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Leadership Book Review
- Israel L. Gaither - Man on a Mission
by Commissioner Wesley Harris
BOOKS about leadership multiply upon book
shelves as the need for good leaders becomes ever more
apparent. Two such books, (‘Leadership in The Salvation Army’
and ‘Man with a Mission’) coming out of a Salvation Army
context deserve wide readership.
‘Man with a mission’ is a biography of Commissioner Israel
L.Gaither, the National Commander of the Army in the United
States of America. The author, Colonel Henry Gariepy, is one
of the most widely published writers in the history of our
Movement and this substantial volume is the latest and among
the best of the many books he has written.
In his introduction the author writes, ‘A superficial
observation could consider this account of Israel Gaither to
border on a hagiography. However, the truth is that Israel
Gaither has achieved an iconic status among those who have
come to know him, because of his authentic life of holiness’.
Fair comment!
The marriage of Captain Israel Gaither – an African-American –
and Lieutenant Eva Shue was a defining moment for the Army in
America at a time of race riots. Some Army leaders were
concerned about where a mixed-race couple could be appointed
and be assured of wide acceptance. But love took the leap and
the Gaithers won their way with grace and sheer ability.
‘Izzy’ as he is affectionately known, proved that he was not
only an outstanding preacher but an extremely competent
administrator. Corps, divisional and territorial appointments
in America were followed by leadership of the Army in Southern
Africa at a time of cataclysmic change. That was followed by
appointment as Chief of the Staff or second-in-command of a
movement which now counts more black faces than white among
its international family.
Repeated nominations for the office of General in successive
High Councils testifies to the esteem of fellow leaders and
now, through an excellently written biography, an
ever-widening circle of people will be blessed by the life and
ministry of a good man and a fine leader.
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