Shopping for others can be tough. Finding the gift that’s “just right” isn’t easy. This past year, several Salvation Army young people travelled the continent and gave gifts that were not what you would expect. They gave the gift of their presence in places that needed them. A group from Mississauga, Ont., visited a children’s home in Acapulco, Mexico. Teens from Milton, Ont., ministered at Harbour Light in Toronto, and youth from Grande Prairie, Alta., headed south to Ensenada, Mexico. Groups from Sussex, N.B., and Triton, N.L., rolled into Regent Park, Toronto, to work with people already serving at Corps 614. Here are some ways these teams shared the gift of their presence.

Presence in Pain
Being in physical pain can be depressing and emotionally overwhelming. The Mississauga crew gave the gift of their presence by spending time in a Mexican hospital. Their eyes were opened as they saw the contrast between our Canadian hospitals and the Mexican one, in terms of the quality of equipment and conditions of the facility. In Jesus’ day, people were changed because of his presence in their pain. We can have a similar impact by following his example.

Presence in Community
Streets and neighbourhoods can speak messages of despair through things like broken vehicles and run-down buildings and homes. The teams from Sussex and Triton shared their presence in Toronto’s Regent Park. They brought messages of hope as they served food and beverages at a local café, took to the streets and cleaned up litter, and talked and smiled with residents. They even left chalk messages on the sidewalk bringing words of encouragement about the joy, freedom, healing and peace found in Christ.

Presence in Struggle
Life has its share of struggles—homelessness, addictions, hunger, poverty. Following Jesus’ example, we should be willing to step into other people’s worlds by sharing in conversation or coffee or simply playing together. The Mississauga team played basketball with young people at the children’s home in Acapulco. The Grande Prairie team shared presence in poverty when they built a home for a single mom in Ensenada. They played games, talked and had fun with the children as well as making sure they were well fed.

Through their ministry, these young people learned about themselves, God, their faith and loving others. Like them, we need to look for ways to give the gift of our presence all year long. Do you have that gift? Have you had the blessing of receiving it from someone? There are people in your community who need it. Who will you give it to this Christmas and in the new year?

To find out more about these trips visit SendTheFire.ca.

Photos: Ministering at a children’s home and hospital in Acapulco, Mexico