It felt like a pause button was pushed in early 2020, as the global pandemic brought everything and everyone to a standstill a few months before Good Faith Media would launch.

As 2022 unfolded, the world gained momentum as individuals, families and communities emerged into what finally felt like a new normal.

Good Faith Media also celebrated the global emergence, generating and distributing more educational, challenging and inspiring content than ever before.

The GFM staff worked incredibly hard in 2022 to ensure all our digital and print content assisted GFM readers, listeners and viewers.

I am incredibly appreciative of our exceptional staff. The GFM staff are professionals in their areas of expertise, creating insightful content that challenges the mind and inspires the soul. It’s truly an honor to work alongside them.

As I reflect on 2022, several moments stand out.

Johnny Pierce and I traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border with Fellowship Southwest to interview local leaders, pastors and migrants about the immigration “crisis” at the border.

With politicians and pundits declaring the situation a catastrophe, GFM decided to gather first-hand accounts of what was really taking place. GFM dedicated an entire Nurturing Faith Journal edition to our experience. You can become a journal subscriber here.

We did discover a crisis, but migrants and locals were not to blame. The crisis centered on the “chaos” caused by ever-changing laws based upon political posturing instead of sound policies built on reason, compassion and common decency.

And because of the chaos, drug cartels are empowered to wield influence in border cities, leaving migrants – and those working with migrants – in extreme danger. Local leaders and pastors are doing everything humanly possible to minister to migrants, locals and border police agents.

If national leaders could ever come together to assess the situation through objective lenses, then they would witness loving parents fleeing violence and poverty in search of safety and survival. Instead of criminalizing them, we might canonize many of them for their sacrifice and commitment.

Another significant moment for me was attending the 2022 BioLogos Conference. Created by former National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, BioLogos believes that science and faith are not opposed but complement each other very well.

People of faith do not have to deny their faith to advocate for science, while scientists do not have to abandon their faith in pursuit of facts.

However, the highlight of the conference was when Collins spoke about how the global scientific community came together during the pandemic to work towards a vaccine to combat COVID-19. He recalled the evening he got the call that the Pfizer vaccine worked. He wept in his living room.

Conversely, he also wept when recalling his astonishment at the backlash after the vaccine came out. He knew the country was divided politically – the masking debate revealed that reality – but he thought the news of a lifesaving vaccine would have been welcomed with enthusiasm. Collins still feels sad for those that died from the virus that did not have to die.

Another event we covered in 2022 was a multifaith prayer service at the United Nations. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, religious leaders worldwide quickly condemned Russia’s egregious and evil action. The leaders also wanted to demonstrate solidarity in a call for Russian withdrawal that would lead to a pathway toward peace.

Hosted by the Parliament of World Religions across the street from the United Nations at the Church Center for the United Nations, religious leaders from around the world bowed in solidarity, asking for justice and peace to rain down. It was a moving experience as the world gathered to stand against tyranny.

One moment I did not expect in 2022, but I am so glad it happened, was when Missy Randall – my life partner – joined me as interim co-host for the Good Faith Weekly podcast. She has breathed new life into the podcast, always keeping me grounded and continuously ready with thoughtful insights and comments. I am almost ready to remove the “interim” tag from her title. What do you think?

In addition to the other moments, I need to talk briefly about our newest initiative. The “Jesus Worldview” and “Raceless Gospel” initiatives have become staples within GFM, but we added a new initiative this year called “A Better Way.”

“A Better Way” initiative was created to empower people of faith to engage in informed and fact-based discussions about policy and society in the media, in their houses of faith and communities, and in their personal relationships.

Good Faith Media feels we are responsible for empowering people with positive messaging that advocates for inclusivity and justice. We want to inspire people to stand up, speak out and step forward to promote inclusion, freedom and justice for all people.

As 2022 comes to a close, GFM has already been working on new projects for 2023. One major project will be the launch of the Good Faith Advocates network.

Good Faith Advocates are people committed to Good Faith Media’s mission of providing reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens, but they want to take their advocacy one step further. Becoming a Good Faith Advocate means accessing a monthly Zoom meeting with GFM staff, special guests and other advocates.

In addition, advocates will work with GFM staff to host and participate in Good Faith Gatherings across the country. Good Faith Gatherings provide an intimate setting for a small group in donors’ homes to discuss specific topics GFM is addressing. In-person gatherings will be 2-3 hours long, while virtual options will be around an hour.

If you’re interested in signing up to be an advocate, all you need to do is become a monthly donor at any level  or give a one-time donation of $250 each calendar year. You will be asked about your interest in becoming a Good Faith Advocate during the donation process. Click “yes,” and we will take care of the rest.

This past year has been extraordinary, but the GFM staff is excitedly waiting for 2023. For the first time since GFM’s launch during the pandemic, readers, listeners and viewers will experience a GFM unrestrained by travel and gathering restrictions. It’s going to be a great year!

As I close, I want to take a moment to thank every one of our supporters. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, our donors, subscribers and customers provide the generous support GFM needs to keep content free and at low costs to you. GFM would not be as successful as we are if it were not for your abundant generosity.

Thank you for your support, and Happy New Year!