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…

LOUISE ANDERSON

Deputy Songster Leader, Clevedon

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I went to the Brownies with my aunt, who was a Salvationist and a brownie guider.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I felt that this was what God was calling me for.

What is your day job?

I was a nurse but am now caring for my future father-in-law at home.

What is the most interesting thing about your day – and the most frustrating?

The most interesting thing is that I never know what each day will bring. The most frustrating thing is that I never know what each day will bring!

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I would like it to be more inclusive.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

I love to explore new places, but I also enjoy sitting by a pool and reading a good book. My fiancé, Phil, and I plan to travel when we retire and have lots of places on our list.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

I would play Mary Poppins. She always sees the positive in every situation and makes everyone feel better.

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

I’m just me, take it or leave it!

‘‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms’’

(John 14:1 and 2)

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Florence Nightingale. I would like to hear about her experiences during the Crimean War and how she realised that cleanliness and order would make such a difference to the survival of her patients.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Swimming. I swam for my home town when I was a teenager.

What is your favourite food?

If I had to choose one thing, it would be my mum’s homemade lasagne.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to read, particularly murder mysteries, and I enjoy crochet, knitting and needlework.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

One Step Beyond… by Madness.

What is your favourite Bible passage? John 14:1 and 2. Jesus is reassuring us that there will be room for us in Heaven.

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

Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth. I would ask her how she felt when she learnt she was pregnant and felt the baby move when Mary visited her.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ (SASB 456), especially these words: ‘Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire,/ O still small voice of calm!’

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Blue Knees. My friend’s brother couldn’t pronounce ‘Louise’.

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

The Queen.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can remember every registration number for all the cars my dad had when I was growing up and the cars I have owned.

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

To Kill a Mockingbird, which I first read at school. It teaches us a lot about racial inequality, injustice and the destruction of innocence. It also addresses class, courage, compassion and gender roles.

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

‘Cool for Cats’ by Squeeze.

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

God will work in his time, not ours.

What are the most valuable things you possess? possess?

My faith and a sense of humour.

Something interesting that people i might t want to o know about you is…

I ha av ve had glider r flyi y ng g lessons.