Salvationists Hear God’s Call at Information Weekend

Ninety delegates from across Canada and Bermuda gathered at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg in October for the annual Officership Information Weekend. The purpose of the weekend is to give delegates an opportunity to intentionally consider God’s call on their lives to be Salvation Army officers.

On Friday evening, Roger and Glenda Barrow, from the Newfoundland and Labrador Division, shared a powerful testimony of their calling at the recent Mobilize—Newfoundland and Labrador congress. “It was as if God put a megaphone to my ears and said, ‘Now!’ ” Roger shared.

In the keynote session, Colonel Lee Graves, chief secretary, spoke on Isaiah 43. He reminded delegates that being “saved to serve” means being engaged in God’s service—we don’t want to become “an Army of onlookers.”

On Saturday, the CFOT staff gave an overview of life at the college and Lt-Colonel Jamie Braund, secretary for personnel, led a session on officer expectations. Delegates were also given an opportunity to tour the cadet residence. Other sessions included opportunities for leadership development, holiness and integrated mission, international perspectives, preparing for CFOT, and understanding the officer’s commission.

Commissioner Susan McMillian, territorial commander, spoke to delegates from the Book of Jude during the Sunday morning holiness meeting. She challenged them to live up to the name “Christian,” and reminded those in attendance that we are called to call others to Jesus, to salvation. Commissioner McMillan added that The Salvation Army is a rescue mission: we are the first responders, called to rescue the world.

At the conclusion of the weekend, many delegates expressed their willingness to be obedient to God’s leading in their lives. One wrote, “I am free! God had already called me; I just needed to listen and step out in obedience.” Another delegate wrote, “I am certain we heard God’s call to officership clearly and plainly.”

“We praise God for those who are responding to his call and we continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest for more workers to be sent into the harvest field,” says Major Jennifer Hale, secretary for candidates.

Comment

On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, Saada Le Breton said:

I Knew for a long time that I had a call on my life and especially for the last 3 years the prompting of the Holy Spirit was very powerful. God had shown me a vision and I knew in my heart that I have to step out in faith and be obedient to God's call on my life, so I went to The Officership Information Weekend for confirmation and God showed up in a powerfuland mighty way. Iam willing to die to self, lay my life down for my Lord, my family, my brethren and humanity, love God and love people. Someone once said, "It was unity that sarted the church of the Lord Jesus Christ and it is unity that will advance the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ." , so fellow Candidates let us together advance the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

On Friday, November 17, 2017, Abraham Israel said:

I was there, I have always known I've had a call on my life but when I stepped into CFOT I felt a great confirmation that this is the right denomination, the right time and Gods will for my life in a powerful way, these feelings continue to grow like an Inferno burning in my heart. The Salvation Army has its priorities right, care for widows, orphans, and the poor. When a church does this they develop incredible ethos. With such a great history of service and a true heart for God as the Salvation Army has I am completely confident Gods call on my life must be answered at CFOT this September.