Spirit & Truth Fellowship's bi-monthly magazine, The Sower, is one of our primary contacts with the world. It now goes out to more than 5,000 people in 124 countries. We do not believe in "evolution," at least not the Classic Darwinian fable, but when it comes to our magazine, we have participated in its evolving from what it was in 1988 to what it is today. No doubt it will continue to change and improve as our ministry grows.
The Sower began as an untitled letter on white paper when Christian Educational Services (now Spirit & Truth Fellowship International) was founded in 1988. It went to a few hundred people who had gravitated to what was beginning as an organization dedicated to preserving and disseminating the magnificent truth of God's Word to which we had been exposed. We realized that keeping in touch with those who appreciate and support our efforts is vital, and began with a newsletter.
Shortly thereafter, as our spirituality increased, we went to colored paper, and even alternated between green and blue. As our mailing list grew, so this nameless publication grew from its original two pages, maxing out at 24 pages by the end of 2004. Our dissemination of tapes and books from 1989 on generated the need for a much more full service ministry, and our regular communication with our constituency has reflected that growth cycle. To make the appearance match the quality of its contents, we went to the current magazine layout with the first issue of 2005.
Years ago someone had the thought of titling our newsletter. "Brilliant!" The Sower was the name chosen, based upon the biblical parable about the sower and the seed. Our ministry is sowing the good seed of God's Word around the world, and The Sower is our flagship periodical.
Several individuals are key to your finding it in your mailbox. Matthew Johnson, Ryan Maher, Bob Maffit, Jeff Blackburn, and John Lynn are all involved in some aspect of the content, layout, and production of each issue. As with everything we do, it is a team effort. Feel free to contribute to The Sower in any way you are inspired.
