After faithfully proclaiming this liberating truth for a number of years, it became apparent that union was not simply an intellectual concept, but meant to be a vital experience available to all. In 1990, this understanding came full circle as union for communion with a God of unconditional love became experiential through the ancient practice -- largely unknown to us as evangelicals in the protestant tradition -- of the prayer of silence.

Since that time, our recommended booklist, as well as the articles published in the magazine, have reflected this expanded awareness. A dedication to this simple prayer of quiet has resulted in a growing awareness of how precious each human life is to its loving Creator, and of His passionate desire for intimacy with each one of His people.

Union Life's editor and staff -- currently Bill Volkman, Jan Ord, Claudia Volkman (Bill's daughter-in-law), and Mary Ryan -- come from the evangelical tradition, but have joyfully embraced this ancient prayer practice, and would encourage all who seek a deeper relationship with God to consider adding contemplative prayer to their daily devotional life. Union Life has always published a fair proportion of original, personal-experience articles from readers, as well as excerpts from out-of-the-ordinary Christian books. Articles in the early years of Union Life -- mostly Protestant writers, some contemporary, and some historical -- focused on the basic truths of the indwelling presence of Christ, and the believer's union with Him, with very little emphasis on prayer; while more recently the articles -- mostly Catholic writers, some contemporary, some historical -- have been more about the experience of union, and different aspects of prayer, especially silent, or centering prayer.

Conferences, seminars and retreats have also always been offered by Union Life Ministries, Inc. In recent years, the emphasis has moved from much teaching, to a little teaching, and much time devoted to group experience of silent prayer.

With the print era of the ministry coming to an end (with the publication of the November/December, 1998, issue of Union Life), it became apparent that the ministry of encouraging Christians to recognize who they are in Christ, and God's desire for intimacy with them, still has a place. For this reason, unionlife.com, the official web site of Union Life magazine came into existence.

Timeless original articles and book excerpts that have been published in Union Life over the years will be available to browsers from time to time. New articles will occasionally be posted. A recommended booklist, plus timely ads for specific books, will be posted at all times. And, as time allows, "quiet retreats" in various places will be planned, and a schedule will published.

Our goal -- our "dedication to an expanding awareness of God's mystery, which is Christ in you" -- remains the same. As the revelation of our God's great love and longing for an intimate relationship with His precious children becomes more of a reality to us, it's our heartfelt desire that each person come to know their Creator as Lord and Lover.

Ever since unionlife.com first appeared on the Internet in the Spring of 1998, one person has been laboring quietly, unidentified, behind the scenes. Design and technical skill are essential ingredients for an attractive and informative web site, and our Webmaster brings both of those talents in abundance to unionlife.com.

Gary Bonikowsky has spent many years as in-house graphic designer for the marketing department of a large (large!) software company’s Toronto office. Since its inception in 1974, Gary has been a great and faithful friend of Union Life, traveling into the U.S. on a yearly basis to conferences, to summer camps in Wisconsin with his wife and children, and to our recent contemplative prayer retreats in Glen Ellyn. He has been our technical expert, guide, and encourager in all things connected with our computer-related production of Union Life, introducing our staff to new ways to utilize this new and frightening tool. When a web site was suggested as an alternative to Union Life’s total demise, Gary enthusiastically volunteered his skills, talents and time to get us "up and running."

Gary, Sharon, and their two children, Sarah and Michael, live in a tiny hamlet just a little north of Toronto, close to the Bruce Trail, right in the middle of lovely rolling, wooded hills, and far from the noise and bustle of hectic city life. Gary is not only an artist, but he is also a writer who finds the solitude of his environment a great aid to creativity. A number of articles by him have been published over the years in the pages of Union Life magazine.

Should you have any comments or suggestions concerning our web site, you may contact Gary at: