3 minute read
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…
KEVIN ELLIOTT (Regional Learning and Development Officer, SISTAD)
How did you first come into contact with the Army?
As far as I know, my great-grandmother was a Salvationist at Burnley.
What made you want to work for the Army?
I was a teacher in a large college when the opportunity to work at William Booth College became available, so I applied.
What is the most interesting thing about your role?
The many people I meet from across the territory. I also enjoy the opportunity to study and put what I have learnt into action.
… and the most frustrating?
I don’t have enough time to spend on individual issues. I’m often chasing my tail and rushing from one thing to the next.
What one thing would you change about the Army?
People to listen more and practise listening.
What is your favourite kind of holiday?
Going to see my son and daughter-inlaw, Al and Akiko, in Japan with my wife, Heather, and other son, Matthew.
If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?
I’d want to be a character that didn’t have too many lines to learn. Or perhaps Sherlock Holmes – I’ve read all the books.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
I’d like to meet someone who did lots of things really well and see how they worked, so probably Leonardo da Vinci – although I’d need to learn Italian first!
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?
Shut up and listen!
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Something not too energetic. Is Trivial Pursuit an Olympic sport?
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Coffee.
What do you do in your spare time?
Watch programmes on BBC Four, scroll through Twitter, read books and watch films and series on Netflix. I have also taken up running in the past couple of months.
If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?
None – they’re trends for a reason.
What is your favourite Bible passage?
At the moment, Psalm 145, which I’ve been reading recently.
Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
King David, I think. I’d ask him about his inspirations. (This is my sixth go at answering this question.)
(Psalm 145:17 and 18)
What is your favourite hymn or worship song?
Usually the last one I was singing. Today it’s ‘Jesus, Be The Centre’ (SASB 373).
If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?
Queues.
If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?
Barack Obama. He seems like an interesting man.
If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?
A machine that automatically locates my music glasses when I need them. My friends pass them around after me.
Do you have any hidden talents?
No, mine are all on show – that’s it, folks, unless you count double-jointed thumbs?
Which book (apart from the Bible) would you want on a desert island?
All the Sherlock Holmes books.
If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?
That would drive me insane. I would constantly be apologising. Perhaps a few bars from the Z Cars theme tune.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Shut up and listen (obviously).
What is the most valuable thing you possess?
My laptop is pretty good.
