Daily readings with Scripture verses and prayers, based on the life and ministry of Catherine Booth, wife of General Booth and co-founder of The Salvation Army, often called 'The mother of The Salvation Army'. An ardent temperance campaigner, she and William developed together the firm convictions about salvation and poverty that led to the formation of the Army. Catherine Booth was eloquent and compelling in speech, and articulate and devastatingly logical in writing. At first, Catherine and her husband had shared a ministry as traveling evangelists, but then she came into great demand as a preacher in her own right, especially among the well-to-do. Although it was virtually unknown at that point for women to speak in public, and despite her nervousness, she developed a considerable preaching ministry. Catherine was both a woman and a fine preacher, a magnetic combination that attracted large numbers to hear her. This book of daily readings introduces us to Catherine's heart and convictions. Here we find the passion, urgency, thought and humanity which drove her on. Each devotional will take one page of the format above. Catherine's succinct, direct style is ideally suited to this form.

"Catherine Booth was a formidable fighter for the rights of women. She broke established convention and worked to combat the evils of the time. This book reveals something of her faith and belief." -- Terry Waite CBE
"If I could choose a person from history to ask about the essentials of life and ministry, I would choose Catherine Booth. A woman far ahead of her time, she blazed a trail and used her gifts in a way that still makes me wide eyed with wonder. An incredible force for God during her lifetime and a voice that still echoes His Kingdom come in ours, we would all do well to listen! Catherine Booth is a prophetic voice that is still speaking of God's boundless salvation for a world as desperate for good news as ever." -- Danielle Strickland
Catherine Booth was the co-founder of an international movement which in 25 years reached 100 countries. She fulfilled a heavy preaching schedule in an era when female voices were rarely heard in the pulpit. Catherine Booth from childhood had sought the salvation of others. Later she pursued her aim by working in the slums, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and helping William grow the Christian Mission to become The Salvation Army. Throughout she prayed, wrote, encouraged, and spoke, overcoming her youthful timidity to become a formidable preacher and leader in "God's Army". In the year when Queen Elizabeth has highlighted "Service and Duty" I hope that, through this insightful book by Stephen Poxon, some may find inspiration from the life of this remarkable lady to "serve the present age". -- Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland DL DCL

Stephen Poxon is a member of The Salvation Army, and is engaged in freelance writing projects. He was educated at St. Andrew's College, North Yorkshire, England, and Wycliffe Hall, a private college of the University of Oxford.