I am thankful

by Randy Harp

My wife thinks I am crazy, but I absolutely love the fall. She doesn’t mind fall; she just really doesn’t like what comes after it. But I love the warm days and cool evenings. I love building a small fire in my new fire pit. I love to see the colors changing on the trees. I really love college football (Go Hogs!). I also love the time we set aside to give thanks. Thanksgiving has long been one of my favorite holidays. Yes, I am guilty of loving the four “Fs” of Thanksgiving … faith, family, food, and football. I just think it is a perfect combination. Being thankful or setting aside a day of thanks-giving isn’t just a fall thing, it is a biblical thing.

This issue marks one year for me as the editor of the Tribune. My first words in print a year ago were, “I am thankful.” Those words still ring true today. I am thankful to God for the incredible opportunities He has provided for me. He has been so faithful and blessed far beyond any hopes or dreams. I am also thankful for you. Each month you trust us to produce a magazine with enough quality content that you take the time to read it. I am also thankful for those who have partnered with us financially. Without your financial support we would not be able to produce such a quality magazine.

In addition to the thanksgiving theme, this issue of the Tribune also reports on the recent National Fellowship Meeting in Cape Cod. Ben Feldtott and Cape Cod Church did a great job of hosting the Fellowship. One of the important discussions during the business meeting was an update to the current BBFI Constitution and By-Laws. Take some time to review the Summary of Changes on page 26 as well as reading through the legal documents at www.bbfi.org/legal. There has been a specially called business meeting to be held during the February meeting in Tyler, TX, with the recommendation for a vote and approval.

One feature we are experimenting with in this issue is augmented reality. This page you are reading and the page to the left both contain hidden links to a virtual site. In order to view this augmented reality, you must first download an app for your smartphone or tablet from the applicable app store. The app is named LAYAR. Once downloaded and opened, simply scan this page and watch it come to life. I am looking forward to hearing your feedback on this feature.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve Christ as I serve you in the ministry of communication. If there is every anything I can do for you, please let me know.