Dr. Israel L. Gaither, Chief of the Staff

On a beautiful day of Commencement at Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky, the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. Having spoken powerfully in the morning Baccalaureate Service, challenging the students with their potential to serve God, Commissioner Gaither was honored with the conferring of the degree by President (General) Paul A. Rader in the afternoon at the Commencement.

Like many, I wish I could have been there.

All of us would have joined in standing ovation to celebrate our own leader and brother, being recognized in such a significant way. As in every day of his life, he has given the glory to God for whatever accomplishments have been his. He would speak of the extraordinary challenges turned opportunities that have been his through the years and the all-sufficiency of Christ. We not only know his testimony, we are witnesses of the grace of God in him.

So the academic community affirms what we have known to be true. The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, is a humble and capable servant of God.

God bless the Chief of the Staff! God bless The Salvation Army!

Matthew 23:11 (NIV)
"The greatest among you will be your servant."