War Cry - October, 2014 Page 42

he college girl who had attended church
and youth group for many years thought
she had her life plan laid before her as a

freshman at The University of Texas -- El Paso.

That young girl never dreamed that God would one
day use her efforts, talents and pain over the years to
realize her true calling in life -- becoming a Salvation

Army officer.

As a young girl living in El Paso, I

quickly learned what it meant to be
a Christian. I remember my mother
would say, "I gave you back to God
when you were born." Her words
planted a seed that would grow into
a longing to know more about God
and His Word. One day in Sunday
School, I quickly went forward
without hesitation, and received the
Lord.

My life would never be the same. After Captain

Zoilo Pardo asked for volunteer assistance at the corps,
my parents and I went the following weekend. We dis-
covered that The Salvation

Army was a church, and we

soon became a part of the

Army family.

As I grew older, however,

I began going through a period of rebellion, College
professors challenged my beliefs about God, and I
began testing limitations with friends and giving
in to my worldly desires. In 2001, after a heavy
night of "partying" I found myself driving under
the influence on my way home. I could not decipher
which way to go because of my drunken state, and
was quickly headed for the median. Had I hit it, my

car would have plunged over the top, taking me to my
death below. I immediately swerved in the nick of
time, and as I came to grips with reality, I felt so
disappointed in myself that I knew I had to change.

I knew that God had saved me that night, and I
had to stop rebelling against His will.

Once again I started attending the Salvation

Army church that I had known so long ago, longing

for God to change me. But it was the beginning of

years of sorrow, depression, pain and growth. I had a

falling out with my family, my father was hospital-
ized for three months, and I was in danger of losing
my job. I believe now that it was a time of testing,

of God saying I needed to truly rely
on Him. Had I just stopped and
prayed, and put God first, that pe-
riod of my life would not have lasted
as long as it did.

In 2007, during Youth Councils I

heard Him saying, "I have chosen you"
for officership. But instead of heeding
His voice, I hesitated, saying, "Why
me, God? I'm not ready." Yet God
continued to mold and shape me over

the next three years. I began actively participating in
Salvation Army choir and worship, became the youth
leader, and began teaching Sunday school. I was
finally truly working for the Lord.

In 2010, we attended

our first family camp, and I
could really see God begin
to move and bless my life.
Since the age of eighteen, I

had been praying for a godly husband. I met him and fell
in love at camp, and we were married exactly one year
later. Through the years I've learned that despite all
of my hardships and challenges God has always been
there beside me. He would not see me fail, but would be
there with me every step of the way. I know with all
of my heart that He has brought me this far and will
continue to guide my path as I venture on into officership.

I am so thankful that God waited patiently for

me to come home to Him. I look forward to sharing
that same message with those I connect with in
Salvation Army ministry.

Lieutenant Bernadette Correira was commissioned as a
Salvation Army officer in the USA Southern Territory.

Cadet

Testimonies

............

Surrender

LIEUTENANT BERNADETTE CORREIRA

The War Cry | OCTOBER 2014

"I knew God had saved me,

and I had to stop rebelling

against His will."