Editorials

Editorial by Carlos Portanova

How many times have we heard, “Share with others what Christ has done in your life?” Yet, many believers hesitate because they feel their testimony is not remarkable enough. We compare our experiences with the dramatic stories of Daniel, David, Esther or Ruth, and conclude that our own story is too ordinary to make a difference.

The power of a testimony, however, is not found in how extraordinary it seems—it is found in the God who is at work within it. The same God who transformed lives in Bible times is still changing hearts today through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Story by Cathy Payne, administrative assistant II for the Office of Education at the North American Division.

Sometimes when I picture the Garden of Eden, I imagine God strolling across a green meadow with a happy dog running beside Him, birds singing overhead and butterflies drifting among the flowers. I picture joy, laughter and companionship.

Editorial by Monica Wringer

In every classroom, God is at work—shaping lives in ways that reach far beyond what we can see. During a recent visit to one of our elementary schools, a first-grade student approached me with a big question: “What is your name, and what do you do?”

I explained that I serve as the superintendent of education and briefly described my role. She paused, smiled and said, “I want to be a superintendent too.”

Story by Marilyn Scott

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, it is worth reflecting on what freedom truly means. Fireworks, parades and get-togethers are more than traditions; they reveal a deep desire in all of us to be free. National freedom is worth honoring and expressing gratitude for, yet it also invites us to consider an even greater freedom found in God’s kingdom where celebration never ends.

Editorial by Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference

Growing up in a large family, my parents always taught us that, although we were poor economically, we were rich in love. Therefore, God always provided enough for us to feed someone else. So, without fail, we always set out an extra plate at the table, expecting that somebody would knock on our door in need of a meal.