Major Bosshardt, who is well-known and loved by every Dutch person, has died at age 94. Boshart was a Major in the Salvation Army and dedicated her life to the poor and addicted. She first became famous because she regularly visited the red light zone in Amsterdam, to talk to prostitutes, to listen to their stories, and to be there for them: she did not condemn them, she loved them. When asked why she always went to prostitutes and drug addicts, she said that, in the end, we are all sinners and that these people truly need her help and God’s love.
This is quite a tremendous loss for the Salvation Army and for the Dutch as a whole. The entire country mourns her death, and celebrates her life. May God bless her – and quite frankly, I am sure He will. This woman was truly filled with love and compassion. She hated no one; she loved everyone. Major Bosshardt served, and continues to serve, as an example to thousands, ten thousands, and even millions of people – whether they are Christian or not.
I was raised a member of the Salvation Army. My parents became, when I was 12 years old or something, Envoys. Envoys do not have a community of their own: they help the Captain (pastor) in their own city, and travel sometimes to other cities to lead services / sermons. I was raised, in a way, with Major Bosshardt. My parents talked (and still do) a lot about her – whenever she was on TV, we all ran to the TV and watched the show.
She laughed, she made us cry, but above all, she showed us what God’s love can accomplish in people’s lives and that not words, but actions matter – no matter how small those actions appear to be. Major Bosshardt taught us that one truly saves the world, by saving one. You do not have to save thousands of people, you do not have to change the lives of thousands of individuals for God to love you, for God to notice you, and for God to be there for you. God is always by your side and God loves you – no matter what you do. God’s love knows no boundaries, and Major Bosshardt constantly reminded us – all of us – of it.
It’s a sad day for the Dutch, it’s a good day for Major Bosshardt who finally meets the God she worshipped and served all her life.
Cross posted at my own blog.
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