The 109 members of Reformed Believers Publishing (RBP), the board of RBP, and the editors of Sword and Shield are very pleased to present this special edition of our magazine. The purpose of this special issue is to commemorate the first annual meeting of Reformed Believers Publishing, which was held October 15, 2020, at the offices of RBP.

Due to government restrictions on indoor meetings, the meeting had to be held in the parking lot on a cold autumn evening. Nevertheless, the setting was thoroughly charming. A large white pavilion was erected and staked in the parking lot, festooned with strings of lights outside and inside that lent a festive air to the meeting as the sun set and darkness stole in upon us. Sword and Shield banners decorated the tent walls with the now familiar logo of a soldier hastening to battle, sword and shield prominent. Hay bales, pumpkins, and gourds completed the outdoor decorations and provided the perfect splash of fall color and atmosphere. Inside the tent 160 chairs were filled to capacity, while a couple hundred more people looked in via livestream from their homes. The air was warmed by tall kerosene heaters and the many bodies, so that while the temperature fell into the 40s outside, we were cheerful and cozy inside. In the background was the muffled noise of traffic on 84th Street and a train whistling and rumbling along the tracks east of Douglas Walker Park. After the meeting there were donuts, coffee, cider, and lingering fellowship. It was a scene made for nostalgia, and I am sure that many already remember the evening fondly.

There was an expectant air to the meeting. This was the first annual meeting of Reformed Believers Publishing, and there can only be one first. What would it be like? Who knew what to expect? And what would happen next? It was almost as if we were holding our breath in anticipation of what all recognized to be a historic event. As the evening progressed, that breath was let out to carry thanksgiving to God for what he has given in Sword and Shield. The Lord has sped forth the magazine and the truth it confesses, and he has made us happy indeed.

“Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places” (Deut. 33:29).

To charter members and to new members of RBP; to eager readers and to reluctant readers; with gratitude to God we present to you this special First Annual Meeting Edition of Sword and Shield. May God speed the truths written herein to your heart, and the next issue into your hands.