Since editor Doug Koop will be returning to ChristianWeek from a well-deserved sabbatical as this issue appears, I want to use this opportunity to write a few words of appreciation. It has been a privilege to participate in the production of ChristianWeek for a few months and to enter into the wider world of Canadian Christianity that this paper permits. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I have been challenged by the people who put this paper and its companion, the regional ChristianCurrent, together month by month. They are a talented and hardworking group. I’ve been especially impressed by the mountains of work managing editor Kelly Rempel seems to surmount. These people, together with publisher Brian Koldyk, are providing an important service to Christians—and especially to evangelical Christians—in this country. They’re providing information links to the wider church for many.

Even though he has been absent for the past six months, I’ve been very conscious of Doug. I came to know him some 18 years ago, months before ChristianWeek first began publishing. He and his wife Margie had recently returned from Africa and when we approached him about joining this venture, he didn’t hesitate long, even though nothing about it spelled security.

In the intervening years he has established a stellar reputation for thorough Christian journalism; fine theological balance; outstanding knowledge of the church communities, people and situations in which Christians find themselves in this country; an unusually keen mind; and a trait no good journalist can be without—a wonderful way with words.

I can assure you, guiding this publication issue by issue is no easy task. ChristianWeek has always worked with limited resources. Staying on top of its demands is tough, even if it is satisfying. So pray for wisdom, great strength and joy for Doug and his associates. They are serving us well and they cherish all the support we can offer them.