The Joyful Intercessors Session commenced their training this fall at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg. These 19 new cadets, plus two auxiliary-captains, received their official welcome at a special service on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Click here to watch the service.
Cathy Allen
Kitchener Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division
Being a Salvation Army officer means engaging in mission along with others who have been called by God to save souls, give comfort, love unconditionally and give hope to those who would have none otherwise. I consider it an honour to be able to inspire people to love the Lord and grow in their faith.
Scott Allen
Kitchener Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division
My call to officership came during the installation service for our divisional leaders. Then at the territorial congress last year, there was an invitation to come forward to anyone who felt God calling them to be an officer. I looked at my wife, Cathy, and we went forward together. I praise God for everything he has done in my life and I look forward to the future.
Dawn Butt
Eastwood, Windsor, Ontario Great Lakes Division
I felt God's call on my life at the age of 16 while attending youth councils in Alberta. I laughed, and said no. But later in life, I still felt a call to ministry and knew that God had a plan for my life, which included my husband who had also felt God's leading. God has been directing our path and teaching us patience until we could get to where he needs us to be.
Geoff Butt
Eastwood, Windsor, Ontario Great Lakes Division
Growing up in The Salvation Army as an officer's child, I attended Bible studies and youth group, but never felt led to be an officer. Many times in my adult life, I felt blessed to be a part of ministries inside and outside the Army, but there was something missing, like there was another piece of a puzzle that God was wanting to fit into my life. While my wife and I were involved in a discipleship ministry at another church, I clearly heard God calling me back to the Army. Over time, he has opened doors that have led us to the College for Officer Training.
Chad Cole
Cornwall Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
It was Mrs. General Janet Wiseman who said: “To see the need is the call.” I see a great need for people, particularly young people, to know Christ. They are our future and, as an officer, I want to show them the love of Jesus.
Lisa Cole
Cornwall Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
God has called me into full-time ministry as an officer and I am committed to continue learning and growing in my faith so I can share Jesus Christ with those around me.
Connie Cristall
Kelowna Community Church, British Columbia Division
The calling to officership is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. It is a call from God to surrender your life completely to his service and for his glory. I am excited to be accepted to the College for Officer Training and believe that my studies will provide a firm foundation to serve others in ministry.
Aux-Captain Carlos Galvez
New Westminster Citadel, British Columbia Division
Following a challenge from our corps officers to go deeper in our service to God through The Salvation Army, my wife and I committed ourselves as senior soldiers. God then gave me a deep desire to give my life to full-time ministry. Officership is the biggest privilege a person can have in service to our Lord and Saviour here on earth.
Aux-Captain Eva Galvez
New Westminster Citadel, British Columbia Division
Growing up in El Salvador, I attended church with my family and accepted Christ at the age of 15. When civil war broke out in our country, my husband and I moved our family to Canada. We knew very little about The Salvation Army, but were invited to volunteer to serve in street ministry in Toronto. We became more involved with the Army, were enrolled as senior soldiers and God called us to serve him in full-time ministry as officers.
Jen Henson
Sunshine Coast Community Church, Gibsons, British Columbia Division
Officership means devoting my life to sharing the gospel and helping people grow in their love relationship with the Trinity, all while being a full-time, Spirit-filled disciple myself. That's a tall order, and I feel pretty weak, but I thank God for his words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, which read: “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
Rob Henson
Sunshine Coast Community Church, Gibsons, British Columbia Division
I sensed God's call soon after I surrendered my life to him, but it did not come to fruition for quite some time. Together with my wife, Jen, I moved to Milton, Ont., to assist at Khi—A Community Church of The Salvation Army. This was an amazing experience as we witnessed many people come to a saving relationship with Jesus. We returned to British Columbia and it was at the divisional camp, Camp Sunrise, where I had four encounters with God's people, each speaking to me about officership. Jen also felt God's call, and I look forward to what he has in store for my family.
Courtney Kelly
Triton/Brighton Corps, Newfoundland and Labrador Division
I have known since the age of 12 that God called me to be an officer. This is not something I take lightly. God has given me a huge responsibility and I look forward to celebrating, promoting and sharing the love of Jesus Christ in ministry through The Salvation Army.
Daniel Kelly
Park Street Citadel, Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador Division
While working at the Army's Twin Ponds Camp as a teenager, I felt God's still, small voice calling me to “something bigger.” It wasn't until God gave me a vision of myself preaching that I knew I could not deny his call to become an officer in The Salvation Army.
Donna Ludlow
Dawson Creek, British Columbia Division
I am never more joyful than when I am proclaiming God's love and salvation. Officership will allow me to be faithful to his call on my life and to do full time what I love to do the most. I believe fully in the mission and values of The Salvation Army and feel blessed to be called by God to serve as an officer.
Joseph Ludlow
Dawson Creek, British Columbia Division
My only Christian influence was my grandmother whose unwavering faith sustained me when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 18. She believed I was going to be OK and started me on my journey to officership with these words: “God is in control and he has great plans for your future.” God used my grandmother to speak to my heart and make me a new creation.
Dave McFadden
Niagara Orchard Community Church, Niagara Falls, Ontario Great Lakes Division
There was a time in my life when the Bible was a rather dry read, but while attending a Christian leadership school in New Zealand a few years ago, I began to see the Bible as a rich tapestry of wisdom and the breath of God. He has called me to full-time ministry, and I pray that my studies at the College for Officer Training will help me to continue my spiritual development and build up my skills for ministering to others.
Renée McFadden
Niagara Orchard Community Church, Niagara Falls, Ontario Great Lakes Division
I heard God's call in my late teens, but I wasn't ready for officership. As I attended university, began a teaching career, got married and had two sons, life took over. I thought we could do ministry in the midst of it all, but finding life's balance was elusive. That's when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper again, “What really worth spending your life on?” My husband, Dave, and I attended an officership information weekend and discovered that officership was still possible for us, so we have answered the call.
Shelley Oseil
Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, Ontario Great Lakes Division
Officership is the opportunity to be God's hands to those who require his touch, through my words, actions and deeds. I know I can surmount any spiritual, physical and mental challenges with God's direction and continued work in my life. He will be my strength and my song.
Sabrina Silvey
Williams Lake, British Columbia Division
The journey that has brought me to where I am today has been filled with blessings and many lessons that have taught me to trust in God. Officership means daily taking up my cross and fighting the fight for God, wherever and whenever.
Carolina Valencia
Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
Since the moment I gave my life to the Lord at a young age, I wanted to serve him. After marriage, my husband and I were leaders in our home congregation. God's calling became clear to us when we received three invitations in a single week from different churches to enter full-time ministry, we met two retired officers who introduced us to the Army, and then we received calls from my cousins who were beginning their journey to officership in Canada. God directed our steps to Canada, to The Salvation Army, where I knew he was calling me to be an officer.
Johnny Valencia
Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
I first discovered my call to full-time ministry when I was 18, and since then, I have been involved in various ministries in the church. When I met a couple of retired officers in the United States, they led me to The Salvation Army where I became engaged with its vision and mission. This was a catalyst in confirming and making my calling clear.
Five cadets share their experience of coming to the College for Officer Training:
***
Cathy Allen
Kitchener Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division
Being a Salvation Army officer means engaging in mission along with others who have been called by God to save souls, give comfort, love unconditionally and give hope to those who would have none otherwise. I consider it an honour to be able to inspire people to love the Lord and grow in their faith.
Scott Allen
Kitchener Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division
My call to officership came during the installation service for our divisional leaders. Then at the territorial congress last year, there was an invitation to come forward to anyone who felt God calling them to be an officer. I looked at my wife, Cathy, and we went forward together. I praise God for everything he has done in my life and I look forward to the future.
Dawn Butt
Eastwood, Windsor, Ontario Great Lakes Division
I felt God's call on my life at the age of 16 while attending youth councils in Alberta. I laughed, and said no. But later in life, I still felt a call to ministry and knew that God had a plan for my life, which included my husband who had also felt God's leading. God has been directing our path and teaching us patience until we could get to where he needs us to be.
Geoff Butt
Eastwood, Windsor, Ontario Great Lakes Division
Growing up in The Salvation Army as an officer's child, I attended Bible studies and youth group, but never felt led to be an officer. Many times in my adult life, I felt blessed to be a part of ministries inside and outside the Army, but there was something missing, like there was another piece of a puzzle that God was wanting to fit into my life. While my wife and I were involved in a discipleship ministry at another church, I clearly heard God calling me back to the Army. Over time, he has opened doors that have led us to the College for Officer Training.
Chad Cole
Cornwall Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
It was Mrs. General Janet Wiseman who said: “To see the need is the call.” I see a great need for people, particularly young people, to know Christ. They are our future and, as an officer, I want to show them the love of Jesus.
Lisa Cole
Cornwall Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
God has called me into full-time ministry as an officer and I am committed to continue learning and growing in my faith so I can share Jesus Christ with those around me.
Connie Cristall
Kelowna Community Church, British Columbia Division
The calling to officership is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. It is a call from God to surrender your life completely to his service and for his glory. I am excited to be accepted to the College for Officer Training and believe that my studies will provide a firm foundation to serve others in ministry.
Aux-Captain Carlos Galvez
New Westminster Citadel, British Columbia Division
Following a challenge from our corps officers to go deeper in our service to God through The Salvation Army, my wife and I committed ourselves as senior soldiers. God then gave me a deep desire to give my life to full-time ministry. Officership is the biggest privilege a person can have in service to our Lord and Saviour here on earth.
Aux-Captain Eva Galvez
New Westminster Citadel, British Columbia Division
Growing up in El Salvador, I attended church with my family and accepted Christ at the age of 15. When civil war broke out in our country, my husband and I moved our family to Canada. We knew very little about The Salvation Army, but were invited to volunteer to serve in street ministry in Toronto. We became more involved with the Army, were enrolled as senior soldiers and God called us to serve him in full-time ministry as officers.
Jen Henson
Sunshine Coast Community Church, Gibsons, British Columbia Division
Officership means devoting my life to sharing the gospel and helping people grow in their love relationship with the Trinity, all while being a full-time, Spirit-filled disciple myself. That's a tall order, and I feel pretty weak, but I thank God for his words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, which read: “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
Rob Henson
Sunshine Coast Community Church, Gibsons, British Columbia Division
I sensed God's call soon after I surrendered my life to him, but it did not come to fruition for quite some time. Together with my wife, Jen, I moved to Milton, Ont., to assist at Khi—A Community Church of The Salvation Army. This was an amazing experience as we witnessed many people come to a saving relationship with Jesus. We returned to British Columbia and it was at the divisional camp, Camp Sunrise, where I had four encounters with God's people, each speaking to me about officership. Jen also felt God's call, and I look forward to what he has in store for my family.
Courtney Kelly
Triton/Brighton Corps, Newfoundland and Labrador Division
I have known since the age of 12 that God called me to be an officer. This is not something I take lightly. God has given me a huge responsibility and I look forward to celebrating, promoting and sharing the love of Jesus Christ in ministry through The Salvation Army.
Daniel Kelly
Park Street Citadel, Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador Division
While working at the Army's Twin Ponds Camp as a teenager, I felt God's still, small voice calling me to “something bigger.” It wasn't until God gave me a vision of myself preaching that I knew I could not deny his call to become an officer in The Salvation Army.
Donna Ludlow
Dawson Creek, British Columbia Division
I am never more joyful than when I am proclaiming God's love and salvation. Officership will allow me to be faithful to his call on my life and to do full time what I love to do the most. I believe fully in the mission and values of The Salvation Army and feel blessed to be called by God to serve as an officer.
Joseph Ludlow
Dawson Creek, British Columbia Division
My only Christian influence was my grandmother whose unwavering faith sustained me when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 18. She believed I was going to be OK and started me on my journey to officership with these words: “God is in control and he has great plans for your future.” God used my grandmother to speak to my heart and make me a new creation.
Dave McFadden
Niagara Orchard Community Church, Niagara Falls, Ontario Great Lakes Division
There was a time in my life when the Bible was a rather dry read, but while attending a Christian leadership school in New Zealand a few years ago, I began to see the Bible as a rich tapestry of wisdom and the breath of God. He has called me to full-time ministry, and I pray that my studies at the College for Officer Training will help me to continue my spiritual development and build up my skills for ministering to others.
Renée McFadden
Niagara Orchard Community Church, Niagara Falls, Ontario Great Lakes Division
I heard God's call in my late teens, but I wasn't ready for officership. As I attended university, began a teaching career, got married and had two sons, life took over. I thought we could do ministry in the midst of it all, but finding life's balance was elusive. That's when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper again, “What really worth spending your life on?” My husband, Dave, and I attended an officership information weekend and discovered that officership was still possible for us, so we have answered the call.
Shelley Oseil
Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, Ontario Great Lakes Division
Officership is the opportunity to be God's hands to those who require his touch, through my words, actions and deeds. I know I can surmount any spiritual, physical and mental challenges with God's direction and continued work in my life. He will be my strength and my song.
Sabrina Silvey
Williams Lake, British Columbia Division
The journey that has brought me to where I am today has been filled with blessings and many lessons that have taught me to trust in God. Officership means daily taking up my cross and fighting the fight for God, wherever and whenever.
Carolina Valencia
Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
Since the moment I gave my life to the Lord at a young age, I wanted to serve him. After marriage, my husband and I were leaders in our home congregation. God's calling became clear to us when we received three invitations in a single week from different churches to enter full-time ministry, we met two retired officers who introduced us to the Army, and then we received calls from my cousins who were beginning their journey to officership in Canada. God directed our steps to Canada, to The Salvation Army, where I knew he was calling me to be an officer.
Johnny Valencia
Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division
I first discovered my call to full-time ministry when I was 18, and since then, I have been involved in various ministries in the church. When I met a couple of retired officers in the United States, they led me to The Salvation Army where I became engaged with its vision and mission. This was a catalyst in confirming and making my calling clear.
Five cadets share their experience of coming to the College for Officer Training:
Leave a Comment