(Above) “When I am singing, especially when I am leading, it feels like everything around me disappears, and there’s nothing but him and me,” says Corinne Bataille. “I call it my secret place. Through worship, I feel peace, joy, comfort and especially love”

Corinne Bataille is the youth ministry co-ordinator at l’Église Communautaire Nouveaux Départs in Montreal. 

What are some of your favourite memories and traditions?

I was born in Montreal and grew up in a Haitian Christian family. My mom was a single parent, and I have a younger brother and sister. Life was sometimes challenging, but I can gladly say that I have the best memories. For example, one of my favourite memories is when my mom would cook a big feast after church, and my siblings and I rushed to get home because we knew what was waiting for us.

Since we are originally from Haiti, one of my favourite traditions is our Independence Day, which is on January 1. We were the first Black country to achieve independence, on January 1, 1804. To celebrate this independence, we all gather to eat a soup called soup joumou. If you’ve never tasted it, I suggest you try it—it will be the best soup you’ve ever had in your life. 

When do you feel most connected to God?

I’ve been in The Salvation Army all my life, and my mom also grew up in the Army back home in Haiti. I had always heard about Jesus, but I accepted him as my Lord and Saviour when I was 14, while working at the Army’s Camp Lac l’Achigan. Since then, I’ve never looked back. This camp has a special place in my heart, not only because I created great friendships there, but also because I was able to see God in action in the lives of those kids.

I have also loved to sing for as long as I can remember. I sang in choirs, and I sang with my mom as a little girl. At 15 years old, I started to lead worship at church, and I still do today. For me, it is more than just singing. It’s all about experiencing God. When I am singing, especially when I am leading, it feels like everything around me disappears, and there’s nothing but him and me. I call it my secret place. Through worship, I feel peace, joy, comfort and especially love. Basically, worship through singing is what makes me feel most connected to God. 

What spiritual practice has helped you in your walk with God?

 In December 2021, I lost a close friend of mine. It was a hard and challenging time for me, filled with sadness, frustration and questions. During this period of grief, I started to experience anxiety, and I didn’t know what to do. Even praying felt impossible for me. That’s when I started a prayer journal. This journal became a lifesaver because I saw God working through it. I felt relief and peace. Through this journal, God healed my heart. It felt like an exchange; he gave me his joy.

What is your motivation for serving as the youth ministry co-ordinator?

We often hear that youth are the church of tomorrow, but I believe they are the church of today. That’s why we must take care of and protect them. I am also a social worker, so serving is part of my daily life. As a young woman, I understand their realities and challenges. I want to show them that even if life is difficult, there is always hope.

Where do you see God at work through The Salvation Army?

I see God at work especially during the Christmas period. It is wonderful to see how millions of people are willing to give to others. This is exactly what God asks us to do. Christmas is all about love and sharing, and that’s why I am proud to be part of The Salvation Army.

Photo: Sara Musau