Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1991

Nellie From Met Challenge
Jonathan Gerstner

It is not without sadness that the CRCC has accepted the resignation of Mrs. Nellie From as editor of Pioneer. Nellie requested to step down as part of a change in employment which would allow her more time with her family, and we certainly honour her request and appreciate her priorities.

Nellie led Pioneer through remarkable changes. Under her leadership, Pioneer adopted a monthly theme format which added cohesion to the magazine. She led us into the future as a Canadian magazine by tactfully removing the Dutch language pages. She consistently worked far more hours than those for which she was paid.

I would like to draw attention to three notable emphases of Nellie's time as editor. First, Nellie had a vision to make Pioneer a magazine for all the RCC. She worked extremely hard to involve input from Western Canadian churches who had not traditionally supported Pioneer. The Western Advisory Committee to Pioneer is thus a fitting tribute to Nellie's editorial vision.

Secondly, she had a vision for Pioneer as a communicator of the special demands of the Canadian context on our ministry as Reformed Church. She seized the challenge of preparing our congregations for the challenges facing the RCC in the spiritual crises engulfing the United Church of Canada. The October 1990 issue was an extraordinary journalistic triumph, as Pioneer covered the crisis at the UCC General Council with more detail and sensitivity than any other media. Nellie took time out of her busy schedule to attend much of the General Council, and constantly asked how she could convey the spirit of what had occurred at the assembly to people with friends and relatives in the UCC to let them see the depth of the crisis and the RCC's deep concern for those fighting for the Gospel in such a context. Similarly, the June 1990 issue helped present the wonder of the All-Canada Leadership Conference to our constituency and was one of the first items read by pastors and laypeople considering joining the RCC. These two issues alone would leave a rich legacy.

Finally, she presented an uncompromisingly evangelical vision of Christian journalism. She constantly cared that everything in Pioneer was there to build up and led people to a closer walk with Christ. She viewed her work as a ministry. Under her leadership, Pioneer grew to become the finest evangelical periodical of the RCA, because of its uncompromising support of God's truth.

Nellie has given us a challenging task to maintain. But we echo her faith that God has yet greater days ahead for Pioneer. To God alone be the Glory!

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