Monday, April 16, 2007

Limited by the above...

Steve Court points out that statistically (with 3,245 Officers 1,424 Corps and 2,462 Outposts) India boasts the biggest SA in the world. It is therefore quite amazing when you read Harry Williams account of the Army’s invasion of the sub continent. The following quote comes from the Booth-Tucker biography “William Booth’s first gentleman” and recounts day 1 of the Indian invasion.

Henry Bullard noted a large number of police lining the waterfront it did not enter his mind that it was a welcome party for the Salvationists. But it was. The Superintendent stepped for­ward "When will the other members of the party land?" In surprise Tucker replied, "We are the whole of the Army." In evident amazement Police Superintendent Harry Brewin responded “why, we were expecting you to arrive a thousand strong.” The Army formed up, Tucker in the lead, carrying the flag presented by Catherine Booth, Bullard followed playing a cornet and Norman next beating he drum, Mary Thompson brought up the rear with the first tambourine display the Bombay crowd had seen.”

Booth Tucker (above)

Henry Bullard (right)

I recently read a Corps review for a Corps in our division, the present challenges facing this particular corps were listed as:

  • Aging congregation,
  • Lack of local leadership
  • Limited financial resources
  • Immediately beneath these ‘challenges’ under the heading ‘Corps mission expectations for the future’ the following words appeared:

    “Limited by the above”

    This Corps in spite of its perceived limitations has significantly more resources than Bullard, Tucker et al had.

    When we read in Proverbs “Where there is no vision, the people perish” is it any wonder revival tarries!

    Love and prayers

    A

    3 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    andrew, which corps is this? its understood if you don't wish to share it on the internet. you can email me at owen_skills@hotmail.com

    i may know some friends who could help.

    thanks and keep up with the helpful blogs,

    John

    MERCYPEACEGRACE said...
    This comment has been removed by the author.
    MERCYPEACEGRACE said...

    'Limited by the above'? The One whom is Above is never limited, as Booth-Tucker and Bullard can remind us!