General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton received a rousing welcome as they opened USA Eastern Territory's 2009 Old Orchard Beach camp meetings. They entered the pavilion with USA National leaders Commissioners Israel L. and Eva D. Gaither and territorial leaders Commissioners Lawrence R. and Nancy A. Moretz. The Cliftons gave the Salvation Army salute as they received an enthusiastic standing ovation.

The welcome to the international leaders included a parade of flagbearers and children dressed to represent nations where the Cliftons have served. The children, all from the host territory, carried flowers and danced.

The territorial commander welcomed the Cliftons back to the territory, acknowledging that they led the Massachusetts Division in the mid-1990s.

'You would know that every active General in the history of the Army has preached from this or the preceding platform here at Old Orchard,' he added. 'So, you join your colleagues of history, and tonight we welcome you to bring us the Word of the Lord, to share your own testimony, to inspire us with your words, and to give us a glimpse of Salvation Army life across this wonderful globe.'

General Clifton brought greetings from the 118 countries where the Army is at work. 'We believe God is going to do something very special for us,' he said. 'Let our faith be high, yes? Let us trust him, let us be needy before him, let us be joyful before him, and let us be loving amongst one another before him, and we're going to have some wonderful days.'

Commissioner Helen Clifton said she and her husband 'feel a great affinity' for Old Orchard Beach. 'We've come to Old Orchard Beach to be cleansed by the Holy Spirit, to be renewed, and to be refreshed,' she said.

Commissioner Nancy Moretz, in her welcoming prayer, asked for God's presence: 'We invite you into this place. You are welcome here.'

The gathering included a special presentation to renowned vocal soloist George Beverly Shea, who turns 101 in six months. He had hoped to be present at Old Orchard Beach but, at the last minute, his doctors recommended that he should not travel. He appeared via video from Winchester, Ontario, Canada, from the church where his father was once pastor.

The National Commander noted George Beverley Shea's many accomplishments: 10 Grammy nominations, membership of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, and 70 albums recorded. He has also sung on every continent and before more people than anyone in history – about 220 million people, according to The Guinness Book of World Records.

Jeff Schultz, Media Ministries Department Director, was in Ontario and presented the singer with the The Salvation Army's Distinguished Auxiliary Service Award.

'Every hymn, every single hymn he sings, is a testimony to the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ,' said the National Commander, who called Shea a 'pioneer of evangelism through music' who has always loved and respected The Salvation Army.

'You are a man of integrity,' he continued, 'and we honour you tonight in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for all that you have done in the hearts and lives of men and women and boys and girls around the world. We thank God for you tonight and we salute you with this applause. God bless you!'

George Beverly Shea told the crowd how his father accepted Christ at age 19 after hearing a preacher who had come to the Lord through The Salvation Army. 'This [award] is quite special for me,' he said.

The territorial commander then presented Shea with the territory's Great Commission Award. 'You have sung for Jesus,' Commissioner Moretz said. 'You have made disciples.'

General Clifton asked Shea to sing and he performed parts of 'Sing Me a Song of Sharon's Rose' and 'I'd Rather Have Jesus'.

'The only other General I had the privilege of singing for was General Eisenhower,' Shea quipped.

The General responded that he was 'deeply honoured' to be associated with George Beverly Shea. 'We thank God for you and your beautiful ministry through so many years,' he said. 'May God spare you for more years to come.'

The international leaders were also present later that day for a concert by renowned gospel singer Wintley Phipps. Like George Beverly Shea, Wintley Phipps has had a long involvement with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

During the concert, Wintley Phipps honoured George Beverley Shea by singing 'How Great Thou Art' and also acknowledged the Rev Billy Graham by performing the evangelist's favourite hymn, 'Until Then'.

In closing, the territorial commander told Wintley Phipps about the USA Eastern Territory's 'Holiness Ablaze' campaign and this year's emphasis at the camp meetings on 'Perfect Love', adding that the guest soloist had 'demonstrated that to us tonight'.

The New York Staff Band and Eastern Territorial Songsters performed all weekend and the General asked for a reprise of 'This Little Light of Mine'. Soloist Margaret Davis performed 'My Lips Will Praise You' and the Territorial Arts Ministries Team presented several dramas.

The General talked about 'holy courage' on Friday, referring to the story of David and Goliath. He ministered to a large crowd on Sunday morning with the a Bible message based on the work of the Holy Spirit as recorded in John 20.

The General praised the territory for its 'Holiness Ablaze' theme. 'It is never inappropriate for Salvation Army people to be gathered together around a holiness theme,' he said. 'It's completely natural.'

Commissioner Clifton noted the young people in the worship. 'We say "God bless you" for looking after the young people,' she told the congregation.

The General gave his closing message on Sunday evening and departed the next morning. However, comments shared at the Monday evening meeting indicated that many listeners had been moved by his words. 'General Clifton beautifully explained how the Holy Spirit works,' said one person.

The hearts and minds of the officers and soldiers of the USA Eastern Territory were abundantly blessed and strengthened through the beautiful work of the Holy Spirit.

Top photo: The General and Commissioner Helen Clifton are welcomed by children wearing national costumes of the countries the international leaders have served in; middle: The General preaches at Old Orchard Beach; bottom: The General and Commissioner Helen Clifton are welcomed to Old Orchard Beach