On September 20, the Canada and Bermuda Territory will officially welcome seven new cadets in the Rescued Session as they begin their training to become Salvation Army officers. Read their testimonies and join us for the welcome service, in person at Yorkminster Citadel in Toronto or online. See Salvationist.ca/WelcomeWeekend for details.
Cadet Sarah Snow
I am an officer’s kid, and I spent years believing I was called to ministry but pushed it away. In October 2025, after my husband unexpectedly lost his job, we entered a season of prayer and discernment. Throughout this process, we have seen God’s hand at work as each piece of the puzzle has come together to reveal his beautiful plan for our lives. While God has already opened opportunities for ministry in my life, CFOT will provide a deeper theological education and other experiences that will equip me for the responsibilities of officership. It will also challenge me to grow deeper in my relationship with God.
Cadet Ryan Snow
An officer is called to serve others selflessly and demonstrate Christ’s love in practical and meaningful ways. I began to recognize God’s call to officership while I was in a season of uncertainty. While searching for work, nothing seemed to provide a sense of purpose. Through prayer and conversations with my wife, Sarah, God reawakened a call to ministry that he had placed on my heart years earlier. What began as a season of loss became a season of clarity, confirmation and renewed obedience to God’s call, and looking back, I can see how he was preparing me through life’s experiences and challenges.
Cadet Sherry-Ann Pitt
As my relationship with Christ deepened, my calling began to take shape. The guidance and encouragement of spiritual mentors, corps officers and church leaders helped confirm what I had been sensing for several years—that God was calling me. Through prayer, reflection and engagement in Scripture, the desire to serve grew into a strong conviction to pursue full-time ministry. Despite seasons of growth and challenge, I trust that God calls and equips those he chooses. I believe that officership training will strengthen my faith, develop my abilities and prepare me to serve effectively and faithfully in the calling God has given me.
Cadet Olalekan Adeyemi Ogunlalu
Officership is a sacred calling to guide others toward a deeper relationship with God and the fulfilment of their God-given purpose. It is not a position of authority over others, but a journey alongside them, walking as a fellow pilgrim, offering encouragement, wisdom and care, as together we pursue the eternal purposes of God and our shared heavenly destination. Taking the Introduction to Officership course at Booth University College was an eye-opening milestone in my spiritual journey. I felt a renewed sense of clarity and peace regarding God’s call on my life, and I am eager to step into a space designed to mentor and shape future leaders at CFOT.
Cadet Larissa Russell
Officership means showing up for people in all journeys of life and handing our lives over to the Lord to do his work through us. For me, the call developed over time through listening and discerning God’s plan for my life, and through the years I spent volunteering and participating in ministry at my corps. Through learning in a supportive environment at CFOT, my calling can continue to be affirmed and lived out. Being able to journey alongside cadets and staff will continue to deepen my relationships with others and grow my relationship with God through worship and spiritual practice.
Cadet Cody Russell
I first discovered God’s calling on my life as a cabin leader at Scotian Glen Camp in Nova Scotia. I sat with a camper who wanted to accept Christ into his heart, and as I watched him pray, I felt God calling me to minister for the rest of my life as an officer. To me, officership means being a light in the darkness and a loving soul to everyone I encounter. It means being humble and recognizing that I am an imperfect person living in an imperfect world. It means walking alongside people and loving them with all that I am.
Cadet Elizabeth Borgela
As an officers’ kid, I was always asked if I planned to follow my parents’ call to vocational service, and the answer was always “no.” In July 2023, I heard God’s call to surrender the plans I had for my life and follow him into full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer. Though I was reluctant at first, I have seen God’s faithfulness to this point. Officership is a call to total servanthood, first to God and then to the whosoever—to proclaim the gospel, to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, and to win souls for the kingdom.
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