Captain Donald Woodhouse OBE - 90 not out!

News Release: 11 October 2010

The young Donald Woodhouse was sent to Birmingham during the Second World War, where he built Spitfires by day and was a member of the Home Guard by night.

At the local mission church he attended in Birmingham, he met a Church Army Sister. It was she who said the fateful words to him: "I've had a word with God and he's told me you've got to be in the Church Army!"

Although he ceased being a paid employee many years ago, Captain Donald Woodhouse OBE is typical of a 'retired' Church Army Evangelist in that he remains as active for the gospel as ever. In particular, he is famous for his short books that combine humour, scripture and words of wisdom to inspire Christians in their walk with God.

Donald was 90 on 8 October and a party was held in his honour the following day. The words of Church Army's Chief Executive, Mark Russell, sum up what Don means to the Society.

"As I look at your example, your faithfulness, devotion to God and his gospel, your commitment to Church Army, your ministry of encouragement - I am inspired. I have been privileged to be on the receiving end of your encouragement, and I look to you as a father of Church Army. Many of us who are younger are conscious that we stand on the shoulders of giants such as you. Your long ministry has been one of service and sacrifice. We know you have never really retired, as your ministry of evangelism, preaching and serving still goes on."

Donald is one of five 'retired' Church Army Evangelists who give their insights into a life in Church Army on the short film Ethos.