GALAHAD AND THE GRAIL, INAUGURAL TITLE IN MALCOLM GUITE’S FOUR-VOLUME MASTERWORK  MERLIN’S ISLE: AN ARTHURIAD, BOWS MARCH 23

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Galahad and the Grail, the inaugural volume in famed poet, priest and Cambridge University fellow Malcolm Guite’s long-awaited masterwork, Merlin’s Isle: An Arthuriad, arrives March 23 from Nashville-based Rabbit Room Press. Hallmarked by its accessibility and appeal to audiences of all ages, the 372-page hardcover first edition of Galahad and the Grail is available for preorder now.

Making history as the first multi-volume epic poem retelling of Arthurian legend since Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Idylls of the King in 1859, Merlin’s Isle represents a true new classic of English literature and culminates a yearslong undertaking for Guite. Leading the groundbreaking series, Galahad and the Grail features a foreword from Hugo Award-winning author Susanna Clarke, who calls the title “An astonishing achievement, a ballad that picks you up and sweeps you onward into adventure, solemn magic, and beauty.”

Galahad and the Grail plumbs the depths of the human soul, carrying readers through the Wasteland, setting them upon the magical shores of Faerie in all its mystery and meaning as Sir Galahad and the other knights of the quest set out from Camelot to achieve the Holy Grail. The accomplishment of their goal will not only heal the wounded Fisher-King but will bring about the long hoped-for healing of the land itself.

“I have loved these stories since I was a child and I heard them from my mother who was a great storyteller herself but also had extensive knowledge of the medieval sources, especially the great gathering of those stories and their rendering into Middle English by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century,” Guite says. “So, the version that first moved me was not some sanitized Hollywood version, but the real thing, haunting, numinous, continuously suggestive of the holy and beautiful reality of God and His saints and angels shimmering through the fabric of the stories of the knights with all their aspirations and all their human flaws.”

“Malcolm Guite’s fluency with the poetic traditions and stories of the past, along with his theological bent for illuminating the deep mysteries of faith, and his rare gift of making poetry approachable for the modern reader, have all endeared him to us as a kindred spirit and a fellow traveler,” states Rabbit Room Press publisher Pete Peterson. “Despite its daunting scope, the four-volume Merlin’s Isle is an epic poem not constrained to the shelves of academia but bound as well for the young reader enraptured by tales of chivalric deed, or the light reader in search of the lyrical, or even the family reading aloud at day’s end.”

Galahad and the Grail showcases more than 25 exclusive illustrations from award-winning artist Stephen Crotts. His one-of-a-kind renderings will appear throughout the Merlin’s Isle series, adding further dimension to Guite’s poetry. “Visually imagining Malcolm’s telling of the Grail stories has become far more than a simple illustration project for me,” Crotts shares. “The further I’ve journeyed into the work, the more I’ve realized this book is an initiation in uncovering the enchantment that is built into the people and places around me. This quest isn’t an escape from the world, but an invitation to imagine the world we inhabit as a chalice being filled by love, and shared in communion.”

Celebrating the launch of Guite’s masterwork, Rabbit Room Press presents The Tale This Land Still Keeps, a 30-minute documentary giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the four-volume Merlin’s Isle series. Featuring insight from Guite and series illustrator Stephen Crotts, the piece was directed by award-winning filmmaker Patrick Shen and is slated to premier exclusively to paid subscribers of Guite’s YouTube channel later this month, with a wider release to follow.

On the heels of March’s Galahad and the Grail, Rabbit Room Press will release The Coming of Arthur (Fall 2026), Knights of the Round Table (Summer 2027), and The Passing of Arthur (Spring 2028), completing publication of the Merlin’s Isle: An Arthuriad series.

ABOUT MALCOLM GUITE 
Malcolm Guite is a poet following the tradition of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and George Herbert, a priest in the tradition of Lancelot Andrewes, and a scholar and literary critic in the tradition of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. A Girton College Fellow at Cambridge University, Guite lectures widely in the United Kingdom and North America on theology and literature and is the author of several works of nonfiction and poetry, including Sounding the Seasons: 70 Sonnets for the Christian Year (Canterbury Press), which is now in its 10th printing, as well as The Singing Bowl: Collected Poems (Canterbury Press 2013), Parable and Paradox (Canterbury Press 2016), Mariner: A Voyage with Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Hodder 2017), After Prayer (Canterbury Press 2019), The Word Within the Words (DLT 2021) and Lifting the Veil (Square Halo 2021).

ABOUT THE RABBIT ROOM AND RABBIT ROOM PRESS 
Conceived in 2007 as an experiment in creative community, The Rabbit Room put down roots in a 150-year-old farmhouse in Nashville, Tennessee. The community’s creative ventures now feature a podcast network, bookstore, Rabbit Room Press, and live events including the annual Hutchmoot conference.

Rabbit Room Press publishes works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that embody the mission of The Rabbit Room—cultivating stories that nourish Christ-centered communities for the life of the world. The boutique publishing house endeavors to create books that are beautiful both inside and out, titles not limited to any specific genre or market, but which adhere to a basic belief in the value of creative writing and storytelling.

For further information, visit merlinsisle.com, rabbitroompress.com, or turningpointpr.com. Follow Malcolm Guite on YouTube.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Numerous titles from across the imprints of Lifeway Christian Resources have recently been honored by media and publishing organizations for their excellence, outstanding contributions to Christian discourse or their remarkable sales in the past year.

ECPA honors Lifeway titles for outstanding sales

Established in 1990, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Milestone Sales Award recognizes outstanding sales achievement in the publication of quality Christian literature.

• “The Gospel Story” by Mary Wiley (B&H Kids) received the ECPA Platinum Award for over 1 million copies sold.

Three Lifeway Women Bible studies were also honored with Bronze Awards for 100,000 copies sold:

• “Jesus and Women”by Kristi McLelland (Double Bronze)
• “Encountering God” by Kelly Minter
• “Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight” by Jennifer Rothschild

“These studies challenge women to dive into Scripture and explore the biblical text with insight and from a woman’s point of view. Each of these authors has a distinctive voice and teaching style, but all three are master teachers who lead women to the feet of Jesus,” said Tina Boesch, manager for Bible studies at Lifeway Women.

“All of these studies illuminate the goodness of life lived in God’s presence, and I believe that’s one reason they have had such broad appeal.”

Other Lifeway and B&H titles were honored earlier in the year by ECPA’s Christian Book Awards and Top Shelf Book Cover Awards.

B&H named ‘Publisher of the Year’ by SEPA

The Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) named B&H Publisher of the Year, an award chosen by distributors and bookstores, for the sixth time.

This award recognizes the publisher for its outstanding and innovative contribution to the Christian publishing industry and its commitment to evangelical literature, highlighting the care taken in its content, along with the quality of its design and printing.

“We are deeply proud of the work we do, committed to excellence and guided by a mission far greater than ourselves,” said Elizabeth Works, senior manager for global books. “We give thanks to God for the strength, creativity and purpose that drive our efforts, and we remain humbled by this recognition. This award reminds us why we do what we do and inspires us to keep serving with integrity, passion and gratitude.”

SEPA also recognized the “Biblia para niños exploradores” (Explorers Bible) as “Best Bible Cover and Interior Design” in the specialized category. Karin Albrecht (design) and Nate Farro and Stephanie Salvatore (illustration) were highlighted for their work.

“Un año con Dios” (“A Year With God”) and “RVR 1960 Biblia del Pescador” (“RVR 1960 Fisherman’s Bible”) were honored with the Silver Award for over 100,000 copies sold. “Neuvo Testamento Hay vida en Jesús” (“There is Life in Jesus New Testament”) received the Gold Award for over 250,000 copies sold.

B&H Publishing Group titles honored by Christianity Today

B&H Publishing and B&H Academic titles were recognized as finalists and honorees in several categories at the 2025 Christianity Today Book Awards:

• “Called to Freedom” by Brad Littlejohn (B&H Academic) – Politics and Public Life Award of Merit
• “Drawn by Beauty” by Matthew Z. Capps (B&H Academic) – Culture, Poetry and the Arts Finalist
• “Katharine Barnwell” by Jordan K. Monson (B&H Publishing) – History and Biography Finalist
• “Raised in Splendor” by Jason B. Alligood (B&H Publishing) – Popular Theology Finalist

The Gospel Coalition 2025 Book Awards

“The Devil Reads Nietzsche” by Michael McEwen, who also serves as publisher for B&H Academic, was named the winner in the Cultural Apologetics category of The Gospel Coalition’s 2025 Book Awards.

Other titles were recognized with awards of distinction by The Gospel Coalition:

• “Home with God” by Kyle Worley (B&H Publishing) – First-Time Author award of distinction
• “The Bible Is for You” by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams (B&H Publishing) – Devotional Literature award of distinction
• “A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions” by D. Scott Hildreth (B&H Publishing) – Missions and the Global Church award of distinction

Southwestern Journal of Theology names books of the year

Nine titles from B&H Publishing Group were among the winners and honorable mentions recently recognized by the Southwestern Journal of Theology (SWJT).  SWJT is the longest-standing academic journal among Southern Baptists. Winners and honorees were as follows:

• “Nicaea for Today” by Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite (B&H Academic) – Church History/Biography winner
• “The Baptist Vision” by Matthew Y. Emerson and R. Lucas Stamps (B&H Academic) – Baptist Studies winner
• “Drawn by Beauty” by Matthew Z. Capps (B&H Academic) – Discipleship/Spiritual Formation winner
• “Complementarity” by Gregg R. Allison (B&H Academic) – Applied Theology/Ethics winner
• “Children & Salvation” co-edited by Karen Kennemur, Kelly A. King, Shelly Melia and Donna B. Peavey (B&H Academic) – Children and Youth/Counseling/Christian Education winner
• “A Unity of Purpose” by W. Madison Grace and Tony Wolfe (B&H Publishing) – Baptist Studies honorable mention
• “The Devil Reads Nietzsche” by Michael McEwen (B&H Academic) – Worldview and Apologetics honorable mention
• “Preaching in a Post-Truth World” by Mike Glenn (B&H Publishing) – Ministry/Preaching/Leadership honorable mention
• “Mission-Driven Colleges” by Richard Langer and Scott B. Rae (B&H Academic) – Children and Youth/Counseling/Christian Education honorable mention

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team that believes Every Word Matters®. We seek to provide intentional, biblical content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, cultivating lifelong relationships with Jesus Christ. We publish (print and digital) in the trade, church and academic markets, as well as the CSB translation. For more information, visit BHPublishingGroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Waggoner, Jill.Waggoner@lifeway.com

Nashville, TN — 2025 — Harrington Interactive Media (HIM) is pleased to announce a strategic rebranding and relaunch of its book-publishing division. Beginning this year, HIM Publications will officially operate under its new imprint name, Oaks Press.

This transition marks a significant step in HIM’s long-term vision to publish books that are good, true, and beautiful—works that strengthen the church and serve readers with clarity, depth, and discipleship-focused content. Oaks Press will continue to champion the authors and values HIM Publications has become known for, while expanding into new genres and audiences in the years ahead.

“With Oaks Press, we’re renewing our commitment to publish excellent books,” said Chad Harrington, CEO of Harrington Interactive Media. “The new imprint better reflects our vision and values and our future—focused on helping people become who they were made to be.”

Oaks Press will oversee all new releases going forward, including the fall 2025 and 2026 catalogs, but will not rebrand the backlist currently under HIM Publications. Readers, authors, and partners can expect continuity in editorial quality, distribution channels, and customer service during and after the transition.

The new imprint name draws on the biblical image of the people of God being called “oaks of righteousness” from Isaiah 61:3—strong, steady, and flourishing over time—capturing the company’s commitment to long-view publishing and slow, deep discipleship.

For more information, visit oakspress.com or contact info@oakspress.com.

AVAILABLE 1/26/26

This Easter season, meditate deeply on Christ’s final moments before his death and his triumphant resurrection with forty devotions taken from the sermons of Charles H. Spurgeon.

DECEMBER 2025 – Because we have read and heard the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection so many times, we often move too quickly over some of the more intricate details of the last days of Jesus’s life. Why did he wash the disciples’ feet? Why was he crowned with thorns? Why was he silent before Herod? What Depths of Love allows readers to slow down and meditate on these and other fascinating details of Christ’s final moments on Earth.

Spurgeon’s deep understanding of the cross and resurrection, made accessible to modern readers, will enrich your walk with Christ, help you cherish the glorious hope of salvation, and encourage you to proclaim him boldly. From Gethsemane to Golgotha to the empty grave, these sermons proclaim Christ crucified and risen, the blazing center of Spurgeon’s theology and ministry.

If you pick up this book outside of the Lent and Easter season, fear not! As editor Geoffrey Chang points out, Spurgeon would say not to worry too much about the church calendar but make it your ambition to repent and meditate on Christ crucified all year round.

• Forty daily devotions to help you grow in your love for Christ and be renewed by the glorious truths of the cross and resurrection.
• Third book in the Old Made New series, making the teaching of theologians and pastors who have left us a rich heritage of faith accessible for modern-day readers.
• Compiled by Geoffrey Chang, curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834–1892) was the pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, for thirty-eight years, and his ministry exploded, resulting in the largest evangelical congregation of his day and the founding of 66 parachurch ministries, including a college and orphanage. He is widely regarded as one of the nineteenth century’s best preachers, and his sermons have been translated into over forty languages.

Geoffrey Chang, MDiv, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor of Historical Theology and the curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the Book Review Editor for History and Historical Theology at Themelios (The Gospel Coalition). Chang is the author of many articles and books, as well as the editor of A Wondrous Mystery and Your Only Comfort. He is married to Stephanie, and they have three children. Follow Geoffrey Chang on Facebook (@geoffchang10)  and X (@geoffchang).

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA — American Bible Society today released the ninth and final chapter of their 15th annual State of the Bible report. This concluding chapter summarizes significant findings from this year’s data and offers a glimpse into new research scheduled for release in the spring of 2026.

The ninth chapter of State of the Bible: USA 2025 is available to download for free, and the full book can be purchased at StateoftheBible.org.

“This year’s State of the Bible research shows a renewed interest in Scripture in our culture, marked by a notable uptick in Scripture Engagement and Bible Use—driven especially by men and young adults,” says John Farquhar Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at American Bible Society and editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible series.

“As we look back at 15 years of State of the Bible and forward toward 2026, we’re excited to continue offering resources that tell the story of the Bible’s influence and impact in the lives of Americans. Our prayer is that we can equip pastors and church leaders to meet people in their spiritual journey and help them take their next step into deeper engagement with God’s Word.”

In addition to the annual report findings, State of the Bible offers extended digital content and resources for pastors and church leaders. The State of the Bible Podcast features guest interviews with ministry leaders and applies research findings to various ministry contexts. Insights from State of the Bible is a series of two-minute highlight videos that dive deeper into significant data points. Finally, the Church Leaders Toolkit houses fresh resources and graphics that can be used as sermon illustrations, conversation starters, or prayer reminders each month.

To download the ninth chapter of State of the Bible 2025 or to purchase the full-color paperback book, visit StateoftheBible.org.

State of the Bible findings come from a nationally representative survey performed for American Bible Society by NORC at the University of Chicago, using their AmeriSpeak panel. The data came from 2,656 online interviews with American adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Data were collected from January 2–21, 2025.

About American Bible Society
Since 1816, American Bible Society has been making the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation’s first and most enduring ministries, American Bible Society today advocates for all people to apply the Bible’s teachings to their lives in a way that transforms their relationship with God and others. For free Bible resources or to join the Bible cause, visit AmericanBible.org.

Ada, Mich. (December 10, 2025)— Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce that nine titles across its imprints— Baker Academic, Brazos Press, Lexham Press (acquired), Revell and Bethany House—were selected as winners, finalists, or Award of Merit recipients Christianity Today 2025 Book Awards.

Each year, Christianity Today’s panel of editors, theologians, pastors, scholars, and writers evaluate hundreds of submissions across multiple categories. Baker Publishing Group celebrates the authors and editors whose work contributes meaningfully to conversations in the church and the world.

“We at Baker Publishing Group are honored by the recognition our titles have received this year in the Christianity Today Book Awards. It’s a testament to the work and dedication of the team here at BPG and to the authors we’re honored to work with.” says, Jesse Myers, President and CEO, Baker Publishing Group, “We have titles represented from Baker Academic, Brazos, Revell, and Bethany House as well as Lexham Press whose titles and authors we were pleased to welcome to BPG this year.”

Baker Publishing Group Honorees:

Award of Merit —Book of the Year; and Winner— Apologetics & Evangelism

The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory
by Robert S. Smith (Lexham Academic)
Robert S. Smith argues that God intends a person’s gender to be grounded in the reality of his or her biological sex—the body God has given.

Winner — Biblical Studies

Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism
by Paul T. Sloan (Baker Academic)
This book explores the Synoptic Gospels’ depiction of Jesus as an authoritative teacher who heralds Israel’s restoration and participates in intra-Jewish debate about how to keep the Law.

Winner — Bible & Devotional

Reading the Psalms as Scripture
by James M. Hamilton Jr. and Matthew Damico (Lexham Press)
A richly coherent and accessible guide showing how the Psalms function as Scripture and how readers can engage them devotionally and theologically.

Finalists — Fiction

From the Valley We Rise
by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House)
A moving, character-driven story of hope, resilience, and faith.

The Light on Horn Island
by Valerie Fraser Luesse (Revell)
A lyrical Southern novel blending mystery, beauty, and redemption against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast.

Finalist — Christian Living & Spiritual Formation

The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World
by David Zahl (Brazos Press)
A timely call to rediscover grace amid cultural exhaustion, anxiety, and endless striving.

Award of Merit — Theology (Academic)

Contesting the Body of Christ: Ecclesiology’s Revolutionary Century
by Myles Werntz (Baker Academic)
A sweeping historical and theological account of how the 20th century reshaped Christian understandings of the church.

Finalist-Theology Academic

Joining Creation’s Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness
by Brian Brock (Baker Academic)

Winner — Theology (Popular)

The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse
by Miroslav Volf (Brazos Press)
An internationally renowned theologian argues that rather than improving us as individuals and as a society, our ambition to be better than others actually diminishes us.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Nashville, Tenn., December 10, 2025 – Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), announces it has extended its partnership with Museum of the Bible to sponsor more than 200 events at their renowned World Stage Theater in Washington, DC.

“We are thrilled to continue working with Museum of the Bible to make these spectacular events possible,” said Nikki Getman, marketing vice president of Bibles for Thomas Nelson. “Thomas Nelson’s commitment to excellence and our partnership with Museum of the Bible exemplify our shared vision: to boldly enhance and uplift the understanding and appreciation of the Bible.”

The partnership supports an expansive live event program, including highly anticipated Broadway-style productions like “God Meant It for Good: The True Story of Joseph and His Brothers in Egypt” and a stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis’s, Prince Caspian. Events throughout the year also include Christmas concerts in December, educational presentations, concerts and so much more.

“Museum of the Bible’s World Stage Theater is a stunning and intimate event venue in the heart of our Nation’s capital that turns concerts, plays, and educational programs into transformative experiences for audiences of all ages,” said Matthias Walther, chief marketing officer at Museum of the Bible. “Partners like Thomas Nelson help make all of this possible by continuing our mission to invite all people to engage with the Bible.”

For more information on upcoming events, please visit museumoftheBible.org.

ABOUT THOMAS NELSON
Thomas Nelson is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit thomasnelsonbibles.com.

ABOUT MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE
Museum of the invites all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the stunning 430,000-square-foot museum showcases rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history and immersive experiences exploring the Bible. In addition to its educational programs, exhibits and experiences, Museum of the Bible hosts the beautiful 476-seat World Stage Theater. To learn more, visit museumofthebible.org.

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 12, 2025) – Hachette Nashville is proud to announce an exceptional year of publishing, with a total of six titles from its imprints hitting the New York Times bestseller list over the course of 2025. This achievement underscores the publisher’s commitment to offering impactful, high-quality content to readers of faith-based and conservative political books.

“Our authors have delivered powerful messages that resonate deeply with readers, and we are immensely proud of their well-deserved success,” said Daisy Hutton, VP & Publisher of Hachette Nashville. “Having 20% of our frontlist titles this year hit the list speaks also to the talent and commitment of this extraordinary team.”

The highly diverse list of NYT bestsellers from Hachette Nashville in 2025 includes titles from all three imprints – Center Street, FaithWords, and Worthy:

• BUTLER: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland by Salena Zito debuted at #1 on both the Nonfiction Hardcover and Combined Print & E-book lists and remained on both lists for three weeks (Center Street)
• THE BIBLIO DIET: Live Long, Master Metabolism, Reduce Pain, Fight Depression, and Conquer Cancer with Healing Secrets from the Bible by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe appeared in the #3 spot on the Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous list (Worthy)
• TRUMP’S TRIUMPH: America’s Greatest Comeback by Newt Gingrich landed at #4 on the Nonfiction Hardcover list and #5 on the Combined Print & E-book list (Center Street)
• JOYSPAN: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half by Dr. Kerry Burnight ranked #5 on the Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous list (Worthy)
• STAND FIRM AND ACT LIKE MEN: Becoming the Man You Were Created to Be Instead of Who the World Says You Are by Joby Martinhit #9 on the Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous list (FaithWords)|
• WHEN THE STONES SPEAK: The Remarkable Discovery of the City of David and What Isreal’s Enemies Don’t Want You to Knowby Doron Spielman reached #11 on the Nonfiction Hardcover list and #14 on the Combined Print & E-book list (Center Street)

Hachette Nashville is a division of Hachette Book Group. The imprints of the Hachette Nashville publishing group are focused on the reading interests of Middle America, specifically in the areas of faith and conservative politics. For a full list of Hachette Nashville titles or for more information on these 2025 NYT bestsellers, visit the Hachette Nashville website.

Media Contact:  Katie Robison, Senior Director of Publicity, katie.robison@hbgusa.com, (917)538-1417 

NAIROBI, Kenya — December 2025 — The African Christian publishing landscape marked another significant milestone as the 5^th African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA) BookFest & Gala, organized by CLC Kenya, convened in Nairobi with record-breaking participation and a growing global footprint.

Now considered one of the premier platforms for spotlighting Christian authorship in Anglophone Africa, ACABA received 131 submissions from 22 countries in 2025—its widest reach yet in its vision to unite all 27 Anglophone African nations under one Christian literature ecosystem.

The gala drew (in-person) authors, publishers, and partners from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Italy, and Switzerland, underscoring the continent’s expanding influence in global Christian writing and the strengthening partnerships across the international publishing community.

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A Year of Strategic Partnerships and Cross-Continental Collaboration

Global Trainers of Trainers (ToT)

The CLC Kenya/ACABA teams received specialized capacity-building support through partnerships with Africa Speaks, Publishing in Color (a connection established at the 2023 ECPA PubU conference), and Media Associates International, ensuring that the training offered to African authors reflects global best practices in Christian publishing.

From these trainings, each year, ACABA expands its mandate beyond awards by running year-round author training and empowerment programs designed to strengthen writing, editing, publishing and distribution skills across the continent. These initiatives will continue into 2026 as part of ACABA’s long-term commitment to raising publishing standards in Africa.

Literature/Content Partners

CLC Kenya/ACABA engaged 61 partners across Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Scotland—including Tyndale Kids, Christian Focus Publications, Dernier Publishing, Answers in Genesis, Goodwill Rights Management, Urban Press, and African Christian publishers serving the African market.

The year also marked deeper collaboration with YouVersion East Africa and YouVersion South Africa, signaling a major strategic shift toward digital discipleship and global distribution opportunities for African Christian authors in 2026 and beyond.

Patrick and Dr. Muthoni Omukhango, who lead both CLC Kenya and ACABA, noted that the continued rise in submissions and partnerships reflects a “growing hunger for authentically African, Christ-centered writing and a renewed commitment to advancing readership and authorship across the continent.”

Translations

Translations are becoming a strategic pillar in ACABA’s vision to amplify African Christian literature globally. Through the support of CLC International, Africa is gaining access to French, Spanish, Italian, and Korean translation pathways, enabling ACABA authors to see their works carried into new linguistic and cultural contexts. These expanding opportunities ensure that African stories, theological reflections, and discipleship resources transcend borders, enriching the global Church with authentically African voices and perspectives.

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2025 ACABA Award Recipients

Young Readers Category

• Augustine Mulenga (South Africa) – David, the Great King; Robbie the Raven and Debbie the Dove
• Florence Mlambo (Kenya) – Her Legacy Lives: Embracing the Essence of Biblical Heroines in Modern Society
• Blessings Ongeri (Kenya) – Journey Through the Bible: A Devotional for Kids (By Children for Children)

Family Category

• Nancy Mwabili (Kenya) – Hope Unbowed: Faith Lessons During an 11 Year Season of Childlessness
• Tafadzwa Rwizi (Zimbabwe) – Pre-Marital Wisdom: What You Need to Know Before You Say ‘I Do’

Men/Women Category

• Titus Otieno (Kenya) – Activated Husband: Unmasking and Conquering Six Portraits of Dysfunction in Husbandhood

Business & Finance

• George Oyuga (Kenya) – Dance With My Money: Tango Dance Your Finances to the Next Level

Missions & Church / Theology

• Jemimah Nzola (Kenya) – Blessed Beginnings: Pray, Plan and Prepare for Your Baby Throughout Pregnancy
• Dr. Onkeme Letshwiti (Botswana) – Fire in the Pulpit: A homiletics Guide to Powerful and Purposeful Preaching

Board Games

• Truphie & Wangechi (Kenya) – The Fun Animal Puzzle Book

Christians in Other Disciplines

• Dr. John Mbugua (Kenya) – Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy: Staying Relevant and joyful in Post-Ministry Life
• Dr. Wilson Mbugua (Kenya) – Planning for Lifestyle in Retirement

Mental Health & Addictions

• Mabel Masigale (Zimbabwe) – Healing or Hiding? Discovering, Uncovering and recovering from Hidden Emotional Pain to Wholeness

Christian Living

• Stanley Mkhwanazi (Eswatini) – Redefine Your Worth: How to Overcome Hopeless Thoughts and Enjoy God’s Unfailing Love
• Samson Njenga (Kenya) – The Chain of Destiny: Fulfilling Your Life’s Purpose

Culture & the Arts

• Margaret Kimaiyo (Kenya) – The Untold Story of the Turkana Girl: Navigating Challenges and Cultivating Resilience for the Marginalized Turkana Girl

History & Biography

• Mary Gachau (Kenya) – Caregivers: The Silent Partners in Cancer Care

Leadership

• Kingston Ogango (Kenya) – Mentoring: A Practical Guide for Growing and Developing Leaders

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Overall Awards

Book Program of the Year (Sponsored by CLC USA under The George Verwer Legacy Award)

• Patrick Makewa (Kenya) – True Love Waits: Discover About Love and Sex
• David Njeru (Kenya) – Naked Truth About Sex

Book Cover of the Year (Sponsored by Tyndale House Ministries under The Kenneth N. Taylor Legacy Award)

• Magdalene Nasimiyu (Kenya) – Until My Last Breath: An Abandoned Devotion
• Monica Mueni (Kenya) – Wind of Change: My Experience After Salvation
• Teteyian Nangurai (Kenya) – Unbroken:  Smiling Through the Pain

Book Content of the Year (Sponsored by CLC USA under The Ken & Bessie Adams Legacy Award)

• Patrick Makewa (Kenya) – True Love Waits: Discover About Love and Sex

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A Growing Literary Movement Across Africa

ACABA continues to serve as a catalytic platform for discovering new voices, elevating high-quality Christian literature, and strengthening cross-border collaboration between authors, publishers, translators, illustrators, designers, and ministry leaders.

The 2025 Gala reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to professionalizing Christian writing across Africa, improving production standards, nurturing emerging authors—including children and teens through Mama Africa Book Box—and building sustainable distribution pipelines.

Through its partnership with global and continental ministries and publishers, ACABA is amplifying African stories, scholarship, and discipleship content to serve the Church worldwide.

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About CLC
CLC is an International Mission Organization whose story began in 1941 with a single Christian bookshop in Colchester, England, founded by Ken and Bessie Adams. Today, the ministry has grown into a global network with its International Office still based in the UK and an active presence in more than 44 countries. Its statement of purpose remains clear and unwavering: “To honor God by making Christian literature and resources available and accessible to all nations, to help people come to faith and maturity in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

About CLC Kenya
CLC Kenya (https://kenyaclc.org/), established in 2007 in Nairobi, is one of the 44 member countries carrying this mission forward. The work is accomplished through writing classes, publishing, and printing, as well as two community initiatives:

• ACABA – Recognizing, celebrating, and promoting quality in Christian authorship across Africa (https://africanauthors.net/).
• MABB – Building godly families through book-based discipleship for children, teens and their families (https://mabb.kenyaclc.org/).

Together, these expressions of the CLC mission continue to shape lives, strengthen the Church, and broaden access to Christian literature across Africa.

Contact:  Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango, muthoni.omukhango@cblafrica.com +254720817962
 

DECEMBER 2025 – WORLD Magazine has announced their top books for 2025, and The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans​ by Marty Machowski (New Growth Press) has been chosen as their Children’s Book of the Year.

The Sword (released September 8, 2025) follows the format of Machowski’s popular storybook studies such as The Ology and WonderFull. He weaves a Bible study with a fictional story, leading young readers on an adventure to unlock the mystery of the swords of Magnus while exploring Paul’s letter to the Romans. The Sword shares the story of Katana and Brant who find a wooden sword and ancient journal belonging to Magnus, a one-time gladiator who became a guard who watched over the apostle Paul while he was under house arrest. Their discovery leads the siblings on a quest to reveal the mystery of the swords by studying Magnus’s journal.

The Bible study portion of The Sword is presented as the study notes of Magnus. It was through his study of the gospel from Paul’s letter to the Romans that Magnus received the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Readers will learn alongside Katana and Brant the bad news of our sin and the good news that rescues us through the cross of Christ.

The text is written for elementary school ages (children 8–12), but the vivid, full-color illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino will help the youngest members of the family to follow along.​“The Sword is designed to be read alongside the Bible as a family. A Bible study section follows each chapter of the fictional story. Read the assigned Scripture verses, followed by the short commentary which explains key truths from the Bible passage for the day,” Machowski explains. “While your children may be eager to move through the study quickly to return to the fictional story, give the study sufficient time.”

This study is straightforward in its presentation of the gospel on a level that young readers can understand. The author writes in the introduction, “The main goal of The Sword is to help children understand the sobering bad news of sin so that they better understand the good news of our gospel rescue through the cross of Christ. Like many books in Scripture, Paul’s letter to the Romans carries several more mature themes. These topics, defining and explaining circumcision, for example, are left to parents.”

The Sword closes with a special section titled “The Romans Road” that outlines steps for understanding and accepting salvation through Christ.

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press. He is the author of a number of family devotionals, Sunday School curriculums (including the Gospel Story Curriculum), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Sword, The Treasure, Promises Made Promises Kept, and the Redemption Tales series. Machowski and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Instagram (@martymachowski) and Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

Flavia Sorrentino lives and works as a freelance illustrator in Rome, where she grew up. She loves her city and the figure of speech, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” which inspires her each day to seek new ways of communication and expression. She has worked hard on her technique which has taken her across the globe, from France to America and beyond! Flavia is the illustrator of The Treasure and The Sword.

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