He was called “the Prophet of the Poor,” was born into poverty, and worked in the midst of poverty his whole life. When he died, 150,000 people filed by his casket, and 40,000, including Queen Mary, attended his funeral.

He started an army!

He was persecuted at times for his methods, yet millions have become followers of Christ and millions more in need have been reached out to as a result of this one man’s passion in life.

William Booth (1829-1912) and his wife, Catherine, preached in tents, in haylofts, and in rooms behind a pigeon shop. “Go for souls and go for the worst!” was their cry. Today the Salvation Army marches on with 25,000 “officers” in 91 countries.

Booth once hailed: “While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now 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, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end!”

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 ESV)

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 22:16 ESV)

We can never live to make a difference while living for ourselves!

… and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:15 ESV)