Even after a full week of classes, I can’t think of a better way to spend my weekend than at the College for Officer Training’s Information Weekend, along with 48 delegates from all across Canada. Enthusiasm was evident, even in the midst of seeking answers to questions about serving as an officer. Many great memories included: the fun and fellowship of a ‘Get to Know You’ games night that removed the label of ‘stranger’ and replaced it with ‘friend’; lectures by experienced officers (who explained the CFOT program and expectations of full time ministry); a panel of officers from the Prairie Division, who shared their values, new lessons learned, current challenges, and the many blessings and fulfillment of working for the Lord; and meals shared together which gave everyone an opportunity to share and gave delegates the opportunity to ask questions of the officer or cadet joining them.
There is something wonderful to be said of people setting themselves apart and considering letting go of their current possessions, family and friends to enter full time ministry in The Salvation Army. Both singles and married couples came to the right place this past weekend to look deeply into the feelings they are experiencing about God’s call. As they engaged in such thoughts and feelings about their relationship with God, their hearts and minds became enlightened when they had the opportunity to tour and spend time at CFOT, Booth University College, the Library and the fantastic tour of our cadets’ residence, on Waverley.
Cadets had an opportunity to attend the Saturday night Coffee House. This was a successful night of fun and fellowship. Over all the chatter and noise of a ‘board game frenzy’, I heard laughter and contentment ringing through as relationships were being built amongst conversations and sharing of personal stories. This allowed walls to be torn down and opportunities made to have practical discussions about training — with questions like, “Where would my child attend school?”, “What childcare is available?”, “Do I really need a vehicle?”, “Other than classes, what does a cadet do?”, and “What would I need to bring with me?” Nothing can take the place of making an actual visit to see the real deal. I speak from my own experience of attending the first information weekend two years ago. It was a very enriching and encouraging experience.
Sunday was the highlight of the weekend for many. Worship was lead by cadets and officers and amazing testimonies:
Troy Nelson shared that God is moving in his life and that he has felt the call to officership consistently, acknowledging it is all in His time, that nothing is impossible with God.
Wanda Linthorne shared that since giving her heart to the Lord she is not fulfilled in just attending church but feels called to do more, that God is moulding her not only into a Christian and Soldier, but also leading her to single spouse officership, with the vision to make a difference in her world for God. She shared that so many times—God takes her breath away, and this weekend would be one of those times.
Cadet Kim Chan, also shared her testimony, about the people and places where God moved in her life—because He sees the bigger picture. Hebrews 12:2 “Fix your eyes on Jesus” is a significant verse of Scripture that, even now, carries a theme in her Spiritual Journey with God. 
It was a spiritually moving prayer time after Commissioner William Francis brought forth the message of R.S.V.P. What is your response? There was a signing of Covenant Cards and Commitment time—many decisions were made over this weekend. Questions have been answered. Hearts and minds were enlightened and encouragement was abundant.
No greater peace can be experienced than when one submits their life over completely to God for His service. God calls us all into a relationship with Him, this is the first call. The desire to do more for Him in ministry is the second. Commissioner Marilyn Francis asked, “Are you living in the perfect center of His will? Steep yourself in God’s Word, get to know Him, listen to His voice, and respond!
My new friends, be assured of my prayers for you as you open your lives to a lifetime of ministry in His Name. I assure you of the peace and contentment that follows answering His call. He will equip those He calls. May God Bless you all in these special days.
Cadet Tonia Street
Ambassador of Holiness
2009-2011
22 Comments For This Page
Daniel Rowe Says:
October 19th, 2010 at 12:56 am eAll I can say is this was an AMAZING weekend! Definitely answered a lot of questions I had. I really hope that the Canada an Bermuda Territory does this again. See you in the near future CFOT!
Damian Azak Says:
October 19th, 2010 at 1:22 am eThis weekend was such a tremendous experience! Was peaceful just being there! Definitely felt God’s presence during the weekend. Was nice to see so many young people. Was a God-filled experience.
Sarah Braye Says:
October 19th, 2010 at 7:01 pm eGod is Good!! It was amazing weekend filled with the presence of the Lord.
Joseph Brennan Says:
October 19th, 2010 at 7:27 pm eI had a great weekend.I made some new friends that I’ll have for a lifetime.Everyone at CFOT were amazing, and look forward to seeing again. The thing I got out of this weekend the most was that I now know without a doubt what God wants me to do in my life. I now realize the truth of 2 Cor 12 :9. I may doubt myself , but God doesn’ t doubt me.
Andrew Cherry Says:
October 19th, 2010 at 10:21 pm eThis past weekend was a well worthwhile experience for me, as well as one of confirmation of what the Lord’s plans are for me! I’ve never felt as close to Him as I did on Sunday morning!
John Engle Says:
October 20th, 2010 at 10:51 am eTonia;
I know you had an amazing week end. So glad so many people are responding to GODS call on their lives. May GOD continue to bless and equip you all for His service.
Nick Toews Says:
October 21st, 2010 at 9:25 pm eThe week-end was great! I was encouraged to see a lot of amazing and genuine people wanting to be involved in God’s work. My calling to CFOT was definitely affirmed.
Carol Ann Gardner Says:
October 21st, 2010 at 10:21 pm eEncouraging,inspiring,enthusistic,and spiritually enriching is how I found the weekend. The Lord is full of goodness and His greatness continues to amaze me over and over. Making new friends, meeting wonderful Cadets and staff was awesome. Being supported in our pursuit of the Lord’s will for our lives was very good.Tonia you did well with this story. Good journalim!!
Lori Feltham Says:
October 22nd, 2010 at 6:55 pm eThis weekend far exceeded my expectations!! I felt God’s presence from the time I left home. He showed me that He will make a way for me, that even though we have “mountains to climb and valley’s to cross,before us there stands an open door”. I felt God touching me and re-affirming my calling. Thank you CFOT for the honor of allowing me to share in such an awesome experience!! Thank you God for speaking to my heart and touching my soul, and thank you to the Cadets for showing us what it is to experience life at CFOT and Waverly. Praying God will allow us to be living at Waverly come September. Blessings.
David Hickman Says:
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:06 pm eWow, what an awesome weekend and to think that my wife Laura and myself were on the verge of not being able to make it as her Grandmother was literally on her death bed Wednesday evening, but she pulled through. The Spirit of the Lord was definately very present the entire weekend, and immediately I felt a very special kinship with my fellow brothers and sisters who were also seeking the Lord’s direction for their lives. I cannot state how privelaged I feel to have attended this weekend, it was beyond words, it was a very HOLY experience, that left me with definite affirmation of God’s calling on my life.
Wanda Linthorne Says:
October 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 am e“This weekend has been inspirational, educational and motivational, thank you for allowing us to attend. God willing we will see you all in September 2011!”- Courtney McLeod Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:22 pm eThis weekend really made me excited about my future and thinking about what the Lord has planned for me! - Vaughan Henstridge Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:23 pm eGod really spoke to my heart this past weekend and helped me realize that my calling in life is to be a Salvation Army officer. There are some obstacles that I must overcome but with his help I know I can overcome them all. - David Cole Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:27 pm eGod’s timing is always better than our own, and as I once read: God has His times as well as His purposes, and to miss His times is to delay His purposes. - Paula Johnson Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:27 pm eI would have to say the community was a big deal for me this weekend. Not only was it a community between all of us but also the community that we shared with God. That is what made this weekend so special to me. - Jennifer Winsor Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:28 pm e“For me, the weekend relit my fire and reaffirmed God’s call upon my life!” - Jennifer Macpherson Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:28 pm e“Candidates weekend was full of clarification, contemplation, and learning to surrender completely to God’s call for my life, it was a complete blessing.” - Daniel Kelly Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:28 pm eThis weekend meant my whole world because it reassured what I felt called to do and found out that I am not the only one in this path.
Daniel Kelly - Elisa Hoover-Kelowna BC Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:29 pm eI came to the Info Weeeknd searching to hear from God’s heart about plans for my life and I did.
Elisa Hoover-Kelowna BC - Jessica Bryant Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:29 pm eThe weekend for me was a chance to reunite with old friends, meet new ones and most importantly an opportunity to listen to the Lord and get a glimpse into what he has planned for my future. 
Wayne Feltham Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 5:16 pm eThe weekend at CFOT was absolutely AWESOME!!For me it reaffirmed the call on my life.I am so thankful to the Staff and cadets for the opportunity to share in fellowship and to worship the Lord of all in such a beautiful atmosphere. We are hoping to see you in Sept 2011.
Sarah Ewing Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 3:12 pm e2 weeks to the date and I’m still thinking about the great fellowship I had in Winnipeg at the CFOT weekend. Anyone who is considering officership or would like more information on it should attend this weekend. I cannot thank the staff and cadets enough for their welcoming attitude to each one of us. God will provide you with a peaceful weekend to meet new and old friends, come close to Him, and just rest in his Spirit.
Phil. 3:14
