Dispatches: Homeward bound – Major Morris Vincent in London

For Salvation Army Officers, the chance to attend the International College for Officers is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Located in London, UK, the ICO invites select officers from around the world for an eight week sabbatical period that officers opportunities for spiritual renewal, study and reflection. Major Morris Vincent, Southern Area Commander for The Maritime Division, has just returned from his stay at ICO. Originally from Triton, N.L., Major Morris has served as an officer for 18 years with his wife Major Wanda Vincent, the Divisional Youth Secretary. Here is his final entry from the road.

As I write this final ‘dispatch’ I am on my way home – actually I am writing it from 35,000 feet in the air.

How can I express my sincere gratitude for this great experience? Eight weeks of meeting new people, learning new cultures, being engrossed in the beehive of what we know as the epicentre of Salvation Army ministry worldwide, and visiting historic sites such as the Cathedrals of St. Paul’s, Canterbury and Coventry, and of course walking the path of our Founders in the beginning days of the Christian Mission.

Thus in this final dispatch I would simply like to say thank you…

…Thank you to The Salvation Army for affording me this amazing opportunity.

…Thank you to 25 fellow delegates who have shared their life and ministry in such intense ways that my heart is stirred as I think of them now.

…Thank you to the International College for Officers for being so very focussed in planning a program which allowed for stirring lectures, meaningful worship and prayer times, focussed quiet days, Zonal Nights, and a host of other program pieces that will forever be memorable.

…Thank you to our General for sharing with us in such a spiritually authoritative manner. There is no doubt in my mind that General Linda Bond is indeed in her present role for ‘such a time as this’.

…Thank you to the Maritime Divisional Headquarters for picking up many of my responsibilities while I have been away.

…Last, but by no means least, thank you to our God for speaking intently into my faith journey through this time at ICO.

The final gathering which was shared with the session was a Covenant Service on Sunday evening. We were reminded of the importance of being filled with the power and love of God as we lead in ministry. I am very conscious of all that can ‘empty us’ as we engage in our everyday activities. Sometimes we may be as Wayne Corderio suggests, ‘Leading on Empty.’ I am more determined than ever to fill my tank with that which energizes and inspires me. I am excited about being a Salvation Army officer and am more committed than ever before in my life to fulfilling my calling in ministry through this wonderful and unique organization that we call our Church.