MennoMedia has named April Yamasaki editor of the quarterly devotional magazine Rejoice! Yamasaki replaces Leslie Hawthorne Klingler, who was editor since 2013.

Previously the editor of Purpose, her published books include Sacred Pauses, Four Gifts, Christ Is for Us, and On the Way with Jesus. She is working on her fourth collection of sermons for publication in 2023.

“I love engaging with readers and writers and look forward to doing that on behalf of Rejoice!,” Yamasaki said. “I’ve read and written for Rejoice! for years and am now eager to learn more about the publishing side as editor.”

After 25 years of pastoral ministry at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Yamasaki is now a resident author with Valley CrossWay Church, a liturgical worship community in Abbotsford, B.C. Yamasaki writes on spiritual growth and Christian living online and in print publications and is a frequent guest speaker in other churches and settings.

MennoMedia, the publishing arm of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, began publishing Rejoice! in 1972.

“Rejoice! has been a staple in Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren homes for 50 years this fall,” said MennoMedia publisher Amy Gingerich. “It’s much beloved by readers, and it’s a pleasure to welcome April to the team and see how she gives shape to our devotional life going forward.”