It has been over a year since we have had the opportunity to put together an issue of Teaching Resources. Each month that passed found us planning and hoping to complete and send another issue. During that year, our church had need of someone to work with our youth group. So for the last year and a half, Jim has been involved, not only with his ordinary pastor duties, but also youth Bible studies and events. While the time with our youth was very enjoyable, the time involved prohibited writing and editing the articles necessary for publication. With the arrival of our youth minister in September, we began to consider writing again, especially in light of letters and cards thanking us for past teachings.
This issue is obviously different from previous issues. It differs first in size. While I prefer the larger size so that I can copy articles and file them, I realize that the resource may be more handy if published in a format about the size of a Bible. Also the new format allows for more flexibility in writing since I do not need to keep articles to approximately one page. Hopefully one other benefit will be that the new style with the firmer cover may allow the resource to be used and passed around with fewer signs of abuse.
Another difference comes in the inclusion of articles by other authors. Rather than feeling bound to write all the articles, this format allows the editor to include articles of far greater quality from the Puritans, Reformers, and others. This change does even more to fulfill our purpose to provide teaching resources that may not be readily accessible to others. Our hope is that exposure to these writers of the past may enrich your life as much as it has ours.
Finally, we are mailing the resource in envelopes to better preserve the resource in shipping. While this results in greater cost, we feel the difference is worth it.
As we launch out into this venture once again, we need your prayers. Time is our greatest need, but also pray for wisdom and discernment as we select and edit articles for publication. We also ask that you pray with us for those servants overseas who receive this resource. During the last year, our greatest grief was not being able to minister to those who appreciated this resource the most.
As always, this resource is provided completely free of charge. Our desire is to share resources from God’s Word that will help His people in ministry and teaching. To keep our mailing list up to date, we ask only that you write us annually to let us know of your continued interest in the resource. Also, feel free to write or call if you have questions with which we might assist you.
Our family remains busy in all aspects of home and church life. All four children are still home schooled and Jim continues his coaching in various sports (3 girls’ basketball teams currently). May the Lord bless you as you grow in Him and share His amazing grace with others.
By His Grace,
Jim & Debbie
Teaching Resources International 