Last Words

On May 31, 2015, after nine years of ministry at the College for Officers Training, our ministry on "In Sunday's" comes to an end.  It is our last private worship service with both sessions of Cadets.  The following week is finals, farewell banquets, packing and then moves quickly into commissioning week events with the covenant service, commencement, ordination and commissioning leading up to the final appointment service. In other words:  busy.  And no longer private.

What follows are my final written words to both sessions of cadets in the Sunday bulletin.  Over the years I have always written something in the Sunday program when we were Corps Officers.  I used to call it "Parson to Person."  While training principal, I would write on occasion but often I tried to find writings from William Booth, or Samuel Logan Brengle or some other Salvationist author as some words to ponder while one read the bulletin. 

Here are my "last words":

One would think after nine years all the words of advice that has ever been asked for, inquired about, freely given or forcefully exhorted, would have been said.  I was searching for some last wise words that would rivet you to your seat and pierce your heart through.  But I can’t come up with anything but a question for you:

Are you ready to feed your flock?

To the Heralds:  are you ready to feed your flock?  Week in.  Week out.  Month in.  Month out. Year in. Year out.

This involves writing the “weekly essay”.  It means a day full of interruptions.  A never ending to do list.  It means loving the unlovable.  Showing an incredible amount of godly patience.  It means going at times where you do not want to go; doing what you may not see yourself doing; long hours and little praise and ever littler rewards.

To the Messengers:  are you ready to learn from the flock God is about to give you for the summer?  In your eight weeks or so will you stay focused on the main thing? Your intern work will pay dividends for the kingdom and for the development of your own so.

So after nine years of ministry here at CFOT, its quickly winding down for my wife and myself.  We are semi packed, briefs being written, steps through the last events and pretty soon, the drive north to the Bay Area will occur.  But until then we will continue to do our best to remind you all to do something so simple:  Feed.  Tend. Love your flock. 

The rest will all fall into place.

Major Tim Foley

May 31, 2015, Crestmont