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After the Atlantic Congress & Commissioning, the excitement and anticipation was evident on most of my session-mates faces. They were eagerly anticipating getting out of CFOT for a few weeks, and into their Summer Assignment – getting the opportunity to use what they have learned to help real people in real situations. For me, however, it was different! I have been out in London Citadel for 7 months now. For just a few moments, it felt like I was leaving Newfoundland and going back to ‘routine’ again. Then I realised it – ministry is far from routine!!

As I reflect on my time here in London Citadel I have had countless opportunities to minister – Operation Mobilizing Hope street ministry, Chapel services at London Centre of Hope, Worship services at the Citadel each Sunday, Teen Alpha Bible classes, Floor Hockey nights, Seniors clubs, Ladies meetings, ESL Classes, Sunday School, a VBS Mission Trip to Wiarton, a YP Band weekend away, the visit of the Chicago Staff Band, visiting St. Catherines Booth Centre & Corps – including a tour of the Thrift stores and Family Service centres in the Niagara region, encouraging the candidates for Officership in the Great Lakes Division, visiting Toronto 614 Corps – all of this is just the icing on the cake, and there is still so much more of it too !!

As I reflect on my time in London Citadel I think of the relationships that I’ve build with feeble seniors, energetic teenagers, young professionals, middle-aged business men, homeless people, young children – again the list goes on! I have had the opportunity to walk with people in joyful times, uncertain times, troubled times and sorrowful times – sharing in graduations, medical diagnosis, domestic uncertainty and even in times of bereavement.

I know – without a doubt – that I have been the hands and feet, the hugs and high-5′s, the laughter and the tears of Jesus to so many people in this church and this community. It is an awesome experience to be God’s Ambassador to so many people. I have experienced ‘incarnational’ living in so many different ways.

 
One of the dangers of long distance field-based training is that a Cadet may feel isolated and alone – being away from fellow session-mates and CFOT staff. This has not been true for me. Off course I DO miss my session-mates (and I’ll even admit to missing the staff too) but the London Citadel Corps family has adopted me and made me their own. They have, and continue to be, a marvellous support network for me. The blessings and encouragements are abounding. They are guilty of one big sin, however – I am spoiled rotten with little treats such as tray-bakes, cookies, muffins, Timmies and invites to supper!  If I don’t fit into the tunic for my wedding next month – THEY are entirely to blame!!

I only have 7 weeks left to spend in London, Ontario. Under the flex-based training program I have had a wonderful, unique and sustained opportunity to exercise all that I have learnt in college to help people in their real-life situations. As I continue with this ‘routine’ I praise God for all that is past and trust Him for all that’s to come – Amen!