Many Salvationists know the speech. On May 9, 1912, General William Booth gave his final, most recognizable address to a packed crowd of more than 7,000 Salvationists and officers at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He was promoted to glory three months later. 

General Booth’s final words, commonly known as the “I’ll Fight” address, were both a summary of The Salvation Army’s mission and vision and his own 60-year ministry. They were also a call to action, a call to stand up and make a difference. His final words became a rallying cry for the work of The Salvation Army around the world.

“While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight.
While 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!”

I did not grow up in The Salvation Army—I joined in my mid-30s—but these words have resonated with me ever since. I can just imagine the Salvationists leaving the Royal Albert Hall ready to advance the kingdom of God in a hurting world.

A Modern Spin

Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I see this passage of Scripture reflected in General Booth’s call to action. Let’s be honest, though—while these words are still powerful and appropriate, the language is dated.

A while back, I was contacted by Captain Sharon Tidd, who was writing an article for the British Columbia Division’s men’s network newsletter. She asked me to prayerfully consider updating General Booth’s words to stir this generation of men to stand up for Jesus Christ.

For me, it was a daunting request. This speech is so iconic—how could I honour and do justice to General Booth’s words and intent while putting a modern spin on things? A few emails went back and forth between Captain Tidd and me as we shared ideas and possibilities. I also asked my wife, Sarah, to share her thoughts with me and I spent some time meditating on Micah 6:8. The result is my personal take on General Booth’s famous speech:

“While people grieve, as they do now, while Indigenous women go missing, as they do now, I’ll fight.
While children lack food and safe drinking water, as they do now, I’ll fight.
While our nation wrestles with racism, suicide and isolation, as it does now, I’ll fight.
While people battle addictions, while we struggle with our mental health,
while one person needs to find hope in Jesus Christ, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end.”

Responding to the Call

When the General gave that speech in 1912, he was not laying out words to rally around in perpetuity. He was giving a rallying cry for that generation to do something, to change the world for God’s glory. We need to remember those words and keep his intent to fight for our generation ever before us. But the battle is different than it was in 1912. The world has changed. The Salvation Army has changed with it.

I am not saying my words are equal to the challenge that General Booth laid before his listeners back in 1912. But we all need a rallying cry from time to time. We can get worn down by life, by the overwhelming circumstances of today. We have all been drained by this pandemic, and sometimes it is hard to put one foot in front of the other.

Why do we do what we do? Whether we are an officer, a lay leader or a church member, we have all been called to follow the words of Micah 6:8, and how we respond to that call needs to reflect the heart of Jesus Christ. I would invite each of us to prayerfully reflect on that passage of Scripture as we consider what we would fight for today.

Let us fight for each person we encounter to find the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. I’ll see you on the battlefield!

Lieutenant Rick Apperson is the corps officer in the Bulkley-Skeena Circuit, B.C.

This story is from: