This is my story - 71 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

71 – International Salute – Crystal Cathedral

What a privilege for us to join the crowd estimated to be more than 4000 at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, USA for the Army’s International Salute. There was the grand procession of flag bearers marching in with the ‘emblem of a thousand battles.’ Timbrelists with happy smiling faces waved their tambourines to music of the bands playing “There’s only one flag for me” “Yellow star with red and blue... with the chorus “I’ll be true, true to the colours yellow red and blue.” I learnt this chorus when I was a child at the Sunday School at Balestier Corps.

Then as the songsters sang, “We’ll lift up the banner on high, the Salvation Army banner of love,” the biggest flag 30’ x 50 ‘was raised from the stage to the vaulted ceiling of the Cathedral. There was thunderous applause!

The Territorial Commander of the host territory Commissioner Willard Evans welcomed our General and the world leaders of this international Army. Commissioner Andrew Miller (the father of wife of the current Chief of Staff Commissioner Swanson) one of the American Territorial Commanders referred to General William Booth using the Crystal Palace in London, made of glass for special events of his day. Over a hundred years later the Army 6000 miles away in America met at the Crystal Cathedral for another great gathering. (Crystal Palace in London was burned down in 1936. Crystal Cathedral was sold to the Roman Catholics)

General Eva Burrows declared, “This conference is significant to The Salvation Army world. Our purpose is unchanged – to be an evangelical force. We on the platform are one people of Jesus Christ. The Salvation Army is alive and well and God is blessing our Army round the world.”

Following her introductory remarks, the Army leaders from the 52 territories and commands were individually presented to the General. We wore the uniforms of our territory or command – navy blue, grey, white, saris, what a variety yet we were one Army with one message and mission.

There was plenty of good music. Lieut. Colonel Norman Bearcroft composed a special march for the occasion named “Lake Arrowhead.” Among the songster pieces sang that evening was Ivan Boszanko’ rendition of songs like “To God be the glory” and “Come join our Army to battle we go.”

The delegates chosen to participate in testimonies came from different zones. Finally the General gave a challenging message on “Towards 2000 – Vision and Task.” She reminded the congregation of the need for vision. She called upon all to service and task of proclaiming the message of salvation. She challenged the congregation to be obedient to the heavenly vision.

At the conclusion of her challenging message, she made the altar call which was met with overwhelming response.

And finally the congregation sang the Founder’s Song, “O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.” And the beautiful fountains near the platform erupted. O it was magnificent sight to behold! I’ve never seen anything like this before or since that evening. The scene remains vividly in my mind and even as I type I can still feel the emotions of that moment.

What a thrill to end with the final verse of the song,

“And now, hallelujah! The rest of my days

Shall gladly be spent in promoting his praise

Who opened his bosom to pour out this sea

Of boundless salvation for you and for me”

It was a night to remember! Events of that evening remain vividly in my memory and as I recall and pen this article, I thank God for The Salvation Army. The unity of spirit within The Salvation Army was evident. I pray that this unity of spirit will remain and be strengthened. We are one Army, with One Mission and One Message!