Captains Hwang Lim and Seoyoung Yoo are corps officers of the Philadelphia Citadel Corps in The Salvation Army’s Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Division.

Captain Seoyoung Yoo

Being with people — laughing and crying together, seeing the transformation in their faith and life, growing together, and ever learning — are the things that keep us excited about ministry.

Both of us enjoyed music lessons early on, and so music education is a key part of how we reach out to people today. It’s just way better when there’s music coming from our corps. Kids love picking up new instruments, and their parents come to watch them. When they see what we offer, both the kids and parents want to get involved with the church. We lead worship and community programs and help with spiritual growth.

Every moment of the ministry is meaningful. When we go through hard times, we become nearsighted and do not recognize God’s big picture. However, when we look back, we notice how God carries us, guides us, and is with us — through and through.

Scripture also guides us. Psalm 46:10 especially, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” For the moments I get frustrated or shaken, I try to remember that He is God, and I only need to be still and make myself available for His use for His honor and glory.

I had always thought a pastor has to be strong enough to endure anything and everything to be the example of faithfulness. However, now after 11 years of service as an officer, I think being patient and understanding, and accepting my vulnerability and weakness, is the way to share with others that His grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We are only lead sheep for the Good Shepherd who leads us all.

“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.