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… ‘‘Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!’’

MELITA DAY-LEWIS

Editorial Assistant, Kids Alive! and ! Salvationist

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My dad learnt to play an instrument through the Army in the East End when he was a child. I subsequently discovered that he said a prayer of commitment to Jesus as a result of their witness to him. My involvement with the Army began when I applied for a job as an editorial assistant at THQ.

What made you want to work/volunteer for the Army?

The Movement’s incredible social work and witness for Christ.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Discovering the variety of amazing ministries taking place all over the world and interviewing some of the wonderful people involved.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

Having to do most interviews online or by phone.Iwouldhavelovedtodomorein phone. I would have loved to do more in person.

What is s your fav a ourite e kind d of holiday?

Tr ravelli l ng to a a n new w country y and experiencing it ts c l ult ture or r staying g in a re emote e, qu uiet t beaut ty spot t i in th he UK.

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

Top Hat. I would be Dale, played by Ginger Rogers, so that I could dance the night away like a pro with Fred Astaire!

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

James Hudson Taylor, the British missionary who founded the China Inland Mission. His life, and all he accomplished, is inspiring.

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

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!

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

Chocolate!

What is your favourite food?

Oxtail stew made by my mother or my brother.

What do you do in your spare time?

A mixture of reading, long walks (with a tea shop thrown in if possible), cycling, birdwatching, dinner parties with friends andvolunteerworkwithmychurch. and volunteer work with my church.

If you could invent t a a gadget, what would d it b ? e?

A An environment l all ly f i riendly y weed e in ng gadg get t th hat t wo l uld d permanently ge g t t rid d of o weeds s in lawns s and pati ios s.

Apart from English, what languages do you know?

I speak a little Afrikaans.

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

The original Oklahoma! soundtrack.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why?

I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite! All of Scripture is so rich, powerful and strengthening.

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

Elijah. ‘How did you learn to hear God speak so clearly?’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

One of my favourites is ‘So Will I (100 Billion X)’ by Hillsong United.

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

An entomologist working in the Amazon jungle.

Do you have any hidden talents?

People say that I’m a natural Pe hotographer. ph

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