(Above) MaryLin Howard (right) and her family have been part of The Salvation Army in every city they’ve called home. From left, son, Cpt Joshua Howard; husband, Dave Howard; son-in-law, Cpt Brian Dueck; and daughter, Cpt Bethany Dueck 

Things were finally coming together. In just a couple of weeks, we were moving back to the city where my husband, Dave, and I first met. The arrangements were made; we’d rented a truck and were all packed. It had been a rough year, with not much work in my husband’s trade. We’d prayed about this move. Although there wasn’t immediate employment, we would be in a better area, giving him more opportunities to be called for jobs. Even though he had been out of work for a while, we made a conscious decision not just to ask God for work, but to thank him. We did not know when a job would come, but we knew God would provide. Little did we know how soon things would happen.

Two days before the move, the call came—Dave was to start work on moving day. He would be working long hours. It was a blessing, but panic set in as we realized he would not be available to load, drive or unpack the truck. We quickly arranged for his dad and brother to lend a hand loading the truck. His dad would then drive the truck, and his brother would follow with me and our children. Once we were at the new house, they would help unload before heading home as they both had to work the next day.

I grew up in The Salvation Army, and as a family we had been part of a corps in each city that we lived in. So, a few times during our search for a home, we’d stayed for the weekend and attended some Sunday services at the local Salvation Army corps. We even saw a few familiar faces. We didn’t, however, know the officers. So, you can imagine my surprise when the captain showed up on moving day. He jumped right in, carrying box after box, even staying after the others had left.

It had been a long day; the sky was now dark and the children, three and six years old, were tired. The captain turned to me and asked where the kids would be sleeping, something I hadn’t really thought about in the busyness of the day. I don’t remember how I answered, except that I’d figure something out—he had helped so much, and I’m sure he was tired. But then, instead of leaving, he went upstairs and put together the children’s beds. I couldn’t believe it, but I was so grateful. I hoped the amount of gratitude I was feeling came through in those two simple words: “Thank you.”

Once we settled in, we got to know both corps officers. They were so down-to-earth and easy to talk to, kind, caring, compassionate and genuine people. In time, they moved on to another corps, and through the years they continued to move into more and more leadership roles. We would occasionally see them at Salvation Army events and were always met with heartfelt hugs.

Years later, we were blessed when they were both in a leadership role that allowed them to be part of the service when our adult children were ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army lieutenants. Around this time, we had the opportunity to sit and speak with them. While chatting, I mentioned our move all those years ago. I told them how much the captain’s help had meant to me. I thanked him again, especially for putting the children’s beds together. He looked at me and chuckled and said he didn’t remember it.

I recall thinking, Here is a man who truly lives his faith. An act that, to me, was such a gift, so supportive and helpful. He was just a faithful follower of Jesus, living and doing as the Bible teaches: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31), and “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). After our conversation, I remember wondering how many times throughout his life he had blessed someone without knowing the significance of his actions. That captain from so many years ago, a true man of God, went on to become the General of The Salvation Army.

I’m grateful for General Brian Peddle’s (Rtd) example of living a Christlike life. We won’t all become General, but every Salvationist is called to serve others, to put our faith into action. We are all called to live out the grace and generosity of God—and sometimes that means showing up on moving day.

MaryLin Howard is a senior soldier at Chatham-Kent Ministries, Ont.