NEW challenges face Salvation Army couple Steve and Kay Nelson. For the past five years they have devoted their lives to the community of Orange, helping to build a strong base for community resources.
By January 9 they will have relocated to Rockdale in Sydney. While Rockdale is a smaller geographical area than their region from Manildra to Blayney, the Rockdale Salvation Army covers a large population of 2020.
“It is a smaller area but 48 per cent don’t have English as a first language. There are going to be specific ethnic issues there,” Steve said.
Kay says it will be challenging ministry.
“We are looking forward to the challenge and are quite excited by it. But while we will find it a challenge, I still feel our hearts are in the country,” Kay said.
Their roles will complement each other with Steve working as church evangelist and networking to find the needs of the community, and Kay developing support groups.
“My job is outside, and Kay’s is inside,” Steve said. “I will be involved particularly in the women’s ministry, working with Steve and developing support groups in the church,” Kay said.
“We are taking one or our boys, he has employment and the other is off to America with the Salvation Army.
“We have made a lot of friends here, they are very supportive, very accepting of us as locals,” she said.
Steve added that Orange was a great city to live. “We want to thank the people who have supported us and we have appreciated being part of the town,” Steve said.
On Sunday they will be farewelled by their friends at the Salvation Army Citadel followed by a barbecue lunch in Newman Park.