"Emotionally moving" was a theme that infused the launch of The History of The Salvation Army Volume Nine 1995–2015 at a special gathering at International Headquarters on Thursday, August 30, 2018. Following a warm welcome from General Brian Peddle, the author, General Shaw Clifton (Rtd), spoke passionately about the process of distilling 20 years of Army history into the new book, and about the effect so many inspiring stories of Salvation Army ministry had on him.
 
By way of illustration, General Clifton read an excerpt from the book – an example of selfless service by then-Captain Suresh Pawar, a Salvation Army officer stationed in India:
 
"On the outskirts of Bombay, a young Hindu woman lies on the ground, dying of AIDS. Her family and neighbours will not touch her. Left alone, she is very ill, weak, dirty, without hope. The Salvation Army AIDS team hears about her. Captain Suresh Pawar and his team members from The Salvation Army hospital drive out and pick up the woman, but the staff at the municipal hospital will not touch her. So then and there Captain Suresh bathes her in a hospital room, puts on bandages, goes home and fetches some of his own wife’s clothing and dresses her. The nurses and other staff have never seen an Indian man do such things. Later his wife comes too and talks with the woman. They pray with her. She says, 'I have never heard the name of Jesus but I have heard of Ishwar (Mighty God) and now I have seen him in you. I want to follow your God.' The nurses begin to go near and care for her. A few days later, she dies – in Christ."
 
General Clifton recounted: "I felt deeply moved as I recorded this … it will be a lasting testimony to the Christlike spirit of those Indian officers and workers. More than once in the last three years, my spirit has been moved as I discovered – and rediscovered – the fidelity of my fellow Salvationists."
 
The project to compile the ninth volume of The Salvation Army’s official history began nearly three years ago, at the initiative of former IHQ Communications Secretary Lt-Colonel John Murray. General Clifton also paid tribute to Major Richard Gaudion, who had undertaken the role of his Private Secretary for two years during his tenure as territorial commander of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, and for a further five years throughout his time as General. "His input on the book has been beyond price," said General Clifton.
 
IHQ Managing Editor and Literary Secretary Paul Mortlock was praised as an "exceptionally gifted compiler of book indexes [and] having a tidy, logical mind." General Clifton additionally acknowledged Lt-Colonel Rob Garrad, Executive Secretary to the General, for his "comradely help and … unfailing patience," and saluted the "unfailingly helpful" Lt-Colonel Patrick Booth, former IHQ Legal Secretary. The "ready and gracious input" of retired Generals Paul Rader and John Larsson was appreciated, with special thanks to the "global research team" that had ensured the book’s completeness and correctness. His wife, Commissioner Birgitte-Brekke Clifton was also commended as an "unending source of encouragement."
 
Commenting on his research for the book, General Clifton observed that during the 20 years in review, The Salvation Army "opened fire" in 24 new countries. "The Army I found … was the Army I have always known and admired, made up of ordinary but Holy Spirit-filled people. I found Salvationists full of belief in God’s grace and keen to work for him … I found Salvation Army soldiers and officers, of all stations and ranks, with loving, caring hearts and showing compassion in action."
 
In conclusion, General Clifton referred to the introduction of his book. "I have written just three words which sum up all of its contents and all that is described within its pages. These words are in Latin: SOLI DEO GLORIA – to the glory of God alone."

The History of The Salvation Army Volume Nine 1995–2015 (ISBN: 978-1-911149-04-0) is available now from Salvation Army trade stores and as an e-book on Amazon and Kobo.

Comment

On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, Iris Morden said:

My great uncle was RUFUS SPOONER . Uncle Rufus and his wife Margaret were head of the bible college where officers were trained for The Army. Rufus was also aboard the Empress of Ireland as a member of The Army's band when it sank in May 1914. There are books about him written by The Army as well as The Scouts .Canada Post included the 1st page of the letter he wrote to his parents after the sinking when they memorialized the disaster in May 2014.I never met him but my mom was very proud of her uncle and made sure her children knew the history . Rufus's father Joseph Joshua Thompson Spooner preached on the street corners in London, He was accompanied by a band that include my grandfather on the drums.

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, Ira Barrow said:

Congratulations to General Clifton and all involved in the writing and publishing of another volume of The History of The Salvation Army. I was deeply moved by the except read by the author. It is indeed the spirit of the Army that has moved us forward and will move us forward. Those who get that truth have found a great treasure. Good to see the names of people I have known for many years. People like Paul Mortlock who was a studious, capable editor, helping prepare The Musician, when we worked together in the IHQ Editorial Department in the late 1970s. Great to see how he has honed his skills and is making such a valued contribution to the Army's printed-word ministry.

And by the way, I was wondering how I would answer if someone in my family asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" As one who always had a deep interest in Army history, I know no. I will salute answer "Volume 9 would be Number 1 with me."

 

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