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All are welcome

Bethany Howard walks into the room and her quiet, shy demeanor draws around you like a soft warm blanket. Her slightly tousled hair, gentle smile and casual approach speak of a confident 24-year-old. However, behind that shy exterior, Bethany is a soldier, a warrior of God and soon will graduate as an officer in the Salvation Army.

Bethany Howard walks into the room and her quiet, shy demeanor draws around you like a soft warm blanket. Her slightly tousled hair, gentle smile and casual approach speak of a confident 24-year-old.

However, behind that shy exterior, Bethany is a soldier, a warrior of God and soon will graduate as an officer in the Salvation Army.

She grew up in the Salvation Army in Chatham, Ont. where her parents attended church.

“It’s a good community with the Salvation Army,” she said.

“It’s very supportive of other believers, especially youth my age.”

As a young teen, Bethany knew she wanted to become a Salvation Army soldier (a lay member of the Salvation Army).

At about 16, she took the classes, learning about the organization and beliefs.

“Anyone can become a soldier,” she said.

Each soldier signs the Articles of War which state the Army’s belief and soldiers accept certain moral standards including not smoking or drinking alcohol. That wasn’t a difficult decision for the teen.

“I know my family history of alcoholism and knew that wasn’t a road I’d go down,” she said.

Despite her strong convictions, Bethany didn’t immediately sign on as a soldier.

“I didn’t want to do that just because friends and others were,” she said.

“I’d seen people join for the wrong reasons, then leave the church.”

Bethany continued her work with the Salvation Army working summer camps and being active in her church. At the age of 18 she confidently committed to being a soldier.

“It had to be for the right reasons, I had to share the Salvation Army beliefs and believe in what the Salvation Army does as an organization and as a church.”

Continuing her work with the church, Bethany spent about three years as a youth pastor but resisted the next step, which was to enter officers training.

“I was always terrified of preaching, I’m very shy,” she said.

“I also didn’t want to become an officer as a fall back plan. I wanted to make sure it was what God wanted me to do and that I agreed with Him – that took some time.”

But life has a way of showing direction and Bethany’s life-changing event came as a result of a spinal cancer diagnosis, a lot of time on her hands recovering and a tremendous amount of prayer.

“I was told after they removed the very large tumor I’d never walk again and I’m a testament to the power of prayer.”

In January 2010, Bethany applied for the two-year officer training program in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Trainees attend school in the winter, then summer placements.

“Coming to Quesnel this summer was a reality check for me,” she said.

“Captain Jim and Deb were away, so I just dove into duties including the dreaded public speaking aspect.

“I delivered three sermons before they were back.”

With several supportive soldiers and church members, as well as a very active ministry, Bethany is thoroughly enjoying her time here.

“With the placement in Quesnel I’ve had the chance to work in many areas and so far I haven’t found one I didn’t like,” she said.

“I look forward to the unknown but expect it will be in a ministry somewhere in Canada. I like B.C. but I’ll make my home wherever I am.”

Bethany shared what she’s learned so far through her commitment to the Salvation Army.

“It’s something you need to be confident this is God’s design, because its not always easy,” she said.

“For me,  the Salvation Army gives me more opportunities to help people.

“I love the community of the Salvation Army, it’s different from anything else I’ve experienced.

“Believers and nonbelievers are welcomed, helped and supported. And the Salvation Army works hard as a member of the community at large, not just within the church.”