In the few months since Baptist Courier editor Rudy Gray began quietly sharing his vision for “Friends of the Courier,” more than $10,000 has been given by donors to support the newsmagazine’s ministry of Christian journalism.

Now, Gray hopes many more individuals will consider becoming “Friends of the Courier,” which he describes as “a movement of Baptists who desire to help the Courier stay viable and financially stable through their influence, contributions and prayers.”

“We are so grateful for the people who have rallied to support the Courier,” he said. “Our goal is to inspire and inform South Carolina Baptists by building on a great history and by adapting in order to be a relevant publication for the future.

“Through creative design and top-quality, Christ-honoring content, we are striving to be an important tool for inspiration and help — to Baptists in particular and to Bible-believing evangelicals in general. We want to be a blessing to our churches.”

Gray noted that although the Courier receives financial support through the Cooperative Program, much of that funding has disappeared in recent years, as giving from churches has continued to decline. Moreover, the Great Commission Resurgence recommendations adopted by South Carolina Baptists in 2011 included a 30-percent reduction in funding to the Courier, with future funding to be evaluated in 2014.

“Even with these financial challenges, the Courier staff has been diligent in developing new and innovative methods of sharing the story of those who tell the gospel story,” Gray said. He pointed to a rebranded monthly magazine, a redesigned website with mobile adaptability and the launch of Courier Publishing, a book-publishing venture that will leverage the Courier’s print and online presence to help authors place their books before thousands of potential readers.

“The Courier has always had a direct relationship with its readers, and we are committed to strengthening that,” Gray said. “Through ‘Friends of the Courier,’ we hope those same readers who recognize the unique value of Christian publishing in our world today will consider becoming our prayer and financial partners.”

For information about “Friends of the Courier,” call 1-888-667-4693, email editor@baptistcourier.com, or write to: Editor, The Baptist Courier, 100 Manly St., Greenville, S.C., 29601.