Island Beat

The Home Front is an ongoing series where we highlight the mission and ministry taking place around our territory. We will visit each Canadian province and territory, as well as Bermuda, and celebrate the innovation and impact the Army is having in corps, social services and youth ministry.

COMING HOME

There’s something truly special about coming home—especially when home is where your calling began. For Captains Alfred and Cathy Esdaille, who were appointed to North Street Citadel in Hamilton, Bermuda, last year, returning to the country marks not only a homecoming, but a new chapter of ministry rooted in faith, experience and love for their island community.

Captain Alfred Esdaille now serves as the first Bermudian area commander for The Salvation Army in Bermuda, alongside his role as corps officer. It’s a dual appointment that reflects both his passion for faithbased leadership and his commitment to community transformation.

Before entering full-time ministry, Captain Alfred worked for 10 years with the Bermuda Land Development Company as assistant facilities manager, gaining valuable experience in management and organizational development. In 2016, following studies in Canada at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg and Booth University College, he was commissioned and ordained as a Salvation Army officer.

His ministry journey has taken him far beyond Bermuda’s shores—first to the North Vancouver Corps, B.C., where he served for five years, and then to New Westminster Citadel, B.C., for four years. Both appointments shaped his leadership style and deepened his commitment to being a transforming influence in the communities he serves.

Now, as area commander, Captain Alfred hopes to build on the strong legacy of The Salvation Army in Bermuda. “Coming home gives us the opportunity to apply what we’ve learned abroad in ways that speak directly to the needs of our people,” he says. “We want to help create spaces of hope, inclusion and renewal across the island.”

Serving alongside her husband, Captain Cathy Esdaille brings her own remarkable story of faith and service. Her journey began at her home corps in St. George’s, Bermuda, where she first sensed God’s call to ministry. After training and commissioning in 2016, she, too, served in North Vancouver and New Westminster, building relationships and nurturing spiritual growth with a heart full of compassion.

Before her ministry, Captain Cathy spent 14 years in the accounts department at the Bermuda Land Development Company—experience that strengthened her administrative and leadership abilities. Today, those same skills are helping her shape ministry at North Street Citadel with purpose and excellence.

“It’s an incredible blessing to serve in the very place where my faith journey began,” she reflects. “Our prayer is that people will not only see The Salvation Army as a place of worship but as a community where love and hope are lived out daily.”

In their new roles, both captains have begun to sense the opportunities and challenges ahead for ministry in Bermuda. Their shared vision is one of renewal— spiritual, social and communal—with a focus on youth, outreach and community development.

“Bermuda has changed in many ways since we last served here,” says Captain Alfred. “But the heart of the people—their generosity, resilience and faith—remains the same. We want to walk alongside them, offering practical help and spiritual guidance that truly makes a difference.”

For the Esdailles, returning home isn’t just about familiarity—it’s about purpose. With their international experience and deep local roots, they bring renewed energy to The Salvation Army’s mission of serving others with faith, integrity and love.

As Captains Alfred and Cathy lead North Street Citadel into a new season, their message is clear: the best ministry begins at home, and Bermuda’s future is brightest when its sons and daughters return to serve. —by Tamiko Ramabuke

FEEDING BERMUDA

A volunteer serves meals at North Street Citadel (Photo: Courtesy of The Salvation Army Bermuda)

For the second year, The Salvation Army’s Feeding Bermuda program received a generous grant to provide nourishment, care and hope to individuals in need through its six ministries.

Those ministries include the Harbour Light Addictions Treatment Centre, Harbour Light street ministry vehicle, North Street Citadel food bank, North Street Citadel feeding program, St. George’s Corps food bank and the West End Community Church food bank. More than 50,000 visits were reported to these ministries over the past year.

It has meant all the difference to Anna, a single mother of two who came to the St. George’s Corps food bank last year. It was her first time asking for food from a food bank and she was in tears about not being able to provide for her family. After talking with staff, she felt much better. She received food and has felt comfortable returning for more visits. She told staff how grateful she is to be able to provide school lunches for her children and prepare meals for them until her next paycheque.

Another client, who receives food from the North Street Citadel feeding program, says: “The Salvation Army has benefited me in many ways—just being fed every day with kindness and love. There are a lot of homeless people who can’t get anything to eat for that day, and it’s important that The Salvation Army takes care of them and makes sure everyone gets a meal. I’m grateful for what they do for all of us.”

Feeding Bermuda received support from the Centennial Bermuda Foundation in the 2024-2025 year and, recently, for the 2025-2026 year.

“We are very pleased and thankful to have received the support of Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s Community Health and Fundamental Needs Committee again through their grant of $80,000 for the Feeding Bermuda initiative,” says Lieutenant Lester Ward, executive director, Bermuda Community Services. “Their support continues to provide hot meals, bagged lunches, food vouchers, groceries and care for anyone in need of help at The Salvation Army.

“As the impact of rising costs is deeply felt among the people we serve, we are seeing more people come through our doors. The Foundation’s support has allowed us to plan ahead, be efficient with our spending and vary our menus, so we can purchase fresh fruit, meat and vegetables to help our clients eat healthier and feel valued.” —by Melissa Yue Wallace

YOUTH AT CEDAR HILL

From left, Lt Amy Patrick, Mjr Susanne Fisher and CSM Jennifer Nisbett lead the senior youth group at Cedar Hill — From left, Lt Amy Patrick, Mjr Susanne Fisher and CSM Jennifer Nisbett
lead the senior youth group at Cedar Hill (Photo: Tranell Nisbett )

After FUSE last May, a fun retreat weekend for youth in Grades 7 to 12, Lieutenant Amy Patrick, corps officer at Cedar Hill in Warwick, Bermuda, wanted to keep the momentum going.

“We had a ton of teens come out and they had a wonderful time, but we didn’t have the programming to bring them into the church—there was a gap,” she says. “We had something for younger kids, but we wanted to create a space for the teens connected to the corps.”

Along with two other leaders, she started a monthly youth group, engaging the teens in conversations about life, faith and Jesus using the Alpha Youth series.

“At first, they were hesitant, but then a popular YouTuber would come on the screen and talk about their faith,” she says. “Or there would be interviews with people on the street, asking questions like, ‘What makes you happy?’ ‘Who is Jesus to you?’

“The questions get the kids thinking, and the conversation is starting to grow. A few of them have spoken really openly and honestly about some of the prompts.”

The group has grown from five teens to 10 over a short period of time. Those who have attended the corps before have helped create a welcoming atmosphere for others.

“It’s really encouraging to see our young people explore their faith, but also step into leadership among their peers,” says Lieutenant Patrick.

After the discussion, it’s time for fun and games—with Minute to Win It, life-sized tick-tack-toe or variations of Family Feud.

“We call one of our leaders Mary Poppins, because she always has a bag of tricks,” says Lieutenant Patrick. “She pulls up all these TikTok games, and they get into it right away with us.”

Next up is a scavenger hunt, with clues all over the island, ending up back at the corps.

“We’re still in the early stages of this group, but I think it’s important to have our kids come together and continue to build friendships and grow in faith,” she concludes. —by Giselle Randall