Programs The 49-9 Project helps prepare inmates for life after jail.
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People Above all, Auxiliary Captain Ramesh Sukhdeo values a personal connection with Christ.
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History The Centennial Memorial Temple is a gathering place, a worship space, and so much more.
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Faith in Action She started the Dominican Republic’s first Salvation Army corps as a buena obra—a good work.
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Thrift Store Finds Stock up on cups and mugs for hosting holiday gatherings.
LIVING
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Hope in Christ How do believers face loss, grief, and sorrow?
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Spiritual Life Development
Connect with God through art.
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Editors’ Picks Here’s what to watch with the whole family.
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Health Don’t let stress keep you from enjoying the holidays.
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Volunteer Spotlight
After retiring from a career in the military, James Knight found a new way to serve.
We’re all feeling generous around this time of year. But The Salvation Army can use more than money during the Christmas season. Mark Shapp demonstrates that your time is just as valuable.
Alba Talavera loved Jesus and told
FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz
Commissioner Susan Bukiewicz
CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Ivan K. Rock
DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Joseph Pritchard
EDITOR IN CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
Warren L. Maye
MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell
EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo
COPY EDITOR / PROOFREADER Donna L. Ng
ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines
PUBLICATION CONTENT
MANAGER AND DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dave Hulteen Jr., Joe Marino, Karena Lin
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lu Lu Rivera
CIRCULATION Doris Marasigan
THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
L. MAYE Editor in Chief
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV )
Our New Year’s resolution is all for you!
Starting next year, SA connects magazine will be available like never before. You’ll have daily access online across laptops, smartphones, and social media platforms.
This new format offers coverage of Salvation Army events, breaking news, and compelling human-interest stories. You’ll find:
• Insightful articles on innovative programs.
• Profiles of inspiring individuals.
• Historical and theological perspectives.
• Devotionals and spiritual development resources.
• Highlights of our volunteers’ contributions.
Faith, diversity, and mission
We’re committed to strengthening our connection with you. That’s why we’ll feature:
• Uplifting messages from territorial leaders.
• Monthly devotionals.
• Bible study resources.
We celebrate the rich cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of The Salvation Army. To reflect this, our articles will be available in English, Spanish, and Korean.
Our mission is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in a relevant and innovative way—whether during worship, at your corps, or in your home.
Your resource for spiritual growth
SA connects will help you cultivate your Bible knowledge and deepen your study, delivering inspiring content and sparking discovery to strengthen your spiritual journey. We’re excited about the days ahead and hope to encourage spiritual revival and realignment in your corps, homes, and families.
Looking ahead
As you finish reading this issue of SA connects, pass it on to a buddy and get ready for our digital launch in January. This transition will expand our reach and deepen engagement among readers.
Stay tuned for a journey filled with inspiration, salvation stories, and faith-affirming content—you won’t want to miss it.
That’s our promise to you!
WARREN
WHO WE ARE
The popular Byers’ Choice figurines featuring Salvation Army carolers, bell ringers, and musicians are made right here in the Eastern Territory in a factory in Chalfont, Pa.
“ Truly, we have much to thank God for, but if we would be thankful, we must set our hearts to do it with a will. We grumble and complain without thought, but we must think to give thanks.”
—Samuel Logan Brengle, Salvation Army teacher of holiness
GivingTuesday (#GivingTuesday) is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States and falls on December 2 this year— right in the heart of the holiday season. Created in 2012, it is touted as a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” You can give to The Salvation Army on GivingTuesday and year-round at www.salvationarmyusa. org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
DONOR CORNER
Did you know?
At 13, William Booth, who’d go on to found The Salvation Army, left school to help support his family as a pawnbroker’s apprentice and got his first view of families going through financial hardships. After 10 years of being a pawnbroker, he left the trade to follow his true calling: helping those souls find the Lord.
In April, areas of western Pennsylvania experienced severe weather and damaging winds, leaving over 100,000 residents without power for up to a week. To help with the response, McDonald’s in Allegheny County donated 100 breakfast sandwiches to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) of Western Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania American Water company also filled EDS’s 500-gallon potable trailer with clean drinking water.
“We are so grateful to our partners for coming alongside us and helping us meet the needs of our community,” says Adam Kitta, director for EDS in The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division. “It truly takes a whole community approach when it comes to disaster relief and recovery.”
“In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.”
—PSALM 45:4
Last December, members of the New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club gathered to ring the bell outside a Sam’s Club near The Salvation Army’s Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden, N.J.
Dressed in black leather trimmed in gold, with a table full of information and accompanied by a motorcycle or two, they are a familiar sight at events hosted by the Camden Kroc.
The club is made up of professional men and women who work to educate the public on the legacy and sacrifices of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalries, two of the most well-known African American units in U.S. military history. Club members are proud to be role models, promoting motorcycle safety and engaging with the community.
“We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club for their service and partnership,” said Major Richard Sanchez, Kroc Center administrator.
“Their commitment reminds us that lasting impact is made when people come together in service, and we are blessed to have them as part of the Camden Kroc Center family. From ringing the red kettle bell, to supporting our food pantry efforts and Christmas Toy Shop, to presenting at our Black History Month Celebration, they’ve truly embodied what it means to be beacons of hope and agents of change in our community.”
Healing Begins at the Core
by HUGO BRAVO
Speaking to inmates at a correctional facility in Ohio, Mark Fahringer, director of the 49-9 Project, challenges participants to ask themselves, “Who am I?” He writes down their answers on a dry-erase board: “a felon,” “an addict,” “a father,” “a grandpa,” “a divorced husband,” and so on.
“All these answers are not who you are,” explains Mark. “They are roles you play. Who you are inside is your core self. Your core self is good. It cannot be destroyed, and it makes all of us equal.”
When we can see our own core self, he continues, we can see the core self in others. Seeing the core keeps us from angrily judging, being triggered, or making assumptions about others based on appearances.
“Getting down to the core self is like peeling away at an onion: as you get there, the tears usually follow,” says Mark.
Mark started the 49-9 Project after his ex-wife, Rahna, survived being held hostage at gunpoint for 30 hours by her boyfriend Terrence, a former felon. Though Terrence had been on a positive path after his release from prison, he became angry and violent after being unable to find work and maintain a stable living.
“If I could do something so that a single person won’t have to live through what my family went through, the work will be worth it,” says Mark. He created a 92-page manual for anyone leaving jail to help them find useful resources such as local
food pantries, assistance with voter registration, and more. The manuals were distributed at prisons in Grafton and LaGrange, Ohio. After seeing how well they were received, Mark pitched ideas to The Salvation Army Service Extension in Lorain County, Ohio, of which he was a member, to help the program grow. They were able to secure a grant that allowed them to create 2,000 resource manuals and distribute them to 26 area prisons.
“We burned out a printer making so many copies,” remembers Mark.
The 49-9 Project Prison Ministry program now operates under The Salvation Army Northeast Ohio Division. It’s grown to include important services for inmates ready to reenter society, such as educational classes, case management, job search assistance, and more. The name derives from Isaiah 49:9 (NLT ): “I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’ They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare.”
“Reading that was a God moment for me,” says Mark. “I understood the part of going into freedom, but what about going from darkness to light, and those greener pastures that once seemed bare?”
Reentry simulations are one way that the program helps inmates prepare for the first four weeks of life outside of prison. A participant is given an identity, such
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT FINDING OUR CORE SELF
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” —Genesis 1:27
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —2 Corinthians 5:17
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” —1 John 3:1
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:2
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” —2 Timothy 1:7
as a man with no driver’s license or birth certificate who needs to survive on $120 a week. There are 16 different tables that represent probation, court, ID offices, or other services that they will need to visit to move forward with their lives. The simu lation is meant to give inmates an idea of what challenges they’ll face. Whenever Mark visits a prison, employees and inmates alike ask him about the next simulation and how they can be involved.
“I had a probation officer volunteer to do the simulation,” says Mark. “He said it was the first time he had walked in the shoes of the people he was trying to help.”
The power of a ministry like the 49-9 Project is to show that all are worthy of love, support, and a chance at rehabilitation. And it can back that up with real resources and assistance. There are help and support groups that will walk with those on the path to redemption, and there are people who will look for and find the true core self in themselves and in others.
“We are all created in the image of God,” says Mark. “If someone says to me that they think they’re no good, what they’re really telling me is that the Lord is no good. Well, I’m not buying that. So that’s our starting point to go forward.”
A Personal Connection
Interview by HUGO BRAVO
Auxiliary Captain Ramesh Sukhdeo, corps officer at The Salvation Army New York Temple, talks about teaching soldier classes, seeing himself in the people in line for food at his corps, and why he prefers the term ‘follower of Christ.’
I immigrated from Guyana to New York in November of 2006, but due to family disagreements and issues, I found myself living on the street. One day, after staying in a shelter, I walked to The Salvation Army in Harlem, having heard that there, I could get a free meal. Inside, I listened to a man preach. It felt like he was talking directly to me. At the end of his sermon, I was asked to come up to the front of the church and pray. Nothing else had worked for me, so I went up to the bench, knelt, and quietly prayed, “I need help.” I felt others put their hands on my shoulders as I prayed. I was dirty and smelly from drinking and living on the streets, yet these people still wanted to hold me, pray with me, and afterwards even learn about who I was.
I prefer to be called a follower of Christ over a Christian. There are many Christian denominations, but being a follower of Christ is a personal, direct relationship with Him. Some treat being a Christian as a sort of get-outof-jail-free card, or as a type of entitlement. I have made many mistakes in life, and I am not entitled to anything. But I pray to God, He blesses me, and I share my blessing with others. A follower of Christ is full of the same love that I was given when I first walked into The Salvation Army. I wasn’t being taught the rules of Christianity that day. I was being shown the love of Christ. That’s what the Army does: It shows others the love of Christ.
I prayed to God to send me a wife who loves Him more than she loves me. And that’s who He blessed me with when I married Captain LeNissa Rivera (now Sukhdeo). Our marriage is strong because we both know to put God ahead of each other. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Some like to say, “I work, and I earn what I make. It’s my life and I make it happen.” That’s putting God to the side and forgetting that it’s He who blesses us. Put Him first, and everything falls into place.
Some Salvationists hear their calling very early on. Some have a career for many years like I did and then become officers. Whether you’re a soldier or an officer, The Salvation Army is a lifelong commitment to serving God and His people. It’s seeing a line of 500 waiting to eat at the soup kitchen, and wanting to reach out to each of them, like the Army reached out to me. Even if 499 leave after their meal, one will stay, just like I did. There is at least one Ramesh in that line.
The thought of being a soldier in The Salvation Army filled me with pride. I had worked hard and was even teaching Bible study. God was using me in a mighty way, and I finally felt ready. On the day of the soldier enrollment ceremony, I was read the Soldier’s Covenant. But when I stepped up to the altar to sign it, I froze up. I realized that despite everything I had done and learned, my own personal connection with Jesus wasn’t there. I prayed and wept at the thought of Him not being in my life. And that was when I felt my first real encounter with Christ and signed the covenant. Today, I teach soldier classes, and at the first class, I give each person a copy of what they will be signing when they become soldiers. I want them to read it and understand it, so they know when they are ready to have their own relationship with Christ.
S.A. STATE OF MIND Ramesh Sukhdeo serves others and follows Christ in New York.
THE CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL TEMPLE AT 95
It’s been the center of nearly a century of meetings and mission
by ROB JEFFERY
Long before my move to the United States from Canada, I remember visiting New York City as one of the millions of tourists who come each year. I was in Manhattan but had no real sense of where I was in relation to anything else. Imagine my surprise when I walked by a set of stairs leading up to a grotto-like entrance and noticed the familiar words of William Booth on the wall: “While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight!”
“What is this place?” I wondered aloud. The impressive metal gates were closed, preventing a closer inspection. A neon sign told me this was headquarters for The Salvation Army in New York. I resolved to learn more about this incredible building.
Now having lived in New York for a decade, I’ve come to understand its importance for Salvationists in the Greater New York Division and for the entire Salvation Army community in America. Centennial Memorial Temple is one of the most historically significant buildings for Salvationists in the United States. How did it come to be?
Building a firm foundation
When The Salvation Army arrived in America in 1880, New York served as the home of its national headquarters. The
fledgling movement was based out of various locations in the early years, including Brooklyn, the Financial District, and the neighborhood now known as Tribeca. In 1895, Commissioner Ballington Booth built a headquarters on West 14th Street. To honor “The Army Mother” Catherine Booth, who was promoted to Glory in 1890, it was known as Memorial Hall. Fires in 1918 and 1925 damaged the headquarters and the adjacent structure being used as an officers’ training school. Repairs were made, but it was apparent that the ever-growing Army needed a bigger base.
Enter Evangeline Booth, national commander from 1904 to 1934, who decided to erect a new headquarters on the site of the current one. Along with an administrative wing, there would be a grand meeting place for the entire Salvation Army. Ground was broken in 1929, and the new structure was completed in May of 1930. The beautiful meeting hall was dedicated as the Centennial Memorial Temple, to mark the 100th birth year of Founders William and Catherine (born in 1829).
The Centennial Memorial Temple—a 1,350-seat auditorium known simply as “the Temple” or the CMT to Salvationists—was built more along the lines of Carnegie Hall
than those of a church or religious building. A music-hall inspired worship space was in keeping with our history, given that William Booth would rent out theaters and dance halls to serve as early meeting spaces for Salvationists.
In style, on time
Tasked to design the project in 1928, architectural firm Voorhees, Gmelin & Walker came up with a look that was thoroughly modern for the era. The architectural style is usually described as 1920s-style art deco. Architectural historian Tom Miller in an article on the Temple noted that it has also been described as Ziggurat Moderne and Expressionist in its design.
For the last 95 years, the CMT, with its sloped floors, theater-style seating, and a simple wooden stage framed by red curtains, has been a gathering place for Salvationists. The 1930 dedication ceremony was an enormous event given the preceding tumultuous year; the CMT was being built as the international Salvation Army faced a leadership crisis and the death of General Bramwell
Booth in London. The Great Depression kicked off in October of 1929, resulting in economic uncertainty for the Army here and abroad. What a triumph it was to see the building completed for the service of humanity and to the Glory of God!
All of The Salvation Army’s American commissioners were there for the grand opening. Guests in attendance included John Philip Sousa, who wrote a piece for the occasion called “The Salvation Army March.” Considered to be cutting edge both musically and technologically was the installation of an Estey electric organ that produced the same large sound quality as a traditional pipe organ. At a cost of over $22,000, it was an extraordinary investment in the musical life of The Salvation Army. Later in November 1930, well-known organist Henry F. Seibert played a recital on the new organ to a packed crowd.
More than a concert hall
The CMT became the home concert hall to the New York Staff Band. For decades the band played nearly every Friday and
Sunday evening at a united Salvation Army service known as Friday/Sunday Evenings at the Temple, or FETs/SETs.
These were indeed the CMT’s glory years. Evangeline Booth performed there in her one-woman play, The Commander in Rags. Musical greats like Eric Ball and Erik Leidzén conducted bands there. Annual Good Friday services called “Three Hours at the Cross” drew generations of Salvation Army families to gather in worship. The hallowed walls hosted the funerals for some of our movement’s most significant officers. Nearly every Salvation Army general preached on the CMT stage and invited people to seek salvation and holiness at the mercy seat.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Temple was at the very center of Salvation Army life in the United States.
Doors still open
In 1982, National Headquarters left the CMT for Verona, N.J., its penultimate move before finally settling on the cusp of D.C. in Alexandria, Va. And in 1990, the USA
Eastern Territory moved from its 120 West 14th Street address to its current home in West Nyack, N.Y. Evangeline Booth’s headquarters is now the exclusive home of the Greater New York Division.
Still, the CMT is the regular meeting place for many divisional events and some territorial ones. The New York Staff Band still regularly plays on its platform, delighting audiences. As a rental to like-minded institutions, the CMT has been the home to Hillsong NYC and the late Timothy Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
In five years, the CMT will celebrate its centennial year. How blessed we are to have this amazing place of worship to meet in as one people, united in our love for God and humanity. And while God’s mission is bigger than any one building, we believe that many people will have their faith strengthened and encouraged because of the ministry that takes place within and through the Centennial Memorial Temple.
Rob Jeffery is director of the USA Eastern Territory’s Heritage Museum.
AMAZING GRACE The Centennial Memorial Temple has hosted nearly 100 years of worship, music, and more. Left: The grotto-like entrance.
AUSTIN WIDEMAN
Las Buenas Obras de Angelita
(Angelita’s Good Works)
The Salvation Army had been unable to establish its mission in the Dominican Republic—until a soldier from Queens Temple, New York, answered a calling especially for her
by HUGO BRAVO
TPorque somos hechura de Dios, creados en Cristo Jesús para buenas obras, las cuales Dios dispuso de antemano a fin de que las pongamos en práctica.
—Efesios 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
—Ephesians 2:10
GATHER IN HIS NAME
Before there was a corps in Cotuí, Dominican Republic, Angelita Rosario, dressed in her soldier’s uniform in front of the Salvation Army flag (at center of collage), held ministry outdoors or inside homes.
he Spanish word obra can have different meanings. An obra can be a work of art or a performance (una obra de arte), or someone’s collected finished works ( las obras completas de Shakespeare). Obra also refers to the creation of a new home or building (una obra en construcción). In the Bible, there are references to the buenas obras, or the good deeds, done by King David, Ruth, the Good Samaritan, and others.
When Salvation Army soldier Angelita Rosario talks about the time she spent establishing the first true presence of The Salvation Army in the Dominican Republic, she calls it “la obra.” Not her obra, but rather that of the Lord working through her and The Salvation Army. Nonetheless, Angelita deserves credit for her part in the Army’s obra there, in all its definitions. Like the best art, it brought inspiration to the communities she served. Corps buildings and even a school were created through her and her family’s efforts. Her finished works are still seen today in the thriving ministries of The Salvation Army in the Dominican Republic.
“When this was proposed to me, I was shocked,” says Angelita, now retired. “Officers from Jamaica and the Caribbean had tried to start a ministry in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. But they had not been able to make it work.”
She still had family in the Dominican Republic but had lived in the United States for decades.
“And although I started attending the Queens Temple Corps before I even understood English, I had only been a soldier for about three years. I didn’t know anything at all about running a church, much less starting one.”
A flag and a calling Majors Angelo and Antonietta Rosamilia, officers at Queens Temple Corps in the early 1990s, knew that Angelita Rosario would often return to visit her home country. She’d told them that, while there, she went to a local Catholic church to keep her personal connection with Christ.
“I would have walked through a storm
just to pray in front of an altar,” recalls Angelita. “But there were no Salvation Army corps there for me to attend.”
“You could start one,” the Rosamilias suggested.
“Angelita had been a part of Queens Temple for so long. My husband and I saw that she had the ability to serve in her own way and answer her own call from God,” says Major Antonietta Rosamilia. “Even if that calling was one that an officer would usually answer.”
“My duties at Queens Temple were mostly cooking and cleaning the bathrooms,” says Angelita. “I always thought there was more I could do for The Salvation Army, but never anything like this. And if it had been hard for officers, how could a soldier do it?”
Despite her personal doubts, Angelita wanted to see The Salvation Army in her home country. She prepared before her official start, including taking a trip to visit The Salvation Army in Jamaica for lessons in running a corps. These sessions are usually three months long; Angelita was able to complete them in one month.
The Rosamilias prepared Angelita with the supplies that she would need for her
ministry abroad, including one very special item: a Salvation Army flag, which was blessed and prayed over by the whole Queens Temple congregation.
Prayers for the people
In early 1994, the Dominican Republic was in the middle of a chaotic national election season, with accusations of pre-election fraud, weaponized racial fear, and threats of violence in major cities.
“One of the first things I did was host people at my home. Everyone I met was nervous and scared about what could happen due to the elections. Together, we prayed for our country, its people, and its leaders,” remembers Angelita.
Angelita’s ministry relied on the Army’s oldest and most well-known traditions, such as singing in the streets, visiting the sick, and feeding the community. Every day, more and more people joined her. Together, they walked to visit their neighbors, prayed with them, and shared information about the new church that had arrived.
“In Hispanic countries, if you mention that you want to feed others, they are going to show up,” says Angelita. “About
50 people were coming to the soup kitchen in my home, but we always had to make enough for more, because many of them came from large families and asked to take food home to them.”
In six months, there were 35 people and their families coming to Angelita’s house to worship, learn more about The Salvation Army, and accept Christ as their savior. Major Angelo Rosamilia sent officers from Jamaica and the United States to train the new Salvationists to be soldiers. With these graduated soldiers and a new rented space, the first corps in the Dominican Republic was established in Cotuí, one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere.
“From there, it was decided that the Dominican Republic would work with Jamaica to train cadets, because there were soldiers who wanted to become officers,” says Angelita. After two years of hard work, she returned to the United States.
School days
In the years that followed, new Dominican corps, an officer training college, and even an elementary school for children were in the plans by Salvationists on the island. Angelita continued to support the ministry she had helped create, traveling to Puerto Rico to meet with officers who were connected to the Dominican Republic. But in 1999, she once again answered a call in Cotuí.
“The officers were having trouble getting their elementary school operating,” says Angelita. “There was already a building set by the Cotuí Corps, but they needed someone to run the school.”
This time, there was no month of training for Angelita. She had to find an administrative staff and teachers for kindergarten through the fourth grade. Jamaica and Puerto Rico again helped with supplies, and Angelita became the principal of the Colegio Cristiano Ejército de Salvación.
“I had to make decisions that I never thought I would be making and meeting with the local school board and the superintendent in Cotuí. They were very helpful in showing me the process of making the school official, and integrating it with the Cotuí Corps. They knew that I was doing
SOLDIERS IN WHITE Angelita (second from right) welcomes new soldiers.
this work in the name of The Salvation Army and the Lord,” says Angelita. “Even my teenage son Christian worked as both the school’s janitor and its English teacher. He taught English lessons with an old encyclopedia.”
For Angelita, the role of principal was another obra done in His name. Though it was new work for her, it was still ministry, which she knew well. She engaged the community not just through the children who came to the school but also their parents and new families who had made the Cotuí Corps their church.
“I remember meeting a couple who saw our school and mentioned how much they wanted to start a family. We prayed together, and I shared the story of Ana, the woman who dedicated her life to worship, immediately recognizing baby Jesus in the Temple as the Messiah. Sometime later, the couple became pregnant. We were all overjoyed.”
In 2006, Angelita returned to the United States. The Colegio Cristiano Ejército de Salvación was thriving in the community, educating children and hosting fundraisers to keep it operating. For a second time, Angelita had answered the call to serve.
A commitment with God
In 2015, a retired Angelita Rosario was attending the Schenectady Corps in upstate New York. The corps’ pastor, Major Mike Himes, asked Angelita for help starting a ministry for the growing Spanish-speaking population in Schenectady.
“Majors Mike and Cathy Himes were so kind, and I could see they wanted a ministry to serve the Hispanic community. And I still wanted to be part of the obra, but I couldn’t do it alone,” says Angelita. “Christian agreed to help me again.”
Together, they planned out what a successful Hispanic outreach in Schenectady would look like. For it to grow like Angelita’s past obras, it had to be more than simply Spanish-language sermons on Sunday.
“We took the time to speak with Hispanic families about what they needed from their Salvation Army corps. We learned that it wasn’t only food or spiritual guidance but also counseling to deal
CHRISTMAS IN COTUÍ
Angelita organizes presents for an “Angelito” celebration, a tradition in the Dominican Republic similar to Secret Santa.
with personal issues in their lives, such as having a loved one in jail,” says Angelita.
Thanks to the efforts of Angelita and Christian, over 40 new members began coming to the Spanish-language Sunday service and programs at the Schenectady Corps. She had done it twice before in Cotuí, and she’d done it again.
“It wasn’t easy, but that’s how the Lord works. He brings the challenges to us,” says Angelita. “My kids say that I’ve given three or four times as much as was expected to The Salvation Army. But I don’t see it that way. All the obras were me entering a commitment with God, even when I didn’t think I was experienced or strong enough.”
We aren’t all called to serve in a different
MEALS TO GO
“People were always coming to eat and pray,” says Angelita. “Some also asked if they could take food home to their loved ones.”
country, or to take up a new, unexpected career. But there are challenges in our lives that can make us feel greatly, almost dangerously, unprepared. Angelita’s ministries in the Dominican Republic and New York are a reminder to anyone who goes into a task unsure of their own skills or abilities. We must never forget that our efforts see success only through God, and even our most difficult obras can be accomplished, and thrive, when they are done in His name.
“Angelita is an example of how the Lord can work His obras through each of us, if we are willing to serve Him,” says Major Antonietta Rosamilia. “We all have the ability to be tools and instruments for good works in the hands of God.”
A Time or
generosity
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
—Proverbs 11:25
Everyone feels more generous during the holidays. But there are many ways to give besides money
by ROBERT MITCHELL
In his signature penguin costume, Mark Shapp is used to long, chilly shifts ringing the bell for The Salvation Army. He also wears the outfit whenever he jumps into an icy lake to raise money for charity.
To those who know him, Shapp has the warmest of hearts for the causes he believes in and supports. For 20 years, Shapp, now 37, has been a Salvation Army bell ringer in Westbrook and Portland, Maine. Some have called him the epitome of generosity.
“The bell ringing truly helps people who are in need this time of the year, and I want to be a part of that effort,” Shapp says. “I love that The Salvation Army doesn’t just give people a handout, but they also help people get on their feet and develop the skills that they need to lead a successful life.”
A native of Estonia, Shapp and his family came to the United States in 1992 when he was just 4. Shapp’s mother, Liliya, received help at Christmas from The Salvation Army when the family first arrived.
“My mom got toys for me from The Salvation Army when I was a child because we didn’t have much when we first got here,” Shapp says. “I do feel like I’m giving back, and that’s part of why I do it for sure. The teachings of Jesus to help our neighbor and take care of each other are important to me.
“I love hearing all the stories that people tell me about how The Salvation Army has helped them when they were kids and gave them toys to have a good Christmas, or helped their parents when their house burned down. Those stories keep me going and motivated.”
God’s Word on giving
The Bible has much to say to believers about generosity—both to the church and to those outside their church walls. Several Salvation Army pastors interviewed for this story said when it comes to tithing, they often reference 2 Corinthians 9:7, which teaches Christian believers that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (ESV ).
That’s also the theme of The Salvation Army’s new Christmas campaign “Give with Joy,” which features a host of smiling faces in videos as well as print and social media ads.
Captain Nereus Mogaria, the pastor of The Salvation Army’s Brooklyn, N.Y., Brownsville Corps, says he speaks to his congregation about the widow from Mark 12. In that account, Jesus watched as people put their offerings in the temple treasury. While many rich people gave large sums out of their wealth, a poor
GIVING BACK
The Salvation Army helped Mark Shapp’s family at Christmas when he was young. That’s one reason he gives so much of himself today.
“In
everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
—ACTS 20:35
widow gave two small copper coins “out of her poverty.” Jesus told His disciples that she had given more than all the others.
Major Paul Pelletier, a Salvation Army pastor in Norristown, Pa., compares giving to physical exercise and says it is “reflective of our heart.”
“Giving can be learned and practiced,” Pelletier says. “It’s truly a form of worship to God, and practicing it with others can make the giving muscles grow. Giving can begin to feel good when released with the right attitude.” But it doesn’t take long for muscles to stop growing and get out of shape when we don’t go to the gym, he points out.
Breaking the ice
The generous gift of time that Guzman references is something Shapp certainly believes in giving. When he was 17 and working at Shaw’s Supermarket in Westbrook, Maine, he struck up a friendship with Frank Nataluk, then a captain in The Salvation Army, who would frequently ring the bell there as Shapp went out to retrieve shopping carts.
Shapp didn’t know much about The Salvation Army except that it was founded in London by William and Catherine Booth, a fact he had learned from his grandfather, Armin Shapp, a Lutheran pastor who came
People think, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter if I put a few pennies in or whatever,’ but it really adds up over time and can make a difference in people’s lives. I tell people, ‘No donation is too small.’ It’s fun to see the kids come over, and they usually put in one coin at a time. It’s nice to see parents teach their kids from a young age to contribute.”
Black and white and red (kettle) all over In 2008, Shapp started wearing a penguin costume for the polar dip into Sebago Lake to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. He collected more than $50,000 for the charity from 2006 to 2019.
And the same can be true for charitable impulses when we don’t make them a habit.
One form of Christian giving is tithing, but what about sharing time, talent, treasure, and spiritual gifts apart from that?
Major José Guzman, a Salvation Army pastor in Newburgh, N.Y., teaches that generosity is a way for us to strengthen relationships, cultivate gratitude, and store up eternal rewards rather than earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19–21).
“Giving is about more than just material wealth. It’s also about time, kindness, and service,” Guzman says. “The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates how generosity can bridge divides and bring healing.”
to the United States from Russia.
“I learned that The Salvation Army is not only a church, but they’re also an organization that does a lot of good in the community helping people, so I wanted to get involved and I started volunteering,” he says. “It just kept growing year after year, and I started putting in more hours.”
Shapp, who keeps meticulous records, has raised more than $177,000 since he started ringing the bell in 2005 for the former Westbrook Corps in Maine. His overall total is actually higher, but he didn’t keep records for the first four years. His best year was 2021, during the COVID pandemic, when he raised $22,614.50.
“It adds up,” Shapp says. “It’s incredible.
DEEP DIVE
Mark Shapp first started wearing the penguin costume in 2008 for a polar dip into Sebago Lake. Opposite: Shoppers in his area around Portland, Maine, are now on the lookout for the penguin bell ringer, says Shapp.
“I would dress up in the penguin suit at the grocery store and sell raffle tickets and collect donations to raise money,” he says.
Shapp started wearing the penguin costume at the red kettle in 2012 over his long johns, coat, and other layers. He says shoppers are now on the lookout every Christmas season for the “penguin bell ringer” at the Walmart in North Windham or at Cabela’s in Scarborough, Maine.
“Sometimes people give you kind of a weird look,” he says. “Sometimes they get upset because they think Santa Claus is supposed to be ringing the Salvation Army bell. They’ll say, ‘Why are you dressed as a penguin?’ Then I have to come up with some kind of story and say, ‘Well, Santa
COURTESY OF MARK SHAPP
took the day off.’ I have fun with it. They’ve come to expect me every year. They use me almost as a landmark.”
Shapp believes people give more when they see him going all out with a costume and creating a festive atmosphere at the kettle. You might say the role suits him.
“I think they enjoy it, and they like the fact that I put in the effort to wear a costume,” he says. “I try to be friendly and engage with people and talk to them. I think it definitely helps. It certainly draws attention.”
To help get through the long and often bitterly cold shifts standing at the kettle, Shapp drinks coffee and hot chocolate that appreciative shoppers often bring him.
“Sometimes I get so many I can’t drink them all and I have to start giving them away to other people,” he says. “That’s awesome that people do that. They’re taking care of me and I’m taking care of other people at the same time and making sure I can get through my shift. I keep my eye on the target and remember why I’m out there. That keeps me motivated.”
Shapp used to do 150 to 200 hours a year at the kettle but has had to cut back because of work. He recently bought a home in Westbrook and works two jobs—as a bus driver for Greater Portland Metro and at the Hannaford Forest Avenue super market in Portland. He used to regularly attend
the Portland Citadel Corps; now his work schedule calls for him to drive a bus on Sunday. Still, he finds a way to contribute.
“A lot of the people going to the corps ride the bus,” says Shapp, who has been a driver for 12 years. “I try to think of the teachings of Jesus when I’m out there every day on my bus being kind to people and treating others the way I would want to be treated myself. I try to be a light in the world like Christ teaches.”
At Hannaford, Shapp is considered a “cultural ambassador” because he speaks Russian and Italian. He often makes it a point to visit the local Salvation Army when he vacations around the world. Shapp regularly prays and reads his Bible, and he says he loves The Salvation Army and its mission to meet human needs in Jesus’ name without discrimination.
“I love The Salvation Army because it’s an organization that doesn’t just talk the talk,” he says. “It’s a boots-on-the-ground Army and gets out in the community and makes the world a better place.”
Raising money on wheels
His dedication to helping others doesn’t stop there. For the last decade, Shapp has raised about $10,000 participating in the annual Trek Across Maine for the American Lung Association, a bicycle trip
encompassing 60 miles a day for three days.
And Shapp has maintained a friendship with Nataluk, who’s now an envoy with The Salvation Army. Every summer Shapp takes part on his motorcycle in the Ride for the Red Shield, started by Nataluk to benefit the Houlton, Maine, Salvation Army. The fundraiser is in its eighth year in 2025.
Nataluk calls Shapp “a friend of The Salvation Army,” and he marvels at his adventurous spirit.
“He’s a nice guy,” Nataluk says. “He’s very giving and community minded. He likes to volunteer.”
Nataluk notes that Shapp has also climbed Maine’s Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, for several years.
“Mark does things that require some determination and some courage,” Nataluk says. “He’s an adventurer and all over the place. He’s like five different people. He’s an enigma.”
In it for the long haul
Those who look forward to seeing Shapp as the penguin bell ringer are in luck, as he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. Despite economic uncertainty and a changing consumer landscape, Shapp says people remain “tremendously generous” in his area of Maine.
“Sometimes it really surprises me how much I collect in one shift standing out there,” he says. “Every donation is valuable, no matter how small. It all adds up to something big that can make a difference in people’s lives.”
That’s what keeps him coming back year after year.
“I plan to continue ringing the bell for the rest of my life,” he says. “As long as there are people in need in the world, we must keep on keeping on. It makes me feel like I’m a valuable member of the community and not just taking, but I’m giving back. I think it’s rewarding when you help others. It helps you feel better about yourself too that you’re doing something good. I would encourage others to give. It’s better than just making money and doing everything for yourself.”
RIDER WITH A CAUSE
Mark Shapp also raises money for the American Lung Association in the Trek Across Maine.
COURTESY OF MARK SHAPP
by HUGO BRAVO
Toast to the season with a mug from your Salvation Army thrift store
You never want to be caught short on mugs during the holidays (especially when family and friends make surprise visits). So stock up from the wide variety of cups and mugs at your local Salvation Army thrift store. Start your own collection of festive, fun drinkware, pour your favorite cold-weather drinks, and enjoy!
Every purchase you make at a Salvation Army
store helps fund local Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where people who are struggling from a variety of social and spiritual problems can find help and hope. Visit SArehab.org to learn more.
thrift
Longing for Her Celestial Future
Alba Talavera had a faith that taught her family and others that goodbye is only temporary if you are in Christ
by ROBERT MITCHELL
Jesus often rebuked people for their lack of faith. I have a feeling He wouldn’t have done that to Alba Talavera.
Bernadette Cruz, Alba’s daughter and a faithful member of my church, would often tell me about her mother’s devotion to Christ and The Salvation Army. She introduced us years ago, but our greeting was quick. I saw Alba again earlier this year when she visited my church, and the elders prayed over her after she’d received a sobering cancer diagnosis.
impression that I found myself thinking about her words days later.
I was certain she had a message that would resonate with others going through trials and grief, but I didn’t want to intrude on her privacy. I let it go in the moment, but the Holy Spirit kept nudging me to revisit the issue. When I texted Bernadette some weeks later to ask for her mother’s number, she told me she had been thinking the same thing. This was a story that needed to be told.
“He
will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
—Revelation 21:4
I felt like I knew a little about Alba as we gathered to pray. A longtime former Salvation Army officer with a joyful demeanor, Alba, who was 75, impressed us all with her astounding faith, positive outlook, and hopefulness about eternity. She talked of her “celestial future” not in the abstract, but as someone looking forward to a trip—and certain of her destination. I remember wishing that everyone in our congregation had as much faith as her.
The elders are used to praying with people in a variety of circumstances, but in this case, this spunky, diminutive woman actually encouraged us. She left such an
Eyes fixed on Jesus
I soon met Alba at her senior living facility in Kingston, N.Y., where she regularly shared Christ with others. Right away, she let me know this: Regardless of the outcome, she said, “my hope is in Christ.”
“It’s all in God’s time,” Alba said. “If He grants me 15 more years, that’s great. If not, that’s 15 more years I’ll be with Him. That’s my outlook, and more than anything, I just want to share my faith with people.”
Alba continued, “I’m waiting for something better, something else that’s going to transpire. There is no other hope. I’m not
GLORY BOUND
Alba Talavera in Kingston, N.Y., March 2025.
going to go to Hell. I know that for sure.”
Doctors told Bernadette in February that Alba, diagnosed with abdominal cancer, had six months to live.
“We looked at each other, held hands, cried, and prayed because she and I are aware that this earthly life is not forever,” Alba recalled. “Knowing a possible time frame gives you a different perspective to celebrate each healthy day you are blessed with. I have an awesome list of prayer war-
I’m trying to stay positive. Reading the Word and spending time in prayer keeps me going. Doing my devotions and the intimate times with the Lord are very fulfilling. He’s very present. The Holy Spirit is very present.”
Leaving a legacy
I was heartbroken when I heard Alba had been promoted to Glory on August 31. I texted Bernadette that her mother’s memory would live on, as well as her example as a
ALL IN THE FAMILY Alba Talavera, center, with her arm around daughter Bernadette Cruz, gets together with loved ones in June 2025. Alba taught them that Jesus is the way.
riors and family members who are praying with me through this journey, but my most intimate moments are my solitude, daily devotions, and time spent with the Lord.”
Alba soldiered on through a chemotherapy regimen that drained her of energy and caused painful side effects. At one point, she stopped treatments. Despite it all, including a painful hose implanted in her chest, Alba told those in her Salvation Army Bible study that her relationship with Christ was a “10 out of 10.” She spent time watching Christian television and maintained a vigorous devotional life, while sharing Christ’s love with her neighbors.
“My whole life has been serving the Lord,” she said. “Now that I may be at the end, I’m waiting. That’s the hope I give to my family and to everyone I come across.
godly Christian woman. Bernadette said Alba was a shining light for Jesus in her closing days to everyone around her.
“They’d look at her and marvel at the fact she was able to push through every step of the way, especially when she continuously hit another bump in the road,” Bernadette said. “The bottom line is ultimately they knew she was continually pointing them to Christ as her source of power and strength and her Savior. There was no denying where she stood with her faith.
“God was everything to her. He changed her life forever and she wanted to make sure people knew that. She left no doubt.”
Alba told her family that while we will face trouble in this world, a relationship with Christ is paramount, and He is preparing a place for those who believe in Him.
“She taught us all that Jesus is the only way and that’s what I’ve understood my whole life living with her and her being my mom,” Bernadette said.
Alba’s son-in-law, Jose Cruz, said Alba was a bold Christian witness wherever she went, testifying even to physicians, medical staff, and fellow patients.
“She was steadfast in her faith,” Jose said. “She always found a way to somehow bring up the Bible and Jesus Christ. It was always in the front of her mind.”
A messenger for Christ Alba had hoped to live long enough to share the holidays with her family. She knew that this is a tough time of year for people who miss loved ones, but Alba believed it also presents opportunities to tell others about Christ’s birth and why He came—to die for the sins of the world (see “Hope in Christ,” p. 27).
“It’s the biggest time of year that we are pointed to the love of God because we’re celebrating His son’s birthday,” Alba said. “He came to die for us on the Cross, but He didn’t stay dead. He came back to life and gives us that hope of eternal life. That’s all we have to bank on.”
In all her pain, Alba clung to the words of Philippians 1:21 in her final days: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
When I asked Alba what she most looked forward to in eternity, her eyes lit up as she answered: seeing Jesus, departed loved ones, Christ’s apostles, and friends and colleagues she knew in The Salvation Army who would be waiting for her arrival.
Alba also quoted Revelation 21 and longed to go where there would be no more tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain. Most of all, she wanted a new, glorified body like Christ’s that wouldn’t fail her.
“I look forward to that,” she said. “That’s what gives me hope—that I’m not going to have all this going on physically anymore should I be taken. We go to church all these years and that’s our hope, isn’t it? If I die, I’m going to be with Jesus. I’ll be in Heaven. Jesus said that to the thief on the Cross. That’s my faith. I ask people, ‘Where is your faith?’ That’s mine.”
A Life of Faithfulness
Alba Talavera was born near San Juan in Puerto Rico, and her family came stateside when she was 4. She was raised in Manhattan, attended a Pentecostal church, and became a teen mom in the 1960s, which didn’t go over well in her community. She thought she was the “worst of the worst” until she read the account of Jesus and the woman at the well from John 4.
“When I learned that Jesus loved this woman and didn’t cast any judgments against her, it just changed my life,” she said. “Then I went to Bible studies and prayer meetings and community worship. That’s vital to keep that going. It’s not a one-time decision. You have to feed your faith. For me, it was Christ all that time. I fell, I got picked up. I fell, I got picked up. It’s amazing to me to this day.”
She was just 17 when she started working in the finance department for The Salvation Army’s Greater New York Division and completed her high school education in night school. She knew little about The Salvation Army beyond its thrift stores as she rode the subway from Brooklyn to Manhattan each day.
An officer and fellow employee relentlessly urged Alba to attend the Brooklyn Citadel Corps, where Alba’s daughter attended Sunbeams, Sunday school, youth programs, and Star Lake Camp.
Her life took a dramatic turn when her corps officer urged her to attend the Army’s 1978 International Congress at Madison Square Garden. Alba heard the call to officership, despite not totally understanding how God could use a newly divorced single mom. She yielded and entered the College for Office Training (CFOT) and was commissioned in 1980.
Alba met her second husband in her first appointment in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and entered the CFOT again in 1982, this time as a cadet-spouse.
She and her husband spent 17 years in the field doing Adult Rehabilitation Center
work before the couple divorced in 2000.
From 2000 to 2023, Alba lived in Dunkirk, N.Y., still serving God as she taught in youth ministries at the local Salvation Army.
“I remained in the vicinity of my last appointment and became an employee with its school districts, which allowed me to stay connected with the youth of the community,” Alba said.
Alba’s passion was to teach children and young people about Christ.
“She always had a knack for sharing Bible stories and her faith in a unique way that would grab their attention,” said Alba’s son-in-law, Jose Cruz. “She would make it relatable to whatever was going on in the day and age.”
During the Pokemon craze, for example, she engaged young people by telling them about “a real superhero who walked on water” and performed other miracles.
“Once she grabbed their attention, they were all in, and she would hold it and mold it and set it up for the next meeting,” Jose said. “She had this gift with children. She was blessed with that. Not everyone can do that. She was just a fascinating woman.”
Alba moved to Kingston, N.Y., in 2023 to be near family. She continued working with the local schools and worshiping and serving at The Salvation Army.
“You can always serve God,” Alba said. “I love working with youth. I see myself in them, having been a single mom.”
MOTHER AND CHILD
Alba and Bernadette in the 1970s. The two always had a close relationship. Bernadette was Alba’s first child.
“ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
—Hebrews 11:1
The Salvation Army has worship services every Sunday at hundreds of locations. Scan the code to find one near you. We’d love for you to come join us!
Hope in Christ
How do we handle death and grief from a Christian perspective? The Bible has a lot to say
by ROBERT MITCHELL
Grief is something every human faces at some point, says Major Martina Cornell, the administrator of The Salvation Army’s Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton, Ohio. Even Jesus mourned and openly wept at the tomb of Lazarus before raising him from the dead.
“That moment shows us that mourning is not only natural,” she says. “It’s human.”
Many Salvation Army pastors throughout the Eastern Territory say 1 Thessalonians 4:13 is a key verse when they teach about grief. They urge parishioners to grieve with hope of the eternal life to come in Heaven. They also frequently share Psalm 34:18, which says that God is close to the broken hearted, and Matthew 5:4’s promise that God comforts those who mourn.
To comfort grievers, Cornell, too, often turns to 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
“We still grieve, but we don’t grieve as those who believe death is the end. Our sorrow is real, but it’s not without promise. Our hearts break, but not without comfort,” she says. “For believers, death isn’t the final chapter—it’s the doorway into eternal life with Christ. That truth doesn’t make our pain disappear, but it does change how we walk through it. While the world may see grief as a pit of darkness, for Christians, it’s a valley we pass through with the presence of God beside us.”
She’s also a believer in 2 Corinthians 1:4, which says as we receive comfort from God in our lowest moments, we’re called to extend that same comfort to others.
“This is part of the redemptive work
of grief in the life of a believer,” she says. “Our sorrow doesn’t just draw us closer to the heart of God—it prepares us to minister to those who are walking through valleys of their own. Grief may visit us all, but it doesn’t define us. For those in Christ, grief is real. But it is never without hope.”
Coping during the holidays
Around the holidays, especially, many people feel pain from the loss of loved ones or from broken relationships and dreams. People often turn to drugs and alcohol to mask the heartbreak, or they may even think about suicide.*
When people lose a loved one or have their hopes and dreams dashed, says Captain Justin Barter, a Salvation Army pastor in Waltham, Mass., they may feel thrown out of balance. Some may try to cope in unhealthy ways, like using drugs and alcohol, which he calls “hopeless grief.”
“As believers we have another hope,” he says. “While eternity is important to focus on as believers who’ve experienced loss, we also must be focused on the healing of broken ness and loss here.”
Barter points to C.S. Lewis, who in his 1961 book A Grief Observed paints a vivid picture of what loss can feel like. Lewis talks about the stages of grief he experienced after the death of his wife and how that can sometimes be a lifelong journey. Barter says Christians should “walk that hard road with one another” through the pain.
“It can be an easy thing to remind others or ourselves that we’ll see loved ones who
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”
—1 Thessalonians 4:13
are found in Christ again in eternity or surrender to God’s will when situations leave us disappointed. Yet, if we simply paint over it with a brushstroke, we may only fester a wound,” Barter says. “We must allow for pain to be present and then practice being the body of Christ. We must bear one another’s burdens. The very word compassion means we suffer with someone. It is in this entering into the sufferings of others that something takes place. Someone else truly can show us the love of Christ.”
The peace that passes all understanding Major Stephanie Larrick, a Salvation Army officer in East Liverpool, Ohio, emphasizes to grieving families that love exists in both Heaven and earth.
“So, the departed loved one can’t take blankets I’ve made for them, or money they have saved up, but they can take suitcases and suitcases full of all the love we had for them,” Larrick says. “I think that perspective helps grieving families because I know it helps me.”
Captain John Esker of The Salvation Army in Warren, Ohio, says nothing else in this world can compare with the peace God offers (John 14:27). To him, trials are a testing of faith (James 1:3), and that includes the loss of people we love. “It is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in anyone or anything else,” he says.
*If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.
by MAJOR LAUREN HODGSON
Each year, we hear the Christmas account and visualize these familiar happenings. We all have in our mind’s eye what the Annunciation, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth in a rustic stable, and the visit of the Magi look like. What if we could experience how other people see these events?
Visio Divina is a spiritual practice that uses art as a medium for spiritual revelation. This practice invites you to see and explore what God may want to convey to you through an artistic interpretation.
God is always speaking to us—through everyday conversation, through nature, even while we are sitting and waiting for a traffic light to change. If we are open to the Divine, we can sense His presence and message anywhere.
This is your opportunity to connect with God through art. The images selected are scenes from the Christmas account, in styles from classic to modern. Begin by reading the Scripture below the image. Then, engage in the practice of Visio Divina. Here’s how:
• Spend some quiet time viewing the artwork. Notice details such as color, shadows, and content.
• Stay focused. Don’t rush past it. Linger to recognize small details.
• Relax and open your heart and mind to what God brings to your attention.
• Be aware of your emotions as you view the image.
• Consider journaling your initial impressions, feelings, thoughts, questions, or memories.
• Pray that through this experience, the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth.
Virgin Mary and Angel in Annunciation Scene
by Bernardo Ramonfaur, Mexico
Dream of Saint Joseph by Anton Raphael Mengs, Germany
“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.’”
CONSIDER …
Visions of Christmas
—LUKE 1:35–37 ( NLT )
To what part of the picture is your eye drawn? What is your prayerful response to this image?
“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”
—MATTHEW 1:18–21 ( NLT )
CONSIDER …
What thoughts, memories, emotions, or questions do you conjure up from viewing this image? What is your prayerful response?
The
Christmas
Mother and Child or
“The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.”
—MATTHEW 2:9 ( NLT )
CONSIDER …
Imagine the effort that went into creating this realistic image. What is your prayerful response?
The Tempi Madonna by Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael), Italy
“But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.”
—LUKE 2:19 ( NLT )
CONSIDER …
What is God saying to you through this image? What is your prayerful response?
Are you interested in exploring the Advent season in a personalized way?
My Advent Journey (a 25-day devotional) is a personal look at your Christmas—how you prepare for and celebrate the coming of Christ. This devotional journal will help you examine your Christmases past, present, and future. It encourages you to reflect on what formed your traditions of holiday celebration, how you celebrate now, and what would bring the most meaning to observing Advent in the years to come. You will also explore those elements that may not contribute significantly to this holy season.
All this will be accomplished by diving into Scripture, answering reflective questions, and journaling in the provided space. This journey will take place in four ways:
• Look in. A time of introspection and listening, looking at your longing.
• Step back. What is Christmas’ truest meaning?
• Time out. How is God speaking to you?
• Slow down. Stop and consider the soul work that needs to be done.
So, take the journey your own personal journey. As you walk through the pages of this journal, may you find greater revelation and intentionality in your celebration of the coming of Christ.
Request your copy of My Advent Journey now.
Go to sld.saconnects.org and click on the “Order Resources” tab or scan this code.
The Journey of the Magi by James Tissot, France
Family Friendly
Stories of courage and faith for all ages
THE SENIOR
Produced by Wayfarer Studios; distributed by Angel Studios
Based on a real-life story of redemption on the gridiron, The Senior is about Mike Flynt (played by Michael Chiklis), who was expelled from college in his senior year for fighting. Nearly 40 years later, at age 59, he returns to the field as a grandfather, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history. Through humor and heartfelt moments as Flynt tries to make the team as a walkon athlete, he and his coach confront past regrets—on and off the field—and discover that true victory lies in second chances, redemption, and legacy.
THE KING OF KINGS
Produced by Angel Studios
King of Kings gets into the heart of the Bible story, making it a great option for Christmastime viewing. The entertaining tale unfolds through the creative eyes of writer Charles Dickens and his young son, giving a fresh spin on Jesus’ life and teachings. Lively storytelling and colorful animation should appeal to both kids and adults. For voice talent, the lineup includes Oscar Isaac as Jesus, while Forest Whitaker plays Peter, really capturing that faithful vibe. Mark Hamill, famous for Luke Skywalker, gives a charged performance as Herod, adding a memorable villain to the mix.
THE CHOSEN ADVENTURES
Streaming on Prime Video
From the creators of The Chosen comes a new animated series for all ages featuring Jesus (voiced by Jonathan Roumie), a group of curious kids, and talking animals. Each 11-minute episode explores miracles, questions of faith, and everyday life through the perspective of 9-year-olds Abby and Joshua and friends—with humor, heart, and adventure. There are 14 episodes available on Prime, and a YouTube release will follow. “It’s funny, heartwarming, for adults as well as kids, and it captures these great stories through the eyes of a child,” said Dallas Jenkins, executive producer.
DOT CONNER: WEBTECTIVE
Produced by Huff Media Productions
Dot Conner’s first day of high school is anything but ordinary as she juggles nervousness and teasing classmates. A self-proclaimed “webtective,” she receives a cryptic message from her dad about a geocaching clue hidden in Farlane Park. (Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices to find hidden containers around the world.) Determined to solve the mystery, Dot sneaks off campus and finds herself in a whirlwind of clues and faith-driven decisions. She learns to lean on God to overcome the challenges ahead in this geocaching mystery with heart.
Dealing with Holiday Stress
This time of year can bring joy—plus an overload of obligations
by HUGO BRAVO
The latter months of the year can feel overwhelming. Calendars fill with reminders of Christmas parties, school concerts, and family get-togethers. Your job may have a hectic holiday season that leaves you un able to take time off. The shopping, cooking, and cleaning might fall on your shoulders. If the thought of all these commit ments makes you nervous or uneasy, holiday stress might be sneaking up on you. Our busy days can leave us stressed out and worn down physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The science behind stress
When we encounter a stressor, our bodies go into “fight-or-flight” mode, a natural response that our ancient ancestors developed when feeling threatened: either stay and fight or run away from the danger.
In this mode, the amygdala, a part of the brain that processes emotions, signals another part of the brain, the hypothalamus, to release stress hormones from the adrenal glands. These stress hormones prepare your body for action, increasing your heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. Your digestive and immune systems
are inhibited. This response makes you more alert and focused in intense or dangerous situations.
Life’s daily occurrences (arguments, bills, sudden changes of plans) can trigger that same fight-or-flight response in us. A constant release of stress hormones can cause high blood pressure levels and suppressed immunity, increasing the risk of illnesses. It also overworks the amygdala and hypothalamus, making it hard to control our emotions or make good decisions. Here are some ways to handle holiday stress.
FAMILY ISSUES
This is a time to enjoy the company of our families and loved ones. But there can also be conflict or disagreements between family members. Lively debates and discussions can be healthy, but before they become negative or hurtful, make an agreement to stay on topics that bring happiness and positivity.
“ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
—Colossians 3:13
GIFTS AND COMMERCIALISM
You may feel expectations to create magical (and expensive) holiday experiences for loved ones. Presents, decorations, travel, food—all these factors can add up and put financial stress on our wallets and our mindset. Rather than make costly purchases, incorporate traditions like family game nights, baking, or Bible study. Even an early evening walk to admire Christmas decorations in town can be more satisfying than spending a lot of money.
“ Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
—Luke 12:15
DISAPPOINTMENT
Sometimes, your year doesn’t end as you hoped. Perhaps you couldn’t get around to the hobby you wanted to try, or your career didn’t progress as you had anticipated. We tend to focus on what we were unable to accomplish instead of what we did. Remember that our setbacks do not define us. Practice gratitude by writing in a journal or recording voice memos on your phone to remind you of what you’ve done this year. For example, maybe you didn’t hit your goal of going to the gym twice a week, but you ate healthier than the year before.
“ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10
SADNESS, GRIEF, OR LONELINESS
The holidays can be a reminder of loved ones we have lost to death, estrangement, or distance. Reach out to the people who are in your life. Loneliness may be more common in your circle than you think. Make time to volunteer; it’s a sure way to develop a connection with others. Finally, ask a doctor or mental health professional about seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
“ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
Sources: www.mayoclinic.org, www.mscenter.org
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
by HUGO BRAVO
Every August, The Salvation Army in Williamsport, Pa., comes out to support the World Series Grand Slam Parade, hosted by one of its neighbors, Little League Baseball. The parade celebrates the 20 teams that have made it to the Little League World Series, with 40,000 people attending and over 100 participating organizations and sponsors.
Salvation Army volunteer James Knight will be there as well, but he will likely be unrecognizable in costume as Shieldy, the Salvation Army mascot, posing for photos, laughing with the crowd, and promoting the work of the Williamsport Corps.
“I know some are going to say, look at this crazy guy in his costume again, but it doesn’t bother me,” says James. “It means you’ve noticed me, I got your attention, and now you know that The Salvation Army is here.”
As a child, James played basketball with his brother Kenny at the Williamsport Corps gym. When he became an adult, he joined the U.S. Army and did tours in Kuwait and Afghanistan. In 2021, a year after retirement, James moved back to Williamsport.
“People always say they’re going to come back home one day but never do. I did,” says James. “When I returned, I became involved at The Salvation Army, not to fill my time, or because I was bored. I just wanted to help others. My parents taught me to always find a way to give, even if it’s just a sandwich.”
The U.S. Army mentality never leaves a soldier, even in retirement. It took James a long time to stop instinctively referring to everyone as “ma’am” or “sir.” But that same mentality made him want to find new ways to serve his community through the Williamsport Corps. That included helping to distribute food, driving the bus on Sundays to bring people to church, and being a comforting presence to the veterans who come to The Salvation Army.
“When you enlist,” says James, “you’re
there to go to war, but you’re also there to take care of one another. It’s a brotherhood, and if I see another service member feeling nervous or scared, I pull them to the side and talk to them.
“Even though we have a veterans center and hospital in Williamsport, a lot of vets are still in need of help and guidance. Many of them have mental illnesses and have seen things that they don’t talk about, because it makes them relive it. I think of all the veterans that have been neglected or who turned to suicide. That could’ve been me.”
James credits The Salvation Army for helping him with his own struggles. Though he was raised in the Baptist church, he now attends the corps.
“We’re a family here. Sometimes if I’m having a bad day or just feel overwhelmed, the pastors know to send me home or call my brother to come get me. They send me food if I get sick. That’s another reason I
KNIGHT IN SERVICE
“In the U.S. Army, we are taught to protect the person standing to your left and to your right,” says James Knight. “The Salvation Army is like that too. You find ways to help the person to your left and to your right.”
stay—because the people here are so good to me.”
James, who has been honored for his volunteer work, would prefer the spotlight to be on that good that The Salvation Army does. Still, he’s happy to be part of it, even if it’s from inside a costume.
“The families that live around here don’t get to see the Easter Bunny or the Grinch. If they do, it costs money they might not have. It means a lot to them to know that someone cares enough to give them that experience for free,” says Knight.
“And it’s not just the kids who like it! I dress up as Santa Claus for the corps’ Christmas tree auction and for the seniors in our Golden Agers ministry. They love meeting Santa too. It’s a lot of fun to see people smile.
“If you’re not making people smile, then you’re in the wrong business. And I’m very much in the right business.”
