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Interview with Commissioner Peter H. Chang
from JAC Issue Six
J.A.C.: For those who haven't read THE GIFT OF
GOD yet, please tell us about
your unique background, how you came to know Jesus, and how
you came to
know The Salvation Army.
P.H.C.: When Commissioner Herbert A. Lord was a Captain in
Korea, he invited
my grandfather, a farmer, to an Army meeting. Through my
grandfather's
conversion, so my father came to know Him as well and then our
entire family.
Though I enjoyed the surroundings of a Christian environment
at home, I came to
realize for myself how much God loved me and that I had to
make my own
decision for Christ. This happened when I was 16 years old.
Ever since then, I
have loved my Lord with a deep passion and gave my life to Him
serving Him in
The Salvation Army.
J.A.C.: You've been a pioneer through your life, breaking
man-made barriers
with almost every new appointment. How do you believe we
should exploit our
world-wide leaders, male and female, in the 21st century?
P.H.C.: We need to take risks so as to be nurturing and
cultivating particular
potential future leaders. The risk presupposes it may not work
as we would
hope, however unless we take that risk we cannot have the
reward of having
leaders who possess new thinking and a new approach, those who
may be
suitable for the new century.
J.A.C.: What is the most significant part of your ministry
today? Is it the writing,
the preaching, the legacy of your two most recent commands,
Korea and USA
West, or something else?
P.H.C.: I must admit that I am not a writer nor am I an
outstanding preacher other
than teaching His words. My ministry these days is more that
of an encourager
and being helpful to others in anyway I can as a retired
person. How grateful I
am that the Lord somehow still continues to use me in a
special and unique way.
J.A.C.: What are your dreams for The Salvation Army?
P.H.C.: I dream our Army to be taking a leading role in the
Christian Church as a
model and example in reaching out to the people with the
Gospel. As The Army,
we can be so complacent knowing how God has used the Army in
the past and
also uses us in the present. We need though to be having a new
strategy,
constantly changing in tune with the times as we move into
this new century.
J.A.C.: You have written about recipients of the Order of the
Founder in
FIGHTING FOR HIS GLORY. Other than those worthies, who has
been most
influential in shaping you into who you are today?
P.H.C.: My own parents really: my mother with patience and
loving care, my
father with discipline, straightforwardness and responsibility
for mission.
Reverend Hahn, Kyong-gik has influenced me in his pastoring
ways and
Professor Park, Chang-hwan for academic study.
J.A.C.: You are a broadly-educated man. Which books have
influenced you
most?
P.H.C.: Of course, the Holy Bible is the book which has most
influenced
me. Additionally, in my thinking, Professor Johnness
Hoekendiek's "The Church
Inside Out" made a big difference to me.
J.A.C.: Can you tell us of any memorable preaching you have
heard, and what
made it outstanding?
P.H.C.: Rev Hahn of the Young Nak Church. He would preach in
simple terms,
straight from the Word. Yet his exposition of the truth was
in-depth and with
authority.
J.A.C.: What is God teaching you these days?
P.H.C.: God teaches me humility as well as an understanding of
this new area
of life. He is teaching me in financial areas of life these
days too.
J.A.C.: Who are your heroes?
P.H.C.: George Scott Railton.
J.A.C.: What is your most memorable spiritual experience?
P.H.C.: My most memorable spiritual experience took place
after the Korean
War, as I was dedicating my life for service as an officer of
The Salvation Army.
J.A.C.: Please comment on the state of Aggressive Christianity
in the 21st
century. How relevant is primitive salvationism?
P.H.C.: The message and principles of Salvationism are very
relevant to and for
the 21st century. Perhaps, though, we may need to adjust to
and adopt new
methods of communication.
J.A.C.: Do you have a message to soldiers on various fronts
around the world?
P.H.C: As soldiers we must positively engage in the battle.
This is our
responsibility as well as our privilege. We just cannot wait
and see what
happens. The command of the Lord has already been given very
clearly. It is
for us to carry out His mission in the battle. I pray for you
and support every
step you are taking as you follow His leading.
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