Four years ago, an enthusiastic 11-year-old sat down with two pieces of paper and a few colored pencils. As she scribbled away, she had no idea it would be the first of dozens of magazines encouraging readers young and old to grow in their faith. She had no idea that one day these magazines would be featured in the CCCNZ magazine. She had no idea that one day they would have their own website and be read by people far away from her home in Dunedin. But by God's grace, it all came true.
As I look back on the four amazing years I've been producing Grow, I'm amazed and truly grateful at how much God has used it to bless both me and all of you. God works in amazing ways. He did great things in the lives of Daniel, Job, the Hiltons, and even in my own life. And if God could use a Lockdown-bored 11-year-old acting on what she thought was a whim, he can surely use you.
A Sad Announcement
These years have been amazing, and it's with mixed emotions that I make this announcement. At the end of 2024, I'll be discontinuing Grow Magazine for the foreseeable future. With my family moving back to the US and all the other changes happening, I started wondering if it was time to move on from Grow Magazine. I joined the Young Writers Workshop in May, and I've been focusing a lot more on my writing. Now I'm pretty sure writing is what I want to do the rest of my life. It's a bit much to keep running both Grow Magazine and writing seriously. I've been praying about whether God wants me to discontinue Grow for the foreseeable future. Now I think that it's the right decision.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
To all the parents, guardians, and most importantly, the young readers who have been a part of this journey, thank you. Without your encouragement, feedback, and support I don't think Grow Kids Christian Magazine would ever have come this far. I'm so glad that Grow has been able to bless all of you 💖
What Comes Next?
I'm pretty sure writing is what I want to do for the rest of my life, so I'll be spending a lot of time on it in the coming months. Someday I dream of publishing many books and maybe even starting another blog. For those who would like to keep in touch and support me on my journey as a writer, it would mean a lot if you subscribed to my email list! <3
What about the serial story? Of course, there won't be enough issues between now and the end of the year to complete it, so I'll be sharing it as an eBook freebie for those who sign up for my writer's email list once it's finished (:
Final Thoughts
Thanks again to each and every one of you. While this may be the end of one chapter, I can't wait to write new stories that will uplift and inspire children and teens in their journey of faith.
Here's to the cherished memories, the lessons learned, and the hearts touched through Grow Kids Christian Magazine. Your support has been a blessing, and for that, I will always be grateful.
With love,
Sophia Coleman, editor
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