On Monday and Tuesday of this week, 25 Salvationists (mostly CFOT Cadets and DHQ Employees) broke into five teams and went to 26 Chicago Public Schools to perform Christmas assemblies. We talked to over 6000 children about how people all over the world celebrate the “Spirit of Christmas”. We had a lot of fun and sang X-mas songs about fictitious reindeer, snowmen and an old man who knows when you are awake, pouting, crying or asleep. We also had puppets and gave each child some school supplies.
Each year we take part in this “ministry of presence” and God continues to bless these efforts and open unique doors for The Salvation Army in these communities. As constricting as it is not being permitted to share the REAL reason for Christmas, I have no doubt that God honored our efforts.
One of the more memorable moments happened after we finished our presentation and were packing up when a few classes waited in the auditorium and wanted to sing us a song. We were all very blessed and surprised to hear them sing a spontaneous rendition of Sandi Patti’s Christmas classic “The Gift Goes On”. How interesting is it that a group of public school children started singing and telling us about the real reason for Christmas (especially through the ancient work of Sandi Patti?!)? You can watch two clips of this unique moment below.
Part 1
Part 2
Youth Department