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Soldier Interview - Michelle Kay
Australia East Territory
JAC interviewed soldiers from five territories regarding
battle issues that we all face. We expect that most of you
will learn much on what the problems and solutions are in this
great salvation conflict. We esteem the interviewees as those
fighting hard and committed to glorifying Jesus as they
capture, train, and deploy on very different fronts.
JAC: Quick bio:
MK: I am a passionate salvo (from Ryde, in Sydney), who wants
to live my life as if it matters. My life's vision is "to
actively lead a lifestyle of worship, and to encourage and
empower others to do the same." I work part time for the
Salvation Army, Greater West, as "worship coordinator", and
also run a music school in my local area. "Funkey Music
Factory", based in Epping, exists to positively 'make a
difference' in the lives of those who learn there, and I hope
and pray that as well as great, professional music education,
there are also great stories of life change and salvation
along the way.
JAC: Tell us, about your salvation and sanctification.
MK: I recall kneeling at the Salvation Army mercy seat, at age
eight, as a definite response to an invitation from Jesus. I
took my grandma with me...she is now with Jesus...
Sanctification however I would describe as a process, only
since meeting the Holy Spirit in 1997. Until then I was a
Christian, but did not know the growth and refining changing
power of the Holy Spirit. I was involved in religion
predominantly, which does not interest me at all now... It has
been a journey since then of renewal, development, expansion,
challenge and change....
Whilst not always easy at all, I would not go back to the life
I led before.
JAC: What engages your passions and energies these days.
MK: 1.Watching and being part of the renewal process occurring
in The
Salvation Army throughout Australia in particular. That is
exciting.
2. Running alongside others who believe that we really can
make a difference and actively engaged in doing our part
(wherever we are called and equipped) in winning the world for
Jesus.
3. Passionate worship that empowers the saints
4. Education that releases and equips students towards their
potential- whether that be inside or outside of 'church walls'
JAC: What is your role with The Salvation Army?
MK: Greater West worship coordinator, as a part time job- so I
am often involved in conferences, or other meetings/events. I
also support, encourage corps, individuals, teams, etc.
Wider- is part of the calling of my life- see below
Lay- I am the worship coordinator for Ryde Salvation Army-
which means I coordinate Sunday celebrations, train the
musicians, and with the leaders/officers, am responsible for
direction of Sunday worship celebrations.
JAC: What is your mission/calling?
MK: I have a mandate and calling upon my life to be an active
part of the renewal process of worship that is occurring in
The Salvation Army. God has confirmed this many times and
continues to open doors that I then only have to walk through.
I believe that when our heart is fully toward God, our hands
then immediately extend toward man.
"You become like what you worship- worship Jesus, become
Christ-like... love
God, love what God loves..."
JAC: How does The Army support your war-fighting?
MK: If "The Army" is DHQ, then I have a brilliant boss, who
trusts, supports and encourages my role, ministry and
giftedness in many ways.
If TSA is my home church/corps, I have a brilliant body of
Christ who is around me, loves me and strengthens me with
prayer, love and SMS messages when I am away ministering
elsewhere!
If TSA is friends, I have a close network of people who
regularly build into my life, and regular 'iron sharpen' me -
with accountability, friendship and practical help.
JAC: How do you influence people?
MK: Depends who the people are, and my role/ position in their
lives. As a general rule, I think my influence is through
'encouragement'.
I believe, and actively try to engage the "360 degree
leadership" model that
Bill Hybels teaches on, believing I can influence north,
south, east and west in my life, not just those I am 'positionally'
the leader over. Everyone needs encouragement though- whether
above, or 'below' you in the leadership model- so I will
always seek to encourage others in their run. My ultimate aim
is that my life of worship 'rubs off' on those around me,
whoever they are, as I seek to lead a life as a 'portable
sanctuary' in and outside of a building.
JAC: What are your dreams for the next several years?
MK: Other than to make a difference in my world, I want
salvation for the not yet Christians in my life- my neighbours
are still on my hit list. I want 'Funkey Music Factory' to be
all that God intends it to be- salvation, being a voice and
encouragement into the lives of impressionable students, to
name 2 things...
I want a renewed, revitalized Salvation Army that advances the
cause and kingdom in culturally appropriate ways- making
massive differences in this world, and being the answer...
I ask for every Spiritual blessing, and promise that has my
name on it, and to be the woman of God that I am called to be
for 'such as time as this' .
JAC: What are the keys to successful warfare on your front and
the larger salvation war?
YMK: Obedience, knowing and living who I am called to be,
God's power and grace as a continual renewal and refreshment
for me.
I would say that for all of us too.
JAC: How are you and your comrades strengthening The Salvation
Army?
MK: Program-wise: there are a few very exciting things that
I/we are part of:
1. Unlimited- is a renewal/mission conference that began in
2002, from a vision given to my boss Major Miriam Gluyas. I am
honoured to be part of the Sydney leadership team for this
conference. We regularly see and hear about great fruit that
is growing as a result of God encounters at Unlimited. God is
using Unlimited as a vehicle for change in our country.
Fantastic.
2. ID- this is a GREAT, exciting venture in Australia. ID is a
youth network and empowering program which is open to and
targets passionate youth Salvos who are keen to make a
difference in their world, and who actually believe that we
can win the world for Jesus!
ID has similarities to ALOVE in the UK, placing value and
importance on the
4 'essentials' of worship, mission, discipleship and social
justice, and teaches (throughout the 2 year course) the 4
topics of:
Winning the world for Jesus, relational evangelism,
leadership, and mentoring.
ID began in Sydney and has now spread to six other hubs in
Eastern Australia.
It is more than exciting to see youth rising up and taking the
challenge of speaking into their generation/communities and
world for the cause of the kingdom.
Life-wise I believe we seek to strengthen TSA by speaking
kingdom language, and refusing to be critical of the bride...
JAC: What are some of the dangers we have to face in the
coming years? (and how?)
MK: I think we need to know who we are. If you are sold out on
who you are, then you are not 'threatened' by those who choose
to look different, and do things differently to you (within
the church), and you are not threatened by the enemy either
(these are different people!)
I believe that when we rise up, know who we are, what we are
raised up for, and all go do it, without fighting with each
other in the HOW, then we will see a massive harvest.
Unity commands a blessing- I think we miss out on this often
due to division that does not need to be there.
JAC: What final exhortation have you for this audience?
MK: Know who you are, what you are called and equipped for. Go
after that, with all your strength and determination. When we
all know our role in the body, we will be such a force to be
reckoned with. Exciting days.
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