This is my story - Hong Kong/Taiwan - 74

74 – Visiting the old Salvation Army Headquarters and former officers

Salvationists visiting China gravitate towards 26 Wang Fu Jian Street like Muslims toward Mecca. The old Territorial Headquarters stood (and still stands) despite its age and somewhat forlorn appearance. It had seen better days, but without Salvation Army activity, maintenance and upkeep it was deteriorating. Beneath the peeling red paint one could still see and decipher the words “The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters” (Chiu Shih Chun) Time seemed unable to obliterate its name.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the old faithful Salvationists – Lieutenants, Captains, Majors in their seventies, eighties and nineties! Some were still strong and fit, others frail in body, but still indomitable in spirit.

Of course, the leaders from International Headquarters representing the General deserved a welcoming party to escort him and his entourage into the building sacred to Chinese Salvationists. It was their Jerusalem Temple! We moved slowly up the dark staircase to the third floor and entered a spacious room, beautifully kept and maintained by Major Ying Hun-shun who had been paying the rent to the authorities from his own pocket although he no longer lived there. It served as his “board room” or hotel room for Salvationists from other towns coming to visit Beijing.

Refreshments were on the big rectangular table at the centre of the room. The Commissioner was escorted to take his seat at the head of the table and the rest of us filled up the other places. Again he and the team were warmly welcomed and after giving a brief message did the roll call according to the list kept at International Headquarters. Those present responded with “Hallelujah.”  Then there were those who had gone to be with the Lord, some had died of old age, others for their faith. Some lived too far to join us on that day. The cloud of witnesses looking down from heaven rejoiced to see the Army spirit was very much alive. Names were taken off the roll and marked ‘Promoted to Glory’ a term widely used in The Salvation Army for those who have gone to meet the Lord in Heaven.

Major Ying, our senior man and obvious acknowledged leader among the Chinese Salvationists read from John 14: 1-6. We were once again reminded of the mansions of Glory the Lord has gone to prepare for His people. After I had prayed the of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for His mercies, the congregation rose as one body to sing the well beloved hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” In China no meeting or fellowship was complete without the singing of the Founder’s song, “O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.”

We had brought with us from Hong Kong Salvation Army miniature flags and each person was given one. All stood up waved their flags and then spontaneously burst forth in singing “Lift up the Army banner blood and fire. Lift it higher.” Even the physically frail old saints seemed suddenly renewed in strength into fighting soldiers as they sang and waved the flags! The Salvation Army spirit was alive and well. After the benediction I noticed many of them were in tears. They wanted to know when we would visit them again. We assured them Salvation Army comrades would visit them again.

That afternoon we took a short break to visit some ancient historical places like the Great Wall of China. China is a land with rich history. The Chinese people have gone through trials and tribulations and today as I write China is fast overtaking many other countries in wealth and material prosperity. It has been reported that today there are more Christians in China than when the communists first took over the country. The verse of Scripture comes to my mind as I write, “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1: 5 The Salvation Army owns no hall or church for worship, but our folk worship in spirit and in truth and are rich in spiritual fellowship.