Rethinking Calling
YouthDownSouth interviews
Captain Bobby Jackson, the Divisional
Youth Secretary in the Texas Division.
YDS:
Please tell
us a little bit about yourself – in
particular please tell us your
testimony.
BJ:
My testimony begins at a young
age. I grew up in an abusive home and
church became my escape from home. I
first heard the story of the prodigal
son at 12 years old and was excited to
hear about a father that loved me and
wanted the best for me. When the
invitation was given, I went to the
altar and asked Jesus into my heart.
Shortly after my conversion experience,
I began to teach Sunday school to the
preschoolers in my church. I loved
teaching little children about Jesus as
I learned myself from Sunday School.
People in the church told me that they
knew God was going to use me in the
church someday as a pastor. I laughed
and said no way, because I wanted to be
a professional football player.
Unfortunately, the abuse at home never
went away. In fact, it increased with
age and eventually I found myself
doubting God’s love for me and turned
away from the Lord out of rebellion. I
couldn’t understand how a loving God
would let me endure so much. That
decision led to mistake after mistake
and a few years wandering aimlessly,
separated from God. Eventually, like
the prodigal, my poor decisions led me
to the lowest point in my life and that
is how I met The Salvation Army. After
a few weeks, I attended the Corpus
Christi, Texas corps and once again
heard the prodigal story. Once again
the story pierced my heart and made me
aware of my wandering and God’s desire
to welcome me home. I heard the
invitation and responded by
re-committing my life to the Lord and
apologizing for my rebellion. I have
been walking with the Lord ever since
without regret.
YDS: Why are you a member of The
Salvation Army?
BJ:
I am a member of The Salvation
Army because the Lord has called me to
minister to men, women, boys and girls,
in the same way soldiers and officers of
The Salvation Army ministered to me in
my time of need. I love what The
Salvation Army believes and represents.
I am proud to wear my uniform and feel
honored to be a part of our rich
heritage.
YDS:
How did you first come into contact with
the SA?
BJ: My
time of rebellion led me to a low point
in my life and I refused to ask for help
from the step-father that abused me both
physically and mentally for so many
years. Rather than go home when in
trouble, I checked into a Salvation Army
homeless shelter for a place to sleep.
After the first night, I met with the
corps officer and told him my story. He
offered me a prayer and a job. A few
months later I was back on my feet and
had began going to the corps during the
process.
YDS:
What do you believe it means to “be
called”?
BJ:
I believe to “be called” means
that the Lord desires full commitment of
a persons entire life and being to the
cause of building the Kingdom of God.
This call requires personal sacrifice
and dedication to serving others, even
in the face of adversity.
YDS:
Do you believe that you are called?
BJ:
I believe without a shadow of a
doubt that I am called. Since the Lord
instilled in me the desire to preach and
teach I have been unable to find peace
and joy in other endeavors. I find
comfort in serving and feel that my life
is complete. I find that the Lord equips
me to do things beyond my own natural
abilities and has guided my life every
step of the way to prepare me for
service-even when I wasn’t serving Him
in jobs I hated. I may not always
believe that I am capable of answering
God’s call, but I have never doubted
that He has clearly called me.
YDS:
What are your top five Salvationists of
all time?
YDS: If
you were to give words of advice to a
young adult to figure out what God wants
him/her to do in life, what would you
say?
BJ:
First, I would instruct them to
make a list of what they want out of
life for themselves; goals and dreams
regarding family and work. Secondly, I
would ask them to see how their dreams
align with God’s will for believers and
then pray specifically asking the Lord
to reveal to them his pleasure or
displeasure with their desires. Lastly,
I would tell them to study the word and
invest themselves in the ministry of the
local corps to see if that is where the
Lord is leading them at this point in
their walk.
YDS:
What ultimately lead you to the
profession you are in today?
BJ:
The love of Salvationists for me
while I was sorting through the mess I
had made of my life while ignoring the
voice of God pushing me toward service.
YDS:
What is the most successful thing you
have accomplished as a professional?
BJ:
I cannot recall any significant
accomplishments as a professional.
YDS:
What is your take on ministry as it
relates to your career?
BJ:
Ministry is the purpose of God’s
call on my life. I am called to meet
human needs in Jesus name without
discrimination first and foremost. My
calling as an officer in The Salvation
Army requires that I do more than one on
one ministry, but it all ties together
as the goal is helping others. I could
not imagine doing anything else; I love
to see people changed by the Gospel
message.
YDS: What
is your favorite Scripture verse?
BJ: Colossians 3:17,
And whatever
you do, whether in word or deed, do it
all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through
him.
YDS:
If you could give words of wisdom to our
readers, what would you say?
BJ:
Seek the Lord with all your
heart. Spend time developing a deep
relationship with Jesus and you will
experience joy beyond your wildest
imagination. You will fall so deeply in
love with him that you will be
overwhelmed by His goodness. Be
obedient and always love others as Jesus
loved you.
 |
Captain
Bobby Jackson is the Divisional
Youth Secretary
in the Texas Division. |
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