Monday, July 31/06

Well another week has begun! I can't believe how quickly time is passing me by! I had a great time this morning putting together the Children's Program that Sheldon and I doing on Wednesday night! We are continuing on with the theme of VBS, with "PRAY for one another." The story comes from when disciples keep falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane, the bible verse is James 5:16, and the craft is a prayer folder. One flap of the prayer folder is meant to stick under your mattress, while the other part holds prayer cards for each day of the week. Each child will write their own prayer on the cards, and then use the cards to help them pray throughout the week! I thought it was pretty cute - and I had fun making mine! haha! The morning went by very quickly and before I knew it, it was dinner time! Brenda had cooked up an awesome turkey dinner for us! YUM! I made a new dessert from the Kraft Canada website which turned out well. After spending a little bit of the afternoon with Ross and Brenda, they were one their way to see more family and friends. I was excited to be sitting out on the patio enjoying the sun....then reality hit...I'm on the Avalon Peninsula....as the sun quickly disappeared! So I made my way back to the office to try to get a little bit of prep done for my sermon. This week I'm tackling the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. Tonight I think I will put some thought into a devotional I have to do next week for the teens....but I won't be missing Canadian Idol of course!

Sunday, July 30/06
An update of our weekend!

Early Saturday morning we came over to the church to finalize a few things for the Sunday meetings - and then we took the rest of the day to ourselves. We spent most of the day with Sheldon's parents, including a great supper of Chinese Food! What a feast! I don't think I've had good Canadian Chinese Food since we left Newfoundland. We also attended a birthday party in the afternoon...it was suppose to be a swimming party...but...someone got sick in the pool that morning...so needless to say, the swimming party was cancelled! Nathan (the bday boy) was pretty upset, but I think he had a great time at his plan "B" party!

This morning's worship was once again a blessing. God continues to speak to the people of the TBS Corps, as we had a response at the mercy seat. I spoke on the story of Abigail this morning from 1 Samuel 25...I was blessed by some of the comments I received, and glad to find out that I had given one lady, and I quote "a new friend" as she had never read Abigail's story. An influential woman indeed! This afternoon we had an Ecumenical Service to begin the "Dildo Day's" festivities. Sheldon was on to lead the service (he did well), and I took the opportunity to play in the band! I ended up playing Euphonium, so that was quite the experience! The people of the corps were suprised to find out that I had another talent - and once again were very encouraging. Tonight (in about a half hour) we will have our Open Air service, followed by a lunch. I'm sure that God will continue to speak to his people through his servant tonight! We are enjoying this summer assignment so much - do we have to go back?

Friday July 28/06

I can't believe it!

My nephew Benjamin is 3 today! It seems like only a short time ago he was a little baby! Hopefully Erika & Steve are getting cell phone reception today so I will be able to call and wish him a Happy Birthday- camping on his birthday- he's so excited! Can't wait to see them next week!

Thursday - We had a call from a stranded Ross & Brenda in St. John's (due to rental car mix up), so we drove into the "big city" to pick them up! It's so great to be able to see them again for a few days. Once we got back to TBS we came into the office to try to get some more work done- it wasn't very successful as an officer from out of town stopped by the church to get a tour of the building. You never know what's going to pop up on any given day! After supper we made our way to the SA cemetery to do our very first committal- it went well. In talking to the Warren's (family who own the funeral home) we told them that we only had 4 weeks left, and that we were glad that we haven't really had to work along side them yet!haha! His response was, "Four weeks is a long time my love- a lot can happen." How encouraging! haha! After we concluded everything up at the cemetery, I came home, changed, and went down to "Kountry Kravings Kafe" with the Home League Ladies. After chatting up a storm for an hour or so, I came home to spend a little more time with the family!

Friday- Preparing for Sunday is the main objective of this morning, and this afternoon! I'm ashamed to say it- but I've been a little slack this week! This afternoon I will be going out for coffee with Vanessa, so hopefully everything will go okay! As for an eventful Friday night, I have no idea what's on the schedule!

Wednesday July 26/06

Sorry for not posting yesterday! Let's see...yesterday we went on an adventure trying to find a divorce certificate...that ended up coming to the corps in a "private and confidential" envelope, which we aren't suppose to open! The important thing - the couple can stop worrying! I really wish that as Cadets we could marry couples- we would have had the chance to do a few weddings while the Blacklers are away! But I guess we'll have to wait until next year! We also went to Carbonear to do some banking, and pick up some grub as Sheldon's parents are coming tomorrow...Lord help me to figure out what to prepare for suppers! A couple from the corps popped by the house last night, and we were invited to yet another birthday party! We have one this Saturday (swimming), and next Saturday (bowling)....we're just so popular! haha

Today will begin with the Ladies prayer group, followed by Sunday prep! I'm not sure what's going on this afternoon- perhaps some visitation! We got a phone call today to do our very first dedication! This family is home visiting the island and would like their two children dedicated, the little girls is 2 years old and the little boy is 5 months! We've set the date for August 6th at 2pm....so pray for us, as I'm sure we will be a bit nervous! I'm so excited about it though! Also, I've arranged a "coffee" meeting today with the young mother who got saved on Sunday...so pray for that too!

Happy 26th Birthday (yesterday) to Erika!!

Monday July 24/06

The events of the day- came into the office and got my package ready for CFOT with my sermon and listener response forms. Went and picked up the mail (what an arm load we had today!), chose a scripture text for my Sunday sermon, and a few other things...and then went to lunch! Actually, Donna came into the office with a pot of homemade turkey soup for us! It was delicious! We're going to be spoiled! This afternoon I arranged a visit with an elderly lady who doesn't get out to church anymore...I learned all about her 11 children, grand-children, and great grand-children...she also had a little doggy for me to play with! It was a very nice visit! Once again, I'm amazed that a few words of scripture can bring tears. Another awesome reminder that God's word is powerful enough to stand on it's own! Sheldon received a call this afternoon from a food bank client, so we had our first experience with that! We weren't quite sure what to give them - but we filled a few bags up with some goodies for the family of 4. Sheldon is just filling it all in on the computer now - what a man! I really think that having a food bank running from your corps can be a valuable minsitry- especially in a small area like this! Well another day of our summer assignment has come and gone....I can't believe we are half way through!

To God be the Glory!

I don't even know where to start! Let's just say that yesterdays services were amazing! God certainly blessed our Sabbath day. The morning service started out so well with great singing and music- everyone in the congregation had smiles on their faces and were worshipping God freely- the prayer time was lead by a lovely prayer- everything was flowing so beautifully! Sheldon was on to preach, and the Lord certainly blessed his message. He had struggled with the topic of his message- but I truly believe that it was one that the people of this corps needed to hear! We had many responses at the mercy seat! So yesterday was my first time kneeling with someone at the mercy seat since entering CFOT in September! I was amazed at how much the women were willing to share with me, and I was also amazed with the words of comfort and encouragement that God provided me to say! I was feeling on top of the world when I was kneeling with those women- I didn't think that the service could get any better...well...God must have had a little chuckle to himself then...because when I opened my eyes and looked to the left...I seen a very large crowd of people gathered. I walked over to see who was kneeling, and I witnessed a young mother dedicating her life to Christ!! We have watched God working in her life since our arrival in TBS, and I cannot express the feeling that came over me! I was so thankful to see all the congregates supporting her in the decision, and also to see another young mother kneeling with her- leading her to the Lord. It only took seconds for more tears to start streaming down my face, as I just felt so blessed. God's power was reigning down on us! We celebrated her salvation when she rose from the mercy seat!!

We were invited out for Sunday dinner after the meeting - and man oh man- was it ever good! We were at Les & Donna Russell's house (Cpt. Robert Russell's dad). They made a lovely turkey dinner for us, complete with pie for dessert!! It was nice to sit around the table and have fellowship with them- they were only married a few weeks ago - so we enjoyed looking at their wedding pictures, and chatting about their big day! They certainly make one another happy!

Could the day get any better?? Yes - Praise God it did! Unfortunately, due to rain we had to cancel our Open Air service, so the meeting was held at the Corps instead. Once again, the people were engaging in worship from the beginning of the service, and we could feel God's presence with us. I think that almost every face in the church was still glowing because of what God had done in the mornings service! Because of the indoor service, Sheldon and I got to experience a Newfoundland testimony time! It was great to hear new testimonies, and be a witness to how willing the people were to stand and give God the glory! In the appeal time that night, I had a response to my message as well. Again, people of the corps went to support the gentleman. What an amazing day in the house of the Lord!

Again, once to service was over we were invited out for coffee! We spent a few hours with Gerald & Betty, and Elias & Marilyn - watching the Gaithers, and chatting! It's nice to be invited out to people's homes, and to get to know them in a more personal way! We had a laugh sitting around the table (which was lined with food...of course!), and got home a little later then we had expected! To God be the Glory!

July 22/06

What a relaxing day so far! We decided to take the day to ourselves - so we slept in, enjoyed a nice big breakfast together, and then watched a movie! Actually last night was quite relaxing as well as we ended up watching a movie together after we got home from VBS. Movies were "rent one, get one free" at the local Irving so we stocked up! We watched "Fun with Dick and Jane" and "Freedomland" we enjoyed both...I wonder what rating Braye would give them?? Now that I think about it, that is the first time that we've gone to a store to rent a movie since last summer!! 95% of the time we've just gone knocking next door - I miss our "Braye Blockbuster!"

On a more serious note, I've been thinking about my life as an officer a lot lately - wondering what my true passion for ministry is - and thinking how my CFOT experience has changed that over this past year. Being placed at the Booth Center was quite a suprise for both Sheldon and I, and I must admit that it took me awhile to get used to it. But now that I am in a setting which only has very small social services responsibilties (a small food bank), to be truly honest, I miss it! Going to the center and chatting with the clients gave me a particular sense of ministry that I'm not finding here at the Corps- please don't jump to any conclusions!! I love being the "corps officer", I love planning worship and writing sermons, I love the programs that take place, the relationships that can be built with the people - but I'm just saying that there was a certain feeling that I would get while at the center - knowing that I was truly helping these people, whether it be just by looking them in the eyes and talking to them - or passing them a sandwhich and coffee. I learned so much from being at the Booth Center, and I've heard so many stories (some with good endings and some with bad), I've become more thankful for what I have, and I value the things I have around me -understanding that with a few bad decisions, it could be me in that Center. If you had asked me one year ago if I would be feeling this way...I probably would have laughed in your face! Before CFOT I had no experience with social services, and had never even spoken to someone who lived on the street...but obviously all that has changed now. Do I think that social servies is my new passion in ministry at this point in my life? No I don't - but I know that I will always want to help out my local SA Center- I know that my eyes were opened to a new type of ministry- and I know that when I drive by a house here in Dildo that looks beaten up, run down, and like no one lives it anymore...I think to myself, I wonder if someone does live in that house...I wonder if they have enough food...I wonder if they are cold. A thought that would never have crossed my mind one year ago. So...have I shocked you?

Gotta jet and practice my vocal selection for tomorrow - then get ready for super. We're invited to Steve and Anita's for supper- BBQ Yummy!

Friday July 21/06
VBS Day 5

Well tonight was the final program! All of the moms, dad, pops, nans, sisters, brothers, friends - anywho who is anyone was there! The kids ran into the church with the Theme Song of VBS playing in the background...they worse their sunvisors, and wove their gymnastic sticks in the air! They performed all the new songs for their parents, with little recaps of each day, and of course a slide show! The kids loved seeing themselves as each picture passed by - Carolann did an excellent job with it! The night concluded with a fellowship in the YP Hall. Most people had left the church by 7:30 - well it's now 8:04 and all the decorations are down - the kitchen is clean - the floors are vacuumed - unbelievable! You would never say that a VBS had been going on all week! God certainly blessed us during this VBS week! He provided us with an excellent turn out, good weather, great snacks, great songs with awesome actions, and mostly he provided us with his spirit! We'll be sure to give him all the praise and the glory!

It's great to be sitting here in my office listening to a few kids playing tag around the church- I get a "HIGH ASHLEY!" every time one of them passes! Pray that God will provide Sheldon and I with a good turn out for our two youth programs in August! We want to continue bringing the kids into the church over the summer - and then to the Rally Day in September! We want to keep the momentum about God and Church even after VBS is done! Well, "tag" has made it's way into the church - and I think I wanna play!

Thursday July 20/06
VBS DAY 4

Well let's see...my message for Sunday night has been my main focus of the morning! I'm feeling more confident in it today, and i'm sure that once a little more time goes into it tomorrow morning- it'll be nice and ready for Sunday. I also typed up my chorus sheet to pass out at the open air, and did up most of my lead. The Bandmaster asks that we have our lead in her mail box by Fridays...she has a few new members in the band, and she likes to email them the numbers so that they can look over them before Sunday! I thought that was a great idea! We also had a visitor this afternoon- Captain Bill Preston from the SA in Sydney. It was nice to meet him - as well as the other gentleman who was with him from Carbonear. Captain is on holidays, so he popped in to see us (he knows Sheldon through the Bungay's appointment in Carbonear). It's always great to meet new people!

Tonight we will be attending VBS...the story tonight is "Dead man walking...The raising of Lazarus" and the memory verse is 2 Corinthians 1:14...the craft will be a bike license plate! It's a beautiful day here in TBS so hopefully lots of kids will make it out tonight - and maybe we'll get out on the parking lot for another game! I can't believe that tomorrow night is the closing program! This week has flown by!

Well I must go and make a phone call to see if I can get a visit in this afternoon! I'm finding it really hard to get those hours of visitation in - I have gained a lot of respect for any officer who can get the 18 hours! Have a great day everyone!

Wednesday July 19/06
VBS DAY 3

When Major Marilyn first told me that on Wednesday morning's at 10 there was a ladies prayer group- I can't tell you how much of a "God moment" I had! Over the past year a small group of lady cadets have been meeting for prayer on Tuesday's at 6am...so to be able to continue this discipline in a corporate manner over the summer months is quite a blessing! I began the prayer meeting by reading a devotional from "Going the extra smile:Steps to Joy from Christ's most famous sermon BY David Mainse" then we sang a few choruses and prayed for any prayer concerns. There were 5 ladies around the table today - and I can't begin to express how many times I have been blessed by their prayers! There's nothing like listening to a elderly newfoundland woman pray - nothing! *To the cadets who are reading this...remember in field class when Major Ian spoke about families who may be dominate in your corps...well I was writing out names for the prayer group from the corps listing, and there are 71 Reid families! And yes- they are all related to eachother somehow!* haha!

Tonight Sheldon and I got to participate in VBS! Sheldon was responsible for the story time, which was called "A special "Feat"...Jesus washes the Disciples feet" Even though I didn't get to see him tell the story - i'm sure that he did a wonderful job! I was responsible for the memory verse, Galatians 5:13..."by love, serve one another" I cut the verse up like a puzzle and had the kids help me put it back together - they seemed to enjoy it! The craft tonight was a sneaker tag with the "Power up" Symbol - and the snack was popcorn! We both love being involved with the children and the youth - we talk about how we would love to be DY's at some point in our SA service! There is a lot of work put in to planning any event for the kids, but the rewards are worth every second of laughing, smiling, jumping, learning, waves, and hugs!

We learned another new song tonight called, "God is in the body building business!" The actions keep getting tougher as the week goes along! We finally had some nice weather today, so we were able to go outside for the final game...which the kids loved! God sent us 57 kids tonight - Praise Him! Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow night!

Gotta get home- Canada's Next Top Model comes on in an hour!

Tuesday July, 18/06
VBS DAY 2

My brain was a little more rested today, so I decided to crack down on my sermon for this coming Sunday. I've decided to preach on Lydia's Conversion in Acts chapter 16 - I think this scripture text will fit pretty well for the open air service! We spent the morning here in the office...strangely....no phone calls! After lunch we went out for coffee (Tim's of course) with a candidate from the TBS Corps. Her name is Rebecca, and she has spent the first year of her teaching career up in Labrador! She has enjoyed it, despite it's difficulties - but is now ready to start the application process for training. Hopefully she will be accepted for the 2007-2009 session! She had lots of questions about the training program, winnipeg, and our living arrangements...which we tried our best to answer! We also gave her a few "inside" clues to what life at CFOT is really like! We plan to bring our laptop to show her pictures of all the fun things we've done this year!

There were 60 kids at VBS tonight! Praise God! The theme was "Receive one another" , with the story of the woman at the well....a sun visor was the craft! The kids continue to "shape up" physically while singing their action filled songs - and "shape up" spiritually with their story and bible verse! Well- it's been a long day - 9:15 and i'm just getting finished with packing popcorn for tomorrow nights snack! I was blessed by hearing the personal testimony of one of the leaders tonight - I continue to be amazed at how God protects...guides...comforts...forgives...loves...we serve an awesome God!

Monday, July 17/06
VBS DAY 1

Well it's 8:45 and I'm just getting ready to head home for the day! A little bit of easy office work this morning, (as my brain is too tired to start thinking about next weeks sermon yet), a trip to Carbonear to do the Corps banking this afternoon, and then Vacation Bible School tonight! This years theme is "God...is able to build you up. Acts 20:32" Carolann and her team of people did an awesome job of decorating 4 rooms in the church, one for the open/closing, one for the story time, one for bible memory verse, and the other for the craft! The Sanctuary has exercise equipment on the platform, and a puppet stage off to the side...one overflow room is decorated like a locker room....the other overflow room is decorated with a map and trees...and the YP Hall has all kinds of "Crafty" things going on! We had 39 kids come out tonight- which is awesome for the first night!! A few of the parents were saying that some kids had committed to soccer on Monday nights - so hopefully God will send some more children our way tomorrow night!

This years VBS is concentrating on getting the kids in shape, both physically and spiritually! Tonight we opened with a few songs (with actions of course), and a visit from our ant friends "Ruben and Rachel!" Then the kids heard the story of the "The unlikely EMT (good samaritan)", followed by their memory verse John 15:12, and then they all made gymnastic sticks! We sang a few more songs in our closing, and then gave out prizes and a freezy for a snack! In today's world where kids learn to put eachother down at such an early age - they were able to learn a positive message here in TBS tonight "LOVE ONE ANOTHER!" I can't wait for tomorrow night!

ON OUR OWN!

The Bungay's have taken over the TBS Corps! haha! Here's how our first week alone looked!

Monday - We spent most of the morning in the office with the Blackler's as it was their last day before their holidays. They were going over last minute details concerning the church building, services, and "what to do if" kind of situations!

Tuesday - After lunch we were on our own! We settled into our own offices! God has blessed this corps with a beautiful office area, which means we both have our own work space! On that first afternoon when we were left in charge , a kind of overwhelming feeling came over me - as we were now the Shepherds of the flock. I prayed for God's strength! Tuesday night we were invited to Andersons Cove with two of the Corps families. Andersons Cove is a beach full of big rocks - the perfect place to have a fire with hot dogs and marshmellows! Gerald made a crab and squid out of a weiner which was pretty funny...don't worry, Sheldon took pictures!! The scenery was amazing - and we were even provided with free entertainment as a whale came in pretty close to the shore! God's creation is amazing!!

Wednesday - We came to the office in the morning for a few hours, and them made a trip into Carbonear to visit an elderly man in the hospital. But...he had been released the night before. But you gotta give us some credit - we had good intentions! haha Wednesday night we were responsible for a service at "Whiteway" Seniors home, with the help of the Community Cares group. We had a lovely time singing songs and choruses with the Seniors! I shared in a devotional from Matthew 12:46-50 titled "The Family of God." Throughout the services at Golden West in Winnipeg, we received many hand shakes from the seniors - but being in Newfoundland - we now receive many hugs and kisses!

Thursday - Our day off! One thing that I will compliment the Blacklers on is how much they have encouraged us to take time for ourselves. They will always try to take one day off per week (preventing burn out is a major issue that most officers need to think about!) So we drove into St. John's to do a little shopping, and we went to "Moo- Moo's" for ice cream!

Friday - After receiving word that a young girl from our corps went into the Janeway Children's Hospital for an emergency surgery, my heart was telling me to drive back into St. John's! From the time we found out about her, untill the moment we seen her in her hosptial room my thoughts never left her. Her mother and grandmother were telling us that she's been such a strong little girl, and were very appreciative for the Teddy Bear and Card from the Sunday School! Continue to pray for her! We also went to visit a man for the corps who was in St. John's for Cancer treatement. What a blessing he was. I've never seen a person more determined to beat an illness of the body before - his faith is so strong! I must say that I enjoyed our hospital visitation, and walked away thanking God for that ministry opportunity, and thanking him for my health and strength!

Saturday- My Mom and Dad came out from Corner Brook to visit us! Sheldon and Dad cooked up a big breakfast to start to day off right - we went to the craft store - looked at pictures - chatted - had a BBQ - went for a walk - and played Rook! Yes Mark & Nancy - we are now Rook fans! We'll have to play a game in September!

Sunday - We had a lovely time worshiping together on Sunday! I spoke in the morning on Jeremiah Chapter 1, and Sheldon spoke in the open air service on Genesis 22. The people are so encouraging! We both have received many compliments about our ministry - and have even been told that we don't need to go back to winnipeg, but that we can stay here! I thank God for placing us in Trinity Bay South!

Over the past few months, I have been inspired to start a blog! So here it is! Just to catch up on my journey to Salvation Army Officership - Sheldon and I moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba last September to begin our training! We have been stretched in every area of our lives, as God continues to mold us and shape us into the people that he wants us to be. After two semesters, and three intercession courses we are now on our summer assignments. We were appointed to Trinity Bay South, Newfoundland! Although we have learned much in the classroom setting, it is great to finally be out and "doing!"

Our first two weeks in TBS were spent with Majors Maurice and Marilyn Blackler (they are now on holidays for 5 weeks!), we both have enjoyed having them as our training officers. They have been honest about ministry, in telling us both the ups and the downs - and also about some of the things that you would never think you would be doing. If I could use training college wording for a mintue "There are many different hats we will have to wear!" They have been very encouraging to the both of us! Making sure that we had all the necessary information to run the church before they left for holidays was a bit mind boggling at times - but we have survived our first week- and God has been good!