There’s a new pair of hands on the Salvation Army tiller.
Lieutenants Stefan and Laura Van Schaick arrived in Quesnel in July, taking over from departing Captains Jim and Deb Vanderheyden who have moved to their new posting in Fort St. John.
“Everyone was unbelievably welcoming,” Laura said.
“We felt comfortable right from the start.”
After completing officer training in Winnipeg, the couple knew they wanted to serve in B.C.’s north, so when they were advised their first posting was Quesnel they were happy.
Stefan is fourth generation Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army draws you back,” he said.
“It’s the mission.”
However, for Laura, who grew up in a Christian Reform Church, finding where she fit was certainly a journey.
“I never questioned my faith,” she said.
“But I spent two years searching, attending several different church services, including the Salvation Army, to find where I fit.”
Already in a relationship with Stefan, the couple experienced other faiths together, although his Salvation Army roots were strong.
Six years ago, now 27 years old, Laura became a Salvation Army soldier.
“Regardless of our relationship and Stefan’s Salvation Army background, I found the Salvation Army was where I was most comfortable.”
And together they were commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers earlier this year through the College for Officer Training.
The Van Schaick’s realize the Vanderheyden’s left big shoes to fill but are confident they bring their own unique skill set and strengths to the Salvation Army in Quesnel.
“We bring a fresh, youthful
approach and we’re open to
learning and exploring new opportunities,” Laura said.
Stefan added they realize their appointment is not just to the Salvation Army church but also to the community.
“We’re both passionate about a youth and children’s ministry,” he said.
“We want our services to be multi-generational.”
Stefan has already signed up as a football coach with four practices under his belt.
He’s also looking to establish a Pioneer Club, which is a skills-based program (similar to Boys Scouts) with a worship component.
“We want to build relationships with youth,” Stefan said.
“In today’s society, there’s so much negative for youth and they are looking for somewhere to get help in avoiding the pitfalls.”
With a solid Salvation Army congregation and a supportive ministry board, the Van Schaicks are reaching out to the youth in hopes of encouraging them to participate.
“The Warrior Song Cafe is a perfect place to establish a teen drop-in program,” Stefan said.
“We want to expand its usefullness.”
They also have plans to expand the services already offered to the community through the Salvation Army including possibly a community kitchen as well as budgeting and life skills courses.
“We want to expand the role the Salvation Army can play in nourishing more than just their physical needs,” Laura said.
“We’re looking to also support the spiritual and emotional needs.”
With their first child on the way, Stefan and Laura know the new addition to their family will enrich their focus.
“We want the ministry to welcome our child and all other children and their families,” Laura said.
A Rally Day is planned for Sept. 8 at the Warrior’s Song Cafe from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the public is invited to this free event.
It’s a chance to meet the new lieutenants plus learn about all the Salvation Army has to offer.
There are games, live music and a barbecue.