As the pizza and snacks were served, all of the CFOT community enjoyed the beginning of the evening.  Excitement was in the air,

“Where would the Cadets be going for their winter assignments?” The level of noise was wonderful as the children were included in the festivities. It was a time of fellowship and community as both adults and children enjoyed each other’s company marking this special event. After the food was blessed by Major Glenys Pilgrim (Director of Personnel) the line-up for the pizza began. What a sight—it is true that the Army runs on it’s stomachs and everyone enjoyed the discussions around the table. Major David Allen (Principal) encouraged  us to continue to enjoy the pizza as the worship team, led by Cadet Tinisha Reid (Messengers of Light session),  led us in “Cast your burdens onto Jesus” complete with actions. Every move we made was for the glory of God. “When we finally reach the end we’ll say—you are worth it all”. All the cadets sang this thoughtfully and prayerfully. It is for Jesus we are here, to spread his love and forward his message and He is “WORTH IT ALL.” (Ben Cantelon)

Major Dana Reid (Associate Director of Field Education)  prayed and thanked God for all his blessings, prayed for all in attendance and for the places where each Cadet would be going. The Lord has prepared our way as we were soon to learn where we would be going and we hoped that we would be used for the glory of God. The excitement continued to build.

We were the blessed by the Esdaille Family (Alfred, Cathy and Kayla) as they beautifully sang, “My Life is in Your Hands”—a testimony of this wonderful family and also for each one of us in the room. Cadet Alfred Esdaille gave his testimony of listening to the word of God… realizing that God is in control and we are in His hands. Our journey is beginning at CFOT and we are being trained for our service to God.

We are in the real world here—we need to allow the Holy Spirit to use us and let God be in Control. “I’m in his hands; I’m in his hands; whatever the future hold, I’m in his hands; The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me, his way is best you see, I’m in his hands.” (SASB Chorus 732) We are all in his hands! Major David introduced Colonel Sharon Tillsley (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) to deliver the evenings’ message to us. The Holy Spirit was working as she directed her message to the children and  it spoke to us all. “For everyone belongs to me (God).” (Ezekiel 18:4)  She reminded the children (and us) that God loves each  and every one of us. Everyone has to make a choice to listen to God and we must answer back. God’s voice can get through because if we choose God we choose life. It’s our choice!! The memory verse for us all was Proverbs 2:11 taken from the NLT—“Wise choices will watch over you.” Now the moment everyone was waiting for.  Major Robert Reid (Director of Field Education ) had the distinct “pressure, eh pleasure” of introducing the procedure involved in determining the assignment fors 2014. The decisions were made under God’s guidance with boundless opportunities to learn. The announcements were given by Major Dana.  (Please see the previous website article for a list of assignments.)

The assignments were met with smiles, applause and tears of joy. We were told to remember, even now, that God has prepared the way—To God be the Glory. Major Brenda Allen (Director of Spiritual Formation) prayerfully closed the evening’s celebrations and we all sang “Thank You Jesus”…. “Oh Lord, Thank you Jesus” –what a wonderful night.