The Seeker’s 40th Anniversary celebration was held at Charlie’s Pickin’ & Grinnin’ in Richmond, on Saturday, October 19th. There was food, music and door prizes, and over 100 people in attendance. Many thanks to all who attended and helped with the event.
The Seeker Celebrates 40 Years of Publication
Thank you for making the Seeker’s 40th Anniversary a spectacular celebration! The event was held on Saturday, October 19th. Thanks again to Charlie, Kevin and Kathy Adkins of Charlie’s Pickin’ & Grinnin’ in Richmond, for allowing over 100 of us to gather at their cozy and festive facility. If you have not experienced Charlie’s, please make plans to do so. Details are on the advertisement on page 6.
Special thanks to those who photographed the event and everyone who performed music during the open mic and door prize giveaways. You don’t know how much I appreciate each of you who helped with planning, preparing and enjoying this unforgettable event.
Special thanks, as always to our columnists: Bill Old, Charlenea Wirth, Dr. Robin Mason, Dr. Larry Burton, Rev. Robert Bailey, Alan Barnett, Lacy Webb, Bruce Walker and Marian Abbott for submitting impactful, inspirational articles for years. Thank you to Lewis Settlage, Bill Old, Anthony and Darrell Napier, and everyone who helps with delivering and each and every task required for this ministry. You are very important to us.
In the early 80’s, my parents, Doug and Marti Miller, felt that God was leading them into ministry. They explored various options, including starting a Christian school. In vague, childhood memories I recall them scouting for properties for consideration. They soon shared a vision and agreed that a Christian news publica-tion was necessary. Through a very difficult beginning, they established The Seeker, and continued printing for over 14 years, until we sadly lost my mother Marti in 1998. At that point there was a transition, and at a young age, I assumed the position of owner and publisher. I may have assumed the position of publisher, but YOU all have kept it going. By the grace and with the help of God Almighty, you have been faithful through challenging times. He’s carried us through 911, the recession, the pandemic and more. Many of you have remained faithful to read our monthly editions, allowed us to distribute papers in your businesses, and sponsored us through your advertisements. Some of you have continued with us since the very beginning and we are forever grateful to you for your support. You have allowed us to grow, and now reach 13 counties.
Reflecting back on the highlights of the past four decades, I recall not only obstacles, but many precious and priceless moments. There are also countless incidents involving calamity, humorous typographical errors and photo follies. Here are some my favorites to tell…
One example was in the early 90’s, on a photo for a well known Gospel group. The headline should have read, “…Record Breaking Turnout.” What appeared in type was, “Record Breaking Burnout!” Thankfully, that was caught just prior to printing.
Another typo that brought laughter was in the Events. There were directions to a country church which should have read, “Go right at the stop sign and it’s two houses on the left.” What printed? “Go right…and it’s two horses on the left.”
In my early years of editing, I recall an article about a church who had adopted a highway. They stated, “Participating in this program shows that we are not ashamed of our values.” Unfortunately, one small, but important word was left out and it read as follows: “Participating in this program shows that we are ashamed of our values.” Of course, we extended the necessary apologies at the time, yet it is nice that we can look back and laugh.
The excitement never ceases. There have been times I felt like I was in a cartoon, juggling every single electronic device and piece of equipment required for pre-press. Once they all happened to fail on the very same day, and naturally, during deadline!
Always an adventure…in recent years, while delivering papers to a church, I was greeted with a man and his SHOTGUN! Pretty sure I made an extra driveway as I bolted off of the premises.
Although these events can serve as everything from frustrating to frightening, God has always sent the help that is needed, and not one second late. I’m thankful God has trusted me with this ministry, forgiving my errors, as I am still learning as I go. Also, thankful He as allowed me to cross paths and form relationships with so many wonderful people like you. Thank you for forty years!