The publication of the May 2024 issue of Sword and Shield means that Reformed Believers Publishing has now published sixty issues of its magazine in the last four years. Reaction to Sword and Shield continues to be fiercely twofold. After reading and rereading the articles, some rejoice in the truth of Christ that leaps from the pages. They weep that God is pleased to give them such a glorious witness to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this dark world. Others, as our editor noted in the March issue, chillingly reject the witness of Sword and Shield. God uses the magazine as a witness to harden those who in unbelief have rejected Christ in his complete work of salvation. It is clear that this magazine serves both as a means in the hastening development of the false church, as that false church will be used by the antichrist, and in the gathering of the small and beleaguered true church just before Christ returns. A more glorious purpose for publishing Sword and Shield cannot be imagined.

For the first time in a couple of years, the board is operating at full strength with nine members. Joel Langerak was elected board president and serves on the publication committee with Andy Birkett and Elijah Roberts. Jason Cleveland continues as treasurer and serves on the finance, technology, and personnel committee with Doug Mingerink and Stefan Bodbyl, who is board secretary. Vice president Aaron Cleveland serves on the progress, promotion, and membership committee with Ed Ophoff III and Dan Schipper, who is vice all. The board continues to meet monthly to carry out the work of Reformed Believers Publishing (RBP).

Reformed Believers Publishing continues to publish a magazine that is solidly doctrinal, polemical, and relevant to what is taking place in the church at this time in history. The board is very thankful for the tireless efforts of our editor in chief, Rev. Nathan J. Langerak. He continues to write spiritually stirring meditations, vigorously polemical editorials, and pithy farewells. Rev. Luke Bomers and Rev. Tyler Ophoff add to the boldness of the magazine with their monthly contributions. Those occupying the office of believer have contributed fearlessly to the new rubrics, Running Footmen and Insights. Sword and Shield very much has a lion-like personality. One is reminded of Reverend Langerak’s quotation of Augustine at the first annual meeting of RBP in 2020: “The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself.”

The board wishes to express a word of thanks to the two copy editors of Sword and Shield. Mrs. Evelyn Langerak has copyedited the magazine from its birth, and more recently Mrs. Allyson Ophoff assists in this work. While all of their work is done behind the scenes, often late into the night as the publishing deadline approaches, and their names never appear on the masthead, a value cannot be placed on their work. The editor in chief has repeatedly expressed this to the board. We also wish to express a word of thanks to Mrs. Tami Cleveland. Since the beginning of the magazine, she has taken care of the mailing list, monthly mailing of the magazine, and coordinating the gathering and distribution of the bound volumes, among other office duties.

Reformed Believers Publishing continues to mail Sword and Shield to nearly two thousand subscribers in the United States and in many foreign lands at no subscription cost. Each issue costs about $5,000 to print and mail, sometimes more, depending on the length of the issue. That some readers place a high value on the bold content of the magazine is evidenced by the many financial donations to RBP. One simple request for funds last fall resulted in $67,000 in donations through January 2024. At the time of this update, the treasurer reports $76,000 in funds. The board is thankful that it does not have to beg for funds.

God be praised that in the darkness of the lie and censorship, Reformed Believers Publishing was formed. God be praised for the appearance of Sword and Shield on the spiritual battlefield. God be praised for four years of the publication of Sword and Shield. “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).

—The board of Reformed Believers Publishing