Charles shares the testimony of God’s grace during his training in Canada.

In Psalm 118:24, it says, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This is the most exciting day of my life, my heart is rejoicing and I give praise and glory to God.

My first impression of Canada (and of course Winnipeg) from Commissioner William Francis was that, “Charles, it is cold, will you be able to stay in the cold temperature -40 below zero.” With no hesitation, “Yes, Commissioner, I will be able to adjust myself.” I wonder what the Commissioner will have in mind at that moment with an easy and quick reply from a guy who never experience temperature below +8 OR no snow ever. May be he has like, “Oh! Poor Charles, we’ll see.” At this moment, it would be a missed if I did not mention how God uses Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis as a channel of his purpose for my life. They have opened a way for me so that I could have my training in their territory from India Eastern Territory which is a wonderful international experience for me.  This is a wonderful privilege for me. Thank you Commissioners!

Then I came to Canada and my reaction to my first impression was, “Oh yes! Commissioner, this is cold.”  I have to change my song from “Green Green Grass of Home” into “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” as if I really enjoy the cold and the snow. I start a new life with new experiences as I am going through the changes, like….Darjeeling Tea to Tim Hortons Coffee, a pair of sandals to winter boots, a short sleeve cotton shirt to 3-in-1 coat and so on, and the biggest challenges was how to cope with the training offered at the college. But I thank God for his guidance and for equipping me with the wisdom to accomplish the task and responsibilities that were assigned to me.  There were a lot of times that I struggled and some times when I even find it hard to understand, but God uses these struggles to stretch and mould me. It was through these struggles that I learnt to persevere and HOPE – a joyful and confident expectation for the future. Training College has offered me the opportunity to learn to trust and rely in God.

Apart from the academic that has offered to us at the college, the field practical were an important area of growth and rewarding for myself and my session mates. We are very excited to see ourselves growing through these programs. I was fortunate that The training college made wonderful arrangement so that I could go back to my own territory for my summer assignment which was a wonderful opportunity of training in my own community. I was also very excited because I have a chance to apply what I have learned and experienced here in Canada. Our session had the priveledge to minister across the country and even overseas.

In short, I would like to say that Training College has not only been a place of gaining knowledge theologically OR a place of learning to become an effective officer of The Salvation Army, but most importantly, it is a place of spiritual growth and discipline, where we learn to build relationship with God and people, and a place where our commitment grows stronger each day to serve him faithfully.

I also want to bring assurance to the Principal and the Staff at College for Officer Training that, the seeds that you have sown in us, will grow and bear fruits wherever we are, which not will only satisfy the physical needs of the people we are ministering to, but also their spiritual needs.

Today, I stand alongside all my session mates here ready after 22 months of classes, assignments, and training. I thank God for his presence and for equipping us with his strength because even in those moments when we are weak he is always strong and faithful.

As we gather for this auspicious occasion – which is the Territorial event for Commissioning of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session, I am pleased and honored to say this to you – this an important and sacred event where we take the Great Commissioning of our Lord Jesus Christ- to bring Christ to the lost, the last and the least, to those who are hungry, broken and love to those who are unloved. For this, it is an honor for me to take up His commission as an Officer in the ranks of the Army, starting from Canada and Bermuda Territory to India and even beyond, wherever God appoints me to go. My testimony is that – I will always remain faithful and obedient to his call upon my life to serve him, to live a life of holiness and servant hood, to live the Christ like life so that others may see Jesus in me and through me and to win souls. I do not know what my future holds, but I am confident with the One who holds my future.

Where he leads me I will follow,

I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.

Praise be to God! AMEN!

Lieutenant Joyce Wilson speaks on behalf of her fellow session mates.

“And a highway will be there; 
it will be called the Way of Holiness;

it will be for those who walk on that Way.”

- Isaiah 35:8a

1 Peter 1:15-16 The Message

The commissioning of the Ambassadors of Holiness, led by Commissioner William Francis, centered on the pivotal reminder of the call to holiness necessary for every believer. As the evening progressed and the Ambassadors were ordained and commissioned as officers within The Salvation Army, the sacredness of the moment was felt as the Ambassadors sang their dedicatory prayer petitioning God for a life blazing with holiness.

As I (Cadet Kristen Dockeray) watched from my seat on the stage, I proudly greeted each of the Ambassadors as they re-entered the John Basset Theatre in their new uniforms. All who were gathered joined in excitedly recognizing the accomplishment of the Ambassadors. As the new Lieutenants received their affirmed appointments from one coast of Canada to the other, as well as to India, the crowd warmly celebrated with excited outbursts and banners.

Ambassadors of Holiness, you will be missed in the CFOT community. As you leave to go to your new appointments know that the Friends of Christ will miss you and that we will be praying that you will live lives shaped by God’s life, that your ministry will be energetic and blazing with the holiness of God.

 As you check out the photos below which feature our new Lieutenants, please say a prayer for them, their families and their new ministries.

A big thanks to John McAlister for capturing and sharing the following photos of Commissioning:

It is always a challenge to provide enough opportunities of quietness for those who wish to take the time to reflect and to provide enough opportunities for those who prefer to interact. From the comments at the end of the day, it provided for both.

The cadets were given time to sit by the running river, others walked the labyrinth, some took time to ponder at the stations of the cross, while others sat on the ground and prayed.  It truly was a day to experience the presence of God.

For the Ambassadors of Holiness this was a good opportunity to begin their preparation for the week of Covenant Chapels, which leads up to Covenant Day this Sunday (June 12^th).  For the Friends of Christ, it was a time for them to reflect on their first year of training as well as anticipate their ministry during the summer.

It was an unforgettable day.  Thanks to Major David Ivany and his leadership and the support of Captain Robert Russell.

Submitted by Major Donna Bond – Director of Spiritual Formation CFOT

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On Good Friday we attended and participated in the community-wide service in remembrance of the great sacrifice given at Calvary.  The community came together to sing songs of thanksgiving and to offer prayers of praise and hear the Word of God.

On Saturday, the Cadets were able to help with renovations to the youth room at the Corps.  We spent the day sharing with YP leaders and several young people as we worked on the floor and shared in a great time of fellowship.  It was so great to see the youth of the Corps come and invest their time and energies in preparation of a room that would be designated for them.  It was amazing to see the involvement of the youth in Swift Current and their desire for ministry and their passion for Christ and for each other was very evident.

Easter Sunday was a great day of celebrating the resurrection of Christ.  The day began with a Son Rise Service held outside the Corps where we joined together to sing praise to and worship our Risen Lord.  I had the great privilege of sharing a devotional with those who gathered and I spoke about the living hope that we have because of Christ’s resurrection. After this service, the Corps family came together for a breakfast and the time spent together was well enjoyed.  A time of sharing with each other in stories, laughter, and fellowship was certainly a blessing and the people in Swift Current made us feel welcomed and accepted us into their Corps family.

The morning worship service was an exciting time of celebration of our faith.  There was a band for this service which was comprised of youth, their leaders, and Cadets.  The band played for a prelude and the offertory which was a testament of how the youth of the Corps are dedicated to ministry. Cadet Kristen expounded the Word of God and shared with us how “It All Matters”.  She challenged us to live lives worthy of the sacrifice that was made on Calvary and how we should be thankful for the debt that was paid for us.

This weekend in Swift Current was a great time for us, as Cadets, to share with the Corps people and with each other.  We enjoyed every aspect of the weekend from the travel to and from Swift Current and certainly, the time in the city.  We were blessed over and over but none more than by the involvement of the youth in the Corps.

We pray God’s blessing upon the Corps in Swift Current and we will remember this weekend as an enriching ministry opportunity.

Cadet Kim Chan is a member of the Friends of Christ session.  Kim gave up M & M’s for Lent.  We understand that the company almost went under in that time period.  Fortunately, for them (and Kim) Lent is over.

This was a wonderful weekend with Captain George Katchanov, as well as the Corps and community.  I feel it was an educational opportunity to observe another perspective of the work of the Salvation Army in different context.

We had an opportunity to visit the Community Food Bank which is not operated by The Salvation Army but works in partnership with the Army, and to participate in an ecumenical Good Friday Service, in which we had the opportunity to visit the community and observe the importance of engaging and being present in the community beyond the walls of The Salvation Army building. 

To further emphasize going outside the boundaries of the Church building, we were also involved in a service at Parkview Lodge, where we joined with the residents, who represented many different denominations, and  where we felt at home with their welcoming presence and lunch afterwards. 

While Easter Sunday focused on celebrating Christ’s resurrection, we also had reason to celebrate for the congregation made up of men, women and children who came out to worship and stay for the potluck dinner following the service.

From conversations around the table with these friendly folk, to joining in with the children and playing trucks on the floor, we thoroughly enjoyed our ministry opportunity.  Every time we enter into a new ministry unit, we gain new insights and this will impact our development as effective Officers in The Salvation Army.

As we look forward to our first appointment and summer assignment, we pray God’s Blessing upon the Dauphin Corps, Captain George Katchanov and Major’s Grayling & Jacqui Crites as they each face the transition of appointment changes in the next little while.

Cadet Tonia Street, along with her husband Chris, is a part of the Ambassadors of Holiness session and is just 39 days (not that she is counting!) away from being commissioned. 

Tonia is an avid scrapbooker, makes beautiful greeting cards and has been known to snap a candid picture (or two).  We expect some of those pictures will be making it into the Ambassadors of Holiness yearbook.

Cadet Chalrimawia – Ebenezer Corps, Central South Division (India) and Children’s Officer (Part time at Youth Department, THQ) Aizawl

Cadets Joshua Downer and Joyce Wilson (soon to be wed!) – Glace Bay Circuit with New Waterford – Maritime Division

Cadets Peter & Grace Kim – St. Albert Church & Community Centre – Alberta & Northern Territories Division

Cadet Kyla McKenzie – Fernie – British Columbia Division

Cadet Lalrengpuii Hmar Sungte – Vengthar Corps Kolasib, Western Division (India) and Assistant Training Officer, Officer Traning College, Kolasib

Cadets Chris & Tonia Street – Eastside Citadel – Newfoundland & Labrador Division

Cadet Jaclyn Wynne – Glover’s Harbour – Newfoundland & Labrador Division

Cadet Darren Woods – London Hillcrest Community Church – Ontario Great Lakes Division

Congratulations to all the Ambassadors and to the lucky Corps that will be receiving them!

Not only were we travelling down as one body, but we were united with another part of that body in Cuba. It didn’t matter that I didn’t speak Spanish very well or that the officers and other members of the Salvation Army didn’t speak English very well, what mattered was that we were all working for the same God. This was emphasized on Sunday morning as the service was entirely in Spanish except for my sermon and yet the Spirit of God was clearly evident to me and to everyone else in the congregation.

During the week I was at the site in Banes and it was such a fun time. Even as the team worked to put on roofs, paint and generally work around the property we were still able to have some laughs and to connect with those from the area. I had some ongoing laughs about being “muy blanco” and the steps I had to take with sunscreen on my outdoor worksite.

In addition to the work I was doing on site I was privileged to be able to make the teams sandwiches every day and while that may seem like an odd word for kitchen duty it was a privilege. The reason I counted it a privilege was because of the time making lunch allowed me to spend with the corps officers in Banes. As we worked to transcend the language barriers and get to know each other we were able to have some great moments in the kitchen.

This was not only a lesson in offering up our bodies for the work of God, but also a reminder that we are many who form up the body of Christ and no matter where we are from we all serve the same Saviour.

Cadet Kyla McKenzie is a part of the Ambassadors of Holiness session.  Here we can see just how “muy blanco” she really is!  Like all of the cadets in the Ambassadors of Holiness session, Kyla is anxiously awaiting April 29th (the date when appointments will be announced).

Can you share with us what you enjoy most about your experience at Weetamah’s Urban Cafe? 

 ‘Some days it seems as if we are repeating the same things at The Urban Café.  We set up for supper, serve the food and coffee, and clean-up after everyone leaves. Every week this is the same. Yet I find it interesting that I always have a new experience every week. It could be through my conversation with people who come in to eat or with a volunteer. This is the interesting thing. As this is my second year at Weetamah, I have come to know a lot of people who show up regularly on Friday nights and I have built a relationship with them. I am very glad to hear them calling “Charles” as soon as they opened the door and see me. I feel that I am a part of their family.’

 What other significant experiences have you had at Weetamah?

 ‘Other than Urban Café, I have also spent time with the kids at Weetamah’s Kids Club which is held every Thursday. I love spending time with youth.  My passion for working with children has grown stronger, after being involving at the Kids Club.  I especially enjoy the opportunity to go and pick them up or drop them off after their program.  I deeply feel that these children really need love and care. Being there for them, sharing the love of Christ is such an important ministry. It’s important to have fun with the youth an, at the same time, have a chance to minister to them and model for them how to be a good person, even as a kid.   Our goal is to be a positive Christian influence in their lives, as well as their families and friends lives. Some of the youth have started coming to church on Sunday which is encouraging to see. God is certainly working in their lives.’

 What has been your greatest area of growth in your field placement?

 My field placement at Weetamah, especially in my second year, has offered me the opportunity where I can assume the role of leadership, which is the area where I wanted to grow. It has always been a challenge for me to take this part, but my placement pushes me to take my role and responsibility as a leader.

 I was asked to lead a group debriefing with a group of volunteers.  This is a really big challenge. But if I want to grow, I knew that I really had to do it. Then I started to push myself, the first time, it was hard, but then my second and so on I did better. Now I can see myself as having the ability to do this and I have the confidence that whenever I am asked to lead a group, I am happy to say “Yes”.  I have also started to supervise in the kitchen or with the serving; this is big growth for me. God is really working through me!

Where do you sense God’s working in this community?

We pray on a regular basis before supper every Friday night.  Sometimes it is a challenge with all the noises and distractions. I realise these days that people respect those moments and if someone is talking or making some kind of distraction, others in the group are trying to keep control amongst themselves. As a group they do this because of their respect for God and for the Salvation Army.  I also see God working in the lives of the people when they offer to help us in cleaning up at the end.  It is wonderful to see them willingly giving back.  It is also encouraging to hear from some people that they are praying for me and also asking me how I am doing with my training. I really appreciate their concern.  It shows me that we are all part of a community here together, and that God is at work in this community.

Cadet Chalrimawia (Charles) is part of the Ambassadors of Holiness session.  He hails from Mizoram, India.  Chalrimawia has been wowing us with his tailoring abilities (likely inherited from his grandmother, who is a talented weaver).  He has recently learned the difference between argyle, paisley and houndstooth!

We will miss him when he returns to Mizoram but we are sure that the people in Mizoram will be very happy to have him back at home.

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 More about The Salvation Army Weetamah Corps & Community Center…

Weetamah is a Church with a strong sense of community.  Weetamah supports families in the community who are struggling spiritual, socially, and economically.  They have a Friday night ministry/café for the community, bringing people in for a relaxing evening of worship, fun and food. The ministry offers a midweek kid’s program where up to 40 children come for Bible teaching, crafts, and games. There is an emphasis on Life Skills Development that includes programs such as the Kids Club, Midnight Challenge and Women Together.  Weetamah also has a Street Ministry and  can provide food and other emergency services.  There is a First Nations emphasis to the ministries as this is the largest constituency in the neighbourhood.

• Weetamah Community Church is located at 324 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg, MB 
• Mark Young is the Ministries Director.  He can be contacted at:
• Phone: 204-946-9490
• Email: weetamah@mts.net

Being real no matter where you go.

In my placement at Weetamah Corps and at Stony Mountain Correctional Institution I learned that being yourself is vital to the ministry because you are able to minister from a place of truth and even vulnerability which then becomes strength.  Authenticity is needed to really connect with people. Regardless of their life circumstances - if they are in prison or homeless or in a gang people can tell when you are being real with them or if your just doing a job. 

I learned that I am more patient then I realized.  There are some who make it hard to do ministry but I found myself being extra patient with them.  I learned that I am not going to get too far if I think I know all the answers and I must allow for others to speak before I throw in my thoughts.  Allowing people to share their lives without cutting in to give your opinion is important to show respect and dignity to others.  I learned to listen first.

I definitely feel that my time at both at Weetamah Corps and at Stony Mountain has helped me rely on God way more then I have had in the past.  I realized that this ministry can only be done with the power of the Holy Spirit otherwise it will just be something that we do with little to no impact.  The Holy Spirit has been guiding me to bring people into a closer relationship with the Lord and I too have been drawing closer to Him as I see more people come to faith.  One Monday night during the chapel service 5 inmates recommitted their lives to the Lord and one inmate gave his life to the Lord for the very first time.  Praise God.

I have learned that people are not what they seem to be on the inside just by looking at their outsides.  Appearances are deceiving and there are many people both at Weetamah and at Stony who have had even a longer relationship with our Lord than even I have had.  I also see true faith in action when I see people who have nothing yet still praising God.   There are many people in need and that includes myself and when one realizes that there is no us and them but only us.  It amazes me to see that not matter where we are or come from Jesus saves!   Praise and Glory be to God.

Cadet Peter Kim, and his wife Grace Kim, are a part of the Ambassadors of Holiness session.  They have three children: Nathaniel, Jonathan and Annabelle.  Peter is know for his wide grin and joyful spirit.  He has had some amazing adventures doing mission work  in many parts of the world, including working with the Romany people (we generally think of them as Gypsies but they are called Romany) in Eastern Europe.