They shall come from the East, they shall come from the West and sit down in the Kingdom of God.” This tune is familiar to most Salvationists. It was written by one of The Salvation Army’s most gifted leaders: a renaissance man—accomplished musician, composer, prolific author and role model of spiritual leadership—whose passion for Christ is evident through his legacy. His body of work, fueled by his passion for God, has had worldwide impact and continues to reverberate in Salvationist hearts today!

John Alfred Larsson, the 17th General of The Salvation Army, was born to Swedish officers (pastors), Sture and Flora Larsson, on April 2, 1938. John’s grandfather, Commissioner Karl Larsson, opened the Army’s work in Russia in 1914. 

John spent his early years in Sweden, Denmark, Chile and Argentina. Following his parents’ return from service in South America, John entered the International Training College in London as a cadet and was commissioned a Salvation Army officer in May 1957.

Then-Captain John Larsson married then-Captain Freda Turner in 1969. They have two sons, Karl and Kevin Larsson. John and Freda assumed senior leadership responsibilities in the South America West Territory before returning as Training Principal of the International Training College. In 1988, the Larssons were appointed to International Headquarters in London. 

From 1990-1996, the Larssons served in several appointments as territorial leaders:  the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory and the Sweden and Latvia Territory. 

To many Salvationists, the names of Gowans & Larsson indicate musicals! From 1967 to 1990, John Gowans and John Larsson wrote and composed 10 musicals together. These famous musicals continue to be performed, and many of the songs are included in The Salvation Army’s songbooks. John Larsson was elected International Leader of The Salvation Army on September 6, 2002. He assumed the office following the retirement of his predecessor, colleague and lifetime friend, General John Gowans. General Larsson was promoted to Glory from his home in Bromley, London on March 18, 2022. 

Passion is important, but it has to be released by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like General Larsson, use your passion for Christ and allow it to change and transform lives. Through it, you can impact the world, not in your own strength and wisdom, but in the power of the Spirit. 

So What?

Where is your passion focused? What are the things that “pluck your heart string” and how are you using them to build the Kingdom of God?