Meet the Officer – Auxiliary-Lieutenant Renata Davies

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

My appointment is as one of the Corps Officers at Rockdale Salvos (in the South/Eastern suburbs of Sydney), alongside Lieutenant Jonathan Abdulai (and a fabulous ministry team and social services!). The most satisfying part of my appointment is being able to minister and serve alongside wonderful people who love Jesus and love people. We not only share our location with a Salvos Store, Oasis, and Moneycare, but our mission as well. They each have gracious hearts, as do our amazing volunteers, and they do whatever they can to partner with us in serving our church and community.

2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? 

I love my Pilates classes … it forces me to concentrate on not falling off my roller, so I can’t think about anything else! I enjoy connecting deeply by myself with the Spirit through journalling and also having a cuppa and chat with friends. Time with my husband, kids and granddaughter is an absolute joy too … (but relaxing …?)

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

Ohhh so many! Probably ‘Rain / Reign’. It speaks of God’s love falling on us and all of creation. Powerful, and yet gentle and kind, washing away what it not of God, making everything beautiful and new. Both the lyrics and music speak to the juxtaposition of God’s power and grace.

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? 

Deborah (book of Judges) – a prophetess who showed such courage and wisdom, and an influential leader and judge who would help people settle their disputes. I would love to chat to Deborah about her leadership, her courage in speaking out God’s word, and her agreement in accompanying the military into battle (scary!). Even though she showed such strength, I think she must have had a peaceable spirit to sit under a tree (becoming known as the ‘Palm of Deborah’), where people would come to her for mediation and advice. One day, I want to do a role where I can do all my tasks outside under a tree!

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

If you have a pressing on your heart and mind into ministry, are on a path of learning to hold Jesus at the centre of everything, and are passionate about being transformed by the Holy Spirit, I would absolutely recommend officership (however that may look for you – I’m an Auxiliary Lieutenant). I remember General Linda Bond once saying, “If you are called into officership, and you don’t … you’ll be miserable.” Hahaha. I’ve never forgotten that! Following God’s plan for you places you within the Kingdom plan, and the Spirit living in and through you, along with your unique gifting, is always the way to abundant life. There are challenges, of course, but that’s everywhere, and when you’re on God’s path, you’re on solid ground.

More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.