Just Where He Needs Me Most
Cliff McCauley, corps sergeant major at The Salvation Army Cuba Street, reflects on how God has used seemingly small experiences to create profound transformation in his life.
When I look back at my life, I can clearly identify pivotal moments that altered everything. At the time, I didn’t recognise their significance, but I now see that God was guiding me, gently pointing me in the right direction all along.
I was born into a loving family in Waitākere, Auckland, and am the eldest of three children. Waitākere has always been a special place for my family and me, and we have a long family history in the area. My first encounter with church was my enrolment on the cradle roll at a local church.
My mother had many Christian friends and we spent a lot of time at their homes growing up. While we did not attend church regularly, my great-grandmother’s family had connections with many local churches, including The Salvation Army.
When I was four years old, my great-grandmother gave me a plaque that hung on the wall above my bed for many years. It was inscribed with two verses: ‘Lead me in Thy truth and teach me,’ from Psalm 25:5, and, ‘I will not forget Thy word,’ from Psalm 119:16. The seeds of faith were quietly being planted throughout my childhood.
My best friend from high school was a Christian and often encouraged me to join the Crusaders—a group of Christian students. His father was a youth minister at a local church, and I would later discover that he knew my father-in-law to be.
Defining moments
In my final year of high school, I went into a shop to buy a new pair of trousers just before sitting my last School Certificate exam. The salesman asked me what I planned to do when I finished school. I explained that I would probably work with my dad until I figured things out. Unexpectedly, he asked me to follow him.
Together, we walked into the bank next door and he introduced me to the manager. I spoke briefly with him, introducing myself and explaining that I was about to finish high school. To my surprise he asked me: ‘When do you want to start?’ I came home that day with a new pair of pants and a job at the bank! I firmly believe that this conversation was a major turning point in my life. It opened the door to a wonderful career with Westpac.
My career led me to Wellington where I met my beautiful wife, Barbara. She was a dedicated soldier in The Salvation Army, having been brought up by officer parents. We became engaged and I went to Wellington City Corps (church) for the first time with Barbara and her family. I remember being warmly welcomed into the corps family.
In September 1983, I attended Congress which was held in the Wellington Town Hall. It was a very long weekend and by the Sunday night Barbara was too tired to come to the evening session. I went along with Barbara’s father, and it was at this meeting during a time of prayer and an open mercy seat when I gave my life to Christ.
Immediately after this experience I went to Barbara’s flat to say goodnight. As soon as I stepped inside, she gave me a huge hug and knew what had taken place that evening without me even saying a word. We were married the next week and began our life together.
It wasn’t long before I was invited into various finance roles within our corps. Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of being our corps treasurer, secretary and corps sergeant major at Wellington City Corps—now known as Cuba Street. I have always considered it an honour to contribute to the leadership team in this way.
Everyday mission
At work, people would often come into my office and share their personal struggles and challenges with me. I never hid my commitment to The Salvation Army or my Christian faith, and I’ve always believed that the way we interact with others matters. In my work environment, I’ve tried to reflect God’s love and kindness by encouraging others and making time for them. I catch up with a group of old workmates from time to time, and the first thing they ask is, ‘You still with the Sallies?’ It’s always a great way to start a conversation.
I’ve learned that there are infinite ways we can reach out to others and share the love of Jesus. We are not all the same and the ways we express our faith will be different for each of us. I try to keep an open heart and mind, embracing new ways of living out my faith. This is where we have life-changing moments in our own faith journeys, when we step out and try something new.
One of my favourite Bible verses is from Acts 20:34. It says, ‘The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me’ (NCV). That is what I’ve always tried to focus on—faithfully doing the work He has set before me.
I want to continue living a Spirit-filled life, expressing my love for Jesus and inviting others to the special privilege of knowing Him too. We never know when a simple conversation might become a meaningful moment for someone else.
When I reflect, I often find myself thinking, Gosh, that was a life-changing moment. At the time, it may have seemed ordinary, but I now see that God was right there with me. I’m reminded of the words from a favourite hymn, ‘Just where He needs me, my Lord has placed me’ [SASB, pg 944]. That line rings true for me. It is the story of my life.
