Greetings of love in the blessed name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many Christians have gone through a time of trial and testing during the past several years, yet we trust that each one is able to say with Paul… Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content –Philippians 4:11.
Summer is hard upon us, along with the heat and humidity that goes along with summers here in Ohio. Springtime, along with the normal planting season, was extra long and drawn out. But, by now, most of what is known locally as “the spring work” has been finished. The farmers’ crops and the gardeners’ herbs are pushing through the cool soil and towards the heat and light of the sun.
In this issue you can take a stroll on the road to Emmaus and try to put yourself in the sandals of Jesus’ disciples as they puzzled over the sudden turn of events surrounding Christ’s death, burial, and alleged “resurrection”. You can try to picture yourself with Daniel of old as he chose to keep praying like normal at his open window, while knowing full well that this simple act most likely could change his life forever. You can marvel with little “Ellie” how God met the “desires of her heart” even before she knew things weren’t working out according to plan.
Something new in this issue is the beginning of a series by Brother Donald Brechbill on “discipleship”. Disciple has almost the same spelling as discipline. For many, discipline carries a negative connotation, which hopefully will not interfere with the reader being drawn to what Brother Donald has to share. Let’s remember that Jesus gave personal example of the discipleship model—He chose and called “disciples” to follow and learn from Him. Later He sent them out two by two to teach and make more disciples. And then when He gave the “Great Commission” it was to His disciples at that time, and to all future disciples—the Church of Jesus Christ. We trust that each one can be inspired by this series.
Coming up in future issues, we are planning to have a “Song of the Quarter” and a section on various aspects of “Church History”. You can pray for us as we continue to move forward with our ministry and our magazine.
Just a friendly reminder… We encourage feedback from our readers. If you have been especially blessed by a certain article, feedback is helpful for us as a board, and it is encouraging for our writers. Also, if there is something specific that someone wishes to see included in future magazine issues, we welcome the input. This helps provide ideas for us as a board when choosing articles and when asking authors to write.
In the spring of 2022, we made some changes with our ministry in our endeavors to keep the work of The Berean Voice moving forward into the future. Personnel changes:
Brother Andrew (our designer) has become increasingly busy as a young father with a growing family and as a deacon for our local church congregation. In looking at this challenge, the board decided to support Andrew’s desire to find someone to help him (for now) with the bulk of the design work for each issue of our magazine—The Heartbeat of the Remnant. Thus, there may be some slight changes in the “style” of design in upcoming issues.
In the spring of 2022, there was a decision to seek several new board members to replace several others who had quit over the last number of years due to personal responsibilities. After praying for the Lord’s wisdom and direction, and after consultation with the leadership of our church, Brother Joe Mast and Brother Sheldon Bower were chosen to fill the empty slots on the board. These brothers have both graciously accepted this calling and are already allowing God to use their spiritual gifts to make a difference
Brother Joe Tindall has been a board member for The Berean Voice since our beginning in June of 2016. Due to his age (83) Brother Joe asked to be relieved of his duties as a board member. At our monthly board meeting in May of 2022, the board honored Brother Joe’s request. We will miss the stability of his quiet wisdom in our board meetings and during our article selection process. Please join us in prayer for Brother Joe and his family as he and his wife face the end of their lives and all that goes along with that season of life—that they might remain faithful and courageous.
May God bless and keep each one.
Curvin L Wenger
