From time to time as Christians, we are blessed by God with the unmistakable sense that we are witnessing the beginnings of a significant and sovereign work of His grace. There is a sense of knowing that what is being achieved would have been impossible, if the Lord Himself was not powerfully, wondrously, graciously and providentially at work.

It has been with a growing sense of the Lord?s hand at work that we have witnessed the establishment of "Sola 5". I do not believe that any of the brothers who have been involved from the very beginning could have envi-saged just how far the Lord has brought us in the short period of just over one year. Bruce Button?s article on the beginnings of Sola 5 succinctly describes the events of the past year from "pleading with the Lord to make us more united and effective for Him" through "the Lord seem[ing] to be initiating something" to "God?s guiding hand [being] evident all the way".

Some may well, at this point, be asking, "What is Sola 5?" It is, as the sub-title states, an association of God-centered evangelicals in southern Africa". The articles in this issue together with the official documents, i.e. the booklet containing the Statement of Faith, Core Values and Constitution (also available on the website www.sola5.org), should adequately answer all questions in this regard. Right from the outset, let it be known that we do not in any way consider that we have "arrived". Nor that Sola 5 is anything more than an association of imperfect individuals and churches (comprising imperfect individuals), humbly seeking to achieve the ideals of Ephesians 4:1-16 by the grace of God alone and to the glory of God alone.

It is therefore with joy and humble expectancy that we publish this first edition of "Sola 5 Chronicles", a publication which we intend making available on a quarterly basis. The purpose of the publication is to publish news of what is happening within and around the association as well as to provide a forum for fellowship on a broader basis within the association. To that end we will publish articles of a doctrinal and theological nature on relevant issues in order to stimulate educative discussion without necessarily endorsing every view expressed; readers are welcome to respond in writing to any of the articles to enhance this interaction. We will however, reserve the right to withhold from publication any articles or letters that, in our opinion, do not constructively foster the above objectives.

We would like your feedback on the name of the publication, "Sola 5 Chronicles" as this has not been cast in stone or issued "in accordance with the laws of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be repealed".

Many who receive this publication, will be receiving it as previous subscribers to Re-formation Africa South, which this publication may be replacing pending decisions yet to be made by the Reformed Baptist Association. We will keep you apprised of the situation in future issues.

We trust that you will be as encouraged as we are by the developments described in this publication and be motivated to pray with us for the Lord to revive, reform and unite His church across the southern African region in these days under the banner of His truth. May we see the true gospel triumphing in true spiritual power unto the salvation of those that believe.