New Officer Roundup – Captains Mike and Melissa Mailman, Yarmouth
Summer at The Salvation Army brings with it a number of new beginnings as officers around the country transfer to new appointments. Here at the Maritime Division we are welcoming nine new officers in five different locations. Here is the final installment in our five-part series introducing you to them.
Can you tell me a bit about your history?
Mike: I grew up the child of Salvation Army Officers, so I’ve been coast to coast and everywhere in between. I was born in Ontario and the last time I lived in the Maritimes I was two years old. We are now coming from the Prairie Division in Weyburn, Sask.
Melissa: Weyburn was our first posting. We were fresh out of college and had been there for five years. I don’t have a Salvation Army or church background. I was born in Fort McMurray, Alta., and raised in the Prairies, so this is the first time I’ve ever seen the ocean, felt it between my toes. It’s very different here, and very beautiful.
Tell me about your previous posting?
Melissa: It kept us very busy, haha!
Mike: It was rural Saskatchewan, a community of a little over 10,000 and we had a corps, a thrift store, and a community and family services.
What are your first impressions of your new community?
Mike : It’s delicious!
Melissa: He’s full of clams! He’s had so many fried clams, I think if you were to poke a vein he would bleed clam.
Mike: The community is wonderful. They’re welcoming, friendly and supportive, and right off the bat too.
Melissa: They have very quickly become family. I left five years of building family in Weyburn to come here and it already feels natural, like we’re home.
Do you have any specific hopes or goals for this appointment?
Melissa : I see lots and lots of potential with all of the people that are so open and willing to be used. I’m anticipating great things, because of the people that are here. With their attitudes, we will go far.
What things do you like to do?
Melissa : We love going to the ocean, fires on the beach and exploring tide pools. Personally though, I could always curl up downstairs and watch a good chick flick. I have a popcorn maker and I just love relaxing.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Mike: I don’t know. I’m already Batman, haha. I’m a big geek at heart. I’ve been trying for the last six months to build a light saber, so I think it would be cool to be able to ‘use the force.’
Melissa: I would like to fly.
Who is your role model and why?
Mike: I like to go to scripture and read about some of the big heroes from the bible. Even though they fell on their face all the time, they get back up for God. I really like Peter. Outspoken, think before you speak, Peter.
Melissa: My role model is my husband. If you get to know us, and our backgrounds, he is the closest thing to Jesus on earth to me. He walks it, and he’s steady. He displays Christ.
