International News Release
Released Date: 15/05/99
NEW GENERAL ELECTED
"TOTAL MOBILIZATION OF THE SALVATION ARMY"
ANNOUNCES GENERAL-ELECT JOHN GOWANS
The fourteenth High Council today elected Commissioner John Gowans to serve
as the 16th General of The Salvation Army. Commissioner Gowans will become
General of The Salvation Army on July 23, 1999 and will serve until November 13,
2002 when he reaches his 68th birthday.
GOD BLESS GENERAL ELECT JOHN GOWANS AND COMMISSIONER GISELE GOWANS
Sunbury Court - It is election day. The Council assembled in its
"Upper Room", and it's the tenth day. (Acts 2:1) The momentum of
prayer has taken the Members from a level of "getting acquainted" to
that of "being in one accord".
Saturday morning began - appropriately - with a tender devotional period
led by Commissioners Mohan and Swarni Masih which highlighted the priority of
prayer as modeled by the Lord Jesus Christ and concluded with the Members
praying the Lord's prayer (each in his/her own language). It was a sacred moment
that beautifully illustrated the Army's world wide "diversity in
unity".
Reports from the High Council Correspondence Officer, Commissioner
Douglas Davis confirmed that tens of thousands of officers, soldiers and friends
are tuning in to the IHQ Website to follow the proceedings of the High Council.
In fact, one respondent who represents another world wide Christian organization
indicated the number was in the millions in that our own website has been
duplicated on the websites of others.
The President, Commissioner Robert Watson, thanked the High Council Vice
President, Commissioner Verna Skinner for her skilful help and support
throughout these past ten days. He also individually thanked other Members who
had held specific responsibilities (i.e. Commissioner Margaret Taylor, Chaplain;
Commissioner Douglas Davis, Correspondence Officer; Colonels Shaw Clifton and
Dennis Phillips, Liaison Officers; the Tellers, members of the Questions
Committee and the Agenda Committee, all of whom assisted in making this High
Council flow effectively.
Commissioner David Edwards spoke on behalf of the other Members in
expressing appreciation to Commissioner Robert Watson for his leadership as
President of this High Council.
The President and Vice President then briefly reviewed the balloting
procedure and the Tellers verified the ballot boxes to be empty, then locked
them. The first ballot began at 9:45 a.m.
My own reflections: "Before balloting began, we once again united in
prayer. My own heart was pounding and tears pushed their way through my closed
eyes as the enormity of what we were about to do impressed itself upon me. A new
General - a new world wide leader - a new century - a new millennium - and
knowing that at least one previous General was elected with a one vote margin, I
was rather overwhelmed by the seriousness of my task. Yes, a spiritual storm was
raging in my soul.
"Then came the calm. For it is not my vote that counts; what matters
is the condition of my heart. After all, this is all in God's hands. It is but
ours to do His will. I prayed, "Lord, please let Your spirit bear witness
with my spirit", and "Thy will be done".
"Ah, calmer still. No more thumping in my chest, and now my eyes are
dry as I rise to accept my ballot and cast the vote His Spirit has gently but
clearly instructed me to do."
Submitted by Colonel Dennis Phillips
HIGH COUNCIL LIAISON OFFICER
AUTHOR:
Colonel Dennis Phillips -
Liaison Officer
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION:
N/A
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