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.