AN UNSELFISH GIFT | LA BUTLER
Wed, Dec 7, 2011
Over the Christmas season I had received an e-mail from a Salvation Army Officer about what a man had said to him, “If you want to see Christmas go to The Salvation Army!” This statement was made very true for me this Christmas.
As a 2nd year cadet I was fortunate to spend my winter assignment at Weetamah in Winnipeg. From kettle shifts to setting up toys, and then the process of helping people coming in to pick-up their toys, it was a very busy few days. Through it all I was able to experience the true meaning of Christmas over and over again. Of all the experiences that took place however, one stood out the most.
It was early afternoon on December 24th and the laughter that comes after days of hard work could be heard all around. I then heard a voice behind me as a man and little boy approached to make a request. My first thought was about what I could do to help them. What toys that were left had all been boxed and put away days ago and yet there was no way I could look into that little face on Christmas Eve and say there was no toy for him.
As my mind quickly ran over ideas of what I could do, the man spoke again, telling me his son wanted to donate a toy he had just 
bought with his allowance so another little boy could have a toy for Christmas. Moved more than I can say, I promised that I would make sure the toy found a home. Needless to say that everyone there who had witnessed/heard of the story couldn’t hide the tears or the smiles from that unselfish gift. For myself, I only wish I could thank that little boy again, as well as all the people who gave toys that helped the Salvation Army bring Christmas to so many for another year.
Lorri-Anne Butler (Cadet) * now Lieutenant
In Christ Alone
Tags: CFOT-Training, Field-Reports, Prayer-Warriors, Weetamah
January 28th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Amen LA! This is what encourages us through the busy Christmas season and every day. The slogan says “We see what most don’t”, but it is through children that God will minister. It is such a blessing when children want to give too. It sounds like many people received a ‘simple message’ that Christmas Eve. It is easy to look and think the obvious, “this family needs help” when in fact they are looking to give help. I read something similar to this in one of my text books last week. A woman came to the store, early before the doors were unlocked but was reminded of the business hours. To their suprise, she was there to volunteer her help. Your experience is a great one and it spoke to my heart as I read it. It is important to share our experiences, you never know who they will encourage.
May God bless you during you continue to prepare for full time service.
Blessings,
Tonia
(Ambassador of Holiness Session)