Our second year of publishing Shepherds came to an end on March 8, 2002 and we began our third year without any fanfare. In fact Kim and I didn’t even realize that eventful date had come and passed. It’s hard to believe that Shepherds has been feeding the home and visiting teachers of the church for two years.
You have probably noticed that we have been struggling with Shepherds over the past 4 months or so. Kim has been heavily involved in his work as a Webmaster for a University and in volunteering in his community. His family obligations have increased this past year and he ran for office, which absorbed all of his free time. Running KZION, which has evolved into something much bigger than I had anticipated, eats up what free time I have.
Kim and I are fortunate to have found four very dedicated volunteers who have been invaluable in keeping Shepherds filled with spiritual nourishment for home and visiting teachers. Gail Requa (AKA Sister Cahoon) and Larry Beck (AKA Brother Cahoon) have been writing the Cahoon columns since we began Shepherds and have never missed an issue. I know that they spend much time in prayer and thought prior to writing their columns. They also understand that what they write is food for thought and not doctrine or a replacement for local priesthood and relief society leadership counsel. How blessed we are as readers to have these two contributing their time to help us look at situations in a different light. Perhaps giving us a new perspective.
Jane Dumont (AKA Jane’s Brain) and Corinne Spicer (AKA Ensign Summaries) have been writing for Shepherds since September of 2000. Jane and Corinne have done a terrific job in helping us to digest and then give interesting and thought provoking lessons to our families and sisters. I know that these two sisters also spend time on their knees preparing their articles.
Nancy Sont has recently joined the Shepherds team of columnists. Sister Sont uses such terrific imagery to teach the gospel. She brings us into her world and helps us to see the obvious yet often overlooked basics of the gospel. We appreciate her willingness to share her talents.
Shepherds, I’m sorry I missed your birthday. But writing this column has renewed my enthusiasm and caused me to consider what a blessing Shepherds has been in my life. I realize what a wonderful two years it has been. I have met so many people from around the globe and have developed some wonderful friendships. I am also grateful for the 9,000+ of you, Shepherds subscribers who take their stewardships as home and visiting teachers seriously. You are the doers of the Word. You are the glue that helps to keep testimonies from falling apart. You are the angels that so many prayers are pleading for. We, your faithful volunteers, will continue to provide you with a shoulder to lean on if you will continue to serve faithfully as home and visiting teachers.
Posted by John in Feature Articles