“I knew God brought me here for a reason.”
KEEPING THE FAITH
How it brought me purpose Brenda grew up in Manitoba where she started her career in the banking industry over 30 years ago. Brenda often moved for her job and eventually made the choice to take on a new position in Penticton. Unfortunately, shortly after starting her job as a supervisor at a credit union the COVID-19 pandemic hit and devastated the economy. Her organization restructured and eliminated her position. Brenda was now without work and alone in a new city. All she had was her dog Maggie, and the church. It was while living in Kamloops that a neighbor introduced her to The Salvation Army where Majors Paul and Lisa Trickett were the Corps Officers at the church. As it happens every year there is an Annual Change where Officers of The Salvation Army are given new roles and that year included a move for the Tricketts from Kamloops to Penticton, coincidently the same place where Brenda was moving to. “It was such a relief to find out they were also coming here, it was like it was all meant to be,” Brenda said. Once she had lost her job Brenda’s connection to the Penticton Community Church only grew stronger as she decided to volunteer twice a week helping at the
front desk. As winter arrived so did an opportunity to help with Christmas Kettles. Come January she decided she was ready to begin the job search again, but this time she did not want to return to the banking world. She first took on a temporary role helping take inventory at the corps. Later, when a new position was created to help the receptionist at the front desk, Brenda applied, and by the grace of God she got the job as the new Administrative Assistant. “It’s not always about the money,” Brenda shares when comparing the new role to her previous positions. “As long as I can pay my rent and put food on the table, I’m happy.” What also makes her happy is caring for others. Known as an ‘angel’ in her apartment building Brenda often cooks meals and looks after her elderly neighbours. “The people I work here with are my family,” shares Brenda. She notes that though it was difficult to lose her job she prayed and focused on what her purpose was. Today she is happy to say that she is the most comfortable she’s been. “I’m ready to stay here, and give back.” ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2021 THE SALVATION ARMY
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