"I believe its time for Salvationists in America to become soldiers," he told the crowd, alluding to the cultural war, natural disasters, attempts to recast God's intentions for family, and the ugliness of wrong being reshaped to look like its right.

This past year, the Army has collected record donations in hurricane relief aid and the red kettle campaign. The organisation now faces the second phase of its Katrina recovery plan, preparations for potential new disasters, the building of Community Centers and operating other social services.

The path ahead is not going to be an easy one, both for the national commander and the Army as a whole.

"The task ahead is not a small one," Clifton said as he addressed the new national leader. "The task ahead is large and the path ahead is strewn."

Following that, Gaither gave the Salvationists the real picture of their mission path as well.

"Doing God's good purpose in the world will have us moving in places and among people where we will be uncomfortable," he said. "But it must be done. It is for the mission."

Gaither advised the crowd that they will be hearing those three words - "for the mission" - from him all the time.

"We're excited about having the new national commander and his message tonight was that we're delivering a promise to the American public, and we have articulated that as doing the most good for the most people," commented Major George Hood, national community relations secretary. "But it comes with strings and those strings are Jesus Christ. And if we live it, then we know that people believe it."

"God wants the Gaithers to lead an Army in the United States of America that is Christ-centered," Clifton accented. "These are the right people at the right time."

[Editor's Note: Lillian Kwon reported for this article from New York, USA]

Lillian Kwon
Christian Today Correspondent