I love listening to peoples’ back stories. Whether it’s an Olympic hopeful or a first-time competitor on America Ninja Warrior, I enjoy understanding the obstacles they faced in life and the way they overcame those hurdles to get to where they are now.

Forward in Christ offers stories like that each month. The difference is that the focus is not on how the individual perseveres but on how God leads our WELS brothers and sisters through those often-difficult journeys.

Three articles this month tell the story of God’s presence in our everyday lives.

• “Serving the city” recounts Keri Jackson’s path into the public ministry. Expect to see more stories like these about WELS called workers in future months.
• “My Christian life” relates the Job-like tale of Casey Schwartz, who lost so much but grew in his faith during his sufferings.
• “Confessions of faith” shares how the Shah family discovered the truth of God’s Word and then found a church family who helped them when trials hit.

- Julie Wietzke, managing editor