JAC
Interview with Captain Glenis Viera
Captain Glenis Viera is a fiery USA Southern
officer. How about
this? “As I looked up there was Jesus sitting with his arms
opened signaling me to go to him.”
JAC:
Who are you?
I am Glenis Viera originally from Puerto
Rico, currently living in Chattanooga, TN, serving as an
Officer in The Salvation Army with the rank of Captain. I am
blessed to be married to my husband of ten years and we have
two beautiful daughters.
JAC:
Tell us about your salvation and sanctification.
My salvation story starts from my mother’s
womb. I grew up in a Christian home and as such knew from very
early on that Jesus was my best friend. There is a
recollection of a time when I was thirteen years and a special
dream. It all took place at the chapel of my private Christian
school. Behind the stage there were some stairs that led up to
sort of an attic. As I looked up there was Jesus sitting with
his arms opened signaling me to go to him. I felt this anxious
joy as I approached him and as I got close he embraced me with
a tender hug that made me feel whole. From then on I knew
Jesus also as my Savior. From that moment on I believe that
the work of sanctification started in my walk with Christ.
There is no specific occasion that I can pinpoint as one that
brought about the work of the Holy Spirit in this way but of
many different moments that grew me close to Christ and in
living a sanctified life.
JAC:
What is your mission/calling?
My mission is founded in the call to the
disciples to be His witness into the end of the earth (Acts
1:8 NIV). It is my calling to take the gospel overseas
especially to children. I am to be like Paul in becoming all
things to all people so that some may be saved.
JAC:
How does the Army support your war fighting?
The Army is the place that God has placed us
as a tool to accomplish His will in our life. It is been
through the Army’s efforts to reach the world for God that we
got to experience overseas ministries. This Army of God has
been supportive in ways that only through God’s provision we
have been able to minister.
JAC:
How do you influence people?
I hope that I am influencing people in
showing my love for them through incarnational ministry. I
attempt to be honest and transparent and most of all
trustworthy.
JAC:
Who influences you?
A person that has greatly influenced me is
Tony Compolo. As a sociologist he has helped shaped my
thoughts as a Christian in many current topics of today’s
culture.
JAC:
What are your dreams for the next several years?
To finish my Master degree on International
Leadership with concentration in Education and utilize this
acquired knowledge to minister in other countries.
JAC:
What are the keys to successful warfare on your front and the
larger salvation war?
Deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Continual prayer
Accountability
JAC:
How do you cultivate your relationship with God?
Through Scripture reading and meditation.
JAC:
How are you and your comrades strengthening The Salvation
Army?
It is my hope that I am helping to
strengthen The Salvation Army by bringing to the forefront our
founding fathers’ God given passion for the lost.
JAC:
What are some of the dangers we have to face in the coming
years? (And how?)
One that I see more prominently is becoming
what we ourselves radically came out of. Our founders were
discontent for the way the church was exclusive of many. We
must continue to be the church out of our four walls and into
the world.
JAC:
What final exhortations have you for this audience?
I pray that my brothers and sisters fan the
flame of passion for the least, last and lost. It is pivotal
that we do not lose sight of who we are as Salvationists and
what we have been called to. Let us not be content but ask our
Father to disturb us, to take us out of our comfort and to
move us with desperate love for the lost. May it be so! Amen!!
|