DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT TUESDAY - CLASSIC TESTIMONIES… Evangeline Cory Booth. – Part 1.

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. – Revelation 12:11.

By way of encouragement, I would like to devote Tuesdays to classical testimonies which have brought great blessing and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These are of men and women, who have faithfully served for the Kingdom of God. My prayer is that you will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired by these testimonies as I was. Enjoy…

Evangeline Cory Booth, (Dec. 25, 1865 - July 17, 1950), fourth general of the Salvation Army, was born in the South Hackney section of London, England, the fourth of five daughters and next to youngest of the eight children of William and Catherine (Mumford) Booth. Named after Little Eva of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', she was generally known by this short form of the name until her move to the United States, where, on the advice of Frances E. Willard, she used the more dignified Evangeline. In the year of her birth her father left the Methodist ministry to found an independent evangelistic organization that became the Salvation Army.

The life of the whole Booth family centered around the Army, with its emphasis on personal religious commitment, strict moral principles, and unlimited compassion for the less fortunate. With her brothers and sisters, Eva often played at preaching and talked of souls and sinners, backsliders and penitents.

Catherine Booth, the "Mother of the Salvation Army," was herself an inspiring preacher who demonstrated that women could be as successful as men in winning souls for Christ. Of the eight children, seven became prominent leaders in the Salvation Army. The family's religious solidarity even extended to the husbands of the three married daughters, who accepted the Booth name as a prefix to their own.
No opportunities open to her brothers were denied Evangeline or her sisters. Since her mother strongly distrusted the contaminating influence of secular educations, Eva was educated at home by tutors and governesses.

At fifteen she donned a sergeants's uniform and began her practical training by selling the 'War Cry,' the Army's newspaper, in the streets. She was given a Salvation Army post of her own when she was only seventeen. Dynamic in personality, she preached in rundown halls, sang in public houses, accompanying herself on the guitar, faced hostile magistrates on charges of "disturbing the peace," and melted hardened roughs. She made a striking appearance, with her tall, slender figure, flowing auburn hair, and handsome face dominated by deep, flashing eyes, and soon won the name "White Angel of the Slums."

From her active ministry in the field, she was placed in charge of the International Training College at Clapton and given the command of the Salvation Army forces in the London area. Her most effective work in England was as a troubleshooter, sent wherever persecutions, either physical or legal, were most critical. In every case her keen common sense, winning personality, and ability to discover an unusual way to win her point brought victory to the Salvation Army. When trouble arose, General Booth's command would be: "Send Eva."

Her first trip to the United States was on such a mission. Her older brother Ballington (1857-1940) and his wife, Maud Ballington Booth, had in 1887 assumed command of the Salvation Army forces in the United States. Their leadership proved popular and effective. But their American experience made them question the wisdom of the absolute control exercised over the Army from England and led to an estrangement from General Booth. When in 1896 they were suddenly ordered to relinquish their command, they resigned from the Salvation Army.

Public opinion in the United States swung sharply against the Army and a secession movement loomed. Though Evangeline Booth was unable to prevent her brother's resignation, she helped regain public support and showed considerable initiative in holding the organization together until her sister Emma with her husband could assume command. Evangeline Booth then proceeded to neighboring Canada to head the Salvation Army forces there.

Emma Booth-Tucker (Jan. 10, 1860 - Oct. 28, 1903) was the fourth of the Booth children and second eldest daughter. Known as "The Consul," she was an active leader in the United States at the time the Salvation Army was inaugurating its extensive program of social work. As co-commander with her husband, Frederick St. George de Lautour Booth-Tucker, she traveled widely, speaking and visiting the Army's various social institutions, including some experimental farm colonies in the West.

On one such trip she was killed in a train wreck near Dean Lake, Mo., at the age of forty-three. Her husband tried to carry on the work alone but found the burden too heavy. The logical successor was Commander Evangeline Booth, who had made an outstanding record in Canada. Part 2 next week.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes, and give your all, to win the lost to Christ? Then like, the Evangeline Cory Booth, put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water, and dare to follow Jesus wherever He leads you?

Loving Father, I thank you for the life of Evangeline Cory Booth, and I pray that anyone reading this may be inspired by her testimony to give their life to you, and that you would use them in the same way, as you used Evangeline. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to be a person of like faith, that I may bring glory to your name. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY