Proverbs 25:25
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Publisher’s Letter
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”- Isaiah 9:6
During this time of year I am reminded of the opening lyrics of one of my favorite Christmas songs. “Jesus is the Reason for Season” by Kirk Franklin and the Family. “Angels we have heard on High! Jesus is the reason, For the season, Yes oh yes he is. Oh yes he is, yeah!” “I don't need Material things All I need Is the love you give This holiday I came to say That Jesus Is The Only Way Jesus is the reason For the season”
The near universal celebration of the birth of the Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ is on December 25. The adoption of pagan traditions, the influence of other holidays, and the evolution of the holiday over time has allowed us to enjoy the sights and scenes of what the Christmas season has to offer… Santa Clause, Christmas décor, parties, gift giving and gift receiving. And spending quality time with loved ones. This year as you plan to celebrate and give gifts to your friends and family. I encourage you to algin yourself with the bible verses 1 Peter 4:7-11 by offering your “three T’s” Time, Talent and Treasures and 2 Corinthians 9:7 and be a cheerful giver. This can be done by volunteering and giving in-kind offerings at your local non-profit, giving an extra tip when ordering food and services. Cheerfully giving that extra change in your cup holder to the person on the street holding a sign. And visiting nursing homes, children hospitals and schools where and when permitted. And remember to do all of these things cheerfully.
In this issue I am excited to feature the male quintet group The Exciting Gospel Warriors. They are a perfect example of cheerful givers and applying their three T’s. These men of God have been ministering through music and giving from their hearts for over 43 years. One of their major missions is their donations given to local nursing homes in Tampa Bay during the Christmas season. Alongside their wives and other friends of the ministry they sing Christmas Carols and give gifts of necessities such as socks, blanks, toiletries, food and other items to those in need all in Jesus's name.
In this season our desire for you is that within these pages you will be filled with good cheer and encouragement and be reminded that the only thing that really matters is JESUS!
God’s blessings,
Linda E. Edwards
Founder/Publisher
We'd love to print your story of Good News! Email your story with your name, phone number, and current none copyrighted photo or permission to use notice to: agoodnewsmag@gmail.com. By submitting your story, you are granting A Good News Ministry Inc., Home of Good News Magazine to use it and your photo in the print and online magazine, on our website, and/or in future special issue publications. CALL: 813-333-8050 | E-MAIL: agoodnewsmag@gmail.com | Instagram: good.news2013 | Facebook: facebook.com/goodnewsmag
GOOD NEWS is a free monthly publication, printed copies are only available while supplies last. Disclosures: We would love to feature your ministry, leaders, and/or youth and children who are doing extraordinary things for consideration for the upcoming issues. And share your community events on our social media pages. There is no cost for the mentioned sections of Good News but is subject to availability. Written communication may be edited for length and clarity and cannot be returned. The Publisher/Editor reserves the right to change policies without prior notice. The editorial and health content presented in Good News is for informational purpose only. It should not be substituted for advice from a competent professional. Any similarity in stories and articles, other than those indicated to be factual, by characterization or name, to persons living or dead, is unintended and purely coincidental.
Awarded the 2024 The Gospel Legends Award presented by Florida Gospel Music Awards
Fox 13 News, 2019 Talk of the Town award recipients.
2015 1st Place Winners for Exceptional Talent in Vocals, Harmony, and Live Band categories at the James Cleveland Workshop of America.
Gospel Singers of America (GSA) Gospel Quartet Group of the Year in 2007, 2005, 2004, and 2001
In addition to these award-winning attributes. They have traveled around the United States and have appeared on programs with some of the most legendary gospel giants in the industry, such as the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Jackson Southernaires, Lee Williams, and The Spiritual QC’s, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, Bobby Jones, Doc McKinsey, Luther Barnes, Gospel Keynotes and a host of others. Locally The Exciting Gospel Warriors have also appeared and performed in many large venues throughout Florida. In 2018, they performed at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Black Heritage Festival (Tampa, FL); In 2016, they performed at the Strawberry Festival, (Plant City, FL) The group also appeared at the Alzheimer’s National Convention in Orlando, FL.
Humble Beginnings: The Exciting Gospel Warriors formed in 1981 in Tampa, FL. It was thought of by two God-fearing men, the late U. S. Army Command Sergeant Major Rudy Tolbert and Mitchell Anderson. The name "The Exciting Gospel Warriors" was given by Mitchell because, at the time of formation, Rudy was activite duty military. During their formation the group consisted of David C. Bowick aka David Bell, George Shivers, Arthur Hall and Cadillac West. The group adopted the colors black and yellow of Blake Senior High School which they all once attended.
Music Making: Their first recording was a 45 record done in Paul Hayes
Recording Studio in Tampa, FL, titled “Nobody But You, Lord” Later, they ventured to Moving Water Recording Studio in Brandon FL, under the Producer Rochester Jacobs. They were contracted with Surfine Record in Benton N.C. and began recording music.
In 1982 they recorded their first single: “If I Had One More Day”, and “Thank You for Carrying Me”.
In 1988 they recorded an album titled “Nobody But You”.
In 1995 they recorded “Devine Nature” which made the BMI chart #55116.
Thank God for the Journey
Today there are two of the original members in the group George Shivers and Arthur Hall. The Gospel Warriors have added new members in the vocal section and the band as they continue the journey they set out years ago. The current members and jobs in the group are as follows: George Shivers, President (Lead Singer); Arthur Hall, Treasure & Dress Coordinator (Vocal); Derrick Chisolm, Booking Manager & Secretary; (Vocal) Sylvester Pinkney (Vocal) and Rev. Ike T. Bunton, Chaplin & Senior Spiritual Advisor (Vocal).
Arthur Hall
The Band is as follows: William Morrell (Lead, Guitarist); Marcus Edwards (Bass Guitar); Eddie Jackson (Organist); Reggie Hearns (Lead Keyboard); Alphonso Goodson (Drummer).
43 years ago, these men took a quest to save lost souls and minister through music. They are still traveling all over America spreading the good news by song. As for their uniforms, they are wearing colors of soulful creations inspired by their Dress Coordinator, Arthur Hall. From black and yellow to silver and black to blue and yellow and red and white. Some have said they are one of the best-dressed groups to perform.
George Shivers
Derrick Chisolm Sylvester Pinkney Rev. Ike T. Bunton
The Exciting Gospel Warriors are a humble group of men who donate their talents and time to the mission of advancing the Gospel. Committed to serving the community during the holiday season they serve the less fortunate at the Metropolitan Ministries Christmas Tent and visit local nursing homes in Tampa Bay during the Christmas season. Alongside their wives and other friends of the ministry they sing Christmas Carols and give gifts of necessities such as socks, blanks, toiletries, masks, gloves food and other items to those in need all in Jesus's name.
The Exciting Gospel Warriors hope that their message is clear, that even when dealing with s experiences and challenges, God is still in charge and, as a group, they have adopted
With God, all things are possible.” The Exciting Gospel Warriors can be heard on podcasts at www.wdalradio.com, WTMP (Tampa, FL) WTAN (Largo / St. Pete, FL), and WWPR1490 (Bradenton, FL). They are also on YouTube, CB Baby, iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Booking contact Derrick Chisolm, Booking Manager
Phone: (813) 506-2515
Online: thebash.com/gospel/the-exciting-gospel-warriors
E-mail: theexcitinggospelwarriors@yahoo.com
Chisolm.derrick@yahoo.com
Connect
George Shivers: (813) 862-6911
Arthur Hall: (813) 748-6855
Website: https://www.theexcitinggospelwarriors.com https://m.facebook.com/theexcitinggospelwarriorstampa
Wreaths Across America Story
Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine, was a 12-year-old paperboy when he won a trip to Washington, D.C. He will never forget his first trip to our nation’s capital, and Arlington National Cemetery made an indelible impression on him. This experience followed him throughout his life and successful career as a wreath maker, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
In 1992, Mr. Worcester had a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of former Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery that had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.
Several other individuals and organizations stepped up to help as plans were underway. Blue Bird Ranch, Inc. generously provided transportation to Virginia. Volunteers from the local American Legion and V.F.W. Posts gathered with community members to adorn each wreath with traditional red, hand-tied bows. Members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., helped to organize the wreath laying, which included a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The annual tribute went on quietly until 2005, when a photo of the stones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated the web. Suddenly, the project received national attention. Thousands of requests poured in from people wanting to help with Arlington, to emulate the Arlington project at their National and State cemeteries, or to share their stories and thank Worcester for honoring our nation’s heroes.
Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Worcester sent seven wreaths to every state, one for each military branch and one for P.O.W./M.I.A. In 2006, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies were held at over 150 locations nationwide.
In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans and other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501c (3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support other groups around the country who wanted to do the same. The yearlong mission of the organization is simple: REMEMBER the fallen. HONOR those who serve. TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.
In 2023, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed over 3 million veterans’ wreaths at 4,225 participating locations in the United States and beyond. This feat was accomplished with help from three million plus volunteers across the country, a third of whom were children.
National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Wreaths Across America would not be possible without the help of volunteers, active organizations, and the generosity of the transportation industry, which offer invaluable support to WAA’s mission.
You can help in many ways — visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to learn more and get involved!
Holiday Decorating Trends That Sparkle
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey
Add touches of red and 1970s flair to make your holiday decorating more eye-catching this year. Don’t forget nostalgic touches and oversized decorations.
CHICAGO Holiday decor trends this year are channeling bright red Christmas trees and the 1970s. The latest holiday decorating trends may be considered even merrier and brighter, as they fall more in line with the maximalist style that has taken root in home interiors lately.
Check out our roundup of some of the hottest holiday decorating trends this year.
1. Seeing red
This traditional holiday color is coming back in a bigger way with red-drenched Christmas trees. As more paint firms choose red as one of the hottest colors of the year for 2025, expect to see more red hues re-enter holiday decorating schemes this year. Pinterest reported that searches for “red Christmas tree” are up a whopping 600% this year. Also, bright red berries are adding contrast within greenery, like garland, sprays and wreaths.
2. 1970s flair
From disco ball wreaths to rainbow lighting, styles from the 1970s are ushering in some groovy holiday glam. Holiday decor is showcasing more mirror ball baubles or even disco balls used as tree toppers. Also, bringing some 1970s vibes are glitterembellished glass, sequins and retro ornaments like those of a microphone, record or leopard print baubles, according to Country Living Magazine’s 2024 holiday design trends roundup.
3. Oversized decorations
Supersized baubles and giant yard decorations are offering larger-than-life holiday displays. Giant baubles are decorating trees or being added as a holiday accessory to accent tabletops. Also, oversized paper stars are being hung from the ceiling or topped on a tree, and giant bows are decorating stairways.
Christmas trees also are getting bigger, with the average size of a tree purchased last year increasing to nearly 7 feet, according to Balsam Hill, a company that designs and sells holiday decorations. Also, the company reported more than a 25% increase in customers who’ve opted for a tree that is 7 feet or taller.
4. Old-world Regency
The Regency holiday style may appear to be plucked straight from Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” which gets the nod for fueling this holiday trend. This 19th century look brings rich, layered styles that feature lavish materials and rich jewel tones, like deep sapphire blues to rich ruby reds. Designers suggest pairing deep burgundy or rich chocolate brown décor with gold accents, along with velvety fabrics, faux fur and lace and tassel romantic tablescapes. The British retailer Cox & Cox has been showing off its “Regency Romance” Christmas collection, which incorporates regal tones, gold ribbons, velvety tree bows and garlands.
5. Nostalgic touches
As antiques and family heirlooms experience renewed value, expect more nostalgia to enter holiday décor as well. This may include everything from vintage nutcrackers and wooden sleds to gingerbread houses, candy canes and hand-painted figurines. The vintage elements help bring in a cozy winter ambience that feels more familiar and traditional.
© 2024 National Association of Realtors® (NAR)
