The December issue marks the end of the Knollwood Messenger’s fourth year. I want to take this time to thank you for your kinds words about my efforts. Let me also add a personal thanks to sister Carolyn Rix who proofreads my work. My good sister has spent endless hours looking over and correcting my work. During the past two years, I’ve written over 95% of the articles—so her work has been extremely difficult. Whatever good this paper may do, she deserves a big part of the credit. Thank you Carolyn!

Beginning in January 2002, the Messenger will take on a different format. My preaching duties and Bible classes, here and outside, are making it difficult for me to spend the time necessary to continue doing the majority of the writing for the paper. The mailing list has grown to nearly 100. So, In January we will add six staff writers who will be writing each month. I will continue to write the magazine’s front and back pages. I believe this change will benefit those who spend the time to read the articles. Your questions, suggestions, and criticisms are welcome.

• Brother Micky Galloway of Lancaster, CA will be writing. Brother Galloway is my close personal friend who, as you may remember, preached for us during our April 2000 meeting. Micky is a good writer. As you read his work, you will appreciate his soundness in the faith.

• Brother Randy Blackaby, who preaches in Indiana, and is no stranger to the church here, will also be writing. Last year, brother Blackaby and I traveled overseas together, and I have grown to love him. Brother Blackaby, a capable writer, has a background in newspaper work.

• Brother Mike Hardin, who preaches for the Kettering church, will also be one of our writers. Brother Hardin has written a couple of textbooks on different subjects, and I feel certain you will benefit greatly from his articles.

• Brother Dennis Ross of Sweet Home, OR, who will be here for our spring meeting, writes simply and plainly. I met brother Ross while I was preaching in Las Vegas, and he was in Southern California.

• Brother Tim McPherson, who preaches in Belleville, WVA, and is one of the men we help support, will also be on the writing staff. I’ve known Tim for more than ten years, and he, too, is a close personal friend.

• Brother Don Martin, who preaches for the Holly Street church in Denver, CO, will be doing a question-and-answer page. Brother Martin has a web page (Bible Truths) that takes questions from all over the country. During the past few years, he has engaged in discussions about timely issues facing our brethren.

• On occasion, brother Bob Dodson, who preaches in Hemet, CA, will be writing for the paper. Two of his articles appear in this month’s issue. Brother Dodson and I became acquainted while I was in Las Vegas. Over the past ten years, I’ve preached three meetings in congregations where Bob worked locally.

All of these men are firm, kind, and lovers of God’s word. I commend their work and am confident you will benefit from their efforts.

As we begin our fifth year, my goals remain the same as when the work began back in 1998—to teach and promote the gospel of Christ. Please read the articles with open minds and open Bibles. May God bless our efforts as we seek to broaden the borders of His kingdom. Don’t forget, the articles are also on the web page. If you have someone you would like to receive the paper, just get me the address.