus so far?

Being chosen, redeemed, loved, forgiven and free to read, study, worship, teach and preach. It’s a true joy to share God’s Word.