Family Life

01.29.09 | Cecil Van Houten

In the summer of 2006, as the newly-minted host of the afternoon show, I wanted to add some content on a regular basis that would be of interest to listeners.  Music was an obvious topic and the Lord opened a wonderful door with some friends at CTI (Christianity Today, International), based in Chicago.  CTI is the publisher of Christianity Today magazine, Leadership Journal and Today's Christian Woman among other publications.

Russ Breimeier had already been with CTI for several years as a music reviewer and editor.  He also was instrumental in developing their web music presence, www.christianmusictoday.com.  We hit it off immediately and began segments that ran every Tuesday afternoon for about two and a half years.  Russ's depth of knowledge and ability to relate music to the culture were keys to the success of the segments. 

Sadly, last week Russ told me that because of budget cuts at CTI his position, along with a number of others, was being eliminated.  As with any friend who faces the loss of their job, there was a mixture of shock and sadness and yet an underlying sense that, despite the circumstances in the short term, God is in control.  You've probably had the same range of emotions about someone you know who's in that situation.

But there's always hope.  To quote Russ in his last newsletter, released yesterday, "I have no idea what's next - and admittedly, that's more than a little scary.  But I've also seen God at work in small, yet undeniable ways these past few days. [jump] All of this - and more - has only confirmed to me that God is clearly in control.  Like Abraham dutifully traveling to his new faraway home in faith, or Moses carrying out the Lord's will with trepidation and uncertainty, or Joseph recognizing that his hard times were ultimately used for good, I know that God's got this next phase worked out somehow.  His timing and his plans, though sometimes difficult to discern and understand, are perfect."

I want to thank Russ for the part he's played in bringing information, perspective and a lot of fun to the afternoons.  He may be back at some point.  In the meantime, I know he'd appreciate your prayers for guidance and direction.