5 minute read
Finding Faith and Purpose
Don Quirk from Johnsonville Corps (church) shares his generational ties to The Salvation Army and his return to family roots.
The Salvation Army has been a part of my family’s story for many years. My mother, Mary Elena Westrupp, joined The Salvation Army in Nelson at 18 years of age. At age 20, she was accepted into the first intake of cadets to train as Salvation Army officers in the 1913 session. Following her training, Mary was appointed corps officer (leader) at several corps in both the North and South Islands, but poor health led her to take early retirement from officership in 1915. Mary married my father Ernest Quirk in 1923.
Up until her death in 1938 at the age of 47, my mother remained a devout Salvationist. I was only four years old when she was promoted to Glory. I grew up attending The Salvation Army in Nelson with several caregivers. After completing my studies at Nelson College, I began working at my first job as a ship’s boy in the Merchant Navy. I came ashore in 1953 and served three months compulsory military training at Burnham Army Camp in Christchurch.
After another two years at sea, I joined the Metropolitan Fire Service, first in Wellington and then the Christchurch Brigade. I moved on to work at the Ministry of Transport (MOT) Rescue Fire Service in Christchurch and Wellington. Over the years my career advanced and I worked at the Civil Aviation Authority where I was responsible for inspecting aerodromes throughout New Zealand. Later my position changed to Aeronautical Services Inspector where I audited firefighting procedures in aerodromes in New Zealand and in the Pacific Islands. Since the day I commenced work I hardly ever attended a church service other than the occasional wedding or funeral.
I always kept The Salvation Army in the back of my mind. Something would always be lingering and tempting me to return to my Army roots, but I resisted giving in. Although I remember little of my mother, I felt her spirit remain with me all those years.
Unexpected encounter
It was Anzac Day in 2016, when a friend suggested that we attend a service at Johnsonville Salvation Army. To be honest, I was not very keen to go but relented. After the outdoor service we were invited inside for coffee and Anzac biscuits, and I met Commissioners Garth and Mel McKenzie. I found talking with these wonderful people of God very inspiring. They invited me to attend a church service, and although I was hesitant, my friend convinced me to go. I thought it might be an opportunity to speak to my second cousin Andy Westrupp, who attended this corps.
On arriving at the church that Sunday, I was adamant that no one would convince me to accept Jesus as my saviour. I made it very clear to the corps officer at the time, Captain Robert Adams, that I had not come to praise, I was just here out of interest. Famous last words! On that day, Pentecost Sunday in 2016, I gave my life to Christ.
Since that day, I have not looked back. I am now involved with many aspects of my corps. I enjoy being asked to occasionally pray and read the Bible verses at Sunday services. I like helping with MASH (community meals) each week and reaching out to those who come along. I am learning a lot in my life group. My favourite Bible verses are Ephesians 6:10–17, where Paul talks about putting on the armour of God.
Never too late
Even in my nineties I like to keep myself fit and active. I also love country music and enjoy singing Jim Reeves and Dean Martin songs at the country music clubs I belong to. A year ago, I saw some veterans running in the Masters Games on television and thought, I could do that. I joined an athletics club and took up training. Despite some concerns from my family, I entered the North Island Masters in Palmerston North this year and achieved my goal of competing. I was the only competitor in my age category, and I came last, but I did it. I wanted to prove that it is never too late to have a go at anything new.
Since embracing Christ, I feel a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment in my life. This journey has deepened my understanding of others and strengthened my ability to be more accepting.
Each day, among other prayers, I pray that God would give me the opportunity to reach out and speak to others to help them find salvation. The church has been an enormous blessing, giving me peace, hope, faith and fellowship. My message to all those who are curious or wavering about getting to know Jesus—it is never too late!
