God’s way with me

Three delegates from the 253rd session at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development share their testimonies

MAJOR CLAYFORD MATEPETA EXTENSION TRAINING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Zambia Territory

I WAS born into a family of seven, growing up in a village in a rural part of Zambia. As a young boy, I was sent to stay with my grandfather to help him look after cattle. It was not easy balancing school and work. Above all, I never knew anything to do with church.

When life became too hard for me, I ran away and returned home, where I told my parents about my time in the village. I was able to continue with schooling there. I attended church but did not know Christ at that time.

I eventually returned to my parents’ church, The Salvation Army. In 1994, I attended youth councils. That is where I met my Jesus. The following year I was enrolled as a soldier in Njomona Corps.

When I left school, I worked as a local radio presenter, as well as producer of a programme entitled My Life Changing Testimony. It was at this time I felt I wanted to become a Salvation Army officer. I became a cadet in 2002, in the Bridge Builders session.

I served as a single officer for two years before getting married. I served with my wife for 12 years and we had two kids together. Life was OK with my family.

In 2017 my wife went to a territorial women’s rally. When she came back, she felt unwell. After a trip to the hospital, we thought that she was recovering. However, when we returned two days later my wife asked for prayer; as she sat and held my hand, she looked at me, smiled and was promoted to Glory.

I was left with two children. My daughter was five and my son was nine. Life has not been easy.

Despite all the challenges I have gone through, I have seen the hand of God on my children and on me. My daughter is turning 12 in June. My son is 16. God has seen them through. He has led me through the mountains and valleys and storms of life. However, here I am today. He has done great things before; he is working wonders today. I know he is yet to do more for my family and me.

Joshua 1:9 says: ‘Have I not commanded you? Do not be afraid.’ No matter what happens in life, I will fear not.

1 Samuel 7:12 says: ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ He has led me in the past and I know he will still make a way for me. To God be the glory!

MAJOR MICHAEL PAUL SECRETARY FOR BUSINESS Pakistan Territory

MY name is Michael Paul – I am serving as secretary for business administration in the Pakistan Territory. My wife is Major Samina Michael – she is personnel secretary. My parents served as Salvation Army officers.

In 1980 I attended a youth seminar. The territorial youth secretary delivered a message on the pardoned son. On hearing it, I realised that the pardoned son recognised and accepted his mistakes, and he returned to his father’s house. At that moment I went to the mercy seat, and I decided to serve God.

In 1994 I married Samina. We entered the training college in 1997 in the Faithful Intercessors session. We have been blessed with two sons. My elder son’s name is Wilfred Michael and my younger son’s name is Anthony Michael. My elder son is doing pastor training at Lahore College of Theology and is in his final year. In June he will be ordained and will receive his appointment.

I have served in many different appointments. God has been with me. He protects me and uses me in different

WHAT IS THE ICO?

Located at Sunbury Court, the ICO exists to further officers’ personal and leadership development. It provides an environment for them to flourish spiritually through teaching, prayer, worship and fellowship.

appointments. God is always with me. I have served in social institutes, corps, projects, districts, divisions, at training college and now THQ.

The key verse of my life is 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (New King James Version). I always put these verses in my life. These verses always encourage me and give me comfort.

I pray that God will use me for his glory and for his Kingdom. God is always with me wherever I serve. I always count his blessings although challenges are a part of life. I thank God for the beautiful family he gave me – my children are faithful to God and to us.

It is a great privilege for me that I am part of the ICO. I am grateful to the principal and staff. I have met many officers from different countries. I share fellowship with them and listen to their testimonies. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with God, which can be difficult in our appointments. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually we will use this experience when we go back to our appointments.

May God bless you.

MAJOR STEPHANIE SENN DIVISIONAL SECRETARY FOR PROGRAMME Metropolitan Division, USA Central Territory

MY story began with a Salvation Army officer who took an interest in a teenage boy and girl who were invited to attend The Salvation Army by a friend. Without Salvation Army officers intervening in both of my parents’ lives, my story would have been very different. God is faithful.

At a very young age, I felt in tune with God’s love for me – that he saw me; that he knew me and that he had a purpose for my life. I do not know exactly when I accepted Jesus into my life, I just always remember God being with me.

At the age of 15, I was sitting in the audience at youth councils. There was a call to officership during one of the meetings. I used this as an opportunity to tune out, since I already knew that I was going to be a teacher. As I closed my eyes, I had a very clear vision of my mum teaching Sunday school at the corps. I began to daydream about all the interesting and exciting things that my parents were able to do in their ministry, and I realised in that moment that God was calling me to be a teacher and a preacher and a social worker and so much more. I could do all of it as a Salvation Army officer.

My husband and I were married in 2002 and entered the college for officer training in 2003. God has been faithful in every appointment we have served.

When we received the call saying that we were being appointed to Oakbrook Terrace Corps in Chicago, I was overwhelmed with the way that God ordains our path.

This was the corps that my father began to attend when an officer took an interest in him, and the corps that my parents went into training from. The corps had a devastating fire. When I told my dad that I had been appointed there, he shared a story with me that the officer at the time had found a new building to replace the one that had burned. He brought my father there and they prayed for wisdom and guidance. I would like to believe that God had in mind that my father’s daughter would serve him within those walls.

Through sorrow and through joy, God has been faithful. He will be, again and again and again. Psalm 119:90 says: ‘Your faithfulness continues through all generations.’