‘Are you coming back?’

Captain Kate Gregory (Brighton Congress Hall) and Welcome Sergeant Wally share how a warm welcome made all the difference

WALLY has been attending Brighton Congress Hall Corps for approximately four years. He came to the corps café with his friend, George, one day in 2019 and they enjoyed a coffee together. When Wally went to leave, George said: ‘Are you coming back?’ Wally replied: ‘I’ll think about it.’ He didn’t need long to think about it and came back the very next day!

After a few visits to the café, George had asked about attending on Sundays. Eventually Wally started coming on Sundays too. When the Covid-19 lockdowns ended, a new lunch club started. Wally was the first on the list to come.

Who are you and what do you do for a living?

I am Sam Davidson, and I am the audio content editor for THQ, including Salvationist Radio.

What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?

Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me’ (English Standard Version).

What’s your most-played song at the moment?

‘I’m So Blessed’ by Cain.

What’s the most-used app on your phone? YouTube.

What do you do in your spare time? I like to play golf.

Which country would you like to visit and why?

New Zealand. I’d love to explore the beautiful landscapes and visit Hobbiton (from The Lord of the Rings).

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Pray! Remember to pray in the good times, hard times and everything in between.

‘It’s a laugh,’ he said. He has since become a really important person in that group. He helps set up and helps tidy everything away afterwards too. He also welcomes people in.

Wally explained that before he arrived at The Salvation Army he didn’t know anyone. He helped out at Connections, at the corps lunch club, and was asked to be the official corps welcome sergeant.

in the café, the place where his Army journey started.

It is never too late to become part of The Salvation Army and part of a corps family. Wally uses his spiritual gifts of helping and hospitality to make everyone feel supported and happy. It’s been a joy to get to know him since 2021, when I joined as corps officer.

Wally was one of the people who made me feel most welcome when I arrived at the corps. He proudly wears his adherent badge all week and is now considering the next steps in his faith journey, which may include becoming a soldier. Watch this space! God is doing amazing things in the lives of people in Brighton.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

Inspiring Stories

To read more testimonies online, scan the QR code or visit salvationarmy.org.uk that he put his framed cer tifica p

Today Wally is a happy face for people to be greeted by when coming to church. He loves his new appointment so much that he put his framed certificate up