THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 1, 1995 TAG: 9503310080
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JANE HARPER, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Long : 102 lines
DURING THEIR regular breakfast get-togethers at Bunny's Restaurant in Suffolk, Rex Alphin and Paul Munden have tried for years to make sense of an increasingly crazy world.
The two, both devout Christians and family men, have shared their thoughts and frustrations with modern society and politics over countless cups of coffee at the small cafe.
After one such meeting, they decided it would be interesting to hear what others had to say about these weighty subjects. And from that idea sprung The Podium, a bimonthly newsletter in which people are invited to express their opinions through a Christian perspective.
The 10-page publication, as explained in each issue, aims ``to provide a forum for various views as they pertain to Christianity and our culture.''
The Podium isn't exactly light reading. Among the questions it has asked are: ``What is the purpose of the family?'', ``What is true education?'', ``What does Christ's birth mean 2,000 years later?'' and ``What is the role of government?''
Other elements include poetry, book reviews, creative writings and even some occasional tax tips from Munden, a former forester turned certified public accountant.
Since November 1993, Alphin and Munden have published eight issues. Only about 40 friends and relatives saw the first edition; the latest one was sent to about 300 readers.
``It's growing,'' said Alphin, an Isle of Wight County farmer. ``Interest has been good, and it's picking up steam.''
Alphin and his father agreed to pay for printing and mailing because they believe it is an important endeavor worth the cost. But as distribution has increased, they decided to add a small subscription fee to defray costs.
Alphin was raised on the farm he now runs with his father, Robert. They grow peanuts, cotton and corn and raise hogs and beef cattle. His uncle, Thomas Alphin, owns one of the two cotton gins in the state.
Ruffin Alphin, Rex's brother, is pastor of Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church in Suffolk. His writing appears frequently in The Podium.
Munden, of Suffolk, met Alphin about five years ago at Suffolk's Grace Fellowship Church, which both attend. They've been getting together for weekly breakfast talks ever since.
``We often discuss the issues that we put in The Podium,'' Alphin said. ``It (the idea for the publication) probably came out of our desire to put these questions out to people in our area - questions we thought people should be asking of themselves.''
Each issue contains a question that will be addressed in the upcoming edition. Readers are encouraged to submit articles pertaining to the question.
``We're obviously offering the Christian perspective on things, but we're not as concerned with giving answers but asking questions that stir the pot,'' Munden said.
In the beginning, most of the writing was done by Alphin, Munden and a few friends and relatives they persuaded to submit articles.
But as distribution spread, unsolicited articles have been pouring in from a wide variety of people, they said. Pastors, housewives, teachers, a shipyard worker and a college student have been among the contributors.
The Rev. Willis Dowling, pastor of South Norfolk Christian Church in Chesapeake, is a regular contributor and avid reader. He said he is impressed with the editors and the publication, which he calls a ``personal ministry project'' of the two men.
``I think The Podium gives people who share the love of Jesus Christ a chance to share their opinions and views on the various themes under discussion,'' Dowling said.
Another fan is Brad Bauska, a Coast Guard fire control technician from Suffolk. Bauska even gets The Podium sent to him when he's at sea on a Coast Guard cutter. He also just bought a subscription for his mother-in-law in Walla Walla, Wash.
``As a reader, I've thoroughly enjoyed it,'' Bauska said. ``It's uplifting spiritually. It gets us thinking about the Lord and what he wants from us.''
While other Christian publications focus on similar issues, The Podium gives locals an outlet for their opinions. And that, the editors say, is what seems to be spurring their newsletter.
Munden and Alphin print The Podium with the help of a friend who has experience in desktop publishing. The subscription fee they recently started charging is needed to cover the growing mailing costs, they said.
``It wasn't intended as a money-making thing,'' Alphin said.
``And it hasn't been,'' Munden quickly added with a laugh.
Munden and Alphin said they don't plan to increase the size or frequency of the publication. They already are devoting a great deal of their time and money just putting it out bimonthly, they said.
Both said they have been pleased with the feedback so far.
``We've had a lot of people say they like it,'' Munden said. ``Enough to make us keep doing it.'' MEMO: The Podium is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are $5 a year. To
subscribe, write to The Podium, 26196 River Run Trail, Zuni Va. 23898 or
call (804) 562-6156
ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
MICHAEL KESTNER/Staff
Paul Munden, left, amd Rex Alphin make editorial decisions for The
Podium at Bunny's Restaurant.
by CNB