CFOT.ca

“So, you are going to Training College… in Winnipeg?… How’s that going?” It’s a question that I heard a lot after my wife and I finalized our decision to follow God’s call to Salvation Army Officership. And I always have the same answer… “I love it! It’s GREAT!”

I have to admit however, that as a Newfoundlander, I was a little disappointed that I would have to travel thousands of miles away to attend CFOT. God was quick to remind me however that His call is not limited to location, and that this would be the first of many moves that would be before me as I served as an officer in His Army! And so, I packed my bags and headed off for the “Gateway to the West.”

It was not long after I reached Winnipeg that I realized how fortunate I really was! The “horror stories” of College years gone by could not have been farther from my experiences! I live in a brand new condo, complete with all the luxuries of life – surrounded by session-mates, yet still having a very personal and private (and swanky) apartment!  The College building is equally as impressive to me, and I am often amazed at the renovations that have been completed prior to opening. It’s arguably the nicest building in Winnipeg (except for maybe the condos we live in!).

The classes and schedules have also evolved from the yesteryear stories that I have heard form officers. I can honestly say that I love training college. It has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I know that it always will be. The staff is genuinely interested in not only your development into an officer of the Salvation Army, but also in you as an individual. They are all caring and they exemplify on a regular basis what Salvation Army Officership really is – they are shining examples. Since coming to train in Winnipeg, I have met several people who have had a significant impact on me and my growth into an officer. I feel now that I am ready (with a lot of help from God) to take my place in a ministry unit. There is no doubt in my mind that my two years at training college has truly been two of the best years of my life.

Now, don’t get me wrong – it’s a lot of work. I’ve had my share of late nights, early mornings, and long days. Research papers, essays, reflections, presentations, sermons, and all sorts of other stuff no doubt are a huge part of what goes on here. BUT that is not ALL that goes on here. The field component of the training college is second to none, with a great emphasis placed on practical ministering to people not only in the church, but in the greater community of Winnipeg. I have personally been privileged to work with inner city youth teaching guitar and music theory. There are cadets here ministering at AIDS rescue houses, prisons, homeless shelters, after school programming, and hospitals (just to name a few) all over Winnipeg, and even further! Anyone who sees the training college as a strict classroom style of officership training, you’re simply misinformed.

I suppose that this is the real reason I’m writing. I wasn’t asked by anyone to “praise CFOT.” I truly believe that this place has the blessing of God on it and I want to see that blessing passed on to as many people as possible. I know that God is still calling people to officership – both young and old. I also know that the devil is working overtime on every one of these candidates and is going to use any excuse possible to put doubt in their minds. I want to affirm your call by sharing my experience of CFOT. I am so thankful for the call God has placed on my life, and I know that I am blessed to answer that call here in Winnipeg. If you are fighting this magnificent call that God has placed on your life because of false rumors concerning CFOT, just ask anyone who was there and experienced training “Winnipeg style.” I think you’ll find, just as I did that Winnipeg is not only the “Gateway to the West,” but the “Gateway to the Best – thing you could ever do.”

Posted by Lieutenant Fred Reid

Lieutenants Fred and Carolyn Reid were recently Commissioned and are now appointed as the Corps Officers at Bracebridge Community Church, ON (Ontario Central – East Division)