A Tribute to General John Gowans - The Salvation Army

[@jaimemacayana5066]

“Save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity” was The Army’s mission statement in capsule by this General.

[@Blessed3293]

CommissionerJohn Gowans always been an inspiration to my Ministry in the Salvation Army. As a youth in the Salvation Army age 14 I remember a lot of the songs that was written by commissioner Gowan. That is when I realized the calling God has had on my life. The words of each song taught me the importance giving my life to others no matter what the cost. As a preschool teacher minister follower of Jesus I am blessed to say that I am touched by this minister of God. Blessings to everyone that is touched by the words spoken the life lived most of all the blessings that comes their way when they serve the Risen Savior and is and is in example of Jesus Christ like commissioner John Gowans.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for sharing Jo. God bless.

[@margaretgarland7205]

An amazing servant of God. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.

[@lizvanloon9210]

I once met him lovely at roots l told him l was a rebel He laughed and said good God will bless u and l will pray for you .lve never forgot his kindness as a new solider

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

I was employed in social services in several of our homeless centre's. At one social services conferences he heard our Scottish accents and came Sat beside us and shared. When he learned of fact that we worked in inner city Glasgow he said when he attended Congress he would come do prayers in our centre and he did.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Phil, John Gowans was a much loved General indeed. Thank you for your comment.

[@LoopyLegend]

I had the privilege of meeting him in 2001 when he came to Australia, during this meeting the General presented me with my General Guard Award. The highest award presented by the highest ranking officer of the Salvation Army. What an honor.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@lesliepepperdine5030]

What a wonderful man.he was a true man of God. He wrote some wonderful songs and music.

[@davidwebb7513]

R.I.P. JOHN GOWANS, LONG LIVE THE SALVATION ARMY.

[@tessaadie659]

I just wanted to add to what I said a few weeks ago. I am absolutely certain that in some way John Gowans has brought me back to The Army. Most days I watch one of the musicals and as well as great blessings I see something new every time I watch. I also greedily soak up anything else of the Army's that is on the internet. I have started to sew a sampler of the words of They Need Christ and I will also be putting on images that are depicted in the song as I believe that this song is a perfect summation of The Salvation Army, what it stands for and its Mission: to save souls, to grow saints and to serve suffering humanity. God bless you General John, the world is a better place for you having been here.

[@verweiler1]

I had the privilege of entertaining General Gowans and Commissioner Gowans in my flat (apartment) after the German Congress in 2004. I was so impressed by his gentleness, his spirit and for the time he took to speak with my wife and me. I also used that opportunity to thank him greatly for writing one of my favorite songs, "I'll Not Turn Back." That song has been one of my guiding lights as an officer.

[@noemilinharesalmeida9475]

God bless the famíly of General J. Gowans. We missing !.....

[@Scott-fi6ml]

I came into soldiership on the 21st of October 2012. I wish I was under his leadership when he was General

[@karinaramirezchapiama9918]

God hears the prayers . .we only have is to Love....in the Spirit of God...being like children

[@algermom2]

I was a cadet when he and now Commissioner Gisele were stationed at USA Western Territorial Headquarters; they both made themselves available to all of us, and when he learned I spoke French, he often greeted me in French when he saw me on the Crestmont campus. They were always so gracious and kind; and the premiere at Commissioning of "Son of Man, Son of God" was something I treasure. My condolences to Commissioner Gisele and family; our Lord's grace and blessings. Thank you for this tribute!!

[@H15GWP]

What a wonderful video. - The video unit have done a first class job. - A great Blessing to be able to share in this way. - I was a cadet with John and could relate to some of the earlier stories. Truly remarkable to have known and served with this Saint of a man.

[@Mrslisamaree]

An outstanding gentleman, visionary, leader, teacher and pastor! Also grateful for those who shaped John's life, Jack and Elizabeth (mother and father) and Giselle, his wife - you have, from the sidelines, invested into John's life so he could sew into others, thank you!

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Geoff, thank you for your comment. We are enjoying finding so many people that's been touched by the General's life.

[@elizabethames7484]

I give heartfelt thanks for the profound and positive influence John has had on me. This is a wonderful tribute which captures the sheer joie de vivre which John exuded. He was so gifted and so generous in sharing his gifts.And this was a man who was brave enough to write "you've got to confirm to belong" !

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

His heart would be broken by the way we now fail by conforming. We need our identity back.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Stanley, thank you for your comment. Your idea is a good one and we'll certainly add it onto the next brainstorming session.

[@christopherhorton2867]

A true servant of God, a true inspiration to all, so grateful that I met him at Chatham Citadel Corp, I will never forget when one Sunday evening General John Gowans came to the platform and announced that he was losing his memory, there was stunned silence and a sense of emotion hit us all that witnessed this, tears were flowing, the commanding officer Major Drew McCombe offered a prayer for General John Gowans, a very moving moment. He will certainly be remembered for his songs, one in particular, How Much More which I'm sure is everyone's favourite of General John Gowans. Thank you for this tribute which in turn gave me the inspiration to write this tribute to General John Gowans.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Carol, thank you for your kind comments. So many people seem to have such fond memories of the General.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Timothy, thank you for your comment. It's great to hear from so many people who were touched in some way by General John Gowans.

[@doodleesq]

He was an inspiration to us all. I only had the pleasure of meeting him twice but what a guy. A true saint, one who knew the true meaning of worship, the true meaning of the mission and for me represented what the Army should be - delivering fellowship and love to those in need regardless of colour, creed, sex and/or orientation. Gods world was created for us all. And John Gowans made it that way....rest in peace

[@cintulator2]

Even a Salvation Army General is just a normal sinner, just a saved one.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for your comment. I found this on Wikipedia regarding the term Promoted to Glory. 'The term Promoted to Glory was actually coined by Herbert Booth, son of the Founder William Booth, following the death of Catherine Booth, the Mother of the Salvation Army. He wrote the song "Promoted to Glory" which is still used at funerals today.'

[@tessaadie6120]

I was a Salvationist for about 30 years before becoming a Roman Catholic and watching this wonderful tribute brought me to tears. When he was talking after his election as General he made me think of Pope Francis and his humility and asking for prayers.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for your comment.

[@heatherbruce6440]

Tessa Adie

[@k0smon]

Promoted to Glory. What a wonderful term to use as he leaves mortality for the Permanent Life.

[@mdoubleu4028]

Fond Memories of John Gowans as he was a terrific friend to my family,,,, Rest with God Uncle John! Michael Worthington

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for sharing.

[@carolrobinson2540]

Lovely video John was a lovely man very sad he has gone

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for sharing with us.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Elizabeth, thank you for sharing.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Lisa, thank you for sharing.

[@levisimonmutiso2141]

I really loved this part of poem, "I’m not afraid to die,Why should I be?This body’s not immortal,Not like me!The fabric must wear outFor sure some day.Without regretI’ll throw the thing away.There’ll come a timeThis ‘house’ beyond repair,You’ll find me betterLodgings, Lord, elsewhere.I might wish IHad fuller informationAbout the coming life’sAccommodation!But death’s my friend,Why greet him with a frown?He’s only LifeDressed in another gown"!R.I.P

[@EngPheniks]

RIP General Gowans. From India Eastern Territory, we remember your inspiring speeches on the topic of God's love and the true living sacrifice. You once visited our territory back in 2000 at the Territorial Congress held at a playground at Aizawl. I was a little boy back then studying 6th standard in school. The event which started inspiring me to put music into God's ministry. Every meeting was great except the closing night where the ground was all muddy due to rain...haha!!!

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Wonderful memories! Thank you for sharing.

[@josephotto2147]

JOHN, ENJOY GOD BLESS YOU.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Lisa, thank you.

[@stanos321]

What an incredible privilege it was to be able to be lead by John Gowans. I would have taken a mountain for him if thats what he thought needed to happen for the Kingdom. I have not seen another leader that even comes close in the Army.

[@maryrhymer1452]

Phil Staines

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

The mantle of both his Master and our Founder fell across his shoulders and he carried the forward. He never considered himself a ' great' But he was. He truly was.

[@rickysflower09]

I had no idea General Gowans had passed away. A great poet/lyricist. I have fond memories of knowing him in my youth via my S.A. parents when we lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne (my father, Maj. Gilbert Haywood was in charge of S.A. Men's Hostel in City Road when it first opened 1975 (my mother Ruth, nee Higgins) I remember taking part in "Spirit" at Alnwick Castle. The musicals were such fun! This video is a lovely tribute and there are many faces I used to know ;) God bless. Love (Carol Haywood)

[@jackline-adriandelporte-co9783]

Emouvants souvenirs du temps de son passage en France.

[@bigboy6689]

In memory in john gowans

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Carol, thank you for your comment.

[@stanleyh.griffin9903]

Excellent video! I think it would be a great initiative Salvationarmyvideo to do something like this for all the Generals...it will be great to re/introduce them to our generation, who they were, what they were like and the 'achievements' of their tenure...

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for your comment.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for putting us right on this. We'll make sure it's corrected on the master edit.

[@acajudi100]

The very best organization!

[@subatomic10]

Wow he could preach ! 10:45 & 11:20

[@carzaga121857]

the anointed general

[@antonellabaluganti8109]

Che dio vi benedica grandemente tutti amen

[@Mrslisamaree]

... And, if the 'Welcome home' team, that gathers around the gates with our arrival in Heaven, is full of those who have influenced our lives, then John Gowans will be centre front row in my welcome home ensemble!

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Apologies, I hope you are able to get it to play now. Perhaps lower the quality you receive from KZbin as the bandwidth you are using may not be able to play high quality video.

[@antonellabaluganti8109]

Condoglianze r i p Gesù lo risuscitera sulla terra insieme alle moltitudini che risuscitera amen

[@salvationarmyvideo]

DDD Francis, I have removed your comment as it is off topic. There is a clear statement on The Salvation Army (UK) website that should be able to answer your questions.

[@jimmykurian906]

❤ Jesus

[@pcwiz1199]

The footage that says, "Star Lake" is actually in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. I know because I sent it to you :)

[@jdlcdn]

Genuine Christian

[@gladyspeacock914]

David's dad know General John Gowans

[@salvationarmyvideo]

+Gladys Peacock thank you for your comment.

[@sabinps7645]

There is a Boy Here.... !

[@Finecty]

Good to know you are cashing in with adverts prior to viewing!!!!!

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Unfortunately, the adverts are put there by KZbin and not by ourselves. We receive no funds from any advertising on our films and try to make sure they are all advert free.

[@henningvallechristiansen1204]

kan ikke få den til at spille hele numret uden vrøvl

[@cintulator2]

When to spouse starts to forget things, it is hard. Especially very hard to detect after a long marriage. People tend to grow as one. Gosh, it's just him or her, just regular annoying antics.

[@salvationarmyvideo]

Thank you for your comment.