New Officer Roundup – Lieutenants Stephen and Rosalyn Toynton, Springhill & Amherst

Summer at The Salvation Army brings with it a number of new beginnings as officers around the country transfer to new appointments. Here at the Maritime Division we are welcoming nine new officers in five different locations. Here is the first installment in our five-part series introducing you to them.

Can you tell me a little about your previous posting?

Before arriving in the Maritimes we were at the Training College. We enjoyed our time there, and found it to be challenging and eye opening. We loved travelling the country and having the opportunity to see different locations and being able to meet so many people.

We felt called by God many years ago, but we didn’t think we were capable, and we questioned our call. When finally we decided to attend the Training College we said to each other, we’ll put our name in the hat and start the process and if God closes any of the doors along the way then we’ll know this isn’t the right decision for us. Through the process though, not one door closed, so there was our answer, and here we are today.

What are your first impressions of your new community?

This is our first time in Springhill and Amherst but we love it. Springhill is a wonderful, cozy town where it seems like everyone knows each other in a good way. It has a Tim Hortons, which I’m very happy about, and it has everything you could want, including very friendly people.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In our free time we like to travel. We enjoy getting away to beaches, or having the chance to do some hiking.

Who is your role model and why?

I think General William Booth set the standard for us all in The Salvation Army. I’m from England too, and I was actually born in his hometown. My wife is from Newfoundland.

Can you tell me a fun fact about each of you?

My wife loves to bake. In fact, just today we had food bank day at the corps and we decided that we’d have coffee and tea and a whole bunch of baked goods available to everyone who came through. It was well received and I’m glad she’s able to use that in our ministry. As for myself, I’m quite clumsy sometimes. I have a habit of bumping into things, and falling down.