This introduction page has traditionally served to present the issue’s topics, highlight an article or sometimes to share an anecdote or personal reflection.

In keeping with the calendar, this month’s issue is primarily focused on the challenges and possibilities of the New Year.

But I’d like to also take a moment to let you in on another milestone this issue marks.

Exactly 20 years ago, Activated was born—the very first issue was published in January 1999. Now, over 220 issues later, Activated’s thousands of articles to date have been translated in dozens of languages and have been read by tens of millions in print or digital format.

These two decades have been a tremendous adventure, and we’re grateful to everyone who participated in the production process and who contributed articles. Above all, we’re grateful for our readers, both old and new, and especially to all of you who spread the word and share articles with your friends and loved ones or on social media.

We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. And we know that He’s on our side. So we can look forward to 2019 with great hope and expectation in God’s promises: “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” 1

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful year filled with His care and blessings!

  1. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT