Hannah O’Neil was born into The Salvation Army as an officers’ kid. Although she didn’t choose to “join” the mission, she actively chose to stay and engage in her community within The Salvation Army as time moved on. When Hannah reflects on her highlights of growing up in The Salvation Army, it’s the people and community that she always comes back to. Through experiences with the corps (church) she’s attended, life at camp as a divisional youth secretary’s kid, and other spaces within the Army, Hannah has always appreciated the rich opportunities of getting to know people from different  backgrounds. 

The exposure to such a diverse group of people broadened and enriched Hannah’s own perspective of the church and the world at large. Knowing people from all walks of life and hearing their stories interested Hannah and led to the work that she would feel called to later in life: an educator. 

Spending six years of her childhood at summer camps created core memories that Hannah now leans on in many moments of her life as a young adult. From simple, silly things like “Minute to Win It” games, which she uses to connect with people, to powerful moments of watching the Holy Spirit move, these camp core memories have become a part of who Hannah is. While reflecting on past summers spent at camp, Hannah smiled at the memories of campers responding to the call of salvation. “Response is universal, and seeing that regularly was an important experience that shaped who I am.” 

Nowadays, Hannah spends her days much like how she did as a kid growing up: in community. “People are one of God’s greatest gifts to us,” she reflected, and so Hannah prioritizes connection opportunities whether it be with friends, or strangers. Loneliness has been a struggle for Hannah, but community and reminders of His love bring her back to center.

Hannah’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV), which says, “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” This verse reminds her daily that God’s love is constant and unshakable. It’s this love that fuels her desire to build community, connect with people and share that love with others.