The Salvation Army and me

Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…

MAJOR LINDA PERKIN Gatwick Airport Chaplaincy

How did you first come into contact with the Army? A neighbour introduced me when I was 12 years old. He took my sister and me, along with his children, to Sunday school.

What made you want to become a Salvationist? It was the love and dedication I saw at the little corps at Stainforth and the help that Doncaster Corps gave us.

What is the most interesting thing about your role? As an airport chaplain I never know what each new day will bring. I meet people from all over the world who are so interesting, as well as the people who work day by day at the airport.

What one thing would you change about the Army? To have greater emphasis on the Bible and embracing its truths. Many Salvationists do that, but many focus on other things and make them so important. We need to keep the Bible central.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Make the most of the present.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts. Naughty but nice, they come in all different shapes and sizes just like us!

What is your favourite food? A roast dinner. Especially on a Sunday and when all the family are at home.

What do you do in your spare time? I like knitting and have recently taught myself to crochet. Also swimming and walking, and I like to look for sale bargains in the shops.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? ‘Hey, Hey, We’re The Monkees’ by the Monkees. Strangely, it sticks in my mind!

What is your favourite Bible verse? I have many, but I love John 10:10: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ It would make a real difference to the world if we took hold of that promise and really lived it out.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? I would play Maria in The Sound Of Music. It’s a great film, the first I ever saw at the cinema. I can relate to Maria and love her character.

What is your favourite kind of holiday? I love being able to relax in the sun by a swimming pool, but also explore new places. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? I’d ask Naaman, ‘What difference did it make to your life after you were healed?’ This is one of my favourite Bible stories (see 2 Kings 5). The good news is there for us all to see, including the obedience we need to have in our Christian lives. ‘‘ As an airport chaplain I never know what each new day will bring. I meet people from all over the world who are so interesting, as well as the people who work day by day at the airport

’’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘King Of Kings, Majesty’ (SASB 376). The first time I heard it I loved it, and it still moves me when I sing it.

Is there something about life you’ve never understood? A big one for me is why some people are wealthy and give God no place in their lives, while others who give God everything are poor.

Did you have a nickname growing up? It was Scoggs, from my maiden name, Scholey.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘I Have A Dream’ by Abba.

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? A picture of my brother, sister and me when we were children. Sadly my brother died when he was only 36. The picture reminds me of us as children in our family home.

Something interesting you might want to know about me is… Before I became a Salvation Army officer I was a dental nurse. I loved the job: mixing the fillings, filling in the charts, making appointments. Then God called me. He had his hand on my life, so I followed his calling.