Meet the Officer – Lieutenant Cindy Roehrig

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

I am currently serving as the Corps Officer at Bega Valley Salvation Army, alongside my husband, Henry. We live and minister here with our two children, Kaspar and Barbara-Jean. We are based on the stunning South Coast of NSW, where we wake up to the sound of the ocean, kangaroos in the yard, and, much to my dismay, some very large lizards!

What I find most satisfying about this appointment is the variety. No two days look the same. We cover a wide area across the valley, and each place has its own unique needs. It’s a real privilege to meet people where they are and be present with them in those different spaces.

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

I love getting out in nature. We are surrounded by beautiful walks, views and natural wonders here, and it’s a great way to unwind. As a family, we also enjoy lawn bowls together, and at home, we have built up a pretty big board-game collection. There is always something to keep us entertained.

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

One of my favourite Christian songs is ‘I Speak Jesus’. There is something powerful about declaring the name of Jesus over the things we face, our families, communities and struggles. One line that really stands out to me is ‘Your name is power, Your name is healing, Your name is life’. It is a reminder of the hope and authority we have in Christ, and I often find myself coming back to it in both ministry and personal prayer.

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 think I would choose Thomas – often remembered as ‘Doubting Thomas’. I really appreciate how honest he is in his questions. He didn’t just go along with what everyone else was saying; he wanted to see and understand for himself. That feels very human to me. I’d love to talk with him about how it felt to be in that space between doubt and faith, and what it was like when Jesus met him right in the middle of it. I think so many of us have moments like that where we want to believe but still have questions. Thomas reminds me that faith and doubt can sometimes sit side by side, and that Jesus doesn’t shame us for that. He shows up anyway.

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

I would probably say that it’s less about recommending officership itself and more about encouraging people to walk closely with God and follow where he leads. For some, that will be officership, and that is great. For others, it won’t be, and that’s great too. There is no one path to serving or living out your calling; God works through all kinds of roles and people in powerful ways.

Officership can open doors and place you in spaces where you get to walk closely with people in their hardest and most hope-filled moments. It’s a privilege, but it’s also not easy. You are working with people whose lives are constantly shifting, who are searching for hope and just want to be heard. That can be heavy at times, but it’s also deeply meaningful. It is not a decision to take lightly. But if God’s calling you there, he’ll walk with you through it.