Captain Damaris Deming

This is the verse we cling to in our ministry and the truth that guides us each day: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT).

Being a pastor comes with incredible highs and, at times, difficult challenges, but it is an incredible privilege and blessing to serve the Lord in this calling. There are certainly moments in ministry when circumstances may try to shake us, discourage us, or make us question the work — but this verse reminds us to remain strong and immovable in the Lord. It reminds us to show up, serve faithfully, and give our very best — not for recognition or praise, but because we are doing it all for Jesus. We are so thankful to God for the covenant relationship we have with Him. He is the One who keeps us grounded, strengthens us when we are weary, and remains the focus of our ministry each and every day.

Captain Nathan Deming

One of the most meaningful highlights of our ministry happened in May, when we enrolled three new junior soldiers at the corps. It was such a special day as we celebrated what God is doing in the lives of these young people and in the life of our congregation. As the three new junior soldiers were invited to come to the altar to pray and sign their pledges, something happened that we’d never experienced before. Their parents and family members also came to the altar and gathered around them in prayer. These young people weren’t standing at the altar alone, praying with a corps leader. They were surrounded by people who love them and are with them every day — parents and family members who were there to pray over them, support them, and encourage them as they took this important step in their faith journey.

It was a beautiful picture of what we hope ministry can be: not only helping young people grow in their relationship with God, but also coming alongside their families and encouraging them to grow together in faith. For us, it was a reminder that sometimes the most powerful moments in ministry are the ones we don’t plan. Seeing those families kneeling together at the altar was something we will not soon forget. It was a beautiful glimpse of God at work, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be part of what He is doing in people’s lives.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 (NIV)

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.