(Above) Geraldine Lambert is a senior soldier at The Salvation Army
Here in Bermuda, a beautiful island of about 20 square miles [50 square kilometres], all of God’s handiwork is on display. Tropical flowers, plants and trees flourish. Homes are painted in pastel colours, with white limestone roofs for catching rainwater.
I was born on May 7, 1940. I come from a generation when it was not uncommon to live with grandparents, so I spent most of my young life with my grandmother and a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins. I have always been very close with my siblings. We look out for each other and are in constant communication.
My sister, Joy, and brother, Bernard, are deceased. My brother, Noel, attends St. George’s Corps. I had a beautiful relationship with my mother, who was a kind, giving and loving person. She made each of her children feel important, despite the circumstances she found herself in. My father became more active in my life after I became a teenager, and we developed a lasting friendship.
As a young girl, church and Sunday school on weekends was a must. I attended The Salvation Army’s St. George’s Corps, where I was introduced to Jesus, and later became a junior soldier at Hamilton Citadel. The Army was filled with caring people who were willing to help, who were there for us. We were never in need because of them, and their lifestyle inspired
us to do the same.
As a teenager, I was often not as committed as I should have been. I didn’t really know what it meant to have a relationship with God—I was just doing what I’d been taught.
I was very active in the Girl Guide movement and had many opportunities to represent The Salvation Army and Bermuda internationally, which included being involved with people with disabilities. I spent about four years overseas, studying and working with the disabled, as God prepared me for the purpose he had for my life.
When I returned to Bermuda, with his guidance, love and will, I began working at a government school for children with disabilities—first as a supervisor, then as a principal when we were transferred to the Ministry of Education.
My husband and I were married in 1965 at the old Salvation Army citadel on Court Street in Hamilton. He was a good man, a good husband and a good father. I was a senior soldier at the White Hill Corps, but I couldn’t always get him to go with me. He was a hard worker, so when he had time off, he’d say, “It’s a beautiful day—I think I’m going fishing.” I wanted to spend time with him and our two sons, of course, so then we’d all go. I often felt guilty that I wasn’t as dedicated as I should have been. We don’t always stay on that steady path.
After 25 years of marriage, my husband was killed in an accident at work. Many strange incidences occurred in the weeks before his death, and they made me realize that God was speaking to me. I knew I had to put him first in everything, so I rededicated my life to fulfilling God’s will.
As a senior soldier in The Salvation Army, I am very active in the church. I have served as a local officer in the position of treasurer and secretary; taught Sunday school, led Bible studies and prayer meetings; and been involved with women’s ministries.
For the past 22 years, I have produced a monthly newsletter, The Communicator, with the blessing of the Army’s West End Community Church. The newsletter is sent to members of the church, friends and organizations in the community, as well as people overseas. It’s my way of sharing the gospel and bringing comfort, hope and encouragement. God’s love is in each word.
Although I’m slowing down now that I have an autoimmune disease, I know God is still with me. I rely on him every day. I don’t wait to pray in the morning or evening, I pray all day long—for my family, for my friends, for the church. God is in control. I believe in his Word, and he has kept his promises to me.
Here in Bermuda, a beautiful island of about 20 square miles [50 square kilometres], all of God’s handiwork is on display. Tropical flowers, plants and trees flourish. Homes are painted in pastel colours, with white limestone roofs for catching rainwater.
I was born on May 7, 1940. I come from a generation when it was not uncommon to live with grandparents, so I spent most of my young life with my grandmother and a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins. I have always been very close with my siblings. We look out for each other and are in constant communication.
My sister, Joy, and brother, Bernard, are deceased. My brother, Noel, attends St. George’s Corps. I had a beautiful relationship with my mother, who was a kind, giving and loving person. She made each of her children feel important, despite the circumstances she found herself in. My father became more active in my life after I became a teenager, and we developed a lasting friendship.
As a young girl, church and Sunday school on weekends was a must. I attended The Salvation Army’s St. George’s Corps, where I was introduced to Jesus, and later became a junior soldier at Hamilton Citadel. The Army was filled with caring people who were willing to help, who were there for us. We were never in need because of them, and their lifestyle inspired
us to do the same.
As a teenager, I was often not as committed as I should have been. I didn’t really know what it meant to have a relationship with God—I was just doing what I’d been taught.
I was very active in the Girl Guide movement and had many opportunities to represent The Salvation Army and Bermuda internationally, which included being involved with people with disabilities. I spent about four years overseas, studying and working with the disabled, as God prepared me for the purpose he had for my life.
When I returned to Bermuda, with his guidance, love and will, I began working at a government school for children with disabilities—first as a supervisor, then as a principal when we were transferred to the Ministry of Education.
My husband and I were married in 1965 at the old Salvation Army citadel on Court Street in Hamilton. He was a good man, a good husband and a good father. I was a senior soldier at the White Hill Corps, but I couldn’t always get him to go with me. He was a hard worker, so when he had time off, he’d say, “It’s a beautiful day—I think I’m going fishing.” I wanted to spend time with him and our two sons, of course, so then we’d all go. I often felt guilty that I wasn’t as dedicated as I should have been. We don’t always stay on that steady path.
After 25 years of marriage, my husband was killed in an accident at work. Many strange incidences occurred in the weeks before his death, and they made me realize that God was speaking to me. I knew I had to put him first in everything, so I rededicated my life to fulfilling God’s will.
As a senior soldier in The Salvation Army, I am very active in the church. I have served as a local officer in the position of treasurer and secretary; taught Sunday school, led Bible studies and prayer meetings; and been involved with women’s ministries.
For the past 22 years, I have produced a monthly newsletter, The Communicator, with the blessing of the Army’s West End Community Church. The newsletter is sent to members of the church, friends and organizations in the community, as well as people overseas. It’s my way of sharing the gospel and bringing comfort, hope and encouragement. God’s love is in each word.
Although I’m slowing down now that I have an autoimmune disease, I know God is still with me. I rely on him every day. I don’t wait to pray in the morning or evening, I pray all day long—for my family, for my friends, for the church. God is in control. I believe in his Word, and he has kept his promises to me.
I am very saddened to learn on the Internet that dear Geraldine has passed. I worked with her for several years and we kept in touch but obviously not enough when I moved to the US. I read with interest Geraldine’s article. Our lives mimicked each other as Girl Guides, training in Scotland, working together, married a year apart. I knew her husband and young Ray and hope I gave her comfort when her dear husband was killed in the freak accident. I never knew her commitment to the Salvation Army which is another coincidence as my father was a friend of Salvation Army and was the architect for their building in Hamilton. I am still in shock at her passing and wish her family comfort and know Geraldine is at peace God bless, Penny Long