Disciples of the Cross | Feature
Cadet
Andrew Jones
M
y journey to officership has been a long and slow one. I had a feeling that I was called to be an officer in my early teens, but rejected it because of my perception of officership. I never told anyone about my calling for fear of being coerced into applying. As I grew in my faith, and met many different officers, my idea of officership changed, however, I still did not want to become one. I didn’t think I had enough experience to lead others in such a capacity as an officer. But God wanted me to be obedient and leave everything else up to Him. I came to a point where I realised that unless I was doing what God has called me to do, I was not going to find lasting contentment. My obedience was tested at
Commissioning in 2010 when there was a call for people who felt led to officership. I did not want to move, but I felt like my chair was vibrating, and I couldn’t sit still any longer. I went down to the front and I immediately felt a sense of calm, as I was but one step closer in my obedience to God. One thing that I have learned through college is to be open to new experiences to learn anything I can. I have done things these past two years that I never dreamed of doing, from spending a week with residents at Fairhaven Recovery Centre, to singing in front of people and completing a half-marathon. I am looking forward with anticipation to what God has in store and I am confident that I can handle anything as long I keep close to him.
Andrew Jones entered the School for Officer Training from the Taree Corps.
Cadet
Troy Munro
T
wo years can be a long time in some places. This has not been true for my experience of the School For Officer Training as a Cadet. For me this time has been an awesome period of challenge, growth, learning, and coming to know more about God’s calling and plan for me.
Troy and Donna Munro entered the School for Officer Training from the Emerald Corps in Central Queensland.
This year I have seen God at work in many interesting places and in some powerful ways. Seeing some of these things has reminded me that, although at times we may not see God at work in the world around us, it does not mean that he isn’t at work at all. During a recent mission trip God showed me that
his mission was not dependent on our organisational efforts or on the success of our plans and ideas. He showed me that no matter what the context, he is still able to reach those who need to hear the message of salvation. God spoke to me through this experience and reminded me that no matter what my plans or desires, and no matter what I think needs to be done in order to be an effective servant, being ready follow God’s prompting wherever it may lead, is essential. We need to make “God’s plans, our plans” God has taught me during my college experience to let him be in control, and to live knowing that through my obedience, the small part I have to play will contribute to his greater plan. As I finish my time of training at the School For Officer Training my focus will remain on being the servant that God wants me to be. Leading and ministering in his name, with the knowledge that others have come before me and many will come after.
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