One of my earliest memories as a child is of my father bringing home Missionary Officers. These officers, having reported to the Headquarters of the Salvation Army while on leave, had been directed to the Salvation Army Foreign Office (as it was then called) where my officer father worked. He would at once invite them to stay with us for the time being while they looked for more permanent accommodation. What enthralling tales they had to tell!
I had the privilege of growing up in a real Salvationist family of eight children. Every day Mother prayed with us all before we left for school. It is no wonder, then, that I began to love the Lord Jesus at an early age, and was really converted when I was thirteen. I had been putting my younger sister to bed and, on leaving the bedroom, I passed a lovely picture of Christ with His hand outstretched, still showing the marks of nails in His hand and feet. Underneath the picture were the words: “I have done this for thee. What has thou done for Me?” Just then the setting sun shone on the picture and from it I heard, as it were, His voice speaking to me. I fell on my knees and exclaimed, “Forgive me, Lord, I will do something for Thee.” My young heart was thrilled by this experience but I was far too shy to speak of it. I only knew I must show my change of heart by some action. In future I would make the beds properly – not just cover them up! From that I time on, I sincerely tried to live a good life, though often with doubtful success.
Then came The Great War, and in my spare time I used to help at a Salvation Army Canteen in Russell Square on Saturday afternoons. Having an hour to spare one Easter Saturday, I went along to the City Temple to hear the ‘Messiah’. I listened quietly to the beautiful music until the haunting words: “Is it nothing to you, all you that pass by?” were repeated again and again, and they smote my heart. Here was that early challenge from Christ coming back to me and I cried out in response: “It is everything to me”. Somehow I would work for Him. It was many years before I mustered the courage to apply for officership, because I felt so inadequate, but in August 1926 I entered the old Training College in Clapton and spent the next two years learning how best to serve the Lord. On my application papers I had stated I would be willing to serve overseas, and this resolve was re-inforced when General Bramwell Booth came to the college on ‘Spiritual Day’ and talked about his recent tour in the Far East. He referred to his visit to Java and to a Leper Colony, illustrated by pictures of the lepers from Pulau Si Tjanang. I was overwhelmed by the sight and it came to me – that is where I must serve. I spoke to the Principal about it, and offered for work in Java. He passed on my application to the Overseas Department, but it was 1930 before I actually set sail for the Dutch East Indies.