In his first visit to the United States of America since becoming the international leader of The Salvation Army, General Shaw Clifton, accompanied by Commissioner Helen Clifton, installed Commissioners Israel L. and Eva D. Gaither as the Movement’s new national leaders for the USA. A near-capacity congregation at New York City’s Centennial Memorial Temple welcomed the Gaithers back home in an enthusiastic meeting on the evening of Friday 12 May. Commissioners Gaither are from the USA Eastern Territory and returned to the USA after distinguished service in the Southern Africa Territory and, most recently, as Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries at International Headquarters in London.
General Clifton affirmed the Gaithers for their service to God and the Army and commended them to the audience as faithful, dedicated and energetic leaders. The General had endorsed them in their expressed wish to return to service in their homeland.
The meeting opened with festive celebration as the New York Staff Band, pianist Karen Krinjak and the Greater New York Youth Chorus provided music.
The Gaithers’ daughter, Michele Gaither Sparks, and son, Mark Gaither, spoke words of welcome, as did Lieut-Colonel Judy Falin, representing National Headquarters, Rob Pace, Chairman-elect of the National Advisory Board, and Commissioner Philip D. Needham, Territorial Commander, USA Southern.
The USA Eastern Territory’s Arts Ministries Team presented drama depicting a comedic, but insightful, look at the Gaithers returning to the States.
General Clifton formally presided over the installation ceremony which concluded with the Gaithers kneeling at the mercy seat for a prayer of dedication.
Commissioner Israel Gaither challenged the Salvationists present to accept the call to mission with a sense of pride in the work God is doing through The Salvation Army.
‘America needs The Salvation Army,’ he said, adding that there are clear attempts to mute the voice of the Church. ‘Someone must say “no” to wrong, and “yes” to right. Somebody’s got to do it. Why not us? Salvationists of America, tonight I plead with you to get ready to stand up and make a difference.’
At the conclusion of the service the mercy seat was lined with officers, soldiers and others responding to Commissioner Gaither's plea to make a promise to stand for Jesus. ‘No matter what it takes, we’ll not let up,’ said the new National Commander. ‘We are winners. We win tonight. Reject losing. Winning is in our DNA. We win for Christ.’
The meeting ended with the congregation standing to sing joyously, ‘God Is With Us’.
