It was 1989. As we prepared to enter training college to become Salvation Army officers, our lives became busy and sometimes tempers would flare from the tension surrounding the anticipated changes we faced. One day, I was getting into the car with Sarah, my then eight-year-old daughter. I must have been having a hard time restraining my frustration with some of the changes taking place, as she said to me, “Mom, don't you want to go to training college?” I turned and looked at her and knew I had to be honest with this bright and inquisitive child of mine.

“Most of the time, but sometimes, Sarah, I don't,” I answered. “Sometimes I'm afraid.”

“Then why are you going?” she asked.

“Because God is calling me,” I said, “and when God calls, you have to be obedient and do what he asks you to do. You have to have faith and trust in God.”

And that is the crux of the matter—for me at least. Living in the centre of God's will has to be my true aim as a disciple of Christ Jesus. I long to be living a life that is pleasing to God and use my gifts and talents fulfilling my purpose here on earth. This is a constant challenge as my personal and selfish desires battle to win over God's will for my life on a regular basis.

I was recently challenged to write about why I am an officer. After 18 years I had to stop and think about this. I know why I became an officer, as I experienced a strong and resonant call to serve God through The Salvation Army. But I wanted to be sure I knew why, after all these years, I remain an officer. And I ask that question of myself because it has not been an easy road.

Along the way there have been many challenges. In our early years, my husband and I sometimes found it very difficult navigating our role within our ministry and felt the sting of attack from within our congregations. It's not easy to know that people dislike you or question your motives. However, godly and loving people came alongside of us and applied salve to those wounds. At other times we felt unfairly treated by our Army leaders and wondered why we should continue if it was going to be so difficult. But again, God brought people into our lives to encourage us to carry on and to remind us that there will always be people that will be difficult to get along with.

We resolved not to let the attitude or actions of a few people steer us from the path that God had called us to. Surely we knew he would not abandon us. Then there have been times that I've allowed myself to fret over finances, wondering how we'll afford things for the children and how we'll live when we retire. And sometimes I just want material things—yes, I sometimes find myself coveting what others have. And yet, God has provided everything we have ever needed and then some.

Yes, we have experienced difficulties—and will continue to do so. However, I would have to say that there have been far more positive experiences than difficult ones. Not only that, but they have been far more rewarding than anything I have ever done in my life. Nothing can compare to the thrill you experience as you usher a new soul into the Kingdom. I still get choked with emotion when someone comes forward to the Mercy Seat. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you helped someone move on in their life to a better place. When someone stands up in church and says, “I've been clean and sober for a year now. If it wasn't for The Salvation Army, I don't know where I'd be!” you know you've hit on something special. You know you're a part of something much bigger than you ever imagined.

There will continue to be difficult times because whenever you are making a difference for the Lord, the enemy will step up his attacks. I know I won't always agree with my leaders and sometimes I will express that disagreement to them. I know that at times I'll want to see changes in the Army that others won't. But I'll get over it, because this Army is in God's hands, not human hands. I know I'll face fierce battles. But I also know that my God is bigger than anything the enemy can throw my way.

If God is calling you, let me encourage you to answer that call. It won't be easy, but it will be filled with experiences you can't find in anything else and it'll be an adventure you'll never regret.

Major Kathie Chiu is the Corps Officer and Executive Director of The Caring Place Ministries, Mountain View Community Church, Maple Ridge, B.C.