Tempe, Ariz., May 8, 2023 — ECPA will continue its annual free ECPA member summer webinar series by presenting three webinars on three Fridays in June, July, and August at 10 am central for its members.

In addition to the three summer sessions, a fourth webinar is being planned for later in the year with Skot Welch, founder/president of Global Bridgebuilders and author of the upcoming book, “Unfractured” (Baker) on A Christ-Centered Action Plan for Cultural Change.  He will be joined by members of the ECPA DEI Committee to discuss organizational change and resources.  Information and registration for that webinar is forthcoming.

Registration is now open for the three summer ECPA FOCUS programs:

Friday, June 9  | Redefining the Publishers’ Role in the Digital Age

The digital revolution has transformed the publishing industry in ways far beyond simply a “print book versus digital book” paradigm. Most important of all, it has transformed the broader information and communication environment, creating new challenges and new opportunities for publishers as they seek to redefine their role in the digital age. ECPA president Jeff Crosby will be in conversation with sociologist and University of Cambridge professor emeritus Dr. John Thompson, author of “Merchants of Culture: Publishing in the 21st Century” and “Book Wars: The Digital Revolution in Publishing,” to shed light on our challenges and opportunities.   REGISTER

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Friday, July 14  |  Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Christian Publishing

Generative AI technology has ushered in a new period of disruption in our society, raising new ethical, political, and legal dilemmas. Join ethicist Jason Thacker, author of The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity for a wide ranging conversation with B&H publisher Devin Maddox on topics related to the intersection of generative AI technology and publishing.  REGISTER

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Friday, August 11  |  A Nonprofit Law Primer for Publishers

Key Topics for Ministries and Publishers Doing Business with Nonprofits: The IRS may not be front-of-mind when acquiring or editing a well-known pastor’s or ministry leader’s next book, but aspects of almost all resources published by ECPA houses are regulated by laws governing nonprofits.  Ministry publishers must stay up to speed with these laws as they direct board governance, annual Form 990 filings, fundraising, and other daily operations.  Meanwhile, for-profit publishers regularly sign agreements with pastors and their churches, often raising questions of private inurement and private benefit, excess benefits, conflicts of interest, who owns copyright to a sermon or video recording, and proper royalty income reporting.  And all religious organizations, for- and non-profit, face increasing scrutiny concerning their freedom to make decisions based on sincerely held religious beliefs.  Brian Flagler, managing partner of Flagler Law Group, will frame a series of common publishing scenarios for our guest Jonathan McCants, who has regularly advised Christian ministries and for-profits in the areas of non-profit law and governance for over 20 years.  REGISTER

Registrants will have access to the recordings of the sessions they sign up for.  The series is sponsored by ECPA’s discount partners, who provide ECPA members with discounted business solutions.  More information and registration is at ECPA.org/page/focuswebinars/.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org ECPA.org @ECPA

Media Contact:  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president & CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998

Ada, Mich. (May 1, 2023)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the promotions of Michele Misiak, Raela Schoenherr, and Brianne Dekker. Michele will serve as the new executive vice president of direct to consumer and retail, filling the vacancy of Sue Smith who will retire June 1. Raela Schoenherr has been promoted to the role of fiction marketing director for Baker Publishing Group. Brianne Dekker will serve as the new fiction marketing manager for Revell.

Michele Misiak began her career at Baker Publishing Group in 2008 as the marketing manager for Revell. She later transitioned to the marketing director position. In 2022, Michele was promoted to vice president of fiction marketing for all of Baker Publishing Group. Before coming to Baker Publishing, she spent over 10 years with Walden Books in field management. In her new role, Michele will lead all aspects of retail operations both online and through the Baker Book House store and will work to build and strengthen direct-to-consumer channels.

“I am thrilled to take on the position of executive vice president of direct to consumer and retail,” said Michele. “With 25 years of experience under my belt, I’m excited to bring my expertise to this role and drive our direct-to-consumer efforts forward. As someone who loves books and book people, I can’t wait to lead our team toward success and growth.”

The president and CEO of Baker Publishing Group, Jesse Myers, stated, “Michele is a gifted and proven manager and leader. Her extensive experience in retail and specifically bookstore management combined with her years of marketing experience here at Baker make her uniquely qualified for this vital role. The Baker Book House store is in good hands, and I’m confident our growing direct-to-consumer business will continue to thrive under her leadership.”

Raela Schoenherr joined the fiction acquisitions team at Bethany House Publishers in 2008 and held various acquisitions roles before becoming marketing manager for Bethany House fiction. She’s had the pleasure of working with award-winning, bestselling, and acclaimed writers and enjoys supporting authors and helping readers find their next great read. A graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, with a degree in business marketing, she lives in Minneapolis, MN. In Raela’s new position as the fiction marketing director, she will be responsible for directing and managing all aspects of marketing and publicity for both the Bethany House and Revell fiction teams.

Brianne Dekker joined Baker Publishing Group in 2017, starting in marketing as assistant to the Baker Books and Revell fiction and nonfiction teams. She transitioned to working exclusively on Revell fiction when she was promoted to assistant marketing manager, which was exactly where her fiction-loving heart dreamed of being all along. It’s been her joy to continue working with the fiction team and Revell’s fantastic authors since then. Brianne has a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University and lives in Grand Rapids, MI, where she loves to read, crochet, and spoil her cat, Poppy. In Brianne’s new position as marketing manager, she will assume the role as lead marketer for all Revell fiction titles.

Mark Rice, executive vice president of marketing and publicity for Baker Publishing Group, stated, “Our fiction marketing team is the best in the industry, as demonstrated by these talented and skilled leaders. They are ready to step into their new roles, where their creativity will take our fiction program to even greater success.”

Bethany House is part of the largest independent Christian book publisher and seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

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

Contact: Karen Steele, (616)676-9185 x100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

What do you do when God doesn’t give you what you want?

When the people of Israel, those who had witnessed the most abundant and inexplicable acts of God, grew tired of waiting for Moses to come off the mountain, they made a calf of gold. It was easier for them to make a new god than to continue serving a God that didn’t conform to their schedule and expectations. In DISOBEDIENT GOD (FaithWords; ISBN: 9781546000563, April 25, 2023), Pastor Albert Tate leads people to discover the relationship with God that they were always meant for.

Just like the Israelites in the desert, we are all fundamentally longing for God… but who and what are we actually reaching for and serving? Disobedient God addresses the things we do when we feel inconvenienced and frustrated by God. What things are we reaching for in our life? Are we reaching for porn when we long for intimacy? Reaching for success when we long for security? We would never say that we have replaced God, but our actions tell a different story. Whether we are trying to replace God, trying to run away or trying to perform for Him, we have no mindset to deal with a disobedient God. Disobedient God is a book for people dealing with this disappointment and interested in properly understanding and love the God they’ve misunderstood.

This is not a step-by-step instruction manual for how to react when things are difficult; rather, it is a way of understanding God that will create an everlasting relationship that will continue to grow.

Albert Tate is the founding and lead pastor of Fellowship Church in Los Angeles County California.

Contact: Laini Brown, Director of Publicity, Hachette Nashville, Laini.Brown@hbgusa.com

Fills role vacated by retirement of Voices Collection founder, Joyce Dinkins

Grand Rapids, Mich. (April 24, 2023) — Our Daily Bread Publishing (ODBP), a global creator of Bible-based resources, announces the promotion of Katara Patton to Executive Editor for the Voices Collection. Through the Collection, the VOICES community discusses, develops, and distributes resources by Black Christian content creators for communities of color.

Patton will assume the duties previously held by Joyce Dinkins, who began the Voices Collection in 2018. Dinkins retired earlier this month. Prior to this announcement, Patton held the position of Senior Editor for ODBP and the Voices Collection. While Patton will continue to work on special publishing projects, her primary responsibilities will be to lead all editorial strategies, acquisitions, and initiatives for the VOICES community.

Before joining ODBP in 2021, Patton held positions with Christian publishing organizations including Tyndale, Urban Ministries, Christian Century, and McGraw-Hill. She holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Master of Science from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Patton is also an accomplished author. ODBP published her most recent and bestselling book, Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steals Your Hope. It was released in January.

“Katara brings extensive experience to the Our Daily Bread Publishing team that will help us continue developing and refining our strategy around Bible-centric resources for the Black community,” said Chriscynethia Floyd, vice president and publisher at ODBP. “I am personally grateful, and Our Daily Bread Ministries full leadership team is as well, that Joyce began the Voices Collection five years ago. We will miss her but certainly wish her well in her retirement.”

Floyd continues, “At ODBP, we deeply desire to provide resources that serve the Black community from a meaningful context, furthering the mission of Our Daily Bread Ministries to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. We desire the community to embrace the fullness of God’s enduring, steadfast love and faithfulness through all aspects of their lives, particularly as they receive, reflect, and respond to the Bible and Bible-related resources.”

About Our Daily Bread Publishing: Our Daily Bread Publishing is a division of Our Daily Bread Ministries—a non-denominational, non-profit organization with staff and volunteers in more than 38 offices working together to distribute more than 60 million resources in 150 countries. Whether it’s a radio broadcast, podcast, book, mobile app, or website, we provide many ways to receive, reflect, and respond to the Bible so people are equipped to grow in their relationship with God. For more information, visit www.OurDailyBreadPublishing.org.

About VOICES:  exists to amplify each witness of God’s goodness and help Black communities embrace the fullness of God in every aspect of our lives. With devotionals, books, podcasts, and more, we’re celebrating the dignity and legacy of Black image-bearers of God. For more information, visit www.experiencevoices.org

Contact: Londa Alderink, VP of U.S. Marketing, londa.alderink@odb.org

Nashville, Tenn., April 2023 – Editorial Vida and Grupo Nelson, the Spanish publishing divisions of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), were recognized and honored with a combined 15 awards, including Book of the Year, at the 2023 Spanish Evangelical Publishing Association (SEPA) banquet on April 20, 2023.

Incen(diario) (Incen-diary) by Itiel Arroyo (Editorial Vida) was named the 2023 SEPA Book of the Year. It also won Book Cover of the Year, Best Spanish-Original Book, and Top-Selling Book in the Christian Living category. Incen(diario) is a “wreck this journal” style journal that seeks to help young readers grow more passionate about their relationship with Christ.

In addition to Incen(diario), the winning titles were:

LIBROS DE MAYOR VENTA (TOP SELLER)

Categoría Devocional (Devotional)
• En la oscuridad, ¡Resplandecerás! (You Will Shine in the Darkness) | Christy Muller | Editorial Vida

Categoría Fe y Cultura (Faith and Culture)
• La batalla cultural (The Cultural Battle) |Agustín Laje | Grupo Nelson

Matrimonio y Familia (Marriage and Family)
• Cautivante, Edición ampliada (Captivating, Updated Edition) | John Eldredge, Staci Eldredge | Grupo Nelson

Liderazgo (Leadership)
• Gana la guerra en tu mente (Winning the War in Your Mind) | Craig Groeschel | Editorial Vida

Vida Cristiana (Christian Living)
• Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Itiel Arroyo | Editorial Vida

Libro de Niños (Children’s)
• Un gran corazón (One Big Heart) | Linsey Davis | Grupo Nelson

Libro de Estudio Bíblico (Bible Study)
• 21 leyes del liderazgo en la Biblia (21 Laws of Leadership in the Bible) | John Maxwell | Grupo Nelson

Biblia de Estudio con anotaciones en toda la Biblia (Study Bible)
• NBLA Biblia de Estudio MacArthur (NBLA MacArthur Study Bible) | MacArthur | Editorial Vida

KEY AWARDS

Mejor libro original en español 2023 (Best Spanish-Original Book)
• Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Itiel Arroyo | Editorial Vida

Libro del Año “Harold Kregel” (Book of the Year – The Harold Kregel Award)
• Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Itiel Arroyo | Editorial Vida

Mejor portada de Libro General (Best Book Cover)
• Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Editorial Vida

Portada y diseño interior de la Biblia – Estudio (Best Interior and Cover Design for a Study Bible)
• NBLA Biblia de Estudio MacArthur (NBLA MacArthur Study Bible) | Editorial Vida

Mejor Anuncio (Best Ad Post)
• NBLA Biblia Ama a Dios Grandemente (NBLA Love God Greatly Bible) | Editorial Vida/HCCP

Mejor video: (Best Promotional Video)
• NVI – Biblia de Estudio Teología Bíblica (NVI Biblical Theology Study Bible) | Editorial Vida

“Every book we publish is an investment into the lives of the individuals they will impact. For the most part, we never fully know what that impact looks like or the extent of lives touched by each one,” said Cris Garrido, vice president and publisher for HCCP’s Spanish publishing program. “The SEPA Awards, however, give us a glimpse into the impact a book has as perceived by those closest to our readers – our retailers and distributors. Seeing 10 of our books and Bibles be recognized with 15 awards across all categories is a testament to both the quality of our authors and the work of our team.”

For more information on the 2023 SEPA awards, please visit their website.

About Editorial Vida
Editorial Vida is the Spanish imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing dedicated to publishing Bibles, books, devotionals and other resources that promote a relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word.  Vida boasts the largest catalog of Spanish Christian products and resources and has exclusive distribution rights for the Nueva Biblia de las Américas (NBLA) Bible translation.  For more information, please visit www.editorialvida.com

About Grupo Nelson
Grupo Nelson, the Spanish division of Thomas Nelson, is a world leading provider of Spanish-language Christian and inspirational content for all areas of life. Grupo Nelson publishes and distributes a wide variety of best-selling inspirational, family and relationship, children’s, personal development, and professional growth books and resources that are grounded in Biblical principles. The company distributes product in more than 100 countries from a variety of notable authors including John Eldridge, Billy Graham, Max Lucado, John Maxwell, John McArthur, Charles Stanley, Rick Warren, and Sarah Young.  For more information, please visit www.gruponelson.com.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., is the world’s leading Christian publisher and is comprised of the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan imprints, as well as their respective Spanish-language imprints, and Olive Tree Bible Software. Its publishing program includes bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, scholarly resources, a variety of personal and small group Bible study programs, audio content, and digital content for the Christian market. BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian content website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith, are also part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, which is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Director of Public Relations, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 

LIVING WITH HOPE by Michael Panther, a gripping memoir by Sudan native inspires hope and faith

Leyland, UK – Advocate and author Michael Panther is set to release his new autobiography LIVING WITH HOPE, a one-of-a-kind true story of faith, purpose, and mobility. Living with Hope will release September 4 through 10Publishing.

Born in war-torn South Sudan, where he lost movement in his legs at ten years old, Michael tells his story of the hope he found when God led him to education and ultimately a ministry that spreads hope to others.

Gripping and inspiring, his adventures and challenges are not examples of one man’s success or tales of instantaneous healing. Michael says, “At the end of this book, you will find me still in a wheelchair.” Rather, Michael’s story illustrates how God’s grace gives us strength to face life’s difficulties.

Jonathan Pountney, Editorial Director at 10ofThose, acquired world rights from Wolgemuth & Associates. Speaking about the book, he said, “Michael’s story is remarkable for its drama and the way God has used him to help others in both the US and continental Africa.”

Michael’s story begins as he flees Sudanese militia in an attempt to find safety. It’s a story of divine rescue and restoration to new life and offers fellow sufferers a message of hope anchored in a relationship with Jesus and rooted in his sovereign goodness.

LIVING WITH HOPE is published by 10Publishing and will release September 4, 2023. Retail page is available here.

About Michael Panther:
Michael Panther is the Founder and Executive Director of the ministry Living With Hope, a company devoted to sharing hope and awareness about mobility. He is a paraplegic, a native of South Sudan, and a worldwide advocate for people with disabilities. He speaks out about the work God has done in and through his life, particularly through his experience with disability.

About 10ofThose:
10ofThose is a publisher, distributor and retailer, and provides the bookstores for many major conferences. They are based in Leyland, UK and Louisville, KY.  Their publishing imprints include 10Publishing, Evangelical Press and Reformation Lightning.

For More Information:  Editorial Director, Jonathan Pountney, jonathan.pountney@10ofthose.com

Carol Stream, IL (May 1, 2023) – A Kiss Is Coming, written by Marilyn Janovitz and published by Tyndale Kids, was named one of the Best Books for Babies in 2023 by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

According to the Carnegie Library website, a nonprofit called Beginning with Books—which was committed to providing literacy and learning to underserved children—created the Best Books for Babies booklist in 2000. Every year, a group of local librarians and child development experts select ten books that delight and engage babies (ages birth through 18 months) and their caregivers.

A Kiss Is Coming is a tender board book accompanied by adorable illustrations of sleepy animals. The story shares a charming tale that reminds children that they are loved.

“A Kiss Is Coming creates the perfect opportunity for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to cuddle up with their favorite little one for a cozy moment of connection,” said Tyndale associate publisher Linda Howard. “And guessing who the final kiss is for is as fun for the parents as it is for the kids. We’re thrilled to have partnered with Marilyn to bring this sweet book to families everywhere.”

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh released its Best Books for Babies list on April 29, 2023.

For additional information about A Kiss Is Coming, as well as other Tyndale Kids products, visit www.tyndale.com/kids.

For inquiries or questions, please contact Natalie Wierenga: nataliewierenga@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

 

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that The Biggest Story Bible Storybook (Crossway, March 2022) written by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales.

“We give praise to God for the reception of this book by the people of God! What a joy to be a part of equipping the next generation to understand the storyline of Scripture and God’s great and glorious purposes,” writes Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing, book publisher. “With an entire curriculum for elementary-aged Sunday school classes now built around this book, we hope it will endure for a very long time in helping our younger ones enter into the biggest story!”

Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, The Biggest Story Bible Storybook provides 104 engaging retellings of various Bible stories and accounts, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer.

“The Bible is a big book, an old book, and the best book,” writes DeYoung. “Every bit of the Bible is inspired by God. Every bit is for our good. And every bit is, in the end, about Jesus Christ.”

The Biggest Story Bible Storybook is part of the Biggest Story suite of resources which includes:

• The Biggest Story Curriculum (Crossway, 2023)
• The Biggest Story Posters (Crossway, 2023)
• The Biggest Story Verse Cards (Crossway, 2023)
• The Biggest Story (Crossway, 2015)
• The Biggest Story ABC (Crossway, 2017)

More information about the products in the Biggest Story suite, including The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, can be found at TheBiggestStory.com.

Kevin DeYoung (PhD, University of Leicester) is the senior pastor at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina, and associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. He has written books for children, adults, and academics, including Just Do Something; Crazy Busy; and The Biggest Story. Kevin and his wife, Trisha, have nine children.

Don Clark is an artist and cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio based in Seattle, Washington. He has worked with clients such as Target, Pixar, NASA, The New York Times, LEGO, and Apple. Don and his wife, Erika, have three children and live on a small farm just outside Seattle.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Re-Encounter the Gospel in ‘Evangelism: For the Care of Souls’

Sean McGever’s Biblical Wisdom on Being ‘Evangelized and Re-Evangelized’ for Leaders in the Faith

BELLINGHAM, Wash., May 1, 2023 — Urging ministers see the Gospel as the heart of soul care, author Sean McGever has released his latest book, “Evangelism: For the Care of Souls,” available on May 17 within Lexham Ministry Guides, a series of resources designed to offer practical, proven wisdom to those in ministry leadership. Edited by esteemed author Harold L. Senkbeil, this valuable piece of literature written by McGever brilliantly builds upon Senkbeil’s previous award-winning book, “The Care of Souls.”

In “Evangelism: For the Care of Souls,” McGever reminds ministers that announcing—and re-announcing—the good news of Jesus is central to pastoral care. Not only does the Gospel change us at the very moment of our salvation, but it also transforms us throughout the course of our lives, serving as the ongoing balm and cure of our hearts throughout our lifetime.

“Evangelism is not a one-time confrontational conversation, though it can be,” writes McGever. “Evangelism is at the heart of the ongoing work of pastoral care, inviting outsiders into the flock of the church and reminding insiders of the heart of the ongoing life of faith.”

Avoiding a simplistic, manipulative or guilt-inducing message, “Evangelism: For the Care of Souls” presents a vision and strategy for ministers to evangelize in a way that is refreshing, biblical and sustainable.

Speaking deeply to the hearts of leaders in ministry, McGever offers profound wisdom on how the Gospel compels Christians to “announce Jesus” to the world in their everyday lives, within and beyond their local church communities, in order to spread revival. He also dives into the concept of the “urgent patience” produced from authentic, transformative salvation in Jesus, a worship-filled mindset that leads believers continually back to the cross, seeking the heart of God through His Word and prayer.

“Revival happens every minute, hour, day, week, month and year,” McGever shared in a recent Logos blog post. “This is because God is always active in bringing life to people. Humans are brought to life when the Word is presented through the power of the Spirit.”

“Evangelism: For the Care of Souls” is available on May 17 from Lexham Press. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/231114/evangelism-for-the-care-of-souls.

About Sean McGever
Sean McGever is area director for Young Life in Phoenix, Arizona, and an adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University. He is the author of The Good News of Our Limits and Born Again: The Evangelical Theology of Conversion in John Wesley and George Whitefield. He speaks, teaches, and ministers across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Lexham Ministry Guides
The Lexham Ministry Guides, edited by Harold L. Senkbeil, offer practical, proven wisdom for the church. But wisdom takes time. The authors in this series developed their wisdom through years of ministry experience and conversations with colleagues. These books invite you to enter into these conversations to better serve the Savior’s sheep and lambs with confidence. You will find hands-on tools, lessons from years of ministry experience, and an array of resources to apply to your own ministry context.  Learn more about the other titles in this series.

About Lexham Press
Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For information, visit lexhampress.com.

Media Contact:  Lauren Briggs, 972-267-1111, lauren@alarryross.com

Wimee Creates with Vehicles and Colors Releases July 2023

Grand Rapids, MI—April 19, 2023.  Zonderkidz is pleased to announce a new series of books featuring Wimee the Robot, a nationally-recognized character as seen on PBS-TV affiliates in the kids TV show “Wimee’s Words.” The first book in the series, Wimee Creates with Vehicles and Colors, arrives in bookstores and online July 18, 2023.

This series of books based on the Wimee character will be both entertaining and educational in nature. The simple concepts and bright, unique characters will appeal to children ages 3 and up and inspire creativity and learning.

Created by Michael Hyacinthe, an entrepreneur and U.S. Navy Seabee veteran, with master puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad, and written by Stephanie Kammeraad,  this simple concept book teaches rhyming and colors, as well as prepositions and action verbs, and encourages readers to create their own unique rhymes and images. In addition, Wimee Creates with Vehicles and Colors includes a resource for parents and educators on how to use Wimee creatively to further learning and grow imagination. The illustrator is Mattia Cerato.

This three book deal with Hyacinthe of Wimage LLC was acquired by Katherine Jacobs, Senior Acquisitions Editor for Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, with Karen Neumair of Credo Communications representing the creators/authors. Additional announcements on future titles will follow in late 2023.

“This partnership with Michael and the Wimee team and their unique brand has far-reaching potential. We see this as a perfect fit for our mission of providing imaginative, innovative, and educational books that inspire young readers. Our hope is that these books will be the first step in a long and fruitful collaboration,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.

Hyacinthe’s passion for this project shines: “Eventually, our goal would be to expand this brand in formats varied from leveled readers to activity books to digital-only titles and premium picture books.” More information on Wimee, and the creators can be found at www. https://wimee.tv

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected the creators and author to present at the annual ALA conference in Chicago June 25 on “Securing Community Library Partnerships and Scaling Up to a National Presence.” Thousands of librarians will be able to hear the Wimee team’s inspiring story and learn how to replicate that success for their own library systems. The TV show “Wimee’s Words” first began during the pandemic as a way to connect younger library patrons with innovative learning programming and is now being watched in over 30 markets on PBS stations. Kent District Library, in Kent County, Michigan, is the program’s library partner.

The book is now available for pre-orders wherever books are sold. Advance review copies of the book and media interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com.

About the book:
Wimee Creates with Vehicles and Colors
Series: A Wimee’s Words Book
Created by: Michael Hyacinthe and Kevin Kammeraad; written by Stephanie Kammeraad
Illustrated by: Mattia Cerato
$12.99 hardcover, e-book will also be available
Release date: July 18, 2023
Publisher: Zonderkidz

About the Creators/Authors:

Michael Hyacinthe is the CEO of Wimage, LLC, the creator of Wimee the Robot. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and uses his experiences with wounded veterans to find creative and therapeutic outlets for them to express themselves. As an entrepreneur, this effort connecting with veterans compelled him to create the Wimage application, which he then discovered was a good fit for the educational market.

Kevin Kammeraad is the co-producer and lead puppeteer on the Wimee’s Words show and serves as a Bookmobile Operator for the Kent District Library as part of their Community Engagement Team. Kevin is a master puppeteer and has spent his career performing educational shows at schools, libraries and festivals around the country.

Stephanie Kammeraad is the co-producer and one of the content organizers and writers for the show. She holds a degree in Special Education and has taught and coordinated numerous classes and camps for kids in preschool through middle school throughout West Michigan.

Michael grew up in Bronx, NY, Stephanie in Metro Detroit, MI, and Kevin in West Michigan. They all currently live in Grand Rapids, MI.

About Wimee the Robot and Wimee’s Words:
Wimee is a fun, lovable robot that inspires kids to learn through creativity!  Wimee’s Words is an interactive mixed media show for preschoolers that inspires kids to learn through imagination, vocabulary building, and storytelling through playful puppetry, silly music, wacky wordplay and fun technology. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the show can be seen on numerous PBS TV affiliates around the country: https://www.pbs.org/show/wimees-words/

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact: Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com