Former Editors

Quotes from Our Former Editors

For 100 years MESSAGE has stood for truth, addressed the issues of the day, and shared the gospel of Christ. The following quotations from MESSAGE editors were taken from past issues and reflect the editorial character of MESSAGE through the years.

"The man with a message is the man we want to hear. The magazine with a message is the magazine we want to read. Our message is the glorious news that Jesus saves men from sin, and that He is soon to return."
Robert Bruce Thurber
Editor, 1934-1936



"A more serious regard for [the Bible] will ensure better thinking today; and better thinking ensures better living."
James Shultz
Editor, 1936-1942

"The work which David Livingstone so nobly began [in Africa] is being continued by other faithfulmissionaries, and today [the world] is ablaze with the light of the gospel."
Frank A. Coffin
Acting Editor, 1942-1943

"The plight of our fellowmen in other parts of the world ought to appeal to all of us, and we must be willing not only to share but also to sacrifice in order that they may live."
R. L. Odom
Editor, 1943-1945

"What the youth of today needs--and the aged as well--is a return to the religion of the Bible. Nothing short of this will ever solve the moral problem of this age. We need, not so much the religious emphasis as the Christian example, not so much the sensational rally as family prayer and parental guidance."
Louis B. Reynolds
Editor, 1945-1959; 1978-1980



"The only 'religious family publication' of its kind in the world today, MESSAGE is beamed directly to America's largest ethnic minority group. Actually, however, MESSAGE serves the needs of thinking people everywhere, regardless of race, creed, or class."
James E. Dykes
Editor, 1959-1967

"Through all of the spectacular changes in our times, we would by article and feature and essaycommunicate a sure hope to a troubled world, a hope anchored in the changeless gospel, the redeeming death of Christ, and the imminent coming of our Lord."
Garland J. Millet
Editor, 1968-1970

"Change in your life cannot begin until you choose Jesus as your ideal."
Rachel Clark
Acting Editor, 1970

"The dream of Dr. King will not sink into the sea of oblivion, but in God's kingdom men's loftiest dreams will become glorious realities."
W. R. Robinson
Editor, 1970-1978

"But God's children of all colors and positions will not sit silently while the poor are made victims of some diabolic triage. 'Benign neglect' and more recently 'quiet diplomacy' may be the sentiments from Washington, D.C., but from the judgment seat of Christ will come these words: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matthew 25:40)."
J. Paul Monk
Editor, 1980-1985


"In this issue of MESSAGE we set forth the challenge to go the extra mile, do better, be better. Whatever it is-- physically, mentally, spiritually--extend yourself. Challenge the routine, the status quo. . . . Our goal is to stimulate your thinking and challenge you."
Delbert Baker
Editor, 1985-1992

"Culture and ethnicity is the stuff we're made of. Without it, there is no definition of who we really are. . . . Blacks have surmounted monumental accomplishments in every area of life, the foremost being that of survival. . . . In this issue we reach back to the roots of our soul to affirm and bask in the newfound pride for the richness of our heritage."
Stephen P. Ruff
Editor, 1992-1998



"There is no freedom from any obstacle, chemical, circumstance, illnesss, or destructive relationship without the accompanying liberator who sets us free permanently, thoroughly, and effectively. Jesus sets us free indeed!"
Ron C. Smith
Editor, 1998-2007