The third thing I wanted Sven to bring with him was himself. As I said at the beginning of this article I had always thought ‘Single Spouse’ Officership was a great concept and could open the door to ministry for many who previously could have had a call to ministry denied them through the ranks of The Salvation Army, but never felt it was for me. I had always believed if I was ever to have married, it would have had to have been to a Salvation Army Officer because I just couldn’t imagine working with what appeared to me, could be split loyalties and commitments. Now however, I am eternally grateful TSA in the UK allow single spouse officers and would encourage all other territories to follow suite. The thought of having had to resign in order to marry sounds horrendous and I know for certain is not what God would have wanted of me as I believe I was born for this.
Life has turned out to be very different to what Sven and I had imagined as our relationship commenced. However, I believe I have learned much through what has been at times a challenging three years of marriage, of life and of ministry. I have learned that what I had always believed, I really do believe. I discovered that what I preach is true. I found myself during the hardest, toughest times God wrapping me up in His love and faithfulness and assuring me He was / is with me every single step of the way. And I felt soaked, absolutely soaked in the love and faithfulness of God.
Life has turned out to be very different to what we had expected but there has been a richness, a depth, a strength added to my life. Sven and I may not share ministry in exactly the way we had hoped and planned but we share ministry and Sven has added a dimension to my life that I would never have had without him. His genuine and realistic love for the Army and our common mission, grounded in his SA history and experience serves us both very well... We'll soon make our 4th foreign mission trip within the last 12 months, something I'd never consider if I was still single.
Now I cling to the encouragement and the assurance we find in Ephesians 3: 20-21 Message Paraphrase : God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
I very much look forward to getting to know you and journeying with you as you discern the will of God for your life. Please know I am here for you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
GBY real good!
Glad
Glad Ljungholm
Major
Divisional Candidates Officer
No comments:
Post a Comment