This April, 38 cadets and staff from the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg visited corps across the country--from Vancouver to Montreal--to celebrate Easter with their fellow Salvationists. The weekend was not simply a training event, but also an opportunity for the cadets to journey with other followers of Jesus in their spiritual pilgrimage to the cross and the tomb.

While their assignment included common elements such as Good Friday services, Sunday morning sunrise services, breakfasts and Easter celebration services, there were highlights unique to each setting.

 

Montreal

The cadets received a warm welcome in Montreal. The Saturday brunch in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve was filled with energy, supported in part by the worship team from the Le Phare corps. The cadets distributed flyers in the neighbourhood, an opportunity for prayer and door-to-door engagement with the community. The CFOT team joined other Christian groups to serve supper in Parc Émile-Gamelin to more than 400 people. Montreal Citadel welcomed 10 junior soldiers, eight senior soldiers and four adherents on Sunday morning. A service was held at the Salvation Army's Booth Centre on Sunday evening.

 

Guelph, Ont.

Cadet Michelle Cale, Majors Dale and Glenys Pilgrim, and Cadets Crystal and Norman Porter visit Guelph Citadel

The cadets' visit to Guelph Citadel featured appearances by the Ontario Great Lakes Divisional Youth Band, the Junior Impact Brass and the Divisional Youth Chorus, collectively about 80 youth. The music was inspiring and uplifting. A significant number of people gathered for an outdoor celebration service with powerful music and energetic singing. There was no mistaking the confidence of the people gathered that Jesus is very much alive! A fellowship breakfast resulted in spirited fellowship and renewal. The weekend concluded with a sermon from Cadet Crystal Porter, who reminded those in attendance that just as the stone was rolled away, God's power can move the stones in our lives that need removing.

 

Toronto

Cadet Dae-Gun Kim preaches at Agincourt Community Church

The cadets' visit to Agincourt Community Church in Toronto included a program on Saturday where 60 children participated, along with their parents. More than 20 children came to this event as a result of door-to-door outreach. It was a fun-filled community event with a variety of games and crafts, as well as an Easter egg hunt.

On Sunday, the congregation was encouraged by a message on “Doubting Thomas." The reminded those in attendance that Jesus Christ is “the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Worshippers were exhorted to live out their lives in trust, full of confidence in the ultimate purpose of God in the resurrected Christ, and to invite others continuously to share in that living hope and to accept Jesus as their Saviour.

 

Brantford, Ont.

Cadets visit a shut-in in Brantford with Majors Guy and Donna Simms, corps officers

The cadets visiting Wyndfield Community Church in Brantford were warmly received by the people there. The rich meaning of Easter was very alive, and God's presence was evident at each service, social event and ministry activity.

Cadets visited shut-in members of the corps. One of those visits was with a 100-year-old woman who was a true example of God's light and love as she expressed to the cadets her joy of knowing Christ and the true meaning of Easter.

The weekend concluded with a Sunday morning breakfast and worship service.