New Sumter Salvation Army officers excited about ministry opportunities

New Salvation Army of Sumter leaders Captains James and Rebecca Sullivan said they think their own struggles play a part in helping others walk with God.

As husband and wife, the Sullivans hold a dual role as co-pastors and co-administrators over the Sumter operation and are excited and energetic about the ministry opportunities that they took on in June with the new duty appointment here.

Like many in Christian ministry, the Sullivans have not been without trials. Before becoming active in ministry, James came through a Salvation Army rehabilitation program for drug addicts based in Atlanta.

"It was a struggle," Sullivan said. "I got addicted to crack cocaine and crystal meth. I went through a Christian-based program with 150 men and was there for a few months.

"Me and God had a one-on-one conversation, and He pulled my 'man card' and told me I needed to 'man up' if I wanted it back. After three or four months into the program, I left and came home and got involved with a Salvation Army church pretty much every day. I have been clean now for about 18, going on 19 years."

He grew his manhood through Jesus Christ and said he is now a much better man for it.

The Sullivans have both been ordained officers with The Salvation Army for 10 years now and have had several duty appointments to date.

They came to Sumter from their last appointment in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Local organizational programs include the church at 16 Kendrick St. that offers a Sunday worship service, a food pantry, other social services and a Boys and Girls Club. The club is essentially an afterschool tutoring program and recreational time for children ages 6-12 that is offered Monday through Friday.

The club program is maxed out currently with 25 children from 10 local public schools, according to Rebecca Sullivan.

"We offer a snack for the children, and the program includes homework time, art and a daily Bible devotional time," she said.

A summer children's program is also offered Monday through Friday when school is out of session, she added.

The Salvation Army of Sumter serves Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties, and the kettle program in November and December before Christmas brings in the most revenue to provide services throughout the year, Rebecca Sullivan said.

The Sullivans' goal with the operation is to benefit the whole community, they said, and they are open to working with similar agencies and not duplicate services.

The church is actually the favorite part of the ministry for the couple. James does most of the preaching on Sundays, he said.

"I love work, and it is what the Lord has called us to do," he said. "We are always transparent. When you are struggling with things, you want people to know because you want people to pray for you. You want people to come beside you to know, 'Hey, I need prayer. There are some things that I am having to deal with.'

"And I think that brings unity and strength. I think that is the ministry that Christ is talking about."

Rebecca Sullivan said sharing the gospel of Christ, who came to save sinners, meet human needs and provide eternal life, keeps her energetic about the ministry.

"We believe that He has called us for such a time as this," she said. "If it had not been for all the struggles that we have been through, and I don't mean just James, I mean as a couple, I don't know where we would be in order for us to walk with Him and help others. Our struggles play a part in helping others. We have to struggle in order for us to help others.

"We are not perfect, and I think it helps others to see that in order to walk with them. So, the timing is just right for us to be here and walk with others."