THE GRANDEST, MERRIEST, STRANGEST LIFE —AND HOW TO LIVE IT
New book invites readers into a Christ-centred journey of transformation

Grandest: The Inside Scoop on How to Live the Grandest Merriest Strangest Life That Can Be Lived on Earth is a non-fiction book inspired by Commissioner George Scott Railton’s life and famous quote: “The life of a soul saver is the grandest, merriest, strangest life that can be lived on earth—the life of Jesus lived over again in us. It will cost you all, but it will be a good bargain at that!”

Authored by Major Terence Hale and Major Stephen Court, it begins with a biographical introduction to Commissioner Railton, and each subsequent chapter addresses a topic or theme that people can apply to their own lives to experience a full life in Christ. Chapters include excerpts of Commissioner Railton’s own writing as well as connections to his life and ministry.

Grandest is a mix of evangelism and discipleship, history and present-day Christian living, and it invites readers to reflect on how a relationship with Christ can bring about transformation in their lives. The book appeals to both Salvationists and general audiences, and can serve as an individual or group study tool.

Ultimately, Grandest seeks to introduce the reader to salvation through Jesus Christ—forgiveness of sins, the hope of a transformed life and an eternity with God.

What inspired you to write this book?
Major Stephen Court: In general, books are a good way to evangelize people. The Salvation Army helps people across the world through our social services programs, and we saw an opportunity to customize this purely evangelistic book for our clients.

“The possibility of transformation is the heart of this book.” —MAJOR TERENCE HALE

Major Terence Hale: The original inspiration for the project came from Railton House, a corrections ministry that is a part of the Halifax Centre of Hope. Railton House, located in Dartmouth, N.S., ministers to men who are transitioning out of incarceration. We wanted people who stay at Railton House to know more about the ministry’s namesake. It grew from there.

Can you briefly explain some of the experiences or expertise you have drawn on to write this book?
TH: Nearly two-and-a-half decades of officership, and now working in social mission, has exposed me to the stories and journeys of many people. I have seen the transformation that a life with Jesus can bring. Whether working with those in addiction recovery or those facing homelessness, the promise of new life in Christ, the grandest kind of life, has become increasingly practical. The possibility of transformation is the heart of this book.

Who is this book for and what do you hope they will take away from it? What can readers expect to find inside? 
SC: The book is aimed at pre-Christian communities, although the climactic twist at the end is important news for most professing Christians.

The book is aspirational—more spiritual than self-help, more realistic than motivational, and more ambitious than personal growth. It is saturated with eternally transformational potential for every reader.

TH: We want people to realize that God is still writing their story, and the best is yet to come through Christ. Readers can expect to find a good mix of biography, theology and challenge, laying out the possibility of a life wrapped up in Jesus.

“The book is aspirational—more spiritual than self-help, more realistic than motivational, and more ambitious than personal growth.” —MAJOR STEPHEN COURT

Can you share a part of the book that feels especially meaningful to you?

TH: From when I first came across it, I can’t seem to shake the story of Railton’s death and the note that he had sown into his jacket. Check out the book for the full run-down, but the last line of the note is a great invitation: “I’m going to heaven. Meet me there!” For me this is an inspiring and challenging piece of his story.

Is there anything more you would like people to know about Grandest?

SC: We’d love to see every social unit and community and family services unit across the territory share a copy with the clients and customers they serve.

TH: I hope this book sparks whispers of revolution that turn into full cries of transformative submission to God. I hope people will talk about the possibilities of the grandest, merriest, strangest life for them. This is not a big or complicated book, but the message punches well above its weight when you consider the change that is possible from such a simple premise. But, once again, that is nothing really to do with the book or the authors. Jesus is the secret sauce.

MAJOR TERENCE HALE is the executive director at the Halifax Centre of Hope.
MAJOR STEPHEN COURT is the corps officer at Harvest Community Church in Burnaby, B.C.

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