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Lt. Colonels Harold and Joann Brodin
by Harold and Joann Brodin, Lt. Colonels –
Our testimony to the graciousness of God and his loving and watchful care for our lives is summed up as follows: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). After 45 years as officers we can confirm that “his compassions never fail.” God has richly blessed us as we trusted him and served for his honor and glory.
We have had some memorable experiences during our officership. With 19 years as corps officers, the greatest memories are where we saw how God worked in the lives of people. Another memory is that once during officers’ councils I was asked to “visualize the Army” 20 years in the future. I suggested that we should utilize computers to help manage the administrative demands of the Army. Little did I know what was going to happen!
During these years we have seen major changes, and yet we see a return to the things that make The Salvation Army such a unique and special ministry.
The husband-and-wife partnership helps the Army to accomplish much and do it effectively. We have learned to share the ministry and utilize our individual strengths. Working together is a blessing when both are fully committed to the cause of Christ.
As God has worked in our lives, it has become clear that it is his work, and as officers it is our mission. When we have felt least equipped for the task at hand, he has graciously used our efforts in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. Likewise, when we have felt most assured of our efforts, there has been a paucity of results.
The most exciting part of being an officer for us has been the privilege of serving as co-workers with God. In every appointment we have seen God at work in people’s lives. We have seen the blessing of victories won and his faithfulness in giving “beauty for ashes” when we experienced disappointments and discouragement.
Our officership has been rewarding and exciting. We are grateful to the Army for its leadership and the opportunities that have been afforded us. We have been stretched, encouraged and challenged through these years.
We will be busy getting settled into our home in Stanwood, Wash., and will then find ways to continue in active ministry.