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… ‘‘Your majesty, I can but bow; I lay my all before you now. In royal robes I don’t deserve, I live to serve your majesty ’’

(SASB 376)

MAJOR JOHN CARMICHAEL

DONCASTER

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was taken to Histon Corps in my pram by my officer parents and dedicated to God. I grew in my commitment to Jesus and was made a junior soldier, then a senior soldier, and eventually an officer. I retired from full-time officership in 2015.

What made you want to become an officer?

In my late teens and early 20s I was aware of ‘a divine niggle’ that would not go away. Corps officers guided me, my friends encouraged me and then I fell in love with an officer candidate. The rest is history.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

In my current role as community services administrator, I am responsible for the finances and accounts of six charity shops. Some of the profits are put back into the community by providing items for families in need in and around Doncaster. This is the most rewarding part of the job.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

Reconciling the daily amounts with the Salvation Army accounts system.

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

A Hercule Poirot film. I would play the part of Captain Hastings.

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

Glad All Over by the Dave Clark Five.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why?

‘All things work together for good to them that love God’ (Romans 8:28 King James Version). We have a lot of family concerns and knowing that in all things God is working for my and our good is a great comfort. When things do not pan out as I would have liked, I go back to this verse.

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

Peter. Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, I would ask him how it felt when Jesus gave him the keys of the Kingdom. And, after the Resurrection, I would ask: ‘How did you feel when Jesus kept on asking you if you loved him?’

What do you do in your spare time?

Support and encourage my family, read, garden, visit garden centres and drink coffee. Just recently I have started to build a model railway with great support from my seven-year-old grandson.

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

General William Booth. I’d like to know how he thinks the Army is doing in the 21st century.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

I love many songs in the Salvation Army songbook for their richness and depth of meaning. For example, ‘Give Me a Holy Life’ (SASB 704). I love many of the newer worship songs too, in particular ‘King of Kings, Majesty’ (SASB 376). It’s impossible for me to choose just one.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have been known to do a bit of composing, having written vocal music for a number of songs, especially for cadets, while stationed at William Booth College. ‘Greater Things’ was very popular and has been used by quite a few youth choirs in the UK and the USA – but sadly, never published!

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

‘If you pray – don’t worry.’

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

Apart from my family, it would have to be my MG sports car.

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

When my wife and I were appointed to DHQ in the early 2000s we fulfilled a long-held dream of cutting a CD of our favourite duets – titled Great is the Lord! – with professionally produced backing tracks. The profits supported new expressions of Army work in the Northern Division.