3 minute read
The Salvation Army and me
All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week…
JORDAN BRUEN
Support worker, Discovery House, Manchester
How did you first come into contact with the Army?
After leaving the Royal Air Force in 2011, I became acquainted with Salvation Army youth workers in my area and began volunteering at the youth club. In 2014 I volunteered abroad with the Army in Riga, Latvia.
What made you want to work for the Army?
After leaving university in 2018, an opportunity to work for the Army’s Manchester Homelessness Services came up and I knew instantly that this was the organisation I wanted to work for.
What is the most interesting thing about your role?
It’s a great honour to support some of the most vulnerable, isolated and excluded members of our society and witness them grow in confidence and find meaning in their lives.
… and the most frustrating thing?
Sometimes clients do not want to eng with support. Although this is frustratin it allows us to be creative in the way w offer our services. age ng, we
What one thing would you change about the Army?
I would like the Army’s history and eth to be more prominent when inducting new employees. os
What is your favourite kind of holid
A cottage in the countryside with a reasonable distance to the nearest be where I can read, relax, go fishing and use the barbecue.
day?
each, d
(SASB 241)B
If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?
It would be Star Wars and I’d play Lukes Skywalker. The attack on the Death Star is my favourite 10 minutes of cinema.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?
The Greek philosopher Socrates. He is one of the most intriguing characters in history and his philosophical method has influenced the way I think about the world. I would like to discuss a few ethical conundrums with him.
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?
Archery.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Patience.
What is your favourite food?
Pizza, although I do love Korean food.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend a lot of time with my four-yearold son exploring the world around us. I have also developed a keen interest inchess in chess.
What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?
The single Wonderwall by Oasis.
What is your favourite Bible passage?
‘Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, complete my joy, so that you are in agreement, having the same love, united in spirit, having one purpose. Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty conceit, but in humility considering one another better than yourselves, each of you not looking out for your own interests, but also each of you for the interests of others’ (Philippians 2:1–4 Lexham English Bible). I think this encapsulates the work of the Army perfectly and is something we all strive to do in our work and ministry.
Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
I would like to meet the apostle Paul and ask for a tutorial on tent-making.
What is your favourite hymn or worship song?
‘And Can It Be?’ (SASB 241) by Charles Wesley.
you could invent a gadget, whatIf y uld it be?wo
mething that gives you a little So tic shock when you’re about to say sta mething stupidso in an interview or portant meeting.im
art from the Bible, which bookApa uld you want on a desert island?wo
e Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor vThe stoevsky.Do
hat’s the best piece of advice you’ve W er been given?ev
It’s better to have tried and failed than ver to have tried at all.ne
