Confessions of a Magazine Junkie (Pt 4)

• August
• 30

3:37 pm Footprints history, Writing

And so began the Footprints journey … and what a journey it’s been. Twelve years ago, I knew very little about running a ministry, let alone putting a magazine together, writing articles, databases, advertising and promotion, webpages – I didn’t even have internet access!

It feels like my Father God himself has taken me under His wing and personally groomed me for my calling, and opened doors to things I would never have dreamed possible … there are so many examples …

Example 1: Writing. Even though I have no experience or formal qualifications in writing or journalism, over the past 12 years I have had over 50 articles published in magazines such as Caravan & Motorhome, For Me, Gold Coast Weddings, Take 5, That’s Life, Grass Roots, Australasian Poultry, Writing Australia, The Evangel Now, First Priority Now, Signs of the Times, Christian Woman, Above Rubies and many others, plus my work has appeared on website and in half a dozen anthologies. I even got paid for my writing! This has not only been a blessing especially during the days when I was a stay-at-home mum, but some of which I have been able to sow back into the Footprints ministry.

Example 2: Training. Along the line I have picked up skills in numerous computer programs, mostly from hands-on experience, but also through my workplace – back in 2002 as I was re-entering the workforce, God blessed me with a temporary office job which povided free training in designing and uploading webpages! Right now, I am hugely excited about going to a Christian Editor’s & Writer’s Conference in Manila at the end of September – a wonderful opportunity to learn how to work more efficiently and effectively in the Footprints ministries, plus make some great contacts!

Example 3: Equipment. Back when Footprints started, the only equipment I had was a computer which even then was ‘out of the ark’ (no offence Noah!). But along the way, God has always provided the equipment that was needed – new computers, scanner, printers, internet access … which may not seem like much now, but as a single income family it truly was a miracle!

Example 4: Writing & publishing books. It was mostly thanks to my local library that I was able to read and learn these skills, which resulted in the first two Footprints books: Clues to your Calling in 2003, and DECADENCE: treat yourself to 10 years of Footprints in 2008.

Example 5: The people! The original Footprints Team has grown from half a dozen of my friends and relatives, to over a dozen helpers and supporters from all over Australia and beyond. It’s been amazing – as we’ve grown, the right people just seem to have come along our path! When we got our new flashy colour cover, I met a photographer who wanted to provide the pictures for our covers … when the website got too much, God provided a web editor. We have a lovely couple who host our website for free, and now have our first state rep all the way from WA! Some just help with the packaging and mailout of each issue, others write lots of articles, others send donations, but all share a passion and enthusiasm for what God is doing through Footprints!

Example 6: The readers. By the launch of our second issue, I was tremendously touched that 25 people had paid for annual subscriptions to our magazine. Today, there are hundreds from all over Australia, New Zealand and beyond!

In the early days, I dreamed of Footprints being a blessing to women in the outback – and that has happened! These are women who live on huge properties, and are very isolated … one lady who gets Footprints told me that the nearest church is 2 hours drive away! We also have church groups who send Footprints to their missionaries overseas, and we hear that they just love the feminine fellowship and contact with home. Even though Footprints is aimed at women, I have had several ladies tell me that they have troubled getting their copy off their husbands so that they can actually read it!

Although I don’t do Footprints for man’s praise or glory, I am human enough to acknowledge that it can be a tremendous encouragement. I never cease to be thrilled when somebody takes out a subscription, or writes to say how a particular article or story has impacted or helped them.

Perhaps the most memorable feedback was about a story I wrote about my own personal struggle with depression. It was actually a couple of years AFTER this article had been printed, that I heard that a young woman read it who was at the point of suicide … and that article was the ONLY THING that stopped her from taking her own life.

Footprints has even led to the job that I have today! I work four days per week, to produce 3 community newsletters. At the interview, I was asked if I had ever created newsletters before. I was able to hold up a copy of Footprints and say proudly, YES! Here’s one I prepared earlier! Needless to say I got the job!

This year has seen Footprints step up to a whole new level. This issue (#47) is the first to be fully professionally printed (as opposed to photocopied), and we are currently investigating an advertising policy that can can help us to help others promote their ministries and businesses, while helping Footprints to fund new projects and goals.

Next May will see the launch of our 50th issue! What a milestone and achievement, and one that many never thought possible.

So what lies ahead for Footprints? We are constantly seeking to improve and grow. Maybe one day you will find us in the newsagent, printed in full colour. My dream is to one day quit my day job and work on Footprints full time. In the meantime however, I’m happy to keep doing what we do best – which is encouraging and inspiring our readers.