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On the last leg of her two-week trip to Canada and the U.S., General Eva Burrows (Ret.) stopped in the Western Territory where she spoke at Southern California Officers’ Councils.
“When people look back over The Salvation Army’s history,” said Com-missioner Linda Bond as she introduced Burrows to the group, “there will be mountain peaks of generals. One of the highest will be General Burrows. Many of us are marked by her ministry.”
In an interview with New Frontier, Burrows voiced her support for the West’s Six Mission Priorities. “When I conducted Commissioner Bond’s installation one year ago, I heard her enunciate the six priorities. I felt very supportive of them—and I am excited to see an evaluation was done recently [in New Frontier]. I know it’s difficult to measure statistically, but the report card gives a good perspective on how you are doing.
“I was delighted to see Mission given the rating of excellent. I believe the Army is a mission-focused movement—it’s our reason for being. Our aim is not just pulling a man up on his feet, but helping him find Christ and a new future.”
She expressed her pleasure that one of the priorities is ministry to youth—”And I’m not saying that just because I was a teacher!” she said with a smile. “If you want to make the future in the present, you need to help young people find faith. Salvationists must be prepared for the new thing youth will do.”
Her legendary energy and genuine warmth with friends and strangers was evidenced throughout her two days at So. California’s councils, as was her skill in conveying the truth of Scripture as she spoke on Isaiah 42:1-4.
Burrows began her journey with meetings in Colorado for the International Bible Society; she has served as a director of that organization for the past eight years.
Her next stop was Vancouver, Canada, where she spoke for two days at The Salvation Army’s War College. “It’s located in downtown Vancouver, right in skid row,” she said. “Eighteen students are living there, studying and learning in an incarnational ministry.”
She also spoke at divisional and youth rallies and officers’ councils, in all conducting twelve meetings in five days. During the youth rally, she told the youth that her favorite music group is U2; an officer’s daughter, who had been at the rally, told her father she thought Burrows was “cool.” “I guess I’m the cool General,” Burrows said with a broad smile.
In the 10 years since she retired from her role as General, she has continued to enjoy life’s journey. She soldiers at the Camberwell Corps in Australia, where she takes an active part in ministry. “I have no problem helping cook meals; but I usually end up talking to people. I’m always at home with people anywhere.”
She keeps up with Salvation Army life around the world and is “a frequent reader of New Frontier.” “Now I’m a big e-mail person. I don’t call myself an Australian, I call myself an internationalist. I feel equally at home anywhere,” she said. During her years of officership, Burrows served in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Scotland, the British Territory, and Australia South; in her tenure as General, she traveled extensively around the world.
“I am happy as I look back on my years as General. I’m thankful for how God sustained me those seven years.” But, she concluded, “While recollection is a great joy, I don’t live in the past.”