Meet the Officer – Captain Rong Fu

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

My husband, Dillon, and I currently serve as Corps Officers at Burwood Corps in Sydney. Burwood is a wonderfully multicultural community, with around 48 per cent of residents having Chinese heritage. It is a privilege to serve in a corps made up predominantly of Asian congregations, alongside a smaller English-speaking congregation.

Beyond the corps, I also have the opportunity to serve the wider community through outreach initiatives and by collaborating with local churches, community organisations, and Burwood Council to support and engage our diverse multicultural community.

My husband, Dillon, and I count it a privilege to serve the people of Burwood in Sydney.

The most satisfying part of my appointment is seeing God transform lives. Whether it is someone encountering Jesus for the first time, a family finding hope during a difficult season, or a believer taking the next step in their faith journey, those moments remind me why God called me into ministry. I also love seeing people discover their God-given gifts and grow into leaders who serve others. Watching lives change, disciples grow, and people become part of God’s mission is one of the greatest joys of my life.

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

I enjoy spending time with my family, especially creating memories together over a meal or during holidays. I also enjoy catching up with friends over coffee or a meal. Those conversations are often life-giving as we share what God is doing in our lives, encourage one another, and celebrate God’s faithfulness together.

Prayer walking is another way I unwind. Walking while I pray, listen to sermons or Bible teaching, and reflect on Scripture helps me slow down, refocus, and reconnect with God. Ministry can be busy and demanding, but spending unhurried time in God’s presence renews both my heart and my perspective.

Interestingly, I also find that stepping away from the day-to-day demands of corps ministry to attend conferences, leadership training, or spiritual retreats is deeply refreshing. I love learning, being challenged to grow, and returning with fresh vision and new ideas that strengthen both my personal walk with God and my ministry.

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

One of my favourite Christian songs is ‘Christ Is Enough’ by Hillsong Worship, written by Reuben Morgan.

The message of the song resonates deeply with me because it reminds me that Christ alone is all I need. In both life and ministry, there are seasons of joy, uncertainty, challenge, and change, but this song continually brings me back to the truth that my identity, hope, and purpose are found in Him alone.

The lyrics, Christ is enough for me, are a simple yet powerful declaration of faith. They remind me that following Jesus means trusting Him wholeheartedly and finding contentment in His presence rather than in circumstances or achievements. As an officer, this song encourages me to keep Christ at the centre of my life and ministry and to invite others to discover that He truly is enough.

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?

There are so many biblical characters I could learn from. Whether they were faithful or flawed, strong or weak, courageous or fearful, each of them has something to teach me. Their stories remind me, challenge me, warn me, shape me, encourage me, and reassure me that God works through ordinary people.

If I had to choose one person, I would love to sit down with the Apostle Paul. I would ask him how he remained so focused on Christ despite suffering, opposition, imprisonment, and constant uncertainty. I would love to hear more about how he developed leaders, planted churches across different cultures, and maintained joy and hope in the midst of hardship.

Serving in a multicultural community, I am especially inspired by Paul’s approach to mission. He was willing to adapt to different cultures, languages, and contexts without ever compromising the truth of the Gospel. He spoke people’s language, understood their culture, and met them where they were so they could understand Christ. I would love to learn from his wisdom about contextualising the gospel while remaining faithful to God’s Word.

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

Absolutely! Officership has stretched me, humbled me, and grown my faith in ways I could never have imagined. It has taught me to depend more deeply on God and to trust Him in every season. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for this journey and for the privilege of serving Him.

For me, officership is not simply a career; it is a calling, a lifestyle, and a lifelong commitment. It is not something I retire from when I finish a position or reach a certain age, because the call to serve God and His mission continues throughout my life.

There are challenges, sacrifices, and moments when the journey is difficult. Yet there is no greater privilege than joining God in His mission by bringing hope to people, sharing the Gospel, walking alongside others, and seeing lives transformed through His love.

If God is calling you, do not let fear hold you back. God does not call the qualified; He equips those He calls. Be open to His leading, pray consistently, stay close to Him, and trust that His grace will always be sufficient.

More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.