New Growth Press to release children’s book on African heroes of the faith

African Heroes: Discovering Our Christian Heritage shows children how God has used all races and ethnicities in his plan of redemption by celebrating and highlighting the contributions of African theologians and martyrs.

Jordan and Jasmine’s dad loves history and is always telling them stories about the past. One day when their family is out on a picnic, they start asking if there were any Christians who looked like them who God had used to help the church grow. They are excited when their dad shares inspiring true stories of early Christian leaders—both men and women—from Africa who helped to grow the early church in remarkable and significant ways.

Author Jerome Gay introduces children to the stories of eleven amazing African leaders including Augustine, Athanasius, Tertullian, and more. African Heroes presents these figures on a level children can understand with diverse imagery and colorful illustrations by John Joven.

• Written for children ages four to seven to show the African roots of the early church.
• Key principles and Bible verses are connected with each leader; for example, Augustine’s life and work in Algeria is characterized by grace (Ephesians 2:8).
• Christian parents and church leaders will value sharing this resource with children to show that people of diverse cultures were part of the early church.

African Heroes: Discovering Our Christian Heritage
By Jerome Gay Jr.
October 23, 2023 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-263-8
Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth

Jerome Gay Jr. is the founding and teaching pastor of Vision Church in Raleigh, NC. He has a vision to see gospel-centered churches planted, disciples multiplied, missionaries unleashed, and theologically sound and culturally engaging leaders raised up and sent out to impact the world with The Gospel. He is the author of The Whitewashing of Christianity: A Hidden Past, A Hurtful Present, and A Hopeful Future, Renewal: Grace and Redemption in the Story of Ruth, Church Hurt: Holding the Church Accountable and Helping Hurt People Heal, and the minibook, Talking to Your Children about Race. Jerome and his wife, Crystal, have two children.

John Joven is an illustrator and painter who works from home, where he can share his passion for drawing and painting with his children while working on projects. As a six-year-old, John took his first painting, sculpture, and character design class. As an adult, he has had many opportunities to bring his artistic vision to diverse media, including magazines, newspaper articles, children’s books, and animation projects around the globe. He enjoys spending free time with his family, playing soccer with friends, watching movies, reading, writing, and traveling. He lives in Colombia with his wife, Ana, and two children.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

“Some of the most influential theologians in my life were born and ministered on the continent of Africa. There is a rich and beautiful heritage that is rarely marveled at or pointed out. Jerome Gay has done an exceptional job introducing some of these heroes of the faith to the next generation.”
– Matt Chandler , Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Executive Chairman, Acts 29

“Besides kid-friendly versions of the Bible itself, there is not another children’s book I’d recommend more for Black families than African Heroes: Discovering Our Christian Heritage. As he has done in so much of his previous work, Pastor Jerome Gay has put together a book that teaches, celebrates, and presents Christianity the way God meant for it to be done—multiculturally. In reading about their rich Christian heritage, Black children will learn they are as loved, as cherished, and as empowered as any other race or ethnicity of people.”
– Chris Broussard, Internationally-known Sports Broadcaster, Founder/President of The K.I.N.G. Movement

“Africa’s contributions to Christianity is rarely taught, but this book tells the story we’ve longed to hear. African Heroes will inspire, educate, and fan the flame of dignity for black children. This isn’t ‘black-washing’ Christianity, rather, it’s beautifully illustrated truth telling for the glory of Jesus! Every family, regardless of race, needs this book in their home.”
– Sarita T. Lyons, JD, PhD Writer, Speaker, Psychotherapist, Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry, Epiphany Fellowship Church (Philadelphia)