201 Lafayette Avenue

I share this blog article with sincerest former officer greetings from NYC (Brooklyn) where I have lived since my resignation as an officer in June 2003. Life at the SFOT was great...which is to say that my training experience was a very positive one. If I could go back and do it all over again I would, but with one stipulation...I’d liked to have taken what I know now with me to the SFOT; who knows where I'd be appointed ?

I'm led by the Spirit to write about a place that I called home for just under two years. I visited the SFOT this past summer 07. I attended the wedding of an officer-friend. As soon as I stepped foot on the grounds, I got a sense of that early wonder that I experienced ten years ago. Many treasured memories came alive ! And I was reminded of how that training experience impacted me then, and how it affects my life today.

There were three training officers in particular whose exemplary Christian witness spoke to this then, impressionable young African American cadet. The classes conducted by them included; Salvationism, SA Leadership, and Sermon Preparation. A common characteristic found in all three teachers was their absolute preparedness and thoroughness in sharing their knowledge. All three were scholars and would have been at home in any theological seminary. I took from each a lesson in how to model my life.

My job responsibility today is one that requires a great deal of detail and a fair of amount of day to day pressure. I’m responsible to process insurance claims for a major NY hospital. The practical experience gained in the SFOT, and indeed as an officer, serves to provide me with a seemingly serendipitous work experience. I approach each task with confidence, the result of a strict meditative life, and absolute work ethic. I believe one leads naturally to the next. At the end of each day, and work week, I can honestly say that I have lived up to the demands of my employer, and the expectations of our Lord.

I soldier in the Times Square Corps, located steps from the world's busiest corner. It’s what I would term a transitional corps; many come and go, including those from the street and former officers. For me though, it became my new church “home”. My separation from officership came as it does for many. In June 2003 I resigned in lieu of filing an immediate divorce. The first year I soldiered there I kept a low profile, praying simply that God lead me and show me a new path for my life. I wanted to be faceless- take in what God wanted me to receive, and it was a year later the corps officers learned I was a former officer.

The Sunday morning attendance averages between 75-100, and it was about a year subsequent to my having begun regular Sunday morning worship that the CO sensed my need to become more active. I readily took it on myself to counsel and pray with people at the Mercy Seat; my greatest joy while a Cadet and officer. The CO however, began asking me to participate in other ways, including bringing the morning message. His entrusting me with that holy responsibility was God's affirmation that I was living out my call in a new and blessed way.

When I reflect and reminisce upon my officership I often do so by opening my wallet and looking at my covenant card. I signed it in reverence and complete devotion on June 11, 1995. Although no longer an officer, the words ring as true for me today as they did then..."to win souls and to make the salvation of others the first priority of my life.” As an active officer that is all i wanted to do (but somehow/someway all that "other stuff" got in the way).

My testimony today is that I'm glad I'm a salvation soldier. Moreover, I'm glad I'm a Christian seeking daily to live out the gospel imperative...'Be holy because I am holy."

Thank you 201 Lafayette Avenue.

Andre L. Burton
captainalb@yahoo.com
USA East