The Amazing Story of William Booth

livingwaters (56) in religion • 7 years ago (edited)

William Booth

William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army.

There's an amazing story behind his work that most aren't aware of. Even if you don't read the article, check out the video about his vision, below.

William Booth was born in 1829 and lived until 1912.
He was born in Sneinton, which is a suburb of Nottingham, England, and grew up in poverty.
Williams parents were not religious, and his father died when he was just fourteen years old.
When he was around fifteen years old, he was invited to a chapel in Wesly,
and he converted to Christianity.
Soon after, he wrote in his diary, "God shall have all of William Booth."

Later in Life

A few years after he converted to Christianity, he heard an American revivalist, who was said to have led a "religious awakening" in Nottingham's Wesleyan Chapel.

From that time forward, he set his heart on evangalism. He and his friends ministered to the poor and kept records of their names which Booth kept with him for over thirty years, and recorded their names in the Salvation Army's regulations. His ministry began after he became an ordained pastor, and led a church where he met his wife, Catherine Mumford who herself, had been invited to preach in London in 1865. Booth moved to London with his wife, and started "London Missions,". He was very troubled by the many rum shops that even had steps at the counters to accommodate little children in purchasing Rum. The population in East London at that time was over two million.

What led William Booth into founding the Salvation Army, was a vision that he had, as recorded in the video below.

William Booth, along with his wife, Catherine spent the rest of their lives working, ministering and serving the poor.

At the time of his death in 1912, The Salvation Army had grown to over 25,000 officers in 91 nations.

The only known recording of William Booth giving a sermon.

Booth's Zeal

"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight—while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, where there remains one dark soul without the light of God—I'll fight! I'll fight to the very end!" ~William Booth~

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July 3 2017

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7 years ago by livingwaters (56)

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ergoproxy (54) · 7 years ago

Hi! I like the content, I`ve upvoted this post. Cheers!:)

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livingwaters (56) · 7 years ago

Thank you ergoproxy.

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captaintj (53) · 7 years ago

I like this post, it made me think...so I sent a question to a friend of mine

"Bob I would like to hear from you about what you think the connection is between people's physical need and there spiritual need, because it sounds like the salvation army thinks the two go hand in hand, samartians purse seems that way...and I have similar thoughts...but why?"

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livingwaters (56) · 7 years ago (edited)

Hi captaintj, I think that the Salvation Army has changed some over the years. Sometimes physical needs being met lead to a conversion. Jesus talked about giving to the poor, and I personally believe that it ties to the natural poor, and the spiritually poor. There are also many verses that speak of "giving alms," and visiting people who are sick and imprisoned."

I saw a movie a few years ago, "Les Miserables," based on the book. Anyway, it started off with this man who was a criminal and had escaped from prison. This elderly man met him in the woods, and invited him into his home for dinner and gave him a place to sleep for the night. The next morning the man awoke to find that this stranger was gone, and so was all of his silver. He was upset, and when the police showed up at his house with the stranger and the man's silver, the elderly man told the police that he had given it to him. If I remember correctly, the man ended up giving it to this stranger.
To make a long story short, nobody had ever given him a chance and the incident changed the man's life and set him in a good direction. That's kind of how I see it, but also we have to pray for wisdom when it comes to these kinds of things.
I don't know if that helps?

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captaintj (53) · 7 years ago

I think that what you gave was a decent answer, I have also heard it said that some people can concentrate on the gospel message until after they are fed (or other needs met Thanks :)

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winfredmathenge (28) · 7 years ago

This is a real eye opener, thanks.

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