Launching of Self Denial Effort

In my absence from William Booth Corps (Church), Mrs. Lim Li Ching takes over the Bible class. She did last week when I was at Central Corps. She does two consecutive Sundays at a time, so this Sunday I was privileged to sit in her class. She has been doing the parables in the New Testament and now is going through parables in the Old Testament - a very interesting series of studies.

On Sunday it was the launching of the annual Self Denial Effort in this territory. I am glad our leaders have reverted to the old name Self Denial.

The self-denial appeal expresses the spirit of the true believer in Christ. Its origin can be traced back to a gathering in 1886. Commissioner John Carlton, profoundly stirred by a special appeal for money, wrote on a slip of paper which was passed on to the Founder William Booth “By going without pudding every day for a year, I calculate I shall save 50 shillings. This I will do and will remit the amount named."

With his usual keen perception William Booth saw in this proposed act of sacrifice on the part of one officer a means by which the Army might inculcate the spirit of self sacrifice, raise money, and so be enabled to take hold of opportunities hitherto beyond its power.

William Booth read this message to the congregation, “There is an idea here," he remarked. "While we ought not to ask our people to do without pudding for a whole year, I see no reason why we should not ask them to unite in going without something everyday for a week and to give the proceeds to help on the work."

Shortly afterward the first Self Denial week was announced for the United Kingdom alone and resulted in the raising of about 5000 pounds.

In all countries in which the Army is working, every Salvationist and friend of The Salvation Army now has the opportunity to join in an annual self denial effort.
We should practise the spirit of Self Denial. Parents should teach their children the importance of denying ourselves for the benefit of others.