The Parsons, who are both lieutenants under the red shield, are the new corps officers of the Bega Salvation Army and begun their roles in the first week of January.

While the move has turned out to be quite busy for them, they both agree they love the area. 

“The Bega Valley is definitely a lovely place to live,” Rod said. 

“We’ve been very well received, as well.” 

The couple were working in a Salvos store in Cooma when they felt the call to join the ministry.

“Once I got to know the people in the Salvation Army, be part of what they were doing and felt the genuine love they have for everyone in the community, it was something I hadn’t encountered before and was something I wanted to be a part of,” Deb said.

After studying Bachelor of Theology degrees in Sydney they were sent to Albury for their first posting which lasted three years. 

When coming to the Valley their initial vision was to see the Salvation Army’s congregation grow, but it has evolved slightly since then. 

“We came with the vision of a greater Salvation Army presence on the Sapphire Coast, from Bermagui to Eden,” Deb said. 

“But now we are looking for greater connection with our community, and that’s probably going to start in Bega and Merimbula where we already have a presence before encompassing the larger area of the whole coast.

“We’re also hoping to partner with the community and what others are already doing here.” 

As the job can be challenging at times Rod said it is important to find something to take your mind off things.

“You need something to get your head out of other people's heads,” he said.

He has a love of flying model aircraft when he can and Deb’s passion is gardening. 

While they were unsure how long their posting to the Valley would last, they hoped it was for a few years at least. 

Their daughter, who is now in Year 6, started attending her fourth school in Bega and her parents would like to see her out of high school before they move again. 

This year the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Doorknock will be held on May 28-29. 

The event has been running for 51 years and volunteers are being called on to help with doorknocking in the Bega Valley. Funds go towards the running of the Salvation Army's network of social services that assist over one million people around Australia every year.

There will also be collection points at the Sapphire Marketplace and Coles in Bega from May 23-29. 

To volunteer call 13 72 58 or register on line at salvos.org.au/volunteer.