There’s something sacred about a life that never stops seeking purpose. Renee Hannam, a retired teacher and faithful soldier of The Salvation Army, has always longed to make her days count. A devoted volunteer, lifelong champion for teen moms and their children, and an active memberof Mountain Citadel in Hamilton, Ont., she has a deep desire to serve others.

In December 2024, as she turned 76, Renee noticed that too much of her time was being swallowed up by her phone: scrolling, gaming or simply passing the hours. But it wasn’t bringing her joy or peace. Her spirit grew restless. Then came that familiar nudge—that still, small voice whispering: There’s more for you to do.

God was calling her to something new. Something simple. Something sacred. So, she picked up her phone again—not for distraction, but for direction—and typed: “How to crochet.”

Deep Roots of Faith

Born in St. John’s, N.L., Renee’s Salvation Army roots run deep. She grew up attending services with her grandparents and was involved in every part of church life: Sunday school, morning and evening services, junior soldiers, singing company, Brownies and Guides. 

In 1971, Renee married Jim, and six years later, they settled in Hamilton, Ont., where they raised their two children.

Although Renee’s journey took her away from The Salvation Army between 1969 and 1996, she says that when she returned, it felt like coming home. She has faithfully served at Mountain Citadel for more than 20 years, where she was reinstated as a soldier in 2009.

In her retirement, she has carried out many ministries: assistant administrative staff (2011-2021); organizing and cataloguing the corps library (2008-2020); leading or helping lead women’s ministries (2008-present); ushering; and co-ordinating the food bank schedule—always serving with compassion and joy.

A Restless Tug

Despite her long record of service, Renee felt a new call stir in late 2024.

“I’ve always been someone who wanted to be doing things. Just sitting and doing nothing doesn’t suit me,” she says. “I enjoy helping others. It gratifies me and it makes me happy to see people’s smiling faces, especially when it’s something they enjoy.”

She adds, “I kept being reminded that God doesn’t want us to waste our time, but to use it wisely and be good stewards. After many reminders, I decided I was going to take up a craft. I prayed about it, and crocheting came to mind. It was something I’d always admired but never tried.”

With a ball of yarn, a crochet hook and a prayer, she began. What followed was nothing short of grace unfolding, one loop at a time.

A Mission with Yarn

With no formal training but a determined heart, Renee taught herself how to crochet. Not just dishcloths and scarves, but baby hats, bathroom mats, cozy comforts and thoughtful gifts. Her living room became a workshop of kindness. Idle hands had become holy instruments.

Crocheting quickly became more than a hobby—it became her mission. Every piece she crafted was an act of worship. She began selling her creations to raise funds for women’s ministries at her corps, turning yarn into support, thread into testimony. The gentle rhythm of crocheting became her daily prayer, a sacred offering of time, talent and love.

Renee’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose doesn’t retire, it simply evolves. Her yarn may be soft, but her faith is strong. With every stitch, she’s weaving hope—one loop, one prayer, one gift of love at a time. Her heart for service continues to shine—quietly, humbly, faithfully.

Even the most dedicated servants can find themselves in a season of stillness. But Renee reminds us to listen when God calls us forward again.

Loretta Hill-Finamore is the women’s ministries co-ordinator at Mountain Citadel in Hamilton, Ont.