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Book Review: Safely Led To Serve by Ian and Sonja Southwell

Book Review: Safely Led To Serve by Ian and Sonja Southwell

18 April 2017

Reviewed by Doug Davis

It was English poet John Donne who declared: “No man is an island, entire of itself.”

Lieutenant-Colonels Ian and Sonja Southwell cogently prove true this sense of human connectedness in their memoir entitled Safely Led to Serve. They introduce us to identities from many nations in a joint-autobiography filled with numerous anecdotes of God’s leading and guidance. The reader meets these people in company with Ian and Sonja from their infancy through to service now as retired officers soldiering at Ringwood Corps in Melbourne.

The book is rigorous but rewarding to a persistent reader. It is populated with identities, some well known, others unheralded, from among the many countries where they served.

Both Ian and Sonja are children of officer parents. However, their journey into officership was not as inevitable as one may imagine.They tell us how they met and searched out God’s plan for them together. Their testimonies are quite compelling. Ian, a school teacher, and Sonja, a nurse, both brought skills into officership suited to service in developing countries.

But it all began as close to home as Little Bourke Street Corps in innercity Melbourne. Soon enough came Africa, the Philippines, appointments back in Australia and later Korea, then Hong Kong. Finally, at International Headquarters, their education and training work took them throughout The Salvation Army world.

The Southwells’ chronology of dedicated service testifies to God’s guidance, protection and provision. It is certain they want their readers also to know God as the one who safely leads.

Safely Led to Serve is available from Salvation Army Supplies in Melbourne or phone 1800 100 018.

COMMISSIONER DOUG DAVIS IS RETIRED OFFICER LIVING IN VICTORIA.

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