I have already experienced a very nice retirement celebration, listened to kind words from various people, and moved out of my office at The Courier (which was a good thing, considering it flooded on Christmas night!).
I am still working as editor at the request of the search committee of The Courier, who have been looking prayerfully and conscientiously for a new editor. Their request was for me to stay on for a couple of months. This could be my final “Last Word” column or the next to last one.
The committee has been working thoroughly, and I know they will be presenting a candidate for editor to the full board soon.
It has been one of the great highlights of my life to serve the past ten years as editor of The Courier. The staff has been a pleasure to work with, and I am confident they will continue to provide excellent service and work very supportively with the next editor.
The Courier has become a multi-faceted communication ministry in the past 10 years, offering: the monthly feature magazine; an e-edition of the same; Courier Publishing, our book publishing ministry that has helped around 150 authors realize their dream; Courier Tours, which has taken off slower than we anticipated because of the COVID attack. This will speed up in the future with more trips to some great places that will provide both education and inspiration for those who travel with us. In addition, we have a studio now where we produce our twice-monthly podcasts, various video interviews, and other electronic means of communication. Our social media presence has increased over several different venues. People can see, hear, and read our features, news, and specials wherever they are.
Our “Friends of The Courier” donor group has become a great blessing in helping us to keep growing and going. The Bill and Shirley Adams Scholarship Fund allows The Courier to have college interns serve here for academic credit and life experience.
When I first came to The Courier, I presented two verses for anchors as we do the work God has called us to do: 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God,” and Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them.” I can honestly say our staff has practiced these truths.
Our trustees have been a pleasure to work beside, and our vendors like Drum Creative and Martin Printing have been excellent partners. Our readers have blessed us with their calls, comments, and contacts. The atmosphere around our office has been one of conscientious work and family interaction.
When I announced my retirement to the board of trustees back in April 2022, I repeated a phrase from General Douglas MacArthur, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”
This may be true of old editors as well. Now, I will follow my friend and editor emeritus of The Courier, Don Kirkland, in the fading process. He has demonstrated that this kind of fading isn’t disappearing but reappearing in new and fresh ways of living. My status as professional counselor is still up-to-date, as I have completed the continuing education required to renew my national certification. I do hope to do some counseling in the years to come, as well as some preaching (I spent 37 years as a pastor before coming to The Courier). Whatever is ahead for me, I want to live my life with 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Ephesians 2:10 as my constant reminders of the sovereignty, love, and grace of our great God.
Bob Hope and his worldwide traveling show, especially to our troops overseas, had a song that reflected how I feel at this juncture in my life: “Thanks for the memories.” To God be the glory, and to you who read The Courier and to those I have had the privilege to work with each week, “Thanks for the memories!”