Where would the money come from, he wondered. He lay awake nights, worrying, thinking, praying about how he could find the funds to fulfill his commitment of feeding 1,000 of the city’s poorest individuals on Christmas Day. As he pondered the issue, his thoughts drifted back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He remembered how at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, there was a large, iron kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor.

The next day Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas.

Six years later, the kettle idea spread from the west coast to the Boston area. That year, the combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years.

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Cadet Kyla McKenzie (now Lieutenant) and five other cadets had the opportunity to work at the Kettles in Portage la Prairie last Christmas season.   She tells us about their experience…

You may think it’s a little odd to take a large piece of metal outside on a cold day and hold it in your arms but that’s exactly what six cadets did on a chilly December day in Portage La Prairie. Despite the cold we were having a great time standing outside with our brass instruments in order to play Christmas music at the Salvation Army’s two kettle locations. As the notes of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful and other well known carols rang out many people stopped to listen and watch us as we played. We had lots of children ask their parents if they could listen and one little girl even requested Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as her favourite song.  There is a great deal of joy in playing on kettles and it is a unique opportunity available to us to minister to the people in our communities through music. It may seem odd but despite the cold we’d go out again for this ministry opportunity.

Joyful Noise

I went into the desert and found a village. At least that is the feeling I had after attending the “Midnight Challenge” street outreach at Winnipeg’s Weetamah Corps. The Midnight Challenge is a ball hockey program that has been operating since the early 1990s. Street involved individuals from the surrounding gang ridden neighbourhoods come into the corps three times each week, get in a little exercise, have a much needed warm meal and learn about God through prayer and devotions. It is the perfect recipe for feeding desperately hungry stomachs and souls – a recipe that truly wins individuals for God’s Kingdom!

A desert is an empty arid place where nothing grows. Sadly, I have heard many individuals use these words while describing their sentiments concerning Winnipeg’s Central and North End neighbourhoods. I have to emphatically disagree! These neighbourhoods are teaming with individuals with interesting stories to tell, vibrant personalities and rich faith journeys. This is the case despite the fact that  many have experienced debilitating poverty for years.

Among those who regularly attend the Midnight Challenge program are individuals with deep seated faith in our Lord. Several have prayed very meaningful prayers and offered devotions that are infused with wisdom that few possess. So much for the correlation between poverty and ignorance that many proffer! Although I went with the intention of ministering to those present, they in fact ministered to me.

When I reflect on my experiences with these individuals, the words that David wrote in another “desert” come to mind.

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you (Psalm 63:2-5).

I have seen this kind of commitment to our Lord in many of the individuals who attend the Midnight Challenge program. This kind of faith transforms lives. I have seen seasoned youth pastors and volunteers from area churches leave at the end of the night with a completely different perspective on what a vibrant and satisfying relationship with Jesus Christ can feel like. This kind of faith has made me a more compassionate person and has given me a greater hunger to serve others as a Salvation Army officer. I can’t wait until Commissioning in June! Perhaps it was I who had the impoverished spirit that needed tending…tending by a few unassuming individuals who have formed a village.

Cadet Brian Bobolo, along with his wife June, is a part of the Friends of Christ session.  Brian has been participating in the prison ministry at the Remand Centre and is currently in a field placement at Weetamah Corps.  His kind spirit and understated sense of humour are much appreciated at CFOT.

Cadet Laura Hickman gives us a cadet’s eye view of the event!  Laura and her husband David are a part of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session and are one of the two sets of Hickmans that we have at CFOT this year!!

On Friday we joined a team of volunteers at Weetamah to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to an expected crowd of 400-500 people. We set the tables and prepared the gym to accommodate two sittings of 240 people each. The Proclaimers were involved with tasks ranging from plating food, to delivering food to the multiple dinner guests, to making sure guests had lots of water and other beverages, and then thanking each guest with a handshake as they prepared to leave.

Pastor Mark Young told us, before the dinner, that Weetamah used to have the motto or theme of “counting your conversations”.  This theme reminded us that regardless of the activity, conversations with people always make the difference. We were asked to engage with the dinner guests by offering smiles and remaining open to conversation. As the evening progressed and fewer guests remained some of us were able to take the opportunity to hear people’s stories. The evening left manyof us excited about our future ministry and the outreach opportunities that await us. For now we remember to count our conversations and pray that through our many conversations glory will be given to God.

I have only been at my placement for a short period and I am just in the beginning stages of getting into the programming.

In the short time attending my new Corps I am recognizing the importance of having good leadership, as this is often a struggle in a day and age where people have many different commitments. There always is a challenge to raise up new leaders to take the place of those who can no longer take part for whatever reason. In seeing this, it has caused me to see the importance of leadership training and discipleship. Without this, it is difficult for any outreach ministry to exist in the church.

I’m thankful that while growing up, through different opportunities and great “mentors”, I was able to develop some leadership skills.  This has spoken into my calling as it has made me reflect on whom and what brought me to my decision to become an officer.

I have really seen the importance that is placed on community and relationships.  When I had the opportunity to go into the neighbourhoods of the people that attend programs and Sunday worship, it was amazing to see how much respect the communities have for The SA.  I miss the connection I had with the surrounding neighbourhoods at my home Corps, and it’s promising and hopeful to see the corps and communities connecting and loving, and the beauty is that it is all because God has called us to love one another and this corps is putting that command into action.

I am looking forward to opportunities to do pastoral care and visitation in order to get to know the congregation and community better. Relationships are a large part of ministry and a large part of what Jesus did during His time here on earth. I know that it needs to be a priority in my ministry now and in the future as an Officer.

In our Christian Education class we have been talking about holiness. When I hear youth talk about their understanding, and really grappling with this idea of holy living it has encouraged me to reflect on my own life and what I believe is holy living. Also, how I can work towards being more like Christ?  I am also encouraged to spend more time with God and reflect on my own life. 

I look forward to being a part of a congregation on a regular basis again. In having a church to call home (even if only for a year) I’m sure in little ways and in conversation here and there with the corps and community, my calling will be confirmed time and time again.

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 As a part of their training, CFOT cadets are placed at the various Corps and Community Centers in the region.  Cadets are asked to reflect upon their experiences during the month and think about how that is changing and shaping them as officers to be and what impact these experiences are having on their relationship with God.  This reflection was written for this purpose by Cadet Bethany Howard (Friends of Christ session).  Bethany’s field placement is at The Salvation Army Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg.

The 70+ delegates had the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, worship and team events, all conducted in Spanish. 

To read more about this event, follow this link:  http://salvationist.ca/2011/08/ontario-hosts-camp-for-hispanic-families/

 Auxiliary Captain Fabio Correa is an Associate Corps Officer at Yorkmister Citadel.  He is responsible for Spanish Ministries and Community and Family Services.  Auxiliary Captain Angelica Hernandez is at Toronto Harbour Light Ministries.  She is a Resource Officer with Immigrant and Refugee Services.

• What lessons will I be able to take from this field placement to my future ministry?
• What has working in this field placement taught me about myself?
• How has my work in this ministry impacted my relationship with God?
• What has this field placement taught/shown me about other people?

Tina and I have experienced many blessings during our time in Scarborough at Cedarbrae Community Church.  We have had the opportunity to take part in community outreach events, Family Service programs, Sunday worship, and Camp at Home.  Cedarbrae serves a very multicultural community.  Working alongside with the Family Services Coordinator and volunteers I had the opportunity to serve people who came from many different countries.  The love of Christ is shown to be in the centre of all the work of the staff and volunteers.

We have also had the opportunity to participate in the Breakfast club program in schools and attend community outreach events.  On a Sunday, after the morning service, we had a Neighbourhood Appreciation Day at Cedarbrae.  People from all different cultures and backgrounds came out for the BBQ and enjoyed fellowship with one another. I see God working in this community through The Salvation Army to help many who are in need.  Sunday worship here is very unique where people from all different parts of the world come together to worship God.  I have been blessed by the church family here; they have been very encouraging to me.  This placement has taught me that I need to rely on God’s strength in everything I do and to be sensitive to the needs of people from different cultures.  I have had great learning experiences and really enjoyed my time at Cedarbrae this summer.

Cadets Tina and Keesom Phanthaamath are also a part of the Friends of Christ session.  Tina’s beautiful smile and Keesom’s kindness have been missed over the summer.  We look forward to having them back at CFOT.

• What lessons will I be able to take from this field placement to my future ministry?
• What has working in this field placement taught me about myself?
• How has my work in this ministry impacted my relationship with God?
• What has this field placement taught/shown me about other people?

My wife Kelly and I consider it a great privilege to have been sent to the Prairie Division for our summer assignment.  Not only has it given us an opportunity to see a part of the country we have not experienced before but we have had the honour of spending time in two separate ministry units.  Although we were initially appointed to the Melfort Circuit for the summer we soon found out that we would be spending the last few weeks of our assignment in Prince Albert.

We are on the home stretch now here in Prince Albert or P.A. (as they say here) and we have truly been blessed by our experience.  The people here are incredible and we have learned so much about the life of an officer. As I look forward to my future as a commissioned officer, I have gained from the people in Prince Albert a new appreciation for fellowship.  The people in P.A. love to have fellowship, whether it is at the weekly backyard Bible Study, Tim Horton’s, or the local Dairy Queen.  They love to stay connected.  These fellowship times have served as an amazing tool in getting to know the different people in the congregation.

Not long after arriving in P.A. the Corps Officers went on vacation and I quickly learned the value of time management.  I believe time is misleading when you are in ministry because just when you think you have lots of time, something comes up and you find yourself scrambling to fit everything in.  I have learned that time management will be an important tool to master.

I have also noticed, in the midst of all the busyness, the impact of full-time ministry on my relationship with God.  Balancing seemingly a million things has made time with God a challenge, but I have seen that God is faithful and He provides for us in our time of need and making time for Him is definitely a critical piece in being an effective pastor.

As I look toward the end and see my return to Winnipeg in the near future, I see that my summer assignment has taught me a lot about others. In particular, I have learned that ministry does not work without others.  No matter how small or large the congregation, I cannot do everything on my own and this summer I have seen the importance of local leaders in the life of an officer.

Cadet Cory Fifield, and his wife Kelly, are also a part of the Friends of Christ session.  We hope that this horse was not the way the Cory (and Kelly) had to get around their Circuit Ministry!

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• What lessons will I be able to take from this field placement to my future ministry?
• What has working in this field placement taught me about myself?
• How has my work in this ministry impacted my relationship with God?
• What has this field placement taught/shown me about other people?

Several women at The Salvation Army Kitchener Community Church are reading a book by Ann Voskamp, as part of their book club.  It’s called One Thousand Gifts and it speaks of living a life of thanksgiving, taking pleasure in the simple gifts that God gives us daily and giving thanks to Him for these blessings. 

• What lessons will I be able to take from this field placement to my future ministry?
• What has working in this field placement taught me about myself?
• How has my work in this ministry impacted my relationship with God?
• What has this field placement taught/shown me about other people?

My summer assignment is in Quesnel, BC.  My time here has been an awesome learning experience.  The people are very encouraging and have been able to guide me along the way.  I’ve had many opportunities here including:  working with clients at Family Services,  managing the Thrift Store, overseeing a children’s lunch program, doing Administration, Preaching and leading Sunday Services, having Spiritual Formation Sessions, guitar lessons, and the list goes on!  So from each of those I have learned a lot about leadership skills and time management.

Being here, I have learned more about how God will use me in the future.  It has allowed me to gain confidence in things that I used to want to avoid even thinking about doing.  I have been stretched at times, but God has taught me patience.  This isn’t often patience with others, but instead patience with myself.  A lot of times I wish I could just know how to do something right away, but I need to have patience to know that learning new things takes time.  I can’t just jump in and always know what to do.

As I mentioned previously, I have a time of Spiritual Formation. This occurs once a week where I meet, one on one, with a congregation member.  When we meet, we work through scripture, talk about struggles and joys, and most of all, it is just a time to stop all the busyness and focus our attention back on God.

This placement has shown me that the city or town doesn’t make the place, but the people do.  Quesnel is a beautiful place, and I enjoy the beautiful scenery. Even more than that, I love the people.  The people make Quesnel what it is.  They have been extremely welcoming and shown me God’s love in such a real way.  I have made some close friends here that have been there for me when I need to talk out situations, have a laugh or a cry, and to support and encourage me.  I will remember this placement forever.  God has taught me so much through the people.  It truly will be difficult to leave, but I know that God has so much in store for me no matter where He takes me in the future!

Cadet Bethany Howard is also a part of the Friends of Christ session.  Bethany always seems to be laughing and we miss her cheerful presence at CFOT.  This year we will be joined by more members of the Howard family.  Bethany’s brother Josh and his wife, Tina, and children Abigail and Julien are arriving soon, as part of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session.

• What lessons will I be able to take from this field placement to my future ministry?
• What has working in this field placement taught me about myself?
• How has my work in this ministry impacted my relationship with God?
• What has this field placement taught/shown me about other people?

My field placement here at Chatham-Kent Ministries has been invaluable to me.  There is so much about The Salvation Army that I did not know.  So prior to coming to Chatham-Kent we talked with the corps officers to ask them to schedule us everywhere.  We wanted to get as much exposure to all the ministry elements here so that we could use this in our future ministry, and that is just what we did.  We were involved with two funerals, family services including thrift store and food bank. We  had the privilege to see the many ministry opportunities that The Salvation Army offers within Chatham-Kent.  It has taught me lessons in organization, time management and patience. There are many things that have to be organized and set in place long before the events even happen.

While working in this field placement I have learned a lot about myself.  It’s taught me that I have a lot to learn!  I have learned that no matter what don’t forget to treat people with respect and dignity.  Many people have not chosen their lifestyles and have life circumstances that they are not willing to admit to, but yet they are here asking me for help.  I have learned that even though sometimes I might not have the answers, that people just want a friend with a listening ear.  I have had the opportunity to be that listening ear for some.

This has impacted my relationship with God because there are many times that we take our relationships with God for granted.  Everyday things are going good for us and we don’t take time to stop and thank God for the wonderful blessings that we have.  We spend our time focused on the negative things each day, rather than looking at the positive things.  I think that this has taught me to focus on this with people as well. Listening to people, being their friend, meeting their needs and helping them to focus on the positive things are all things that this field placement has shown me about other people.

 Cadet Monika Gillard and her husband Lance (and sons Ewan and Elijah) are a part of the Friends of Christ session.  We look forward to hearing all about their time at Chatham-Kent when they arrive back in Winnipeg.