Salvation Army commander urges leaders to embrace their faith

Calling them "an influence for the renewing of America," Israel Gaither Friday urged Wheaton-area business, civic and government leaders to embrace their faith.

"You are positioned with a task that is far more noble than to describe it merely as a job," said Gaither, national commander of The Salvation Army. "You are gifted and placed to serve the purposes of God."

Speaking during the Wheaton Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Gaither said people must act with compassion and courage, adding that he believes there is "a battle for the mind and heart and soul under way within the borders of our nation."

"From the perspective of faith, it is beginning to look and feel like our collective moral compass is broken," Gaither told the crowd of about 500 at the Abbington in Glen Ellyn. "What was unthinkable is now expected to be accepted. Right and wrong is being redefined."

What the nation needs are leaders who consider spiritual and moral character to be more important than amassing money and power, Gaither said.

"It is time for a new model of leadership to emerge that gives flesh to biblical truth, proving that faith in God does not fracture but it embraces," he said. "We must serve to prove that there are those in leadership roles ... who can be trusted precisely because of their faith."

Gaither's 20-minute speech was the highlight of the prayer breakfast, which is held annually to provide spiritual encouragement for area leaders. The event, now in its 24th year, also included readings from the Old and New Testaments.

"People have been coming for 24 years because they saw a need when it started and they still see the need to gather and pray," said DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry, who serves on the breakfast committee.

"As a Christian, I have always believed that prayer is a powerful part of our life," Henry said. "Prayer should be a constant communication with God. It's not just a one-time thing."

During his remarks, Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk asked audience members to pray that elected and appointed officials "have the wisdom to make good and honorable decisions and the courage to act on those decisions."