Major Elaine Vyle

I am Elaine Vyle (Major) and it is currently my privilege and pleasure to have an appointment in the Women’s Ministries Department here at THQ.

My husband and I have been officers for 16 years having previously been employed in the teaching profession.  Bruce began work in the corps as a Pastoral Assistant and soon realised that God was calling him into full-time ministry.

I believe my call came not long after but because I was enjoying what I was doing I found it difficult to say ‘yes’. However, once that decision was made I have not regretted answering God’s call to full-time ministry.

We have had the immense privilege of walking with people through difficult journeys as well as sharing their joys and celebrations. Our appointments have mostly been in THQ and DHQ but it was our real highlight to serve as Corps Officers in Auckland and in Christchurch City for a combined total of 5 years.

My current appointment gives me opportunity to be involved in National Council of Women which has immense influence in the forming of legislation that affects women and children in this country. I am also responsible for The Silver Star Fellowship which provides support and pastoral care for the parents of commissioned Salvation Army Officers. I serve on a number of Boards at a territorial level in The Salvation Army here in Wellington.

My personal interests and hobbies are reading, walking and craft work. I nearly always have ‘something on the go’. I think this is because one of the things my mother taught us was that the ‘devil finds work for idle hands’. I have always found it difficult to sit and do nothing.

I am, by nature, a reserved person and have often felt inadequate for the tasks I have been asked and expected to do. But this has made me rely more on God than on myself and I take encouragement from Philippians 1:6, a verse I was given when we left our home corps for our first appointment; “God began a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.” (NCV)

We have two daughters and one granddaughter who live in Auckland so we don’t get to see them as often as we would like. However, retirement is on the horizon for us and I am beginning to look forward to living closer and seeing more of them. 

In the meantime, I continue to enjoy my work here in Wellington and endeavour to serve God and The Salvation Army to the best of my ability.