Meet the Officer – Major Debbie Serojales

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

I am appointed as Team Leader at Merri-bek City Salvos, working alongside a great officer, employee and volunteer team. We have vibrant community spaces throughout the week in both Coburg and Brunswick, and I especially love the opportunities we have to collaborate with other TSA services – Doorways, Homelessness, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Family Violence and Moneycare services.

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

For me, it is important that we ‘make it possible’ to find time for ourselves in the midst of the busyness of life!  Self-care is essential, and something I have learnt needs to become a priority. I enjoy walking in nature, baking cookies, watching movies and reading autobiographies. 

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

I had the privilege to attend the International College for Officers (ICO) recently, and a beautiful song called ‘He Will Hold Me Fast’ became of great importance to us. When we feel like life is overwhelming, that the devil is ‘pushing our buttons’ or we feel ourselves not making the time with God … He is always there. We are held ‘fast’ and secure in the love and promises of God.   

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 times that I find myself to be a ‘Martha’, often busy serving and doing. I would love to sit with Mary and hear her wisdom on why she took time to just stop and listen. To be. Did she feel guilt watching the hustle and bustle around her, or was her joy and anticipation in making time for Jesus of greater importance to her? I would love to learn from her intentionality to be still before Jesus and what that experience was like for her.

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 definitely recommend officership if people feel that God is calling them to full-time service and if there is a preparedness to go anywhere. It is important for people to know that God, through The Salvation Army, will open up opportunities to serve all around Australia and possibly the world. The sacrifice in serving in full-time ministry through officership is being away from your immediate family and creating your own connections and relationships on a bigger scale. 

More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.