Marvin Moore is celebrating some major milestones at Pacific Press in December 2019. The newly released December issue of Signs of the Times marks Moore’s 300th issue and 25th year as editor of the 145-year-old Seventh-day Adventist publication. Of Signs’ ten editors, only Arthur Maxwell served longer (1937-1970).
Moore is a prolific author with more than 35 books to his credit. Many know him as an Abe Lincoln look-alike. Moore served as a pastor, then as a book editor at Pacific Press for nearly nine years before accepting the Signs editor role in September 1994.
“I’ve never done anything I enjoyed more,” Moore said. “When then-editor Greg Brothers left to go back to school for his doctorate, I told the administration that I had no interest in being a magazine editor.” Robert “Bob” Kyte, who was president of Pacific Press at the time, asked Moore to reconsider.
“I told him, ‘Give me a week to pray about it,’” Moore said. “I’ve never regretted it! And I have no plans to retire. As long as I can keep going, I will keep going.”
“For 25 years, Marvin Moore has faithfully shared the message of Christ’s love and His soon return through the pages of Signs of the Times,” said Dale Galusha, president of Pacific Press. “Signs has reached millions of people. During his years as editor, Marvin has not only created the magazine each month but has also created many special topical issues, as well as the popular Pocket Signs series of small pamphlets designed for sharing Jesus with others.”
Circulation for Signs sits near 100,000 copies, many of which are distributed through Signs news boxes sponsored by churches. Moore believes Signs has an important role to play in the future of the church’s mission. “Signs World Evangelism covers the cost of sending the magazine to prisoners and people abroad who can’t afford it,” Moore explained. “It brings hope and light right into their hands. Our mission has always been to reach non-Adventists with the Adventist message — Jesus’ message — of hope and love.”
