How We Got Started and
How God Continues to Lead
It actually began when Tom and Jennifer were about to be married. They asked God to join their lives only if they could be of greater service to Him together than separately. They worked together at a Christian health and education facility for several years until Melissa came along, and Jennifer went into full-time ministry at home. In 1993 the couple wondered how they could work together out of the home, and they thought with Tom’s background in journalism and Jennifer’s training in health education, why not a health journal? With too much competition in that area, they asked, “What do people need most in our fast-paced society?” Stress relief was the obvious answer, and that could come only through a greater understanding of and appreciation for the loving Creator and Redeemer. And what better way to share His tender mercy than through His handiwork?
Hence, Creation Illustrated was born with its three sections on nature, Scripture, and living to provide a balance of mental, spiritual, and physical enrichment in each edition. But this would not have been possible without major advancements in desktop publishing computer technology. With digital photography and all of the layout, design, 4-color separations, and editing done on a computer, the publication could be done for a fraction of the cost of conventional magazine publishing with only two people rather than eight or so.
As progress and wide reception of the publication has taken it to all 50 states and 35 foreign countries (so far). The stunning Photos are submitted by free-lance photographers from all over the country (and even some from overseas) to accompany stories that have been assigned or have been submitted by freelance writers. Great attention is given to every detail to see that about 1,300 items on a checklist are covered for each edition. Working as a team, even their daughter Melissa (with a college education in Graphic Arts) assists in layout and design.
It is with heartfelt gratitude that the publishers recognize that none of the above (or the three Angel Awards) would be possible without the dedication and talent of writers, photographers, proofreaders, record keepers, marketers, data processors, printers, and mailers. And none of these tasks would happen without the interest and support of readers and sponsors who want to see Creation Illustrated spread far and wide. But ultimately it is the God of Creation who enables each person for a life of service, and it is to this awe-inspiring God that the publishers wish to give all the glory for the things he has done.
TOM, JENNIFER, AND MELISSA ISH
Editors/Publishers
