Known and loved by Salvationists, fellow Christians, world leaders and multitudes of men, women and children from around the world as an Australian Salvation Army officer (pastor), Eva eventually served from 1986-1993 as the 13th General of The Salvation Army.

Born on September 15, 1929 in Newcastle, Australia, Eva was the second youngest of nine children born to Salvation Army officers, Robert and Ella Burrows. Eva completed her secondary education at Brisbane State High School where she was selected as a prefect and Head Girl—high honors in the Australian school system. At the age of 17, Eva received a Bachelor of Arts in English and history from the University of Queensland. Upon graduation, she entered The Salvation Army’s International Training College in London, England.

As a young Salvationist (member of The Salvation Army), Eva sensed a compelling call to work in Africa. Upon her commissioning, she was appointed as a teacher to the Howard Institute, a large mission station in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). It was there when then-Captain Eva became particularly concerned with the training of Black teachers for the network of Salvation Army schools throughout Zimbabwe. She was asked by the government to become a consultant to the educational department on the development of school curricula.

Following her time in Africa, Eva held several positions of leadership at the International College for Officers. In 1977, she embarked on a decade of territorial leadership commands in Sri Lanka, Scotland and the Australia Southern Territory. On May 2, 1986, the High Council elected Eva Burrows to General (world leader of The Salvation Army). Perhaps most significant of her many accomplishments, General Burrows led The Salvation Army back into Eastern Europe, with work being re-established in the former East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Russia. 

Retiring in July 1993 to Australia, Eva continued to make appearances. At age 85, on March 20, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, General Eva Burrows was promoted to glory surrounded by loved ones, along with two African nurses who sang the Zimbabwe National Anthem with her just before she took her last breath.

So What?

Are you showing a selfless and self-giving attitude toward people? If so, is that attitude toward others saying, “You are a value to the Lord and you are a value to me”? Are you genuinely trying to love people as Christ loves you?