Captains Chakanaka and Emeline Watch serve at The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory’s College for Officer Training.

Captain Chakanaka Watch

What excites me most about my pastoral ministry is the privilege of preaching God’s Word, connecting with people one-on-one, encouraging them in their walk, and leading in worship. Seeing God move through these moments brings me great joy.

It’s meaningful to witness people’s lives transformed for the better. To know that God used me as an instrument of change — and that I was obedient to His call, just as others once helped shape my faith journey — is deeply fulfilling.

Several scriptures anchor me in ministry:

• Jeremiah 29:11 says that God’s plans are always good.
• Psalm 127 says unless the Lord builds, our labor is in vain.
• Psalm 91 says that God’s protection and refuge are constant.
• James 4:8 (ESV) says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

When it comes to being a pastor, I wish more people understood that pastors are not perfect — though the calling itself is perfect. Much of our time is spent helping others navigate conflict, which can be draining. And while pastors devote themselves to praying for others, we also need prayer and encouragement ourselves.

Captain Emeline Watch

Walking alongside people and watching the transformative power of God change their lives truly excites me. I’m also always inspired by people who persevere and overcome, even when giving up seemed easier. But because they completely trust our faithful God, they greatly illustrate the impact of the gospel of Jesus Christ on their lives.

While COVID-19 was a difficult time to navigate, I always look back fondly on that moment when I realized — during the peak of the pandemic — that our congregation was adapting, and continuing to worship virtually, and in open-air meetings, while supporting one another during that tough season. What could have been a time of great isolation for our church family instead became an opportunity for deeper relationships and engagement.

Scriptures that have guided my ministry are from the Book of Psalms:

• Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
• Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
• Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

I pray that people will come to realize that pastors also experience moments when our faith is shaken. In those times, the most impactful ministry can come from those people we serve.

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

—1 Thessalonians 1:3

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.