Meet the Officer – Captain Hummera Ashir

Captain Hummera Ashir (left) with her family at Sydney Harbour.

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

I have had the privilege of serving as the Corps Officer of Bendigo since 2023. I am also a member of the Central Victoria Salvos team.

I have been a Salvation Army officer for the past 10 years, having been commissioned from the Salvation Army Training College in Pakistan. My journey in ministry has been filled with purpose, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunities God has given me. I am blessed with a loving family. My husband’s name is Captain Ashir Morris, and I have two beautiful children: my daughter, Anora, who is six years old, and my son, Ephraim, who is three. They bring so much joy to our lives.

In 2023, my family and I moved to Australia, a country I had dreamed of visiting since my childhood. One of my biggest dreams was to see the Sydney Opera House, and in 2024, that dream came true. It was a special moment for me and my family to stand before such an iconic place and thank God for His faithfulness.

A dream come true – flying a plane!

Another dream of mine was to fly an airplane, and by God’s grace, I was able to achieve that in April 2024. With the help of a wonderful instructor, I flew a plane over Bendigo. It was an unforgettable and thrilling experience!

Here in Bendigo, I work alongside an amazing team. We have around 65 staff members and volunteers who serve the community daily across various streams. I truly admire the way people in Australia treat each other with respect, kindness, and encouragement. The culture, language, and systems are very different from what we knew in Pakistan, but the support and warmth we have received have made our transition smoother.

I am deeply grateful for how The Salvation Army continues to help people everywhere it can. Seeing the mission in action here gives me great joy and satisfaction. I feel blessed to be part of this work and this community.

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

I love spending quality time with my children, especially now as they are growing. We enjoy doing different activities together – going bowling, shopping, watching movies at the cinema, and visiting new places. Another joy of mine is hospitality. I really enjoy inviting people into our home, sharing meals, and creating a warm and welcoming space for others.

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

One of my favourite songs is ‘I Believe We Shall Win’. I also truly believe that we shall overcome if we fight in the strength of the King. Everything is in God’s hands, and when He gives us strength, we can do all things. It is through His authority that we receive what we need, and because of Him, we will have victory. Another favourite song is ‘It Was On A Starry Night’ – a Christmas carol.

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? 

I want to share a little about someone whose story is powerful – Jonathan, the son of King Saul and the loyal friend of David. Jonathan had every reason to protect his place as the future king of Israel. As Saul’s son, he was next in line. But when he saw God’s hand on David, he chose to support him instead, even though it meant giving up the throne. That takes incredible humility and trust in God’s plan.

What stands out most about Jonathan is his loyalty. Even when his own father tried to kill David, Jonathan didn’t turn away from his friend. He helped David escape, spoke well of him, and even risked his life to protect him. His friendship was not based on comfort or benefit; it was based on love, truth, and faith in God.

Jonathan also teaches us about courage in conflict. He had to walk a hard line, loving his father but also standing for what was right. That must have been painful and confusing, but Jonathan stayed faithful to God above all.

In a world where people often look out for themselves, Jonathan’s life reminds us of what it means to be selfless, loyal, and faithful. He was a true friend and a quiet hero of the Bible – someone we can all learn from.

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

Yes, I do recommend officership, but only if God is calling you to it. It’s not just a job or a role; it’s a sacred calling to serve others, preach the gospel, and live out the mission of The Salvation Army with your whole life.

Officership gives you a powerful platform to lead people to Christ, to stand for justice, and to help those in need. It aligns us with what is right, not just morally, but spiritually. It keeps us close to the mission of loving God and loving people. It challenges us to grow in faith, in humility, and in service.

But it’s not always easy. It means sacrifice. It means living differently. It means being available wherever God wants to send you. If He is calling, then say yes. There is no safer or more meaningful place to be than in the centre of God’s will.