Editorials

Editorial by Carl Rodriguez

Many gift-giving traditions occur during Christmas in North America. Each family that celebrates the event has their own historical and cultural basis for the exchange of presents.

Even the Magi in the time of Christ’s birth gave gifts to show appreciation for the bountiful blessings God had bestowed on them. Matthew 2:11 records this event: “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (NIV).

Editorial by Jerry Lutz

With all the evangelistic meetings and prophecy seminars that have been going on in our conference this year, such as our twin outreach initiatives, Pentecost 2025 and Reach Baltimore 2025, there are likely some unfamiliar faces and new members in your church. For this, we praise God and welcome them with open arms into the fellowship of believers. How wonderful it is to see how the Lord is blessing Chesapeake churches with hundreds of baptisms and many more who are preparing to join God’s great advent movement.

While we rejoice with the saved and celebrate every new soul who enters the kingdom, we who are more mature in our walk with Jesus and better grounded in the faith must be mindful of the special care and needs of our newborn brothers and sisters in Christ.

Editorial by Marcellus T. Robinson

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a flyer in the mail from one of our own churches the other day. This church, located about eight miles from my home, invited all in the neighboring community to join its “Forecasting Hope” prophecy seminar, providing all the necessary information for me to attend. So, attend I did.

On my way to the church, I received a call from G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, in which I shared with him that I was headed to a local church that was engaging in Pentecost 2025 to carry out the mission of evangelism. We rejoiced in the moment!

Editorial by Dillon C. Zimmerman 

What does service look like to you?  

Editorial by Elaine Lopez

I hear the beeping of machines, distant chatter and a grumpy voice calling for attention. These are the sounds of the Emergency Department where I currently find myself just two weeks before school begins.

For the past two years, these sounds have become familiar, as I’ve navigated challenges in every area of my life—particularly with my health and family. However, I have also experienced miracles that have left me in awe, reinforcing my belief that I serve a very real God.