CSM Lauded for 30 Years of Ministry
In a recent God-honoring Sunday holiness meeting, a small portion of time was dedicated to honoring a faithful Blood and Fire soldier. Corps Sergeant Major (CSM) John Muldrow has devoted 30 years of service to his role as the top local officer of the Florence, South Carolina Corps.
John grew up around Lake City, South Carolina and attended South Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical fitness. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Christian studies from Grand Canyon University.
John moved to Athens, Georgia in search of a teaching job, and there was introduced to The Salvation Army when he met the then Lieutenants John and Marty Needham. He was hired as Men’s Lodge manager and also oversaw the newly launched Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter.
“Very quickly it became apparent that John was spiritually mature beyond his years,” remembers Lt. Colonel John Needham. “He immediately began to minister to the men, while gaining a reputation for not allowing rules to be flaunted. With the women and children downstairs, he became their guardian angel, many having come out of abusive relationships. He worked closely with the cooks to ensure that full and healthy meals were served to our residents.”
John was enrolled as a soldier on June 20, 1982. He moved back to his home in Florence and began attending the corps in 1985, immediately taking on the responsibility of teaching a Sunday school class. He became CSM in 1994 under the pastoring of the then Captains Andy and Hazel Wiley.
CSM John has a particular talent for writing acrostics on the board in the Sunday school class to enable his students to remember pertinent lesson facts.
“I never erase those acrostics,” admits Captain Tim Scott, Florence Corps officer. “During the week, people come into the fellowship hall and sit and take notes of the weekly acrostic. One person even takes a photo to refer to it later. I leave it up for our advisory board, and these learned people of Florence see these acrostics. John, you have no idea of the effect you have on others.”
Divisional Sergeant Major (DSM) Ed Laity was present for the celebration, representing the North & South Carolina divisional commander as well as the territorial leadership of the Southern Territory, presenting the CSM with a special plaque.
DSM Laity referred to the Parable of the Talents, saying that God has given us all talents and that in John’s case: “He’s done it here, and he’s done it well.”
Several attendees of the worship service that morning rose to give their salute to CSM Muldrow:
- “He is the foundation of this corps. He preached at funerals and often filled the pulpit for Sunday sermons. He teaches the adult Bible class in Sunday school” (Captain Tim Scott).
- “I thank God for you and your ministry. When I was stationed here, what I gained was so pivotal because of the ministry of the Corps Sergeant Major” (Neek Williams).
- “I was meant for John and John for me. I thank Jesus every day for him. Because of him, I have this church family” (Chanel Muldrow, John’s wife).
- “My wife and I started here before he was CSM. All that I learned as a new Christian came as a result of John’s teaching and his acrostics. God placed him here, and I’m grateful for that” (Marty Dickerson).
- “When my kids started coming to the Army, my husband and I were not; we were sending them here. My oldest son started talking about John. We decided to come to church, and I got to know John. He doesn’t preach in words you cannot understand. I would not be here without Christ in my life” (Fanika George-DeWitt).
- “I love John Muldrow. He’s my brother in Christ. John, you are one of the best Sunday school teachers that I have known. Keep it up, we need you, we love you” (Major John Tracey).
In his response, CSM John said, “Throughout my childhood I underwent multiple surgeries on my throat. I prayed, ‘If you take this abscess out of my throat, I promise that my last days will be my best days for You.’
“He did, but during my college years, my thoughts were far away from God. Then on August 27, 1981, a member of the Gideons knocked on my door and asked me if I knew the Lord. It was like God saying to me, ‘Remember what you told me when you were 12—this is your opportunity.’
“Thank you for the nice things you have said, but it is not about me—it is all about Jesus Christ. I never did anything to glorify John; it’s all to glorify God. I am not faultless, but I am forgiven!”