Meet the officer – Major Richard Day

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? 

I am the Corps Officer of both the Port Augusta and Whyalla Corps in South Australia. Having to think about what I find most satisfying is an interesting question because sometimes it depends on the day and what has been happening. Whilst both corps are different in terms of what happens and the communities that they are in, what’s important is that I get to do life with a wide range of people from different circumstances, backgrounds and cultures. It’s a great way to learn about others, how to interact and how to best share God’s love with them. I really enjoy seeing ‘the penny drop’ for people. This may not be something dramatic or life-changing in a major way. It can be something as simple as someone seeing the importance of coming alongside others, and being a listening ear and discovering that sometimes just being there is enough to bring hope to someone.

2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? 

Relaxing and unwinding can be a difficult thing today. We are so bombarded with social media and emails that sometimes it feels like we can’t disconnect. When I do get the chance, I enjoy reading a good book, jigsaw puzzles, watching a good movie – sometimes it will be one that I’ve seen hundreds of times because I know I can watch it and not have to put effort into trying to keep up with what’s happening. I even love to watch a good documentary on either history, crime-related or true-to-life happenings. One of the better ones that I’ve watched is on how forensics have been used to solve crimes. I also enjoy watching a series called Ghost Hunters – where they actually go in to disprove paranormal activity. It might seem strange, but I really find those sorts of things relaxing.

3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? 

There have been so many over the years. For me, I think it depends on what’s going on in my life and how God uses the music to speak to me. I do like the music of Casting Crowns, Rend Collective, Chris Tomlin, The Lads and Phil Wickham to name a few. At the moment I have really been drawn to Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham. It’s a great reminder of the importance of looking to God rather than the battle that is raging. It can be so easy to focus on what can be seen and to lose heart. But when I remember that God has it all and can see my victory that I have nothing to fear. It’s also a great reminder of the importance of prayer in all circumstances as we fight on our knees allowing God to do what he needs to do.

4.  If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? 

Daniel – I think it would be fascinating to hear about his experiences whilst living in exile in Babylon. He was a man who knew what it was to rely on God through it all and still pray even when he didn’t see answers to those prayers. I would also love to talk about his faithfulness to God and what was going through his mind when he was thrown into the lion’s den – was there fear? What were his thoughts when God closed the mouths of the lions? And how did things begin to change when he came out of the lion’s den?

“If God is calling you to officership then go for it. There is nothing better than being in the centre of God’s will.”

5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? 

If God is calling you to officership then go for it. There is nothing better than being in the centre of God’s will. Don’t worry about if you don't have the right ‘skills’ now. God equips those he calls, and he will show up. Sure, there will be days when you wonder if you have made the right decision. But you get that with any choice you have to make. Trust God in the decision and you’ll be surprised where he takes you.