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The Brandon Brigade survived the long and hard road from Winnipeg to Brandon (and back).  Although great distances where travelled we were persistent and never grew tired!   Our first stop was Shilo military base (around 30min outside of Brandon).  We had the privilege to hear from the Base Commander himself of the importance of having chaplaincy and padres’ on the base and how this role contributes significantly to wellness of the troops.  All of us were transfixed as he spoke, what an incredible experience!  We left the base feeling a sense of pride and respect for our troops, and greatly encouraged with the ministry possibilities that lie in store for those willing to serve our troops in ministry.  We moved on from there to spend the evening with the corps people at the local bowling alley.  We enjoyed great fellowship.  None of us were able to defeat the infamous bowler Captain Bill Preston, though we got close enough to give him Goosebumps.

On Saturday we reinforced the thrift store for the day, helping out with children’s crafts and the BBQ canteen.  The Manager went out of her way and helped us understand the awesome ministry a thrift store provides.  Cadet Andre Pardy was touched (as were we all) as the manager put ministry as the top priority of the thrift store.  We came to understand that many of the people we met in the store will never set a foot in a corps or any other church.  That understanding lead us to conclude that the thrift store is a huge outreach tool that cannot be overlooked.  The brigade would encourage all to take the opportunity to volunteer in such an awesome ministry.

Sunday was a busy day, our brigade lead three services; a nursing home chapel, the corps service, and a prison chapel.  The prison chapel was significant for us all.  We entered with our own preconceptions and opinions of who we were about to meet,  but as we talked to the prisoners we quickly realized in that short time that they are human beings, just like you and me and God’s love for them is no greater than his love for us.

Needless to say, our brigade had wonderful time in Brandon.  The memories and experiences are surely to stay close in our hearts and minds as we move forward into our appointments.  We want to extend a special thanks to the Brandon Corps, the Mackenzie’s and Preston’s, our billets, and all who made that weekend possible.

God Bless and keep the flag high!

Brandon Brigade