Commissioners Israel and Eva Gaither: Passion and Purpose
God wants to take the things that are broken and twisted and restore them for use in His Kingdom. But God also wants to take the things that are of value that we have – small and minute as they might be – and magnify and multiply them! The love story of Israel and Eva Gaither is a clear reflection what can happen when passion for each other is used for God’s purpose.
Israel Gaither was born on October 27, 1944 to Reverend Israel and Lillian Gaither in New Castle, Pennsylvania. His father was a Baptist minister in located across the street from the New Castle Corps. When a Salvationist couple moved next door to the Gaither family, young Izzy (his nickname since infancy) became best pals with one of their neighbor’s young boys. Izzy’s new friend invited him to a Corps Cadet program at the corps.
As a young teenager, Israel joined The Salvation Army, and subsequently felt God’s call to become an officer. He was accepted into the Heroes of the Faith session (1962-64) where he met a young session mate from Sidney, Ohio, Eva Shue. They were each commissioned to the Western Pennsylvania Division, where their friendship turned to love.
There was a seemingly insurmountable problem to this enchanting love story. Israel was black and Eva was white! In the late 1960s, interracial marriage was illegal in 16 states and generally discouraged by many churches. While sympathetic to their situation, Army leadership approved their marriage. However, Israel and Eva were informed that in all probability, there would come a point in their future service when there would not be further appointments available for them in which to serve. In 1967, Israel Gaither married Eva Shue, breaking ground as the first interracial marriage between Salvation Army officers in the United States.
Israel and Eva served together in corps, divisional and territorial appointments in the USA Eastern Territory. He was the first black divisional commander and territorial commander in the United States. He also served as territorial commander in the Southern Africa territory. Gaither was chosen by General John Larsson to serve as Chief of the Staff, the second-ranking officer at International Headquarters in London, England. In the words of General John Larsson, Commissioner Israel Gaither is “a contemporary giant who has become a legend in his own lifetime.”
Commissioners Israel and Eva Gaither represent the benefits of a relationship bound in passion and purpose for each other and Christ. Paul says, “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work.” (Col 1:10)
Questions: Have you found a passion and a purpose? Have you come to want to please God and know in pleasing God than you are really satisfying your deepest longings and bearing fruit for others?