Soup,
Soap, Salvation…and Selfies?!
It is obvious that the many hours given to the organization
of this International Salvation Army Congress were a labour of love,
commitment, and thoughtfulness. These qualities are reflected in the names of
the sessions: A Joyful Army; A United Army; A Serving Army; A Caring Army; An
All Embracing Army; A Youthful Army; and An Army of Integrity. The challenge of
putting together such a global event is difficult to contemplate; for example,
in a ‘behind the scenes chat’ it was revealed that there were 200 timbrelists,
including 3 males, from so many different countries. Yet, when they performed
in the meetings, they all used the same movements when playing their timbrels.
How was this accomplished? The timbrel routine was posted on Youtube, where it
was available to all the participating timbrelists. Then, on the Friday before
the Boundless Congress began, the 200 timbrelists assembled at the O2 arena for
a mass practice. That’s amazing! Being a former timbrel leader, I know how
challenging it can be to work with a group of approximately 20-25 timbrelists.
Imagine having a group of 200!!
Great use was made of the performing arts. The great skills
and talents of the participants were an effective means of presenting
historical information, Scriptures, and heart-and-mind challenges to those
assembled and to those of us viewing the Congress sessions online. The use of
drama throughout the sessions was a poignant, interesting, and captive way of
not only presenting some of The Salvation Army’s historical roots and
background, but it also made it very clear that the Army’s mission—past,
present, and future--is totally based on Scriptures via presentations of Old
and New Testament accounts. Dance—both modern and traditional—was another
performing art that was successfully employed to evoke strong emotional
response from the viewers, and to, hopefully, draw us nearer to God and stir us
to action in His name.
The musical diversity drew me back to my musical roots in
The Salvation Army, where I learned to play trumpet and a tambourine/timbrel,
and I participated in vocal groups. These gifted musicians have dedicated their
time and skills to honour God and to tell the Gospel message through music.
Music is a universal language, and many lives have been greatly affected via
hearing this message of God’s love through sacred music—whether it’s up tempo
and lively or slow and solemn. Music is definitely a great channel for lifting
up the name of Jesus and for bringing glory and honour to Him.
The abundant use of technology and theatrical effects were
stunning: lighting and props, sound
effects, and the use of aerial harnesses (e.g., Moses and the burning bush, the
plagues in Exodus, and a participant being air-lifted to light the Crown of The
Salvation Army Crest). Furthermore, the slide presentations and panoramic
screens and scenes in the back of the stage were valuable in presenting
historical Salvation Army pictures and events, pictures to enhance the
presentation of Scriptures, and to display the words for congregational songs.
One thing that stands out for me is the question that I have
heard many times over the years, “What would William Booth think of The Salvation
Army today?” Some of the responses seem to reflect sentimental value regarding,
“the good old days.” But as I have participated virtually in this amazing
Boundless Congress, I have a different conclusion. I remember the accounts that
Booth used saloon music so that it was familiar tunes for the people to sing
along with, but using Christian ideas and teaching. I recall the accounts of
how the Army spread via a few folks here and there starting up the work
wherever they found themselves as pilgrims in the New World or on the European
continent.
I believe that if Booth was alive today, he would still be using all
the means necessary to win souls for the Kingdom. So, we would be able to be
friends with him on Face Book and other social media, send him emails, Skype
with him, and so forth. Just as Booth
stated, "Why should the devil have all the good music?" I believe
that he would say, "Why should the devil have all the technology?" He
would be excited to be able to use the media we have available to further
Christ's cause, and he would continue to say, “While women weep, as they do
now, I’ll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight;
while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight;
while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the
streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll
fight-I’ll fight to the very end,” (William Booth, Founder of the Salvation
Army, May 1912). Moreover, he would be admonishing us to do the same.
I think there would be another change. The motto, “Soup,
soap, and salvation” might be altered to, “Soup, Soap, Salvation,…and
Selfies”! The excitement of this
Boundless Congress was so apparent. People, from civilians to Salvationists to
Officers, and even to the General, were engaged in snapping selfies on their
camera phones. Now that’s one difference
between Booth’s day and ours to which I have no idea how he would respond. In
any case, the future of The Salvation Army’s ministry and mission continues to
be a bright one! May God continue to bless the Army!
Elizabeth Hogan Hayduk
Former Officer
Canada
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