Captain James Downs and Auxiliary Captain Pamela Downs are Salvation Army pastors in Sanford, Maine, in the Northern New England Division.

Captain James Downs

I am blessed to be in the role of corps officer. This calling provides me with opportunities not many other pastors have. It is remarkable to be called into the service of others. This calling is first and foremost to preach the “good news” to everyone everywhere. Our belief is to love people where they are at and presenting the love of Christ in a positive way. I believe that it is through this presentation of God’s love that we will be most effective in our witness. We must be loving, accepting, and caring but in the same way not condoning sin nature.

Being a corps officer has many positive aspects, such as seeing corps people have an “aha” moment in their walk with Christ. It is such a blessing watching them grow in the Lord. Being a corps officer gives us an opportunity to love the unlovable, bring hope to the hopeless, and show compassion when people can be heartless. Every person must feel welcomed and loved when they enter the building. We are all sinners saved by grace.

I stand on William Booth’s “I’ll Fight,” saying: I personally will fight for the lost to the very end.

Auxiliary Captain Pamela Downs

What do I rely on to face this challenge of pastoral ministry? I rely on Jesus Christ for His wisdom and grace. I haven’t had the easy road to officership, but it has helped mold my personal relationship with my savior Jesus Christ. I face challenges with the same attitude that I face cancer, moving forward in faith knowing Jesus is walking this with me and will pick me up when I fall. As I said, I am battling cancer, and I never had to lean so hard on the Lord as I did when I heard the word cancer. My worries of my daughter living without a mom hit me hard. As I cried out to Jesus, He showed me all that He has already led me through and how He will lead me through this as well.

I am truly not worthy to lead Jesus’ sheep. It is an honor and privilege to serve God’s people. I seek Him daily for guidance in what He calls of me to do to better lead His sheep and The Salvation Army here in Sanford. I am “saved to serve,” and Jesus honors my heart and leads me through every challenge when I call upon Him.

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” —Hebrews 13:17

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we’d like to thank our Salvation Army officers — pastors — for their faith, their dedication, and the hard work they do for their communities and the Lord.