According to our Readers …

• June
• 3

5:17 pm Calling, Christian magazines, Evangelism, Footprints History, Reading, Writing

I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but I believe passionately in the ministry of the written word, and what God can do with it …  But don’t take my word for it! I’ve compiled just some of my favourite letters, testimonies and readers’ comments received over the past twelve and a half years.

An outreach tool … 

“Even though I am not remotely religious, I enjoyed reading it very much.”

“I am not a religious person but if I keep reading Footprints, you might convert me!”

The unsaved workmate of a Footprints reader was so moved by an article she burst into tears as she read … (not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing! But I think it shows that God was touching her in a very real way.)

“Your magazine is a wonderful outreach tool, spreading God’s word in a special way to Australian women.”

“I take my copies to playgroup and they get devoured!”

Help for the Christian journey  …

“As a new Christian, I get very inspired by older Christans.”

“Your encouragement really helps me in my Christian walk.”

“It really fills my heart with praise when I read Footprints.”

“Footprints is a great REAL ‘let’s look at how we do the Christian life’, and women having a ‘heart to heart’ sharing magazine.”

Timely …

“There are always articles that touch me and meet me where I am, at that time.”

A reader told me about how she was speaking to another family whose teenage daughter suffers from depression. Apparently the only thing that stopped this girl from committing suicide a couple of weeks beforehand, was an article on Christians and depression in Footprints!

“Often when I’ve been going through a difficult period in my life, I have prayed for an answer and found one (or at least a guideline) in Footprints.”

Tackling real issues …

Footprints is able to cover topics that you may never hear about in a sermon at church. For example: honouring the pastor; how to know when it’s time to leave your church; even godly fashion tips!

“Each issue there is diversity and some very relevant articles that are not afraid to address certain issues.”

“The article on bipolar disorder was spot on timing.”

“Thank you for covering mental health issues like this one.”

“Thank you for raising awareness of disabilities.”

Putting it into Practise …

“My dear friend gave me a special gift, a subscription to Footprints. I did not realise just how precious her gift was until I read the article on forgiveness … a turning point … it is such a blessing to have this weight lifted … now I have peace.”

A youth home group leader told me her group was so inspired by an article on purity rings, that they held their own purity study and ceremony. They made their own rings, and took photos, made certificates, etc. The other youth home group leaders thought it was such a great idea they followed suit!

“After reading a review in Footprints, I bought the book – loved it and couldn’t put it down!”

Touching lives …

“So many articles struck a chord with me.”

“I found your website by accident – one of those God-incidences. It was such a blessing I’ve told others!”

A reader said that we really need to include tissues with each copy for “us weepy sensitive types”!

“Every time I read one of your magazines I feel peaceful.”

“My hubby reads them too!”

Helping the lonely …

Footprints has become a dear friend to many. We have had letters from readers who were lonely after moving; living in the outback; and missionaries overseas, who have all been comforted by Footprints.

“Footprints is a life raft for me,” wrote one young mum.

“Reading the magazines gives me the feeling that I am not alone in this world.”

“It’s nice to know that we can be connected with other Christian women in spirit.”

“I can see that there is a community of Christian women involved with your magazine who care.”

Reconnecting friends …

“I had an email from a lady I knew from a bible study group years ago. She saw the ad for my book in Footprints and emailed to congratulate me and catch up. It was lovely to reconnect and catch up on what God is doing in our lives.”

“Last issue I read an article by a lady whose name I recognised from almost 40 years ago (nursing training in the 60’s in Brisbane) … we have been able to renew our friendship by email!”

Keeping on keeping on!

A reader went to a session at the Brisbane Writers Festival on “small magazines” (as opposed to those backed by multi million dollar corporations) and learnt that sustainability was a definite challenge, regardless of readership target. “You and your team have just cause to celebrate 50 issues!” she wrote.

Just this week I got an email to say that Christian Woman magazine is no longer going to produce a print version, but only online, due to cost factors. Yet somehow Footprints continues …

“I see this magazine becoming huge.”

“I see your magazine as warm oil blessing everyone it touches.”

Seeing Answers to Prayer …

We have been invited to pray for various readers over the years – for family or relationship issues, depression, and infertility. Only God knows who has been touched as we pray, but I *do* know that there are even a couple of “Footprints babies” out there!

Training up new writers …

“I appreciate having a place for my writing …”

“It was such a thrill to see my work in print!”

“I love how you laid out my article.”

One of our writers even went on to win the Australian Young Christian Writer of the Year award!

So there you have it.  The readers have spoken – they love Footprints magazine! I just want to give God all the glory, and hope that you are as encouraged to read these testimonies, as I was as I put them together!