Lots of people ask me if starting a Christian publication in this area was my idea. It wasn't. His Voice was started five years ago by Jay and Suzy Reed from Perry, Georgia. Jay had come to accept Christ through attending Harvest Church and reading the Left Behind series. After Jay became a Christian, he wanted to know all about Christian events and activities in the area and he wanted to read testimonies of other Christians. When Jay found out that there wasn't a Christian news publication printing area news he decided to start one. Jay was in the heating and air conditioning business and didn't know much about publishing, and that's where I entered the scene. Jay found out from our mutual friend, Margie Cox, that I had a journalism degree from the University of Georgia and that I could write and edit. He asked me if I would come on board in May 2002, as the Managing Editor of His Voice.

I worked from May until our first issue came out in September 2002 without pay. I was working towards something, helping to build something important. Shortly after our first issue was published and delivered, Jay told me that he and Suzy had been transferred by his company to Acworth, Georgia. He told me that he was sorry to have to leave the paper so soon after we had gotten it off the ground. I told him that I felt like working on the paper was my calling and that I wanted to try to continue to publish the paper after he and Suzy left the area the following January. Now, five years later His Voice is still bringing area Christians news and stories. Andy Cook, pastor of Shirley Hills Baptist Church, calls His Voice "the little engine that could." He says that the paper has defied all odds by still being in print.

Lots of experiences spur me on—one day when I was delivering papers to Westside Baptist Church , a little girl who was about five years old asked me what I had in my hands. When I told her I was carrying His Voice papers, she chimed, "Oh, that's God's paper." I'll never forget that. Another great thing about delivering the papers is when I go into a doctor's office, or somewhere, and a person says, "Is that the new issue? May I have one? "

In addition to several freelance writers, many area pastors contribute articles for His Voice. Beth-Anne Grant, a Christian family and marriage counselor, writes wonderful articles in His Voice. My husband, Allen, writes inspiring articles often and also handles the monthly billing for me, and my son, Brian, has written several book reviews. I rely heavily on volunteer writers from the community.

I want to thank the advertisers of His Voice. Look through this issue and take notice of who financially supports His Voice! I appreciate the advertisers so much. Thank you!

My husband, Allen, and I are members of Christ United Methodist Church in Warner Robins. Our oldest son, Brian, married Megan Blair this July and they live in Newport News, VA. Our middle daughter, Jane-Marie, will travel to Guildford, England this fall to get her Master's in Social Psychology from the University of Surrey. She was awarded a Rotarian Ambassadorial Scholarship. Our youngest daughter, Suzie, is a senior at UGA in Athens. God has blessed me with my job at His Voice!

Greg Davis
Advertising Sales

I have been out "in the marketplace" working for His Voice since almost the beginning. After the first edition of His Voice came out in September 2002, I contacted Jay and Suzy Reed, the original publishers, with some suggestions for His Voice. With my previous experience working with a Christian newspaper in the area, I had some business ideas to share. I am originally from Tennessee and retired from the United States Air Force in 1997, after a rewarding 25+ years career.

In addition to marketing for His Voice, I also edit "Choice," the Newsletter of the Warner Robins Chapter (#1952) of AARP (www. Choice1952. com ).

My lovely wife, Carol, and I enjoy many trips, outings, and activities with our young grandson Malachi, where "the fun never stops!"

We attend church at the Bread of Life in Centerville, I attend a Men's Prayer Breakfast every Tuesday morning at Allen's Tree Service.

From my perspective, God's been there with His Voice since Day One.

Steve Arnold
Web Developer

I work for the Federal Probation Office as the Director of Information Technology. My son, Kevin, just graduated from Georgia State University and is pursuing a job (diligently, I hope) in his field of political science. My daughter, Andrea, is somewhere between college and serving part-time in the Air National Guard. She is currently deployed to a country where the temperatures are warmer than we can image. I live in Perry, and I am a member of Grace Church.

Being a part of His Voice has been a great experience. When Jay Reed was conceptualizing the newspaper, he asked me to be the Technical Advisor and Web Developer. Working with Barbara for the past five years has been fun, although we never see each other. We do everything on-line and via e-mail. It's exciting to see how God is using this medium to reach, connect, and inform so many people.

Congratulations, Barbara. Your five years of hard work and perseverance have resulted in something that is a blessing for more people than you can imagine!

Joy McHale
His Voice Staff Writer

I work on staff at Southside Baptist Church as the church counselor. I counsel married couples, women and teenagers. It is awesome to have a front row seat to watch God change lives.

My husband Gene and I will be married ten years on October 24. Gene is employed at RAFB and is currently working on his degree to become a meteorologist. Our 8 year old, Meighan, is a student at Christ School in Warner Robins. Meighan is also involved in Kids Town at Southside Baptist Church helping with the praise team. She loves Fusion (family worship at SSBC) and AWANA. Our 5 year old, Caid, is also a student at Christ School in Warner Robins. Caid keeps us laughing. Caid is becoming a great little athlete who is very excited about UPWARD baseball season.

We attend Southside Baptist Church. I have been a member at Southside since I was 16. My husband and I met and married at Southside. We are grateful for our incredible pastor. To be a part of a church that loves God through worship, loves people through small groups and loves the world through service is life changing.

I write about local events for His Voice. I love to get the word out about what people are doing locally to reach people.

I began writing for His Voice two years ago. I met with Barbara and expressed my desire to write. I have enjoyed this opportunity. Through His Voice, I have gotten to know many wonderful people in the Middle Georgia area. Thank you, Barbara, for this great opportunity to serve.

In 2006, a dream came true for me. My first book was published, The Victor's Cry. This is a seven week Bible study teaching how to live in victory through loving the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. I am currently working on my second book, a book for moms. As a mom, everyday can be a challenge to find balance. I hope to have the manuscript finished by October.

I love working with women. During Southside's mission conference, 2004, God called me to full-time women's ministry. I said, "Yes," not really knowing what the details would be. God has opened many doors for me to minister to women in the area. God's plans for our lives are exciting. I am always curious to see what is around the corner. I love speaking at women's events.

I will be signing my book at Freedom Fest 2007 sponsored by Southside. I would love to meet you. You can locate me on Saturday, September 8, at the Southside tent. To contact Joy to speak at your next women's event you can go to www.joymchale.com.

Sue Kidd
His Voice Staff Writer

I retired from the base and started volunteer writing for His Voice several years ago. I really like interviewing people and getting to know how God works in other peoples lives. I am a one year breast cancer survivor and very grateful to be alive. I am married to Steven Kidd and we have one daughter, Rebecca Kidd. Rebecca is a sophomore at Macon State, and Steven works on the base with the Joint STARS program.

We are members at Bonaire United Methodist Church and attend their Chapel services at 8:15 AM on Sunday mornings. The Chapel is over 100 years old and very beautiful. I have played organ (or piano) for this service for many years. The Chapel feels like home to me. It is a traditional service.

My family also supports Relay for Life and Walk to Emmaus.

I sing with Victor Stripling and Final Chapter. We do prison ministry with Dot Pinkerton (The Lighthouse Mission) as well as some nursing home ministry monthly. I intend to work for God as long as He will let me. Volunteering for Him is what keeps me going.