The Message Magazine

In the fall of 1929, Mrs. Lucy Peabody distributed the first publication of the mission known as the Association of Baptists for Evangelism in the Orient. On page three of the first issue, a little box contained these words in boldface and large type: "The Apostolic Method and the Apostolic Message with the work of the Holy Spirit will evangelize the world. Who will go?" This epitomized the philosophy of the new mission agency. "The Apostolic Method and the Apostolic Message" became the slogan from then on. Evangelism was to be the method and the gospel was to be the message. In September 1932, the paper appeared under the bold caption, The Message, with the organization's name in smaller type under it. The Message has been the official publication ever since.

Bob and Frances Burns published the magazine for over 30 years, then photographer Neville Chin competently filled in until Frank Hartwig became the editor in 1989. When God led the Hartwigs into other ministry, Ruth Trott served as Interim editor for three years. In June 1995, Jeannie Lockerbie (Stephenson) assumed the position, ably assisted by Kristen Stagg. The Message currently has a circulation of 120,000.

Dr. Commons, September 1935. "Our purpose in publishing this monthly message is to furnish our constituency with a purely missionary news sheet, with the intent of keeping fresh before your minds the work of Christ in the Philippine Islands where He has called us to labor. Let every issue be a call to prayer."

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