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… ‘‘As my faith grew, I knew I wanted to make my commitment to God and my church’’

MARLENE CLARKE

POOLE

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was passing by and got invited in for the afternoon meeting.

What made you want to become a soldier?

When I first started going to Sunday worship, I liked what I heard. It was down to earth, made sense and was relevant. As my faith grew, I knew I wanted to make my commitment to God and my church.

What is your day job?

I am now retired.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Make The Salvation Army more high profile. The number of people I meet when selling the War Cry are unaware that it is a church and that it serves in 133 countries worldwide.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Live for today, let tomorrow take care of itself – at least, I try.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Energy – with a knack for turning it off at bedtime.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Meeting up with family and going on country walks.

What is your favourite food?

Mature cheddar cheese – utter bliss!

What do you do in your retirement?

Play Scrabble, read and do volunteer work.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why?

‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). It is so comforting and reassuring.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

Moses. I would like to ask him, when leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, despite his obedience to God and the hardship he endured, what were his first thoughts and feelings when God told him he would not see the other side.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ (SASB 31). It is so uplifting.

Is there something about life or the world that you’ve never understood?

Humankind’s inhumanity towards each other.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Hate.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

Sir David Attenborough – the wealth of knowledge he has of our planet’s systems is so vast that 24 hours would not be enough!

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

Something that would deliver non-invasive repairs to worn-out knees, including a 5,000-mile warranty!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have written poetry and short stories. A few of them have been published.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Treat others like you would like to be treated yourself – sound advice given by my father when I was starting out in my working life.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My wedding ring. It reminds me of the bond with my late husband, Eric. He was my life and my best friend.