‘I am ready to tell of God’s love’

Divisional Envoy Jim Woodgate (Eastbourne Citadel) praises God for the opportunity to continue serving

IN my career I have been privileged to be a Salvation Army prison chaplain. I conducted monthly services and oversaw many prisoners coming to faith. During my services, I would play Salvation Army band music, typically from a CD by Bristol Easton Band.

At the conclusion of these services, I always asked if anyone would like to come forward to the altar to pray or give their lives to the Lord. I was blessed to see some men come forward, at times weeping, which was very moving. I also helped the Church of England chaplain now and again when he conducted services within the prison.

One day, a man asked me after a service if he could join The Salvation Army as an adherent. For some weeks I would meet with him to talk about the Army. After six weeks I asked the corps officer if they would conduct the welcome ceremony and give the man his adherent’s badge.

The man was over the moon and, to congratulate him, I bought him a Salvation Army polo shirt with his Christian name on it He would wear it on Sundays with pride

After finishing my chaplaincy ministry, I thought: ‘What can I do now?’ For a while I felt someone was asking me to go further but I couldn’t understand what. During this time, the then divisional commander asked me if I could lead a meeting now and again at Eastbourne Old Town. I agreed and was made very welcome there. I still preach there on the first Sunday of every month.

God then prompted me to think about becoming a divisional envoy. I discussed this with my corps officer and divisional commander, which eventually led to my commissioning. Now I have the pleasure of supporting corps across the South East Division. I am assisted by my wife, who is a home league secretary, and have helped at corps in East Sussex, West Sussex and Kent.

I praise God for my wonderful family and my ministry. While I am now in my eighties, I am still ready to help corps in the division thrive. I am ready to tell them of God’s love for them.

I thank God and The Salvation Army for the opportunity to serve.

I Salvation for serve