Captains Edna and Willie Rodriguez are pastors of the Arecibo Corps in The Salvation Army’s Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Division.

Captain Edna Rodriguez

My favorite thing about being a pastor is witnessing how God transforms His people. It fills my soul when someone comes to us tired, hurt, and hopeless, but then experiences the peace, love, and restoration that only Christ can provide. We’ve seen hearts surrender to the Lord, families reconcile with each other, and lives that were once lost found again, all because of Him. There is no joy quite like seeing that. It reminds me every day why He has called upon me to serve.

I have two verses that guide me as a pastor. The first is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” To be a pastor is not a title or declaration of power. Sometimes we will cry in silence and carry burdens that others don’t see to better embrace them with the arms of Christ.

The second passage is John 21:17, when Jesus says to Simon that if Simon truly loves Him, he will take the time to feed His sheep. It is our responsibility to guide others spiritually, care for them in their times of sorrow, and rejoice with them in their moments of victory. Pastors are not fueled by credit or applause, but rather by the certainty that we are obedient in our calling and in service to the Lord, with our true reward awaiting in Heaven.

Captain Willie Rodriguez

One of the most impactful ministries that I take part in is being present for those experiencing pain in their life. When you are at someone’s side during a hospital stay or counseling them through family difficulties, you look for ways to bring the Lord to them. Sometimes, that can be done through evangelizing or sharing biblical truths. But your presence as their pastor is the true ministry. We are the tools and instruments of God. The small works that we do become powerful in His hands. We are privileged to be part of His Glory in those moments.

Acts 20:28 says, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” I return to this verse every time that I feel overwhelmed by our busy schedules, or I start to think that we have too much on our plate to handle. It reminds me why we are Salvation Army officers and pastors. As Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, so are we called to serve, to care for His church, and to help others grow in their faith and be closer to Him.

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”

—Jeremiah 3:15

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.