FALL 2021
Beyond an Officer’s Life
Our Purpose
with Joshua Downer (BC Divisional Youth Secretary)
“Calling and equipping every man to be a transforming influence in their family, church and community.”
Our family moved to BC over a year ago now and have been enjoying it, despite travelling and connecting in person being very limited. I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario and God audibly called me to ministry while at Territorial Music Camp as a teen. Now, years later, I am entering my tenth year of being an officer. Our first appointment was in Glace Bay-New Waterford in Cape Breton, our second appointment in Kentville, NS as corps officers, and immediately prior to now, I was a DYS (Divisional Youth Secretary) in the former Ontario Great Lakes Division. It is a privilege to continue ministry here in BC.
Encourage • Embrace • Equip • Engage ENCOURAGING:
Authentic encouragement helps people overcome fear and builds morale. It sets the example to build each other up and builds confidence to face challenges. The gift of encouragement can transform people and circumstances while creating the desire to take positive, forward thinking action. Encouragement establishes hope. When you encourage others, you encourage yourself. We believe in you and that you can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. The desired end-result would be stronger men who can influence others in doing the right thing.
EMBRACING: Captains Josh and Joyce Downer
When I look back on my life, I realize that what has encouraged, challenged and strengthened my faith has been mentors, as well as Christ-centred friendships in the corps setting and the broader community. There are moments over the past year when I fix (or try to) something at the house, and one of my four kids is “helping” me. I take a moment and remember growing up watching my father fix something, and for a moment, I want to pick up the phone, call and let him know. My father passed away in February 2008, yet I still have those occasional moments. I say all of that, because in this time of change and struggle for many, I feel the need to encourage everyone, but specifically men, to remember the important role you have in the lives of people you interact with, in your family, church setting and community. I still remember a few conversations as a teenager where I didn’t want to speak to my parents about something, but I had mentors, officers and youth leaders in my life that I could trust, call and chat with. It is (Continuation on page 3)
Local corps events like Monthly Men’s Breakfasts, sporting events, golf outings, etc. and area and divisional events like The Gatherings, and other large men’s events with a focus to embrace men in each corps/ unit through multiple non-threatening portals of entry into a fellowship of men for friendship, inspiration and connections. The desired end-result would be men connected to each other in every unit and to create avenues where men can invite their friends and co-workers to attend these events and eventually to attend church with them.
EQUIPPING:
Using pre-existing discipling tools like “Blue Print” from Promise Keepers Canada and other available resources, the focus is to facilitate the work of the Holy Spirit to purify and transform men to pursue a life long path of Holiness. This would occur on a local corps/unit level but also in area wide gatherings for teaching. The desired end-result would be Godly men committed to a life of purity and Holiness.
ENGAGING:
Upon embarking on a transforming life journey, partnered with other men, the focus is to re-engage the men to be a transforming influence in their families (husband, father, grandfather, etc.) church and the communities and relationships they find themselves. The desired end-result would be increase spiritual leadership in the home and church and an embodiment of Christ where ever these men go in their communities.