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New Lt. Javier Castro gave his testimony at the Commissioning and Ordination Service, June 10, during The Gathering.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (TNIV).
Seven years ago God spoke to me clearly. As I answered the phone one day, I heard my wife, Irene, saying, “God has big plans for us in California. He is going to use us to do great things!”
A month earlier she had left Washington state in a wheelchair, paralyzed, and now she was calling me from California miraculously healed. When I arrived in California, and she ran into my arms, I felt the Holy Spirit’s power. I said, “Here I am, Lord, use me.”
I am called to serve Jesus Christ as an officer in The Salvation Army. Once I was a cattle driver, after that I was a plumber, but in 2007 God called me to full-time ministry. Serving as a youth director, I fell in love with the ministry of leading people to Christ. It was then that God called me to officership. At first the thought scared me, but now I cannot imagine myself doing anything else but helping others. And today is the beginning of a new chapter in our walk with Christ!
At the College for Officer Training I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by officers and staff who are equipped to guide future leaders into cultivating their passions, talents, interests and character. During these two years I’ve been soaking up the knowledge and wisdom transmitted by the 200-plus years of the training officers’ combined service. I came in knowing a little, and I leave knowing a little more. God says, “That’s enough for now, because I still have much more to teach you.” I’m looking forward to the ongoing training that follows for the rest of my years of service.
I am proud to be a “Friend of Christ.” Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 ESV).
Being a friend of Christ has meant loving, praying, crying with, and encouraging one another. Every day I thank God for these individuals who also have accepted a lifelong commitment. When God asked, “Whom shall I send?” We said, “Here am I. Send me!” We will rely on God the Father to finish what he has laid before us.
Today we celebrate our commissioning and ordination and declare to the world that The Salvation Army is present, and will be present, until the coming of the Lord. God makes this possible by appointing great leadership to The Salvation Army—great officers, soldiers, staff and friends of the Army. All believe that our task as an international movement is to bring the message of the Bible; to minister motivated by the love of God, so we can continue the mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.
To God be the glory forever and ever!
