Last summer I attended a beautiful wedding on a warm July afternoon. The bride and groom looked lovely and totally happy. The ceremony was solemn. The music was soothing to my spirit. At the reception, the bride explained that instead of providing all the guests with the usual table favours (such as matches or chocolates), they decided to use the money for a greater purpose. They would be making a donation to World Vision in our honour to make a difference and help build a better world. They selected the gift of supplying classrooms with needed items to help children succeed in school. We all applauded. We were happy to be making a difference! I can only imagine the lives that will be made brighter because of this gift.

I recall another occasion sitting beside the bed of a young woman who was struggling for her life. Rhonda made an amazing difference in the world in a short time. Her genuine spirit of compassion and big heart prompted her to look for opportunities to smile and serve others. The impact she had on her colleagues, friends and members of her corps family—in fact, all who knew her—was incredible.

My call to officership and the awareness that God wanted me to surrender my life to full-time ministry came at an early age. Growing up in a Christian home and participating in church activities, I was constantly reminded of God’s direction and plan for my future. I am compelled to minister and to make a difference in the lives of others—to be a helper of humankind.

During my 19 years of officership, I have met all kinds of people. Some have given me inspiration and hope; others have drained me. I’ve been the recipient of both encouraging and discouraging remarks. Yet through it all I’ve learned that people are all basically the same. They look different on the outside, but inside they all have beating hearts and a burning need for love, acceptance and friendship.

I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a difference—to brighten someone’s day or lighten their load. I have to confess there have also been times when I walked away and wondered, Did I make a difference? Did I plant a seed that will take root, grow and blossom for God? I realized, of course, that it is God who makes the ultimate difference in people’s lives.

Throughout my ministry, I’ve also learned to thank God for the many people, too numerous to count, who have made a difference in my life. Let me share with you what one little boy said to me. Following chapel one Friday morning at the Small Blessings Daycare Centre in Moncton, N.B., three-year-old Tyler said to me, “Major, thank you for God!” I melted. I was humbled. I think what Tyler meant to say was, “Major, thank you for telling me about God.”

You’re welcome, Tyler. It’s what I want to do for my entire life. I want to tell people about God. I want to make a difference for them—through him and because of him. I have a passion for ministry within The Salvation Army. I have a strong sense of calling and a desire to make a difference through a smile, touch, visit, prayer and any other avenue as God leads.

I love working at things where I can see a tangible difference because of my efforts, whether it’s painting, washing my car, ironing or mowing the lawn. It gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing that my actions are achieving results. But no greater joy comes to my heart than when I know I’ve made a difference in the life of a little boy, a teenage girl, a young couple or a more mature saint of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote of the confidence we can have as Christians “that he who began a good work in you [i.e. made a difference] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

God uses people just like you and me to make a difference. We just need to be faithful and available.