Meet the Officer – Auxiliary-Lieutenant Lesley Burke

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it?

I’m the Corps Officer at Leeton Corps. I’ve been at Leeton for five and a half years. It’s my first appointment. I love working in the community and with community people, and growing faith in daily activities. The people of the community help me as well, and I’m able to listen to their stories and help them to grow in their faith and believe in themselves with the love of Jesus. I love having my family close, with three daughters and five grandchildren in town. Plus, I’ve been able to care for over 69 foster children in this area, as my husband is a full-time foster carer. We have planted so many seeds in them and their families. The town has made me one of their own as I’m always in the community, and I still spend time alone with God and my family.

2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?When not in corps, I’m spending my time with community and family. I love to watch movies, go on walks, and usher at the local theatre, where my mind slows down its thinking in cultural events through music, dance, and live shows. I love going on holidays with my husband and family, walking, soccer with my kids, and going to New Zealand to see family.

3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?

My favourite song is ‘God Will Make a Way for Me’, as it was my mum’s favourite song. I have always used it in church, as it reminds us that whatever happens in our lives, as I’ve been through a lot of domestic relationships before coming into being a minister, that He can then see the way and walk beside us. He will guide us for the good to be in a good place – and that’s only if we ask Him.

4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?Mine would be Noah, as I love the story of the ark. His story reminds me that when I would be asked to do a job, I wouldn’t necessarily know what would happen with it. But with God’s love, we will be able to do that job. We don’t always know why, but God does, and we need to trust Him even if we have doubts. I would love to have a talk to see what He has planned for me in the future. I didn’t know that I could run a church, but people were saying, “We believe you can!” Miriam (Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas) said to me, “I think you could run the corps, Lesley.” And after five and a half years, I now believe that I made the right choices with the people in my life. Being a corps officer is the best job I’ve ever had, with the love of Jesus showing me the way. Kids come to me, and I just need to love them, and teach them why I love God and show them the way.

5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?

If God is calling you, you may not see it at first, but God has a plan for you – a plan that will not harm you but prosper you. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s tough. I have had many jobs, from nursing, childcare, being a chef plus working in factories. And I can say being an officer is the hardest job, but the most rewarding at the end of the day. This is the best job I’ve ever had, as I love working with others and sharing what I do and who I am. I am loved. I am loved by God. I believe in Him. I give Him my all. God is my hiding place and my place where I feel loved. I would say to believe and do as God calls you. That might mean officership or just working in a corps to help others find the love of Jesus.

More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.