Charles Chalrimawia
At CFOT, I have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective officer in The Salvation Army. As I come from the India Eastern Territory, I faced many challenges during my training; namely the fact that English is my third language. I learned many lessons here that I want to incorporate into my own territory when I return, such as balancing social work with church work. CFOT has also developed my passion for all people—not just those in my own community or church—as we are all created in God’s image. And my multicultural and multi-faith ministry experiences in Canada will help me in India as the country is only three percent Christian. I have learned to put my complete trust in God, build a closer relationship with him and renew my commitment every day to serve him faithfully. I praise and thank God for his presence throughout my training in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.
Jaclyn Wynne
When I received my summer assignment to Seal Cove Corps, N.L., I was nervous about spending such a long time in a small town of 260 people. Even though the isolation was initially difficult, the place quickly became like home as everyone welcomed me and were incredibly hospitable. When I left, I found myself wanting to serve again in a small town. My next appointment at New Westminster Citadel, B.C., offered a different context. Located only 10 minutes from Vancouver, the corps has a strong emphasis on social services ministry so I was involved in shelter work, transitional housing and a back-towork program, all of which developed in me a stronger interest in social services ministry. I am grateful for my training experiences as they helped shape me for a lifetime of ministry. My calling to be a Salvation Army officer has been reinforced and I can now picture myself in any ministry setting.
10 I June 2011 I Salvationist
Chris Street
During my first year placement at Weetamah’s Urban Café, Winnipeg, I had the privilege to reach out into the community beyond the boundaries of the church and show compassion to people. On Friday nights, the café ministry team brings people in off the streets, offers them a meal and shares in fellowship. I learned, through the Urban Café and my time this year with Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple kids’ club, how important it is to demonstrate love for others. I know God has called me to develop relationships with other people and I have learned to listen to others and show the love of God through my actions. My prayer as I venture into full-time ministry is that the Lord will use me to lead lost souls into his Kingdom. I look forward to the ministry that my wife and I can share in together and I am excited about building relationships with other people.
Tonia Street
I’m grateful for my field placement at Heritage Park Temple, particularly the kids’ club. Though challenging at times, this ministry to the less-fortunate children in the community is incredibly valuable. I spent almost two years at the same field placement, which afforded me the opportunity to see some considerable changes and improvements take place in young lives. My primary passion is corps ministry. However, through my visits to the courts this past summer, I gained an appreciation for corrections work. Every Monday, I would go to the courtroom and be a visible witness for The Salvation Army. In one particular case, I observed a judge refuse to sentence a youth. Instead, the judge demanded that he be placed into his grandparents’ home to give him a chance to change the course of his life. That showed me that God is in the courtroom and there is a desperate need for him in the world.