By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

Pastor Ken Locke, Warsaw, stands below a banner that is also his church’s call to ministry. Locke, who has worked for the Salvation Army for 27 years, loves people and has a sense of mission. Photo provided by Ken Locke.

WARSAW — “I think it’s amazing that God takes imperfect people like me and calls us into ministry,” stated Ken Locke, Warsaw.

“Being an officer in the Salvation Army, I’ve dedicated my life to people. Jesus offers all of us hope. If I could give one gift to the human race, I’d give each person an understanding of how much God loves them.” Locke is the pastor of Warsaw Salvation Army.

“I grew up in Iowa and was a member of the youth group in our Salvation Army church. I was attending a divisional youth event when I felt the call to ministry. I was a senior in high school at the time.”

The Salvation Army moved Locke to Warsaw in 1988. “I’ve worked at the Salvation Army off and on for the past 27 years. I became an administrator in 2019. Our church serves both Kosciusko and Whitley counties.”

A typical day for Locke starts with getting his administrative duties done. “Our organization is all about helping families in need. We take a wholistic approach to preaching the Gospel. I’m involved in fundraising and contacting people in the community. I also help serve the people coming in for help.”

Locke admits helping people can get frustrating at times. “When I see a success story, it makes it all worthwhile. For example, we have a woman who is part of our church. She came to us struggling financially with two kids to support. We enrolled her in our program ‘Pathway to Hope.’ With some additional training, she is now working in an office and making a good wage. And what’s more important, she comes to church and loves the Lord.”

When Locke addresses his church staff members, he reminds them that ministry is simply planting seeds. “After we scatter the seeds, we don’t always see the harvest. It all comes down to choices. People have the freedom to choose. And we are so happy when they choose to serve Jesus, even if they go to a different church.”

The main thing is having a heart for people. “If we don’t love people, we’ll burn out quickly. I tell staff members that if they don’t have a passion for people, they need to be in another line of work. The church is all about serving people. We can train staff to do a job. But if they don’t love others, they’ll never last. They need to feel a sense of mission.”

Warsaw Salvation Army also has a food pantry. “We call it ‘Choice Pantry.’ People can come in and choose which items they need. With the increased inflation we’re facing, we’re serving about 250 families a month. We have marvelous volunteers who help with this project.”

Locke’s ministry partner is his wife, Sina. “She came onboard May 2019. She assists with some administrative and ministry responsibilities. Sina is a big help. But we have to remember that work is only one part of our lives. We must balance it with family and fun times.”

The Lockes have a blended family. Ken and Sina have seven kids and 11 grandchildren. “My grandchildren bring life to our household. I love having them around.

“To me, ministry is more than a job. It’s my life.” Those interested in donating or finding out more about Warsaw Salvation Army can visit sawarsaw.org.