by J. Randal Matheny

First of all, we extend our sympathies to Emmett Smith and his family in the death of his sister Emma. She passed away Thursday at age 43, and her funeral was to be held this afternoon. If you would like to convey your condolences to the family, you may leave a comment below.

That's why you probably won't see an article from Emmett today.

Emmett and his wife Jeanina have been our friends for many years. They are some of the most dedicated Christians I know. Though I did not have the opportunity to know Emmett's parents well, Jeanina's parents, Leo and Betty Yearry, have been a great encouragement to me personally for over 25 years.

I count it a privilege to work with all the columnists of Forthright. Though I don't know all of them personally, I've come to appreciate each one of them and the contributions they make to our understanding of the Sacred Text and to our encouragement to the single commitment to Jesus Christ.

They often work under trying circumstances and great duress, as do we all. And they give freely of themselves, because they have a deep-rooted hope of turning lives toward eternity.

So I ask your prayers for Emmett's family and for all of us here at Forthright.

Blessings,

Randal Matheny Editor