The material below summarizes the information in the Powerpoint presentation that was given at the Thanksgiving.
A recording of the whole service is available here.
The very first issue of Evangelical Times was sent out in February 1967:
This first issue had been the result of a huge amount of preparatory work and research.
Peter Masters:
‘We had addresses, pastors, membership and attendance details for over 5000 churches, chapels and missions…’
Prior to the production of the first issue a flyer had been sent to many churches and individuals encouraging support for this project as an outworking of biblical principles.
This is the original flyer:
Its original vision was to encourage the fulfillment of those biblical instructions and apostolic example of informed prayer for other believers and churches:
Eph 6:21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
Phil 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
Col 1:9, 4:7 & 4:16 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
These aims were summarised in the early issues of the newspaper:
- News – Spreading news between churches – can we pray intelligently for one another?
- A Voice – To promote evangelical unity – not part of the wider ecumenical movement.
- An encouragement –good evangelical reading- strengthen those faithful to scripture – spiritual nourishment – at a level all can enjoy.
- To stand against worldliness and doctrinal decline.
- Mission – encourage support for missionary endeavour.
The original price of ET was 9d back in the days when accounting was done in three columns: £ s d
At that time a pint of milk was 5d and you could have fish and chips for 12d. A first class stamp was 4d.
Interestingly the price of ET has remained at roughly twice the cost of a first class stamp throughout itys history.
There is real encouragement with this work of ET online. The email newsletter circulation has continued to increase and reaches out into all kinds of different countries.
ET International (ETI) is a slimmed-down 16 page missionary version of ET produced four times a year and designed for low-cost airmailing throughout the world.
This publication is valued very highly in countries where there is little evangelical literature available.
We give thanks to God for:
- All those who have worked so hard over these 50 years to make ET such a valued resource for evangelical Christians.
- Churches & readers, church agents, Christian book publishers and advertisers.
- Contributors, writers and their supporters.
- Board members – the hidden labourers behind the scenes.
- Our current team of writers, editors and office staff.
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- The ET cake!
