Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/418074
from the editor >> Unwrap your 'gift' WARREN L. MAYE Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…. —James 1:17 I t's Christmas morning. The sound of hands ripping away colorful wrapping paper is louder than any carol playing in the background, or a family member's chattering, or bell ornaments tinkling. Mom, Dad, the kids, and the house pet nervously and frequently brush against the lighted evergreen tree. Anticipation fi lls the air; unbridled enthusiasm reigns, excitement quiv- ers every voice. That special moment has fi nally arrived! With the same exuberance, Christians celebrate the birth of Christ as God's unmerited gift to the world. While we were yet sinners, He came to us as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Jesus offered His life as a ransom for ours. And "by His stripes, we are healed!" (Isaiah 53:5). Let us honor God by unwrapping the special "gift" He has placed in each of us. Yes, you have been "fearfully and wonderfully made!" (Psalm 139:14). What is your gift? What do you do uniquely, effortlessly, and excellently? What comes easy to you? What do you do extremely well? Before you answer, ponder those questions carefully for several minutes. Do people say you have a beautiful voice, are a whiz at math, possess a coordinated and athletic body, have a pretty face, the gift of gab, a way with words, an eagle eye, an ear for music, a green thumb, a taste for cooking, an organized mind, or a loving heart? These gifts and more—presented in your own way—are needed today around the globe to help solve big and small problems and to meet human needs. In this last Good News! of 2014, you'll read about Salvationists who have discovered and are using their gifts to make the world a better place. From the "Faces of Strikepoint" initiative, to fi ghting the Ebola crisis in West Africa, to making and cooking delicious pasta in Boston, to launching a new Kinshasa Staff Band in Central Africa, to caring about the women of "Others," you'll be inspired to take the "wrapping" off, open the "package," discover your "gift," and use it mightily—to the glory of God! Follow Good News! on Twitter @ GoodNewsSA www.twitter.com/GoodNewsSA Become a fan on Facebook @ GoodNewsSA www.facebook.com/GoodNewsSA GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders Colonel William A. Bamford III Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor Secretary for Communications Warren L. Maye Editor–in–Chief Robert Mitchell Managing Editor Reginald Raines Art Director Keri Johnson Senior Graphic Designer Lea Greene Graphic Designer Karena Lin Graphic Designer Joe Marino Graphic Designer Doris Marasigan Photo Archivist Nanette Morales Production/Web Specialist Divisional News Correspondents CFOT—Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC—Major Charles Deitrick PENDEL—Randall Thomas, Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP—Jaye C. Jones GNY—Captain Gillian Rogers MASS—Drew Forster NJ—Bramwell Applin NEOSA—Major Thomas Hinzman NNE—Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI—Linette Luna SNE—James Gordon SWONEKY—Major Faith Miller WEPASA—Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison—Ronald Waiksnoris All articles are copyrighted by The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and can be reprinted only with written permission. Also available in Korean and Spanish. Statement of Purpose Good News! is the offi cial publication of The Salvation Army of the USA Eastern Territory. The purpose of Good News! is to inform, inspire, and equip Salvationists to grow in holiness, to serve together in supportive, healing communities, and to reach others for Jesus Christ. For mailing list changes, write: Good News!, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. www.twitter.com/saconnects www.facebook.com/saconnects BUENAS NOTICIAS! GOOD NEWS! Each purchase of an Others product contributes directly to the fi nancial well being of a woman, her family, and her community. If you are interested in making Others a part of your ministry, please contact April Foster, Others Director, at April.Foster@ use.salvationarmy.org, or www.tradeforhope.com. w w w . t r a d e f o r h o p e . c o m T W I T T E R @ o t h e r s u s a FAC E B O O K O t h e r s - U S A 2 November/December 2014