I want to say that seeing everyone here tonight is a great source of encouragement to the writers, to the board, and to me as the editor in chief of Sword and Shield. Many, many hours not only of thinking but also of writing go into every issue of Sword and Shield. Sometimes in one’s weaker moments one can ask, “Does it even matter? Does it do any good?” And tonight is a rebuke of that thinking. To see the support that is very evident in those who have traveled to come here, in those who have gathered here tonight to support Sword and Shield is a source of immense encouragement.

Sword and Shield was born as a fighting magazine. It was born, therefore, as an antithetical paper. Sword and Shield fought within the denomination of the Protestant Reformed Churches until it was cast out of the denomination. And Sword and Shield still maintains that right to criticize denominations, decisions, acts, and mindsets that exist in denominations and in the Reformed Protestant Churches. Sword and Shield is not a denominational rag; and if it ever becomes one, put it quickly out of its misery. It is that fighting, independent spirit that we hope continues for another year in the publication of Sword and Shield.

Regarding that publication of Sword and Shield, I want to personally express my thanks to the board. Both the present and former boards have been absolutely unflinching in the publication of Sword and Shield. It is a controversial magazine. And the boards have given and give evidence that they love the truth in their unflinching support of Sword and Shield. So our prayer is then that God will continue to give his grace to the writers, contributors, the editor, the copy editors, and the board, so that we publish Sword and Shield again faithfully for another year.

Thank you.