ChristianWeek

Sometimes, it just all works out.

That's what we said after two strong candidates applied for the position of assistant editor. Both brought excellent skills to the table. The "problem" of having to choose just one was a task we gladly accepted.

Our job was to find someone to replace editorial assistant Karla Braun (heading off to Cameroon) and assistant editor Andrew Siebert (watch this space next issue for what's next on his horizon). We weighed the pros and the cons. We debated for a long time.

And then in the end "it all worked out" and we didn't actually have to choose. One candidate bowed out for a number of reasons (leaving good relations on all sides) and our choice was made.

And so, we welcome Josiah Neufeld to the ChristianWeek fold.

Josiah is a missionary kid from Africa who attends North End Community Church in Winnipeg with his new wife, Mona. He brings a passion for excellent writing and a desire to learn more about the church in Canada.

On the technical side, he holds a diploma in Creative Communications with a journalism major from Red River College as well as a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Winnipeg. Josiah's byline has appeared in several Winnipeg-based publications including the Canstar Community newspapers (the Lance, Metro, Herald, Times and Headliner), as well as the Winnipeg Free Press.

He's also earned a few awards along the way—and a few letters to the editor. This is the kind of writing we applaud; balanced, creative and, yes, at times able to stir public opinion.

During his time writing for the mainstream media, Josiah tells us he was often surprised to find faith playing a major role in the lives of his subjects. "Sometimes it is a person's faith in God and sometimes it's a faith in something else. As a reporter, that depth is easy to miss—people are often hesitant to talk to a reporter about the things that touch them most deeply.

"But I've discovered that my own faith in God has helped me recognize and uncover parts of a story that I might have missed otherwise."

While Josiah will be charged with much of the "behind the scenes" work as assistant editor, be sure to watch for his byline in upcoming issues.