On behalf of the entire Ministry team, we want to thank you, the many clergy who read this journal, for your faithful ministry. And when we speak of the team, we recog-nize that it takes more than an editor and associate editor to produce this publication. Indeed, this monthly magazine would not exist were it not for the scores of behind-the-scenes personnel: our editorial specialist, our finance and technology manager, our subscription manager, our editorial consultants, our graphic designer, international advisers and editors, our advertising representative, and the Pacific Press Publishing Association team.
In this double issue, we focus on the important themes of the second coming of Jesus and mission. These two themes are inextricably linked together. Our mission assignment from Jesus is clear: “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations’ ” (Matt. 28:19),1 and our blessed hope is certain: “ ‘I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also’ ” (John 14:3). We believe that soon “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).
We want to share with you some good news: this entire double issue is immediately available at www.MinistryMagazine.org.2 On that Web site you will also find archived materials, searchable by author or topic, dating back to the inception of Ministry in 1928. Please take advantage of this valuable collection of resources. Each day of the upcoming General Conference session, July 2–11, 2015, you can also download a different free book from our Web site www.MinistryMagazine.org. Visit daily to download the complete library of 11 books.
For those of you who will attend the General Conference session in San Antonio, Texas, please stop by and visit us at the Ministerial Association booth area (B401) in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
May you find strength and comfort in the words of Jesus: “ ‘Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matt. 28:20).
1 All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version.
2 Normally, unless you are a subscriber signed up for digital delivery, only the lead article can be read immediately; the complete issue is unavailable online for three months
