My testimony: Cadet Kirsten Wood
My testimony: Cadet Kirsten Wood
23 November 2022
Cadet Kirsten Wood will be commissioned as a Reflector of Holiness on 27 November by Commissioner Janine Donaldson.
I always say I was born into the Salvos. I am the daughter of officers and the granddaughter of officers. Much of my life has been spent in Salvation Army buildings, around kids programs, brass music and everything else ‘Salvo’.
My faith was encouraged and developed by the people who have sown into me. My parents have been an amazing example of Christian faith and displaying the love of Jesus in ministry and life.
Kirsten with her long-term partner Joel Gibson.
I felt the call to officership when I was coming into my final year of high school. I was searching for guidance on what I should do after school, and I remember being at Summer Carnival and asking God what I should do with my life. I felt a strong response to the word ‘others’, and I knew that meant I was to be an officer.
Over time, this was confirmed by many important people speaking into my life. I will say that I wasn’t overly happy about the idea; from watching officers, I knew that it wasn’t an easy life! But over time, God worked in my heart to show me the work he wanted me to do, and eventually, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
By the time I decided to be obedient and apply for college, I had become quite comfortable in my life. For the first time in a long time, I had an amazing group of friends, journeying together through life and faith. I had a strong desire to be obedient to God’s call and have that bigger purpose in my life, but leaving my comfortable life with good people around me was very daunting.
Another obstacle in applying for college was that we were in the middle of a pandemic. Application steps were a bit different, and my college experience was changed due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, I feel very blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to be a cadet-in-appointment and learn from such wise officers at Perth Fortress Corps in a ministry setting. I have also had guidance from the Officer Formation team at Eva Burrows College and the academic team, who have provided learning opportunities through my studies.
Kirsten grew up in The Salvation Army as an ‘officer’s kid’. She is pictured here (in her mother’s arms) in 1997.
All these opportunities put together have developed my theological and ministry knowledge that I’ve been able to put into practice in ministry settings. These experiences and learnings have also helped me develop my understanding of myself and my faith, and I’ve learned how essential this is when working in ministry with people.
On this journey, God has spoken to me through Philippians 1:6 (NIV), “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse that my mum held onto when she was pregnant with me has become an encouraging word from God throughout my ministry.
My hope for my new appointment is to be open to learning from new opportunities and to build relationships with my congregation and community members. I’m excited to get involved in a new community and learn about their passions for serving God in the area.
I want to express my gratitude to the Officer Formation team at Eva Burrows College; they have been wonderful to learn from. And I also express my appreciation to Perth Fortress Corps for their loving embrace through my learning journey – it has been a wonderful place to serve and be in great company.
Cadet Kirsten Wood will be ordained, commissioned and sent out as a Reflector of Holiness on Sunday 27 November.
When: 10am (AWST) Perth, Western Australia, by Commissioner Janine Donaldson
Where: The Salvation Army, Perth Fortress Corps, 333 William Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000
Watch Online: https://www.facebook.com/perth.fortress.corps
Comments
God Bless you Kirsten as you enter into your full time ministry as a Salvation Army Officer. I pray for Gods Annointing at this special time of your life & ministry.