Meet the Retired Officers – Majors San and Topher Holland

16 minutes ago

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Retired officers play an integral role in the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army for many years after their active officership has ended. Most continue to be involved in meaningful ways in their local corps and community, drawing on experience gained over decades of service. Salvos Online continues a new regular series focusing on some of these amazing retired officers.

San and Topher Holland retired from active officership in 2023.

1. Which corps do you both currently attend, and how are you involved?

Both: We attend Pine Rivers Corps in Queensland.

Topher: I am involved on the team for Play Hive (playgroup); Our Table (weekly community dinner church; preaching; Sunday worship; Christmas Cheer and Red Shield; brass band; member of the worship team; and Padre to the RSL. I am available when needed for fill-in and extras.

San: I am involved in prayer ministry, Play Hive, Our Table, preaching and Sunday worship. I’m an occasional guest at Ladies L.I.F.T. gatherings, Christmas Cheer and Red Shield. I am available as a volunteer for fill-in and extras when needed.

2. When did you both attend Training College, and what was your sessional name? Did you like that name (why or why not)?

Both: We attended Training College in 1986, and our Session name is Messengers of Peace. We never really focused on the name, but we sometimes have a bit of a laugh about it, as we had very interesting and lively characters in our session. We had a great session; we have loved our time with our session-mates and have continued deep connections and relationships.

Volunteering at Pine Rivers Corps ... (left) Topher and his daughter-in-law Alli, and San, preparing food in the corps kitchen.

3. Looking back on your years as active officers, was there a particularly memorable appointment, and why?

Both: We have loved all our appointments, serving and working alongside amazing leaders, wonderful congregations, local people and great communities. We have met beautiful people who have shared our ministry journey with us, and we have deep, meaningful friendships with them. We have been wonderfully blessed with our appointments and ministry opportunities, and there have been memorable times in each of these. It has been a privilege to lead people to Jesus, disciple them and see them then lead others to Jesus.

4. Is there a specific Bible verse or passage, or even a song, that has anchored your spiritual lives over the years, and if so, why?

Topher: Bible verses: Isaiah 40:28-31 – This Scripture expresses God’s eternal power, strength for the weak and renewed hope. I love the biblical image of the eagle. A symbol of freedom, strength, courage, and patience, liberty, power, fierce, glorious, majestic, mighty.

Colossians 2: 6-7 – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grown deep down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” These verses highlight gratitude as the natural evidence of a heart deeply anchored and secure in Christ.

Song: ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ by Edward Mote. This song offers me deep spiritual and emotional comfort as a steady foundation during life’s challenges and difficulties, when I have experienced times of doubt, great joy, unanswered prayer and grief. Christ is an unshakeable rock and I have learnt to completely lean on Him. I am able to shift my perspective from temporary struggles to eternal security in Christ.

San: Bible verses: Philippians 4:6-7 – Reminds me to turn worry into prayer. Psalm 91 – Speaks of God’s protection. Ezekiel 47:1-12 – I want to live in the River of the Holy Spirit. Kings 6:14-17 – Supernatural sight.

Song: ‘Goodness of God’ by Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music.

5. If you were speaking to a young Salvationist who asked whether you would recommend officership, what would you say?

Both: First and foremost, make sure this is God’s call on your life, and always remember The Salvation Army is a vehicle through which you serve God. We have found officership and ministry a great adventure, a great way to serve, full of challenges, opportunities and a joy in following Jesus. Being a minister of the Gospel as a Salvation Army officer is foundational to belief in and commitment to the power of community, the opportunity to serve and helping people find freedom in Christ, purpose, hope, security, acceptance and value. Wouldn’t you love to be surrendered to that?