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…

JOYCE MOORE Shoeburyness

How did you first come into contact with the Army? I started helping with cooking and serving meals at the corps.

What made you want to volunteer for the Army? I have volunteered in the charity shop for 25 years. I feel that, as my favourite chorus says, ‘where he needs me, my Lord has placed me’ (SASB 944).

What is the most interesting thing about your role? Talking to people, especially when I can see they need it.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role? When I see friction between people.

What one thing would you change about the Army? Some people do not stick to the rules God laid down about loving their neighbours.

What is your favourite kind of holiday? Even though I find walking difficult, I do like to see places. But it has to be from a wheelchair. What is your favourite kind of holiday? Even though I find walking difficult, I do like to see places. But it has to be from a wheelchair.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Always look after the underdog.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? I am not a sporty person, but I think I would choose the javelin throw.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Food – not for myself, but for anyone who needed it.

What do you do in your spare time? Knitting and reading.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? Long dresses or skirts.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Tommy Steele’s Half A Sixpence (I am showing my age here).

What is your favourite Bible verse? 1 Corinthians 13:13: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’ I have been honoured to read this verse at several of my granddaughters’ weddings.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Mary – I would ask how scary it was to be told about Jesus.

Do you have any hidden talents? When I knit I use a pattern, then I change it to my own liking.

‘‘ Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me

’’ (SASB 944)

Is there something you’ve never understood? How some people take so much and leave others without.

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

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? General Eva Burrows, as she seemed to be a gentle person, similar to me.

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be? A fan-type machine in each room to suck up all the dust, so the rooms would always look clean.

Which book (apart from the Bible) would you want on a desert island? Any book by Corrie ten Boom. She was a Dutch lady whose family hid Jews in their home to escape the Nazis.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Lady Madonna’ by the Beatles.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t copy others just to be their friend, especially if they do or say things you don’t like.

What is the most valuable thing you possess? My large family.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is… I have 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren – and I am only 76 years old!