about us
Faith and Purpose is a regional news magazine that seeks to inform, equip and inspire Christians. We seek to build community and understanding in Northeast Arkansas, and to bring Christians together for greater impact in mission, ministry and witness. F&P is published by Occasions Publishing Group, also the parent company for Jonesboro Occasions and Kids' Occasions. Published quarterly, each March, June, September and December, F&P is locally owned, and is the only media in the region dedicated to news coverage in the Christian Community.

The overriding theme of F&P's news coverage is directed at communicating the way God works in the lives of everyday people by encouraging them to step out in faith, enlarge their vision, heighten their expectations and use their spiritual gifts to glorify Him. Editorial coverage is approached in such a way as to inspire lay leaders, ministry staff and both churched and unchurched families and individuals. Our editorial departments include regular in-depth feature and news stories focusing on faith ventures, health and wellness, marriage and family, and small group leadership, all from a Christian perspective.

Our purpose for all our publications is outlined in our mission statement:

Occasions Publishing Group

Our Mission: Occasions Publishing Group is a people-focused, purpose-driven organization committed to reaching, inspiring and informing readers across Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.

Faith and Purpose is a publication of locally owned and operated by Occasions Publishing Group, formed by Arkansas State University College of Communications alumni Audrey Watkins, Steve Watkins and Jeff Hankins. Other publications under their group banner include Jonesboro Occasions, Kids’ Occasions, Jonesboro Datebook, Occasions Menu Guide and our annual city newcomers and visitor’s guide.

Steve Watkins, publisher and editor of F&P, has a 20-year history of work in communications and marketing including general assignment reporting for The Jonesboro Sun, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, and director of development for the Arkansas State University Foundation. He currently serves as president of the Northeast Arkansas Advertising Federation and volunteers time for a number of philanthropic and charitable causes. He has a masters degree in mass communications from ASU.

Audrey Watkins, published of F&P, is also the publisher and editor of Faith & Purpose's sister publication, Jonesboro Occasions. Audrey previously spent nine years as a reporter for The Jonesboro Sun, served as associate editor of the Marianna Courier-Index and was a writer for the Northeast Arkansas Tribune. She has been a designated stringer for The New York Times and currently serves as president of Arkansas Press Women. She is married to Steve Watkins, who is chairman of Occasions Publishing Group, and co-publisher of Jonesboro Occasions. They have three children, Adam, Emma and Sophie.

Jeff Hankins serves in a consulting role, is president and publisher of Arkansas Business Publishing Group in Little Rock. ABPG publishes 23 magazines, including Arkansas Business and the new Little Rock Soiree society and philanthropy magazine. He is past president of the ASU Alumni Association and remains active in Jonesboro through ASU activities and speaking engagements. He is the host of "Arkansas Business With Jeff Hankins" and a panelist on "Arkansas Week," both on AETN.