Meet the Cadet – Yasmin Van Gaalen-Prentice
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
In the third of a series spotlighting this year’s cadets of the Rescued session, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH chatted with Yasmin Van Gaalen-Prentice about being shaped in ministry through the often untold stories of people’s journeys, and the privilege of holding their stories with care, stepping beyond her comfort zone, and why the quiet ritual of baking helps her reconnect with her hands, her heart – and the sacredness of slowing down.
Yasmin, rewind for us – when did the call to officership hit, and what made you say that big ‘yes’?
I think it was very much a lifelong calling for me. I’m an officer’s child, and I grew up always sensing that I was either going to work for the Army or be an officer. I remember as a child playing ‘Army’ with my toys, writing meeting leads and songs. As I grew up, my ambitions changed, and I studied archaeology and then cultural heritage studies before moving into chaplaincy. But people kept speaking into my life – beautiful spiritual mentors who would either outright ask: “So when are you going in?” or encourage me in my spiritual life. The confirmation came last year when I was privileged to be in the Melbourne Staff Band. The theme for the year chosen by Bandmaster Mark Hamilton was ‘Courage’. About halfway through the year, I felt God saying that now was the time, and that I had to have the courage to step out – and into cadetship.
Where are you serving at the moment – and what’s your role?
I’m a cadet on placement at Hurstville Corps in Sydney under the leadership of Major Judith Soeters, and I’m absolutely loving it. It’s full of wisdom, godly people, and a lot of ministry experience to learn from. I feel very supported and cared for, and I love being involved in all the different ministries because it’s a busy, lively and serving corps.
Any standout moments that are shaping you as a future officer?
Having it confirmed that the moments that shape me most in ministry are the ones that can’t be shared – they’re about sharing people’s journeys and holding their stories. There will always be the public side of ministry that people can see, but there’s also the hidden side that I think is the most precious part of it.
Enjoying special moments in Japan and Spain have been part of Yasmin’s journey.
Where are you feeling stretched right now?
I naturally tend to be a more shy and introverted person – which can often be an advantage in ministry – but right now being a cadet it means I’m always visible. Things like my first time conducting the Just Brass Band, or preaching live-streamed, are new experiences, but I’m so supported by my corps officers and the corps that even if I might occasionally think, ‘Oh, I’ll redo that a different way next time’. It challenges me to give my best rather than feel overly stretched.
What strengths do you lean on most?
I’ve always loved to study and love to understand things well before I do them; whether that’s preaching, reading Scripture in the meeting, or serving in other ways. I also love finding the gaps to fill in ministry. I’ll look at a situation and think, “Where could my place be here, and what is there for me to do or say?”
What focus areas of officership really fire you up – and why?
I love corps. I think the corps [members] are the beating heart of the Army and who we are; the gathered people of God being the hands and feet of Christ in their community. It’s a great privilege to be able to shepherd people in that. I also have a great love for resourcing, especially in worship arts, theology, and prayer, and am very passionate about how we enable our corps to express that in their communities.
If you could design your dream appointment today, what would it look like and who would you most hope to impact?
My dream appointment doesn’t quite exist yet, but it would definitely involve professional supervision and spiritual direction. I would love to be in a role that brings together different streams of ministry and different people across our corps to focus on solid theological foundations and best practice so that we are best equipping our people to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Yasmin loves to bake culinary delights - especially bread and pastry. She says good baking isn’t just ingredients, knowledge, and method; it’s about patience, slowing down, and instinct.
And just for fun … when you switch off, what do you love doing?
I love music and being part of the musical fellowship ministries at Hurstville, as well as walking my dog. But most of all, I’m a baker, especially bread and pastry. My mind is constantly busy, but good baking isn’t just ingredients, knowledge, and method; it’s about patience, slowing down, and instinct. Nothing ever comes out well when I’m stressed, so it becomes like meditation for me where I can calm my mind, pray and reset – and get a beautiful treat at the end of it!
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