Cadet Nosihle Yolisa Mcineka’s journey to officership began in a home where prayer and faith were woven into everyday life. Although there was a season when she drifted from spiritual focus and followed her own path, God’s hand remained upon her life. Through a personal encounter with Jesus, a growing understanding of His grace, and a life-changing call to surrender during a Corps visit by cadets, she discovered that true strength is found in reliance on God. Today, she reflects on how the Lord has used training, field experience, and everyday ministry opportunities to continue shaping her for service.
I grew up in a home where God was at the centre of family life, with church and prayer forming part of our daily routine. As a child, I often wondered why people praised God so fervently, yet prayer remained a constant in our home and continued to strengthen our family.
During my youth, I lived without spiritual focus, following others rather than seeking God for myself. After being enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier, I realised that I could not rely on my own strength. Sometime after 2015, I gave my heart to God, and it was a moment of great relief. At the age of 15, at Tembisa Corps, I personally encountered Jesus as Lord and Saviour. A message about bringing everything to God and allowing Him to take control, together with Romans 10:9-10, helped me understand that salvation comes through faith, not works. I surrendered my life to Him, learning that His grace is freely given and that I can rely on His strength in all things.
My calling to officership came during a church service in 2019 when the Reflectors of Holiness Session visited our Corps. I had always sat at the back, keeping to myself. Whenever it was time for the preaching of the Word or an altar call, I would leave and return afterwards. However, that Sunday everything changed.
Major Nkosi preached from Acts 20:24 and spoke about surrendering to ministry. He invited those who wanted to serve the Lord wholeheartedly to come forward. I sensed God calling me to give my life more fully to His service. The conviction grew stronger until I could no longer ignore it.
My time at CFOT has been a season of stretching and growth. Academically, I have been challenged to deepen my understanding of Scripture and Salvation Army doctrine. Spiritually, I have learned to rely more on prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit in my daily decisions. Through field training and Corps placements, I have learned humility, teamwork and the reality of serving people in both their brokenness and their hope. God has been shaping my character as much as my skills (Romans 12:2).
My out-of-training appointment was at Bruntville Corps in the Mid-KZN Division. When I arrived, I was determined to do what God had called me to do, and that remains my commitment today. One of the most significant lessons was learning to stand firm, particularly in my work with the Home League. Although I am young, and many of those I serve are older than I am, God has taught me to lead with confidence and faithfulness.
This period showed me that ministry takes place beyond the classroom, often in situations that are challenging and unexpected. I learned to trust God when resources were limited, to listen more than I spoke, and to see Christ in the people I served.
I am grateful for how far the Lord has brought me, and I continue to trust Him for the journey ahead. My prayer is that my life and service will point others to the hope we have in Jesus.