Legacy: A message from the territorial leaders

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main visit Poplar as we celebrate 160 years of The Salvation Army.

Jenine If you're exploring the roots of The Salvation Army, you might go to Whitechapel, about two miles from here. Catherine and William Booth began their ministry there 160 years ago. 

Paul And if you have time, I recommend you also come here to Poplar, home to the oldest surviving Salvation Army corps in the world. 

Jenine Salvationists in Poplar are proud of their roots. But the corps is not a museum to the past. 

Paul It’s an active, vibrant presence serving the needs of this community. And their mission continues to thrive today. 

Jenine In the Book of Acts, when the apostle Peter preached his famous sermon at Pentecost about the resurrection of Jesus and his salvation, he concluded by saying: ‘This promise is for you and your children.’ It makes me wonder how we're passing on the good news of Jesus Christ to the next generation. 

Paul Yes, we have to find ways to ensure that our children, grandchildren and the generations that follow understand his salvation, his forgiveness and his boundless love. 

Jenine We need to show them through our own lives what it means to follow Christ. And, of course, we can share stories of those who’ve stepped up and stood out in their faith in the early days of The Salvation Army. 

Paul The Salvation Army’s mission quickly expanded beyond London’s East End. Its early heroes took huge risks to spread the good news. Women like Kate Shepherd and Caroline Reynolds, and men like George Scott Railton and Elijah Cadman. 

Jenine They faced huge challenges, yet their faith never wavered. They were determined to share Jesus’ love. 

Paul If we want their legacy to continue, we need to find ways to make Christianity possible for the next generation and inspire the same courage and passion. 

Jenine Salvationists today are making faith possible for the next generation by being living examples of Christ’s love and forgiveness. There are so many ways to show that our faith is alive. 

Paul It’s really encouraging to see the investment that is being made to pass on the legacy from one generation to the next. 

Jenine We have a responsibility to ensure the good news of Jesus Christ is passed on and his message continues for the generations to come. 

Paul Let’s step up and stand out through our actions, prompted by our faith and commitment to God. 

Jenine Together, we can build on the incredible legacy of those who came before us.