Captain Adrian Aponte currently serves as the assistant corps officer in Lancaster, PA. Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Castle, DE, his family began attending The Salvation Army in 2003. Adrian found faith and purpose through college, earning an associate degree in homeland defense and emergency management at Del-Tech and later a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Wilmington University. In 2018, Adrian was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer.

01. How did you first become involved with The Salvation Army?    

My father was first approached by corps officers Captains Miguel and America Barriera regarding interest in prison ministry. In 2003, my family and I started attending the Wilmington corps. I became a senior soldier in 2004 and participated in the afterschool youth group.

02. What is your favorite event or program in The Salvation Army?  

There are so many! Men’s ministry, youth programs, vocational bible study… many local, divisional and territorial events. 

03. Who inspires you and why? 

My father and mother both inspire me. My father, a military man before I was born, always taught me to never quit what I started and to never quit on God. He was the first to teach me to verify information, especially when it’s regarding the Bible. My mother has always exemplified faithfulness towards God. Growing up, whenever I faced problems, she would remind me to pray, read the Bible, go to church and put everything in God’s hands. She always emphasized the importance of faith and trust in God.

04. What hobbies do you like to do?   

I enjoy playing guitar and making music, exercising, walking in the park, thrift searching, fishing, reading, archery and fellowship.

05. How do you spend time connecting with God? 

I start my day at 5:55 a.m. with prayer, followed by a workout while listening to Christian music or a podcast. After a shower and a healthy breakfast, I have my morning devotions before starting work. During the day, I listen to worship music, pray at least three times and sometimes read another devotional. In the evening, I read a book and a few chapters of Scripture, followed by prayer before bed.

06. How does your faith influence your work and/or your everyday life? 

Faith has a huge influence on my work and daily life. It’s not just about routine but about mindset. Our level of faith is determined by our devotion, dedication and passion for the people in need and the God we serve.

07. What is your favorite Scripture verse and why? 

Isaiah 49:2. God doesn’t make junk! We were made with purpose, and like a skilled bowman, God uses us to make a deep impact on others’ lives!

08. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

I am proud of the degrees I earned. I never dreamed of these accomplishments, and it was because of God, not me. Also, my five years as a Salvation Army officer.

09. What are your hopes/goals for the future? 

I hope to pursue a master’s degree in apologetics, hopefully from Lancaster Bible College. I also aim to become certified as an archery instructor and start a youth program or even an adult club.

10. What has been one of your biggest joys in following  Jesus so far?

My biggest joy is seeing kids get closer to Jesus. Watching a child become an advocate for Christ, bring their friends to the corps, sing Christian music, attend church and commit to afterschool programs is what The Salvation Army and the kingdom of heaven are all about. We are all finding our purpose, identity, passion, citizenship in heaven and sonship/daughtership with the Father!