‘This is where God wants me to be’

International Staff Bandsman Andrew Hedley (Chester-le-Street) testifies that God is in control and he is along for the ride.

I have attended The Salvation Army all my life and, like many others, grew up taking part in divisional and territorial music schools, as well as the Territorial Youth Band, both as a student and later as a staff member. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping my life, nurturing my love for music and, most importantly, strengthening my Christian faith.

For seven years, I have had the privilege of being a member of the International Staff Band, following the retirement of Derick Kane in January 2019. While this involves a significant commitment, it’s an opportunity for which I am extremely grateful.

Away from the Army, I am actively involved in the wider brass band community and have been a member of the EverReady Band for nearly 12 years. Alongside this, I serve as the assistant leader of the North East Divisional Youth Band, hold a Sunderland AFC season ticket, and occasionally fit in some work as well!

Since getting married in June 2025, my wife, Eleanor, and I also go along to Stockton Citadel, where she is a soldier. Life can often feel hectic, with a diary full of rehearsals and concerts – not something I say to boast about, but simply to be honest. I feel genuinely called to these activities as part of my ministry and believe it is important to give my best in order to represent both God and The Salvation Army well. While I know there may come a time when something has to change, right now I feel confident that this is where God wants me to be.

I consider myself a patient and rational person – perhaps even too calm at times – and I try to bring consistency into every area of my life. This is reflected in my faith, which I would describe as steady and uncomplicated – God is in control and I am simply along for the ride.

The past year has been especially busy, as Eleanor and I planned our wedding while also renovating our home – thankfully with lots of help! Inevitably, major life events bring stress and difficult decisions and there have been moments when my faith has been tested, leading me to question God in ways that I had not done previously.

During these times, I find myself returning to the words of Psalm 46:10: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ This familiar verse reminds me to pause and remember who is truly in control. While stillness can be difficult to achieve, it is vital – and it may look different for each of us.

As I continue to seek moments of stillness amid the busyness of life, I pray that you can do the same.