SELF DENIAL APPEAL

Chronicle (Levin), 4 July 1947, Page 4

SELF DENIAL APPEAL

\ ^ SALVATION ARMY'S ANNUAL ' EFFORT The world is fiill of suffering but many, deliberately blind to the sorrows of men, are unmoVed. Some are intensely aware, . but feel poWerless to help and have only sympathy to offer, The compassion of others spurs them to action, and they set out bravely on what seems to niost a sUper-human task — that of drying the world^s "Such a one was William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. One who accompanied him to the Holy Land says: "Leavirig the Garden of Gethsemane and stepping toward Mount Olivet. he stood aghast as about- 100 lepers came toward him. Some were without limbs or eyes. They rushed beseechingly to. him. The founder gazed in bewiiderment and bent down' to inspect the physical corrnntion of one. The leper, with

piteous eyes, looked 4ip, and the Founder lifted the diseased hand and kissed5 it, saying, 'God bless. yoii!' 'General, do you know what you are doing? That man is a leper,' said a looker on. The old man replied, 'Lady, my Master toVed the leper!' " This is the spirit that has moved hundreds and thousands of others, who today follow his noble example, not only in caring, but in acting on behalf of the distressed. In this and other countrise the physically impotent and the spiritually diseased share in this Christlike ministration.

All kinds of tasks are undertaken in the name of ChrisL ahd no task is too lowly. Picture Salvation Army officers of a slum home in Holland during the dreadful "hunger months" of the war years, rising at 4 a.m. in bitter winter weather and walking miles to bring home milk and vegetables for the large number of children under their care. We,see other women officers, in charge of 78 tinies at Hague, given permission by Queen Wilhelmina to fell certain trees in the Royal Park, labouring long vvith the unaccustomed ' saw and axe and, after many hours of walking, bringing home the logs on hand-barrows in triumph. This indicates the spirit which permeates the organisation. Anyone in trouble need not hesitate to ask for help; and guidance. The local Salvation Army- officers will ■ be glad to serve. When called upon for the annual self denial appeal citizens may have a share in this great work by giving gladly and freely as God has given to them.— Contributed.