Salvationists in Winnipeg were buzzing with energy and excitement as members of the Prayers Warriors Session were officially welcomed on the weekend of September 19-21. As the new cadets publicly declared their dedication to fulfilling God’s call on their lives as Salvation Army officers, friends and leaders from around the territory joined in activities to support them on the start of their journey.

Divisional youth secretaries helped kick off the festivities Friday night by visiting cadets from their respective divisions, taking time to offer prayer and encouragement. This was followed on Saturday by personal visits from Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders, who met with each cadet family to share convictions about their calling. Second-year cadets also had opportunity to discuss experiences from their summer assignments with Major Jean Moulton, secretary for personnel. Both sessions were grateful for the encouragement that came as leaders shared Scripture and prayed for their families as they face the year ahead.

On Sunday morning, members of the CFOT community gathered in the newly dedicated Walter Chapel for a time of worship and thanksgiving. Cadets Carolyn Reid and Jeff Arkell shared personal words of testimony, indicating that while they may not feel ready for all they will be required to do, they have answered the call of God who is faithful and who will sustain them in their journey.

Families and friends shared in a reception at William and Catherine Booth College, where the Prayer Warriors were welcomed into the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Division by Major Susan van Duinen, divisional commander. Dr. Donald E. Burke, Booth College president, offered a warm and humorous welcome to the cadets, sharing how he looked forward to their presence in his Old Testament studies classes.

The highlight of the weekend was a rousing meeting at Southlands Community Church, where a full congregation raised their voices in praise to God for his faithfulness in bringing these new leaders into training for officership. Cadet Phillip Blindenbach shared how God had placed this calling on his life and how he would rely on God’s strength to fulfil it. Cadet Lorri-Anne Butler spoke of her own journey of faith and how God used others to speak to her about becoming an officer. Commissioner William Francis challenged those in attendance to fulfil the Great Commission to “make disciples” as we live to advance the mission of The Salvation Army.

When Cadet Wayne Knight was announced as the session’s official flagbearer, the congregation bore witness to a moving moment of dedication as he took up the colours under which the Prayer Warriors will train over the next two years. Fifty years ago, Wayne’s mother carried the flag for the women’s brigade of the Standard Bearers Session.

With great enthusiasm, Major Sandra Rice, CFOT principal, spoke of the diversity that exists among the new cadets. As mechanics, social workers, IT specialists—people from every walk of life and every corner of the Canada and Bermuda Territory—they have taken up the challenge to fight for God as Prayer Warriors. They are a group of individuals who share a longing to call people to Christ and serve those who are often ignored or forgotten. 

As a session, the cadets have a common testimony of how God has miraculously led them to this time and place. They share a deep conviction that, in order for them to live out the purposes for which they were created, they must serve God as Salvation Army officers. They also share a trust in God who has promised that his grace and guidance will direct their paths over the next two years and beyond.