When I first became a Salvation Army officer, I had a good friend who, when he saw me going off to do something, would ask, “Is that a ‘have to’ or a ‘want to’?” The idea was that certain things an officer would want to do and some he would have to do. Over the past 20 years, I’ve thought of that question many times—and I still say, “I like my job!”

Now before I go any further, I realize I’m going to get into trouble with some people by comparing Salvation Army officership to a job. They’ll say it’s a calling, a 24/7 lifestyle or a lifelong commitment. That may be true, but here’s the deal—I don’t have the letter S embroidered on my pyjamas; in the morning I get up and go to work like everyone else; and the definition of who I am as a person is more than just an officer. 

In case you’re wondering, I did have a “real” job once. After high school, I studied chemistry and math at university, then got a job in a science lab—complete with white lab coat and black safety glasses. It was a good job. But God kept showing me that this wasn’t the right one for me. I was slow and it took some time and convincing before I could accept that God really wanted me to be a Salvation Army officer and that I might possibly be able to do it. I’m still grateful for those people that God used to bring confirmation and encouragement. So, here I am 20 years later, still an officer and I like my job!

I like the places that I’ve been. God has been very gracious in where he’s sent me. My appointments have been the best. I hope, though, that I’d feel that way about wherever I’d been. I’m a better person because of the people at Agincourt Community Church, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Ont., Hamilton Citadel, Bermuda, and Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C.

I like the opportunities that God has given me. They’re greater than anything I ever could have found on my own. I believe God has called me to live out Ephesians 4:12—“to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” That means that I’ve been incredibly privileged to witness the development of God-given gifts in his people. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

I like the people that God provides for me to work with. Presently, I work alongside some of the most gifted, amazing people I’ve ever met. 

I like how God continually shows me that he’ll prepare me and equip me for anything he wants me to do. It’s exciting to witness the power of God at work. And he continually reminds me that officership was his idea. 

To paraphrase Romans 8:31, “If God is for me, who can be against me?” Actually, numerous people have been. Let’s be honest—life with people is not always easy. That’s the way it is everywhere. I’ll admit that I have friends who haven’t continued as officers, and some of them would say that they were mistreated and couldn’t take it anymore. Is that a reflection on The Salvation Army? Or a reflection on people who shouldn’t have been able to treat others the way they did? 

Salvation Army officers ought to be treated with respect and honesty. In Hebrews 13:17 we read, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority … so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” If you’re worried we’ll take advantage of that, remember we have to live according to the biblical principle that “from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (see Luke 12:48).

I like being able to invest my life in ministry for God through the Movement called The Salvation Army. It truly  is inspired of God and an instrument that he uses for reconciliation in this world. I believe that he’ll keep on calling amazing people into ministry as Salvation Army officers. I hope they’ll listen. 

by Major Jamie Braund, Corps Officer, Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C.