Please forgive the title.

I'm writing this a day before the Fourth, which means patriotic tunes are everywhere—including the catchy George Cohan number that motivated WWI doughboys: "Over There." ("There," of course, being Europe.)

It's a rough transition, I know. But this memorable march's idea of someplace "over there" just doesn't fit any more in the age of the web, smart phones, and tablets. "Over there" is "here and now." And with that new reality comes more and more opportunities for connecting with publishers from around the world to compellingly and creatively distribute "Christian content that changes the people who change the world."

And specifically in this context, Christianity Today's content.

A week or two ago, our Chief Strategy Office Keith Stonehocker told you about Brazil's CristianismoHoje (CT in Portuguese) and the just introduced Leadership Journal Brazil. Such ministry extensions are exciting, to say the least, and they encourage us all to think even more aggressively about where else God might have us link arms with fellow publishers worldwide.

Over the past 12 years (and with Keith's driving vision!), CT's reach has touched not only South America but Asia (CT Korea), Europe (CT Norway), and—later this year—a Leadership Journal edition in Africa. (We'll be sure to let you know when this one launches!)

To whom much is given, much is required. And we here at Christianity Today talk a great deal about this as we prayerfully seek God's direction for where we should go next in the days ahead.

We also pray continually for how best to support such operations, since viable business models for this kind of outward thinking are still limited.

Make that sorely limited, what with advertising and circulation dollars (the twin pillars of our publishing efforts here in the States) not always readily available in other cultural contexts.

Thus at present, our "model" is to provide select international publishers with up to 50% of the content they need to "fill" their publication or site. (With the caveat, of course, being how effectively that content will "culturally crossover" to these global brothers and sisters.) Then, after the first year of publishing, these publishing partners provide us with a modest royalty based on their revenues.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

This is probably more about widgets then you need or care to know about. But I'm sharing all this with you, as a faithful reader and as a friend of this ministry, to underscore that resources for this particular vision are few and far between. Consequently, CT's international efforts not only extend its award-winning content across multiple borders but boldly put the ministry focus of CT front and center.

Yes, we are here to report the news of the global church and offer thoughtful commentary on faith-shaping trends and biblical truth to pastors, church leaders, and culture makers. But bottom line in these efforts: We are here to build God's Kingdom, using what God has gifted us with—our words in print and digital form—for his honor and glory alone.

I'm thinking that's what compels you to CT's assorted content day-in and day-out on the web and in the pages of our various publications. It engages, encourages, and equips you to effectively live Christ.

And now—the multiple challenges notwithstanding—much of that same content is beginning to do just that for brothers and sisters worldwide.

But it can do even more with your help!

Check out CT's organizational site (ChristianityToday.org) for ways in which your tax-deductible contributions can further propel CT's international vision to more countries and cultures. Any amount would be enthusiastically received and will be directed to CT's global operations for use in expanding our content's award-winning—and life-changing, life-shaping—reach.

Keith and I will be updating you on progress on this exciting front throughout the coming months. And as you read how God is moving among us, would we all catch an expanding vision for how Christianity Today can engage, encourage, and equip the church worldwide.

Harold B. Smith
President and CEO