The next edition of Brigada (Jan. 25th edition) will mark our 20-year anniversary issue. In honor of this event, we plan to send this issue for free to all subscribers. (Oh wait — we send ALL issues for free. :-) ) But seriously, it would be a serious omission if we didn’t take this opportunity again to thank all those who chip in to keep Brigada free for all. The idea of doing a publication for free, in advance, allowing those who can to chip in, and without even a single banner ad on the website, might seem upside-down for some. But it’s been our mantra since we began in January 1995. You can see all the archives (also for free) by browsing to…
There, you can search the entire 20 years by date, tag, or even a “needle in a haystack” word search.
As we mentioned above, we do allow participants to chip in, of course. And if a donor wants to “bump up” his item to the top of the queue (to be featured closer to the top of the edition and to be featured more quickly in the queue), we honor that wish. This allows our item contributors (who are also donors) a special perk. But the point is — we feature items from anyone, worldwide, without cost (as long as they meet the criteria of our submission guidelines; see the “Submit an item” file at the home page).
So what have we learned in 20 years?
*** Writing a weekly e-zine takes determination. We won’t lie — it’s a labor sometimes… but a labor of love. We get encouraging notes from appreciative readers, and those mean a lot, but the truth is, we do this because we feel called by God to do it. And once a clarified calling comes from God, one should act with determination and discipline. And so, we forge on. :-)
*** With a weekly e-zine, it’s not really “who you know,” it’s “who will help.” When Brigada participants submit items that are helpful to other participants, they are helping others with questions that matter. It’s a case of “one beggar telling another where to find bread.” And THAT is the true magic of Brigada.
*** Finally, and most importantly, what we’ve learned more than anything else is a spirit of gratitude. We’re grateful for those who pray for Brigada (and for us), grateful for those who give financially (any amount), thankful for those who participate by sending in great items for the Brigada family, and incredibly grateful to God for the honor of serving Him.
And with that — 20 years have passed. So whether we’ve been writing in the quiet of the wee hours of the night from our home office, or catching wi-fi at a coffee shop while on a prayer journey in Asia, or beaming up Brigada via a Satphone from southern Tanzania — the bottom line is… thank you to those who have stuck with us throughout two decades. Wow. God bless YOU for your partnership and shared vision… and today, may God bless your family and your work as you seek to serve Him where you’re planted.
CONGRATULATIONS on your 20 years of ministry to the missions community of the world! to God be all glory!
Neal, thanks for the encouragement and praise to the Father on behalf of Brigada!