As a 2nd year cadet I was fortunate to spend my winter assignment at Weetamah in Winnipeg. From kettle shifts to setting up toys, and then the process of helping people coming in to pick-up their toys, it was a very busy few days. Through it all I was able to experience the true meaning of Christmas over and over again. Of all the experiences that took place however, one stood out the most.

It was early afternoon on December 24th and the laughter that comes after days of hard work could be heard all around. I then heard a voice behind me as a man and little boy approached to make a request. My first thought was about what I could do to help them. What toys that were left had all been boxed and put away days ago and yet there was no way I could look into that little face on Christmas Eve and say there was no toy for him.

As my mind quickly ran over ideas of what I could do, the man spoke again, telling me his son wanted to donate a toy he had just bought with his allowance so another little boy could have a toy for Christmas. Moved more than I can say, I promised that I would make sure the toy found a home. Needless to say that everyone there who had witnessed/heard of the story couldn’t hide the tears or the smiles from that unselfish gift. For myself, I only wish I could thank that little boy again, as well as all the people who gave toys that helped the Salvation Army bring Christmas to so many for another year.

Lorri-Anne Butler (Cadet) * now Lieutenant
In Christ Alone

Cadet David Hickman (Brantford-Wyndfield Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division) gave his testimony proclaiming God’s presence in his life from a very young age. Succumbing to temptations of culture, David’s relationship with God lessened. “But, God had a plan…” mission trips to Africa allowed David to become acquainted once again with God’s plan and desire for his life, to be a Salvation Army Officer.  The congregation was blessed through the ministry of Cadet Darryl Burry, with his vocal solo, “Word of God Speak.”

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, expounded on God’s word.  Biblical passages from Isaiah 41: 8-10, 42: 5-9, 43:18-19 were spoken on, reminding and challenging each listener that God has called each by name, into holy and righteous living and in so doing believers should expect God to do a new thing in the lives of those he has called.

A public welcome and worship for the Proclaimers of the Resurrection commenced Sunday afternoon at Southland Community Church.  Flags of Canada, Bermuda and the College for Officer Training were marched in as the Heritage Park Temple Band played a rousing march.  As excitement mounted, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, Majors Eric and Donna Bond proceded into the sanctuary, to greet publicly, the cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session.  Flag Bearer, Cadet Dusty Sauder with his wife Laurie and children, Elaina & Ayrton (Swift Current Corps, Prairie Division) led their session mates to the platform.  Major Eric Bond, Training Principal extended words of welcome to the hundreds in attendance who had come to witness the welcome of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection cadets.  Prairie Division, Divisional Commander Major Wayne Bungay offered a prayer of Thanksgiving for those who were present and those abroad for the impact that they have had on the cadets who have entered Training College.  A CFOT Worship team continued to lead in worship as the words of “My Redeemer Lives,” “Hosanna”, and “Your Name” were lifted up to the throne of God.

Colonel Floyd Tidd, Chief Secretary, introduced Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, signifying that it is God’s plan that as Canadian Officers they return to Canada after serving in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, “For Such a Time as This…”  Following the presentation of Cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session by the Training Principal to the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Brian Peddle dedicated the sessional flag.  Facing the cadets, the Commissioner encouraged the cadets in their calling to Officership indicating that they as a session are unified under the sessional flag.  Reciting Catherine Booth, “The flag is a symbol of victory” cadets were challenged to be faithful to God and the victory that God has had in their lives.  A prayer of dedication of the flag and the Proclaimers of the Resurrection was offered by Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.

The enthusiasm of the afternoon continued as the Holy Spirit used the prepared words of Commissioner Brian as he spoke from Scripture a challenge to all those present. In turning to the cadets the Commissioner commenced, “You are Proclaimers of the Resurrection,” turning to the congregation his words were, “I am a Proclaimer of the Resurrection, you are a Proclaimer of the Resurrection.”    The thematic message to be spoken was “The Resurrection Proclaimed.”  Listeners were reminded and encouraged of what it means to be a “Proclaimer of the Resurrection.” It means being a kneeler, kneeling before the throne of God, thus allowing the placement of the Father in His rightful position to occur in our lives. Being a proclaimer indicates leaders and leadership will emerge, as was the case of those who first encountered the risen Lord.  From and encounter with the risen Lord, individuals will want to lead others into a similar encounter. Being a Proclaimer of the Resurrection also means celebration.  Christ is the answer for the world today and this message of resurrection needs to be celebrated.  Commissioner Peddle reinforced the Scriptural teaching with words from Philippians 3:10, “I want to know the power of the resurrection, through experiencing the power of the resurrection we will be Proclaimers of the resurrection power of the living Jesus.”

Colonel Tracey Tidd in her prelude to the closing song, On We March With The Blood and the Fire, reinforced the Commissioner’s words reminding those in the sanctuary, “The Lord’s command is to go into all the world and preach the gospel unto all,” in so doing we will all be Proclaimers of the Resurrection.  Lt. Col. Sandra Rice, Secretary for Personnel, pronounced the final benediction sending cadets and congregation to be “Proclaimers of the Resurrection”.

Cadet Jaclyn Wynne is completing her officer training in a Field based intensive at New Westminster Corps, under the direction of Captains Dave and Lisa McPherson.  This allows Jaclyn the opportunity to train under experienced leaders, while completing all the requirements for cadet training.  It also gives the territory an opportunity to see her abilities in the field.  CFOT believes this tailored training maintains the integrity of the certificate of officership program, but also ensures that Jaclyn receives opportunities for training and learning beyond the scope of the CFOT context.

Jaclyn shares her experience with us…

I love being involved in the tailored training provided by the territory through CFOT.  It has been three weeks since I returned to New Westminster, following Christmas break, and I have been immersed in many ministry and learning opportunities.  I am relearning things that I have learned and forgotten over the years.  Here are four things that God has reminded me thus far in the short time I have been here.

1. Here at New West, I am learning to think outside the box.  Ministry will not look the same all over Canada and, in order to be effective and avoid complacency, we must be innovative.  I have seen that innovation here in New West through programs like the Holy Rollers.  The Holy Rollers is a back to work initiative that started because the church needed to be painted (see the February issue of Faith and Friends for more detail).  The ministry team here saw a need, and rather than looking around at what everyone else was doing, and duplicating services they were able to provide something new and valuable. My experience here has taught me to think of different ways to live out the mission of the Salvation Army. 
2. The second thing that I am learning again is to trust the Lord.  There is a portion of scripture that has come to have special meaning to me.  It is found in Exodus.  The people have panicked because God has seemingly led them into a dead end at the Red Sea and, Moses reassuring them tells them, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex. 14:13-14).  God has called me as an Officer in the Salvation Army, and it is paramount that I trust that He is at work in and through me.  He will not allow me to be eaten by the “sea”, but He will provide the way for me to follow Him.
3. The third thing I have learned is that my relationship with God has to be evident in everything I do.  I MUST maintain a healthy level of communication with the Lord to be able to keep Him at the centre. For me this means immersing myself in prayer.  Prayer has to be central in my life not only as a leader, but as a Christian.  The tendency can be to “sectionalize” prayer, i.e. pray for specific needs or guidance.  While making my requests known to God is very important, I can recognize the freedom I have of communications limitations when I begin to be a person of prayer rather than just simply a person who prays.
4. The last thing I have been learning about ministry has been ongoing since my fall placement at Weston Corps.  Ministry is full of people and none of them exactly alike, yet each person bearing the image of God.  When we look at people in the light of this fact, it should make a difference in how we treat each other.  Do I treat those around me as though they are children of God who He loves, just as much as He loves me?

 Courage, trust, prayer and love, these four things have become important to me on my journey to Officership.  I continue to look forward to growing to become the kind of leader God desires.

 Cadet Jaclyn Wynne is a part of the Ambassadors of Holiness session.  While we are happy that Jaclyn has the opportunity to train in New Westminster Corps, we miss seeing her at CFOT.  Jaclyn is definitely NOT an early bird and we miss seeing how awake she really is in those early morning classes.  We hope you have many late in the day, early evening opportunities out on the West Coast!

More information about New Westminster Citadel follows:

When I first found out that I would have the opportunity to go to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia I was excited. I had never been out East and I was looking forward to seeing another part of Canada that I had yet to see. As I packed my bags, wondering what was to come, I prayed that my time in Nova Scotia would be a great learning experience.

I had the opportunity to do lots of different Salvation Army Christmas Season activities. One of the first of these was Hamper and Toy Distribution Day. As the day started, things were going smoothly. As people came in, we greeted them, wished them a Merry Christmas and did our best to fill their hearts and lives with Christmas cheer. As they picked up their toys and food hampers you could see the smiles on many of their faces. Some people even shed tears and shared hugs with thankful hearts. Soon it came time for the volunteers to take a short break for lunch. Things were going well until one volunteer had to head out to run an errand. In a little while a loud knock came on the back door of the basement. It was the volunteer coming back, but the news was not good. The gym, where the clients entered into all morning, had begun to flood. Many people ran to help stop the flooding and clean up the mess. It took a while to clear up, but with all of the volunteers (and some others from the community) joining together, the task was complete and the drain outside of the door was unclogged. It was astonishing to see how without even being prompted many jumped in and got the job done. It was easy to see that this was the way of the community in Glace Bay. What an exciting, unpredictable distribution day it was!

Bethany and The Simms'

Over the rest of my stay, I had the opportunity to see the officers balancing being new parents as well as being ministers within a circuit ministry. Originally they were appointed to just Glace Bay, but over the last couple of years they also were appointed to be Corp Officers of New Waterford (which is just outside of Glace Bay.) Part of their duties included Sunday morning Services in Glace Bay and Sunday evening Services in New Waterford. Also, over the Christmas season, they lead many chapel services within the hospitals and nursing homes in both Glace Bay and New Waterford. While taking part in each of these activities (including watching the adorable little one from time to time) I was also able to take part in the financial side of overseeing a church. I’m very grateful for taking part in it all, but especially the financial work,  as it is something with which I have much less experience. 

One of the memories I will remember the most took place during the Sunday service in Glace Bay. A woman with childlike faith shouted out that she wanted to sing “Jesus loves me.” She continued to sing and sing with all her heart all of the verses. Afterwards she shouted out many times how much Jesus loves her. It was evident that it was a message to all of us. A reminder to have childlike faith and remember the truth, Jesus loves each and every one of us. This moment brought tears to many people’s eyes, including my own. It’s moments like that that I hope I never take for granted.

My time spent in Nova Scotia was a time I will never forget. I met many wonderful people who helped me in my journey to becoming an officer. To Captains Lesley and Kristian Simms, both the congregations at Glace Bay and New Waterford, and to those I met in the community I would like to say, “Thank you for being a part of my journey. It was great to meet you, and I can only hope that I see you again someday!”

Cadet Bethany Howard hails from Ontario and is a part of the Friends for Christ session.

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Nothing says Christmas like a mug of hot chocolate.  But what else does it say?  Hot chocolate jet packs sound a bit space agey, but just imagine me carrying one of these on my back.  This is a picture of how I started off the year, and also how I wrapped up my winter assignment with Cascade Community Church in Abbotsford, BC.  Reflecting back, I realize that I have come full circle in less than a year.  I have had the privilege of hitting more than half of the nation’s Provinces during 2010 – travelling from one Canadian coast to the other. 

 My 2010 journey took me to Vancouver, BC in February for the Winter Olympics, and it was there where I helped to distribute hot chocolate to passers-by from the large insulated backpacks that we wore.  Following that, I frequented coffee shops and met new people in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec before arriving on the opposite side of the country in Gander, NL for the summer.  It was in Gander where I enjoyed countless cups of tea while visiting with people.  I was blessed to finish up the year back in BC, but this time for the days leading up to Christmas.  I found myself once again serving hot chocolate from a jet-pack on my back – only this time it was on the eve of Christmas Eve while we finished up the annual Kettle campaign.  And as I did this, it got me to thinking,…

Although the expressions of ministry and worship may look drastically different from one end of Canada to the other, there is one thing that does not change: our message.  It is the message of Christ that does not change, the message of His love, God’s call to all believers to serve others, and to show the love of Jesus to others that they might know Him personally.  And whether we share this message through a free cup of cocoa served with a smile, or while the burdens and struggles of another are shared over a seemingly bottomless teapot.  May I and may we continue to see value in warming the hands and hearts of the people we come across in the name of Christ!

 “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water [a mug of hot cocoa] in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.” (Mark 9:41)

Cadet Joyce Wilson is a part of the Ambassadors of Holiness session at CFOT. 
She is in her second year of training at CFOT.

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Who would have thought that I could go from coast to coast in less than six months, to two very different expressions of  The Salvation Army, and love them both?  That is exactly what my training at the CFOT has allowed me to do. 

I had the privilege of spending my winter assignment in New Westminster, BC, joining in ministry with Captains Lisa and Dave MacPherson.  I have already learned so much just by interacting with the people at New West.   I’m constantly met with people whose lives have been transformed by the work of God through The Salvation Army there.  A common phrase I heard at New West was this, “I answered an ad in the paper for a bell ringer, and I’ve never left.” 

Imagine, people meeting Jesus Christ through the kettle campaign.  Standing on kettles is a task that I would previously have done everything in my power to avoid.  I have learned to embrace the opportunity for ministry that they provide.  Kettles really do change lives!

I have also been learning to dream big.  There is nothing that God cannot accomplish through The Salvation Army.  When we allow him to have our hopes and our dreams, amazing things can happen.  It’s okay to take a risk. God will see it accomplished if it is what He desires for us to do in His name.   

Through the things that I have learned so far in New West, I have been reminded to keep God at the centre of everything I will do in ministry.  This is HIS plan, not mine, the people I serve are HIS people, not mine.  God is going to continue to do awesome things all over the world, but specifically in New Westminster and I look forward to continuing to share in ministry there over the next five months.

Cadet Jaclyn Wynne is Cadet, at CFOT, in the Ambassadors of Holiness session.  She is going to continue her training at the New Westminster Corps.  We look forward to hearing more about her experiences in the coming months.

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Cadets and Officers from CFOT ‘laced up’ on December 4 and joined over 450 runners in Winnipeg for the Annual Canadian Santa Shuffle.  Temperatures in Winnipeg co-operated for the event, a balmy -10 was recorded at the start of the race.  Events such as the Santa Shuffle are reminders for those of us in ministry that building relationships with those in the community is Kingdom Building ministry.   Through events such as the Santa Shuffle we’ve been reminded of the value of relationships between The Salvation Army and others. Comradeship is established with organizations (The Running Room), with runners and within the CFOT community.  Following the 5Km run, CFOT runners and non-running supporters gathered together for brunch, to tell and retell the stories of the Santa Shuffle.

“Where would you be if you didn’t know the Lord?” was asked by Major Donna Bond. A response came through the testimonies of two Friends of Christ. Cadet Bethany Howard, Chatham-Kent Ministries, Ontario, a spinal cancer survivor, spoke of God’s miraculous healing in her life, “If I can get through that, surgery & recovery, I can get through anything, claiming Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything though Him who gives me strength,” Cadet Dennis Maybury, West End Community Church, Bermuda, thanked God for the opportunity he has had to know Jesus and spoke knowingly of what God can do in people’s lives, claiming the promise of Philippians 2:20, “I have no one else like Him, who takes a genuine interest in me.”

Cadet Cory Fifield, New West Minister Citadel, offered a musical item, with heartfelt words, “I need you more, more than yesterday, more than words can ever say, more than ever before.” The sung words offered a bridge into the message, ‘Quest….To Know Him,’  by the Territorial Commander Commissioner William Francis.  The Commissioner declared that for the Friends of Christ this weekend marks a watershed in their lives and the future of The Salvation Army.  Each cadet has chosen a journey leading to Salvation Army Officership which will take them in a new direction for their lives. “While in training you will be prepared to minister to a dark world, to a pessimistic world, to a world that hasn’t heard the message of Jesus Christ.  You will be proclaiming new life to those who have not heard the Good News before.”  “Friends of Christ, to proclaim this message you will need to know Christ intimately.  You will need to claim the words of Paul the Apostle, found in Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings becoming like him in his death.” Responding to the message of ‘Knowing Him’ women and men knelt at the Mercy Seat with the desire to have Christ radiate in their lives and to have a renewed desire to be like Jesus in every thought and deed.

Following the Family Worship Service a luncheon had been prepared as part of the celebration events.  2^nd Year Cadet Kyla McKenzie, an Ambassador of Holiness, spoke official words of welcome to the Friends of Christ, assuring them of prayer, support, and fellowship during the upcoming year.

A public welcome to the Friends of Christ commenced at 4:00pm at Southlands Community Church where a crowd of 250 gathered to join in the excitement of the event.  Friends, family, and leaders of The Salvation Army who entered the sanctuary were greeted by a prelude of music offered by the Winnipeg East Corps Band. Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, and Majors Eric and Donna Bond marched into the sanctuary and the band played.  2^nd year flag bearer Cadet Joshua Downer proudly entered the sanctuary carrying the College For Officer Training flag, immediately followed by the Friends of Christ flag carried by Cadet Kim Chan, (St. John’s Citadel, NL).  As the music played and excitement mounted each Friend of Christ’s picture was displayed on the screen as they marched into sanctuary.  Enthusiasm mounted as was evident by smiles on the faces of the Friends of Christ. Following introductory remarks by Major Eric Bond worship continued under the leadership of the CFOT worship team, Cadets, Jenn & Josh Ivany, Kyla McKenzie, Jason Dockery, and Joshua Downer.  Words of praise were sung to ‘the King who is coming to reign’, ‘a song declaring we belong to Jesus.’  Appropriately offered for this public welcome to the Friends of Christ were the words to the chorus, “I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.”  The sung praises were followed by a Prayer of Thanksgiving offered by Lt. Colonel Sandra Rice, Secretary for Personnel, for the session and for what God continues to do in the lives of His people.

The sessional song, ‘Friends of Christ,’ was appropriately named, written and lead by Cadet Josh Ivany, which when sung, declared  ‘We are Friends of Christ, we are friends of the lost, we will fight for justice, we will serve you Lord, we will trust you Lord, we will be happy in Jesus.”  To listen to the song click the play button below Josh’s photo. 

“The Friends of Christ,” Major Bond introduced, ‘have come to Winnipeg to train as Salvation Army Officers.  They have left work as chaplains, labourers, IT trainers, teachers, taxi drivers, community youth workers, and other jobs to follow God’s call on their lives.” Continuing with introductions, Major Keith Pike, Director of Field, interviewed Cadet Jason Dockeray (Hamilton-Freeway Community Church).  Cadet Dockeray summarized how his training as a church planter and experience as a Emergency Youth Worker had prepared him for accepting God’s call on his life for Salvation Army Officership.

Cadet Laura Van Schaick, (St. Albert Church and Community Center) enhanced the worship atmosphere through offering a violin solo of “All That I Am.”  As a hush came over the congregation, Cadet Kim Chan proudly displayed the Friends of Christ flag while Commissioner William Francis, dedicated the flag reminding listeners of the meaning of the colors of the flag, yellow which symbolizes the Holy Spirit, red which symbolizes the blood of Christ and blue which symbolizes holiness.

Colonel Floyd Tidd, Chief Secretary, spoke a powerful message taken from John 15:1-17, emphasizing the offering of an identity to be a friend of Christ. Col. Tidd articulated that in claiming the name “Friend of Christ” we are compelled to love people, and, in accepting the identity and the name “Friend of Christ” one must love as Christ has loved, one must be like Jesus.  A challenge was then given to the congregation to accept Christ’s friend request and become like Jesus.  Men and women responded to the message of identity as a friend of Jesus, and a desire to be like Jesus, dedications of lives were prayerfully made and offered to God.

Celebrations concluded through the offering of a benediction by the Divisional Commander of the Prairie Division Major Wayne Bungay.

The people at Zemabawk Corps are friendly and have heart to serve God.  We had lots of worship services every day throughout the week.  We had prayer service early in the morning and, except on Friday, we had worship service every night.  On Sundays, we had five services and since we see each other often, there is unity among the people in the Corps and the people knew each other very well.

I did lots of visitation and participated in various activities.  Besides the activities we had at Zemabawk Corps, I also had a chance to attend the Young People’s Congress for two days. The Congress was held at Bethlehem Corps, where more than 3,000 children came together, dancing and praising God.  I was spiritually blessed at this Congress.  I also had a chance to attend the Central North Division Home League Local Officers Seminar, India Eastern Territory, which was also a blessing for me.

It was a great privilege for me to spend my summer back at home where I could serve God in my own language with my own people.  I thank God and our leaders, who made the arrangements for this assignment, and last but not least, I thank all the people at Zemabawk Corps who helped me and moulded me, and gave me suggestions so that I can become a better minister in the future. 

 (For a closer look at a picture,  just click on it.)

Cadet Lalrengpuii Hmar Sungte is in Training at CFOT in Winnipeg rather than in her home Territory as a part of a special arrangement between the India East Territory and the Canada and Bermuda Territory. 

Lalrengpuii is from Aizawl, Mizoram. After Commissioning she will be returning to India for her first appointment as a Salvation Army Officer.

I was appointed to Gilgal Corps, Central South Division, India Eastern Territory.  I was looking after Gilgal Corps on my own.  This is signifiant since the Corps has 453 enrolled Senior Soldiers and 187 Junior Soldiers!  

Similar to my session mates,  I was involved with various sections in the corps: the Senior Corps, Home League, League of Mercy, Youth Work, open-air meetings, etc.   What made it demanding (and exciting) was that we had services every night during the week and 5 services on Sundays!  We also hosted the Divisional Local Officer Seminar at Gilgal Corps on my second Sunday. 

Apart from these events, I also had a chance to participate in a Territorial Young People’s Congress, a Territorial Retired Officer’s Fellowship, a Divisional Officer’s Meeting, a Divisional Young People’s Quiz Competition, and a Divisional Prayer Battle. All of these areas of ministry were wonderful experiences for me.

It was really a challenge for me at first, looking after a corps which is very different from a Canadian context.  But I praise God for His presence all through my summer assignment.  The more I participated, the more I realized how effective and fortunate I am to have a training experience at CFOT in Winnipeg.  It has helped me to be exposed to so many new experiences.  I had a wonderful opportunity to put much of what I have learned at CFOT into practice, during my summer assignment.  

I love the dedicated soldiers of Gilgal Corps who love God and the Army.  They were really encouraging to me and helped me to carry on with all their support in prayer and love.  I look forward to more of what God will be doing for me in my future ministry.  I know that I will gain more knowledge and experience through my training during the next 9 months.  I am so grateful to our leaders for all the arrangements they made to make this experience possible.  Thank you!

Cadet Chalrmawia (Charles) is from  Mizoram, India.   Charles is Training at CFOT in Winnipeg rather than in India as a part of a special arrangement between the India East Territory and the Canada and Bermuda Territory.  After Commissioning he will be returning to India for his first appointment as a Salvation Army Officer.