February is the month of love. On St. Valentine day, we express our love to those dear to our heart. We send wishes, cards, gifts, invite our love ones for a meal at the restaurant, etc.
This reminds me that God loves the world so much! “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
This passage implies so much… To love unconditionally stands at a superior level. The Bible says: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. Wow, that’s what I long to be like in my spiritual journey… But I guess I am not yet totally at this stage…
However, I witnessed my wife, Lt. Vivian, officer responsible for the food bank and the community services at Wetaskiwin Salvation Army, demonstrate this kind of love in her service to God.
While she was serving someone at the food bank, someone else stole her wallet with all her cards in it! Imagine all the trouble it caused in her day… As this hectic day passed, processing to cancel and renew all her cards, she remained calm. The same evening we had our Sally Ann Café, where we served around 60 hot meals, and Lt. Vivian was smiling, serving all these people with love!
Our mission statement states: “The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs, and be a transforming influence in the communities of the world.”
Our officer covenant says: “I bind myself in this solemn covenant to love and serve Him supremely all my days, to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life, to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends,…”.
Then, at our Sunday Service worship, I listened to this song chosen by Lt. Vivian: “If crosses come” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dqWHKdn3I)
I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost,
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost,
I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost,.
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost.
William Booth shared a vision where he saw a dark angry ocean with multitude perishing and a rock with safe and saved people, he says: “My friends in Christ, you are rescued from the waters, you are on the rock. He is in the dark sea calling on you to come to Him and help Him. Will you go? Look for yourselves. The surging sea of life, crowded with perishing multitudes rolls up to the very spot on which you stand.”
If you are in Christ but still feel some emptiness or desire to serve Him and have no Church yet, join us in our ministry to serve and love in His name…
Wetaskiwin Salvation Army’s Lt. Yves Bolduc writes The Sally Ann Chronicle for The Pipestone Flyer every month.