“30 Emerging Voices”

The August 2005 issue of Charisma magazine asks:

Exciting lead-in. Who are these people? I want to get to know them.
My friend received his copy of the issue on Tuesday and called to tell me I was included as number 12 on the list. Huh? I didn't even know such a list was being compiled or that I had been nominated. Thinking his message must be a practical joke, I called another friend who subscribes. His issue hadn't arrived. On Wednesday a third friend corroborated the story, and yesterday I actually saw the magazine myself.
I'm still not sure what it means to be an "emerging leader" (see previous posts on the subject here and here), but it is an honor to be placed in the company of those wo were included on Charisma's list. I have no idea how or why they chose me, but frankly, the encouragement came at just the right time. The summer is always excrutiating, but this year my family has also endured some unexpected personal challenges which makes the timing all the more special.
Thank you, Charisma, for validating those of us who are desperate to perceive the "new thing" God is doing in this hour.