My husband, Dennis, and I have attended St. John's Citadel, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, since 1987. In May 2009, I completed an 11-year term as the corps sergeant major. I thank God for the tremendous opportunity of ministry in serving in that role. I am currently a member of the senior pastoral care council and continue to be involved in connecting with and ministering to people in our corps.

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Dennis and I recently celebrated 31 years of marriage. He has been active in various aspects of corps life over the years and an encourager to me in my ministry. Our daughter, Sarah, works with the local health authority and is the Sunday school co-ordinator at the corps.

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I am a registered social worker and hold a master's degree in social work administration and policy. For the past seven years, I have worked as the provincial director of child, youth and family services and adoptions for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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I made my public commitment to Christ at age nine during a Billy Graham evangelistic crusade in my hometown of Corner Brook, N.L. I remember walking to the front, praying the prayer of dedication, meeting with a counsellor and completing the follow-up courses.

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I was born into a Salvation Army family. I attended Sunday school, and became a junior soldier, corps cadet and senior soldier at Corner Brook Temple. While studying at Memorial University of Newfoundland, I was active in The Salvation Army Student's Fellowship on campus. I have been involved in a number of divisional initiatives, such as leadership training and the redevelopment of the Wiseman Centre (a shelter for men). I have also attended territorial symposiums and been associated with William and Catherine Booth College.

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I appreciate the mission of The Salvation Army. We preach the good news of the gospel, provide opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship, and minister to the community through our social ministries.

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Prayer is very important as we can commune with God anywhere and at any time about any aspects of our lives. It brings us power, hope and peace. I often find myself looking to Scripture for encouragement, wise instruction and to understand the will of God.

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While my life is busy and there are many demands on my time, I have committed to always having a ministry within the corps. I share the gift of hospitality with my husband and we try to make our home a welcoming experience for friends, family and those who need fellowship and encouragement.

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The most rewarding thing about my occupation is knowing that you can make a difference in the life of a child or young person. The most challenging thing is working to build an excellent and accountable system that provides services to keep children and youth safe and healthy.

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There are enormous opportunities and challenges in working within the field of social welfare policy—especially in children and youth services. I believe that God has directed my path in my chosen vocation and that he has used me over the years in my relationships with my co-workers, clients and others in the workplace and community. I have relied on God's guidance and strength to help me act with integrity and perseverance. One of the Scriptures that I often reflect on is Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.”

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I hope that The Salvation Army will continue to stand out because of its values, compassion and ability to minister to the spiritual and relational needs of people in our corps and community services.

Photo: Ivy Burt believes that God has directed her path in her chosen vocation

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In this Witness series, John McAlister, Senior Editor, interviews Salvationists from across the territory about their families, work, faith and involvement with The Salvation Army.