After several years, alone in
Ontario, growing her skills in the
social services field, Elaine Osen
was ready for a change.
She had visited her mother,
who lives in Quesnel and attended
her mother’s church with her.
“I was really welcomed by the
Bethel Church community,” she
said.
And added that was also reflected
in the community at large.
“I wasn’t particularly religious
in Ontario, however after my experience
with Bethel Church, I
felt strongly that God had a plan,
but I didn’t know what that was.”
Elaine packed up and moved to
Quesnel to be with her mother
and continued to attend the Bethel
Church. She became involved
in the children’s ministry at the
church and continued to fill her
skills tools box.
“When I read the posting for
the job of Family Service Worker
with the Salvation Army in
Quesnel, I knew it was exactly
what I was meant to do,” she
said.
“I had been praying and seeking
God’s guidance and he didn’t
let me down.”
Elaine brings a considerable
skill set to her new job and is
thoroughly enjoying her new
position.
“It’s a part-time job but who
knows how it will evolve, I’m just
blessed to have this service job.”
The Salvation Army has just
completed one of the busiest
times of the year, Christmas,
and with Salvation Army Majors
Debbie and Randy Gatza also
new to the community, they will
sit down with Elaine and other
staff members strategizing on
next steps.
As for Elaine, she plans to focus
on appreciating, recruiting and
retaining volunteers.
“Volunteers are vital to the services
and programs we provide.”
So far, one of the most memorable
moments for this newest
Salvation Army employee was
the delivery of 6,500 pounds
of non-perishables for the
Food Bank. This mountain of
food was collected by the three
business improvement areas in
Quesnel.
“I loved watching the good-natured
competitiveness between
the three groups,” Elaine said.
“Quesnel has a huge heart.”
Over the next few weeks, Elaine
is looking forward to sitting
down with Debbie and Randy
to talk about what works and
what can be improved as well as
any changes or additions they
would like to implement.
“I’m blessed to work, hand and
hand, in the trenches with Debbie
and Randy and with God ever
present.”
Elaine again emphasized how
appreciative they are of all the
volunteer work done for the Salvation
Army, however, they can
always use more willing hands.
If you would like to give a little
spare time to the good works
of the Salvation Army contact
Elaine, 250-992-7079 or the
administration office, 250-992-
8784.