adminCaptain Liveson Mushayakarere
The beginnings of the great Salvation Army started on July 2 1865, as a large tent was erected on a Quaker burial ground in the White chapel neighbourhood in East London. AS The Salvation Army gears to celebrate 125 years of service in Zimbabwe, it has a challenge from history. “Go for Souls, and go for the worst!” was the constant cry of William Booth (1829-1912), the Founder and First General of The Salvation Army. As he engaged himself among the poor, the multitudes in London’s slums were convinced that he had found his destiny and no one ever took the Gospel to the “down and outer” like he did. On July 2 1865, Booth started The Salvation Army along with Catherine his wife at his side…unappreciated by the established churches of his day, ridiculed by most.
His death 47 years later sharply contrasted, over 40,000 attended his funeral service, including Queen Mary of England. His “Army” including 21,203 officers and 8,972 societies were working in 58 countries preaching the Gospel in 34 languages! Traffic in London stopped for two hours as his funeral procession of 10,000 marching Salvationists went through the downtown streets.
William Booth was born in Nottingham, England. He was converted to Christ through the efforts of a Methodist minister, and soon became interested in working with the outcasts and the poor people of Nottingham. He preached on the streets and made hundreds of hospital calls before he was 20 years of age.
The Methodist Church continually denied his request to be released from his regular circuit work as a pastor so that he could return to the field of evangelism again. Weary with the constant controversy, in July 1861 the Booths stepped out by faith doing what they felt God had called them to do. He was 32 years old.
It was the masses beyond the walls of the church that he was interested in.
The beginnings of the great Salvation Army started on July 2 1865, as a large tent was erected on a Quaker burial ground in the White chapel neighbourhood in East London. William Booth was now 36 years old. Meetings were held every night for two weeks among the poor lower classes of the London slums.
At midnight upon returning home after a serious soul-searching, he said, “I have found my destiny!” This was July 5 1865. Converts streamed to the tent the next night. Soon they were using an unused warehouse.
Inspired by a God given vision of a turbulent river, drowning people with some managing to get to the island, William Booth, saw saved people going on with other business ignoring those crying for help.
He heard the call of Jesus urging people to extend their hands to save the drowning masses. The letter SS on Salvationists uniform on the collars are symbolic and action oriented, they mean Saved to Serve and the uniform is a readiness to call for service. He was passionate about the salvation of the world.
On June 24 1904, in a visit to Buckingham Palace, the King asked the General what his recreations were. Booth, writing in his autograph album, replied, “Sir, some men have a passion for art, fame and gold. I have a passion for souls.”
Catherine Booth, the Army Mother, enjoyed equal space in the ministry given the platform to preach when women were looked down upon in the society. Booth believed in women having equal opportunities with men and is quoted saying, “My best men are women.” Today as The Salvation Army in Zimbabwe and worldwide, we are not amused to have women in leadership positions in its structure, it is a challenge from history.
The sight of homeless men leaning on the rails of London Bridge prompted the beginning of heavy social work. The Salvation Army suddenly took the challenge and engaged in the social service programs. He realised that the physical and social environment of the masses made it difficult for them to appreciate the message of the Army. He accordingly embarked upon the social work to clear the way for evangelism. These services ranged from night shelters and free breakfasts to the selection and training of prospective immigrants and their settlement overseas.
In Zimbabwe, The Salvation Army still carries the legacy of caring through its social homes like Bumhudzo Hospital Home, Braeside Social Home, and Ralstein Eventide Home.
As his aged eyes became weak, an unsuccessful operation was performed and two days later it was found that he had an infection and that he would lose his sight completely.
“God knows best. I have done what I could for God and the people with my eyes. Now I must do what I can for God and the people without my eyes.” What a challenge!
William warned the future Christian generation as he said, “The chief danger of the twentieth century will be: religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, heaven without hell.” What a challenge!
As The Salvation Amy prepares to celebrate 125 years of service in Zimbabwe between 29 September and 2 October 2016 at Glamis Stadium in Harare Exhibition Park, it has the challenge from history, a legacy of getting the world saved. The famous words from William Booth calls for duty and to be passionate about the salvation of souls.
He says:
“While women weep, as they do now,
I’ll fight
While little children go hungry, as they do now,
I’ll fight
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now,
I’ll fight
While there is a drunkard left,
While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God,
I’ll fight — I’ll fight to the very end!”
What a challenge!
Online Reporter