ATLANTA, April 16, 2023 — The death has been announced of George Verwer, who founded the global Christian mission agency, Operation Mobilization, and directed it for 45 years.

He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home near London, England, the evening of April 14.  He was 84 years old.

Verwer was born in New Jersey, USA, and committed his life to Christ at a Billy Graham meeting in New York City in 1955. Driven by the cause of world evangelism from then on, the teenage maverick went on to have immeasurable global impact. He has been described as “the most outstanding North American missionary statesman of the last 60 years.”

“George changed the face of missions in his generation,” said Andrew Scott, president of OM   USA. “When the mission agencies of the late fifties were looking for highly trained individuals with seminary degrees who would commit to going for a lifetime, George invited young people who simply loved Jesus to come for a summer. This was new. This was different. Thousands came.”

Operation Mobilization began with three students in a worn-out van distributing Christian literature in Mexico, then branching into Europe and across the globe. Today, more than 5,000 OM workers are active in almost 150 countries, in a huge range of ministries.

Verwer’s daring vision in the 1960s led to ships being used to transport and train international volunteers while carrying a cargo of literature and aid supplies. Fifty million people have climbed the gangways of OM’s four ships, and at least double that number have come into contact with the “good news”  through outreaches and projects in port cities worldwide.

Movements like OM and its close contemporary, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), led the way in developing same- and near-culture workers to serve globally alongside those from established mission-sending nations and backgrounds.

OM International Director Lawrence Tong, said, “George was passionate about Jesus, passionate for God’s word, and passionate for the lost. I believe he was God’s man for the 20th century, who changed the course of modern missions.”

“We should have thought he was a ‘nutcase,’ but because of the Holy Spirit, we just knew this was a man you could follow to the ends of the earth, and we had real confidence he was getting the mind of the Lord,” recalls Greg Livingstone, the founder of missions group Frontiers.

Known for his world map jackets and for handing out more than a million free books, in the 20 years since he stepped down from leading OM, Verwer managed special projects, spoke at church events with characteristic vigor and wrote more than a dozen books. A key theme was admitting his own imperfections and honoring God who graciously forgives and works through people, despite their mistakes. He called it “messiology.”

George is survived by his wife, Drena, their three children, plus grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Verwer family thanks partners all over the world for their prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Details of thanksgiving services will be released later.

Speaking in 2015, George summed up what drove him, long past retirement age:

“I’m still mega-motivated to see everyone in the world being given the gospel at least once…  [to] have the opportunity to hear about saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, and I hope I can, right to my last breath, continue to share that message.”

Those in the United States who would like to give to OM in memory of George Verwer can visit omusa.org/George – or contact OM USA at 770-631-0432.

About Operation Mobilization:

• Operation Mobilization’s work began when George Verwer, Dale Rhoton and Walter Borchard embarked on their first mission trip in 1957. Their passion to share God’s word with those who had not yet heard the gospel or encountered followers of Jesus led to a global organization of upwards of 5,000 people, now at work in more than 147 countries.
• Millions have been shown the love of Christ, tens of thousands of Christians who served short-term have been discipled and prepared for future service, and countless lives have been transformed by God.
• An estimated 300 other organizations worldwide have their roots in OM or have been started by former OMers.

Notes to Editors:

• Biography details about George Verwer.
• A selection of high-resolution photographs. (Please credit OM in your use of these.)
• A short video with highlights of Verwer’s life and ministry — https://vimeo.com/816045065.
• A compilation of Verwer’s own words from speeches, books and interviews.
• Tributes from Verwer contemporaries.

Interviews with OM leaders in the US and other countries can be arranged. Please direct inquiries to:
Elizabeth Flowers, Phone: 770-380-5773, E-mail: elizabeth.flowers@om.org

CONTACT: Elizabeth Flowers, 770-380-5773, elizabeth.flowers@om.org

Nashville, TN (April 17, 2023) – AccessMore, Educational Media Foundation (EMF) – parent of K-LOVE, Air1, and WTA MEDIA – proudly announces that “America’s Pastor” and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will join their platform.

“AccessMore is ecstatic about our new podcast partnership with Max Lucado. We are thrilled and energized at the opportunity to help Max’s insights and teaching on Jesus go even further with his addition to AccessMore,” commented Jim Houser, EMF Chief Content Officer. “The ministry of Max Lucado has had a profound influence on this generation; it’s impossible to calculate its reach. Through his teachings and books, he points people to Jesus, a mission that we here at EMF share, and we are humbled by every opportunity to stand alongside him.”

Lucado, a pastor for more than 40 years and bestselling author whose books have sold more than 145 million copies in over 50 languages, aims through this podcast to share the greatest story ever told – the living Savior who brings a lifetime of hope.

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast has seen over six million downloads since launching in the summer of 2020. Lucado welcomes the next chapter with AccessMore saying: “I’m excited to join the AccessMore podcast network and to have the opportunity to share weekly messages of hope and encouragement with listeners. My years in ministry have shown me what God can do through faithful partners, and I’m honored The Encouraging Word Podcast is now available on the AccessMore platform.”

Each episode features an inspired and encouraging word from Lucado as he uses his unique biblical insight, heartwarming storytelling, and comforting tone to empower listeners to put their faith in a God who is always near. The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast started in 2020 when the global pandemic began from Max’s daily “check-in” videos to virtually pastor people from home. These messages have continued, and have been viewed more than 42 million times since March 2020.

“As podcast listening continues to grow, it’s so fitting to add Max to the curated cart of thoughtful podcasts we call AccessMore.” said Rahny Taylor, Director of AccessMore. “Now you can start your week with motivation from Christine Caine, encouragement from Max Lucado, theology with Lisa Harper, and more!”

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast is out now and can be heard weekly on AccessMore.com, the AccessMore App, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

About Max Lucado:  Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and bestselling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Denalyn where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church. His message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him. Learn more about Max at www.maxlucado.com.

About Educational Media Foundation:  Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is a nonprofit, multi-platform media company on a mission to draw people closer to Christ. Founded in 1982 in Santa Rosa, Calif., with a single radio station, EMF today owns and operates the world’s two largest Christian music radio networks (K-LOVE and Air1) with more than 1,000 broadcast signals across all 50 states, streaming audio reaching around the world, and a growing family of media ministries including podcasts, books, films, concerts and events. EMF employs 500 team members between its offices in Nashville, TN; Rocklin, CA; and field locations around the country. (For more information, visit www.emfbroadcasting.com)

Media Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 832-247-9308

Orange County, CA – FrontGate Media, the leading faith-based marketing agency and media group, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chief Engagement Officer, Scott A. Shuford, is appearing on The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast to discuss the benefits of marketing to the faith-based Christian audience.

The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast is hosted by GMick Smith, PhD, an expert in digital marketing, and covers a range of topics related to the digital world. In the episode, Scott A. Shuford discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of marketing to the faith-based Christian audience and shares insights into how FrontGate Media has been successful for their clients in reaching this group.

“Marketing to the faith-based, Christian audience is a passion of mine, and I am excited to share my experience and knowledge on this topic with The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast audience,” said Scott A. Shuford. “At FrontGate Media, we have helped many clients effectively engage with this audience and achieve their marketing goals, and I am excited about the discussion of key strategies and best practices that have worked for us.”

FrontGate Media has been a leader in faith-based marketing for over two decades, offering a range of services to help clients effectively reach the Christian audience through Public Relations, Social Marketing, and Advertising. With exclusive proprietary marketing programs and a digital network of over 20 million email subscribers, 10 million monthly pageviews, and millions of social followers, FrontGate Media has the expertise and reach to help for-profit and non-profit brands connect with the faith-based community.

The episode featuring Scott A. Shuford is available now on The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast.  Listeners can tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.

Click here to start listening!

About FrontGate Media
Award-winning FrontGate Media is the leading marketing agency and media group specializing in the faith and family audience.  With a 20+ year track record of success, the firm serves as “Your Gateway to the Christian Audience.” FrontGate’s full-service agency and media group has been trusted with over 5,000 campaigns, providing Faith-based market Strategy Development, Public Relations, Social Media & Marketing, and Media Buying. FrontGate’s own Digital Network also provides reach to 10 Million UMV, 20 Million Email Subscribers, and Millions more Social Followers each month.  Founded in 2001, FrontGate has repeatedly been honored in the Internet Advertising Competition and the WebAwards. The company plays a key role in the success of for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking faith-based and family-friendly audiences. http://FrontGateMedia.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (April 5, 2023) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that celebrity chef and Food Network star Darnell SuperChef Ferguson will publish his first book, SuperChef Family Cookbook, with Tyndale Kids, to release in the fall of 2023. Ferguson’s superhero-themed cookbook includes a biographical introduction, which follows his life from his childhood in Ohio to his time in culinary school, his stint on the Olympic cooking team, his eventual fall from grace and trouble with the law, and his life-saving decision to put himself in God’s hands. His story goes on to talk about his success in building a chain of SuperChef restaurants, his current status as a Food Network star, and now host of his own television program. The second section of the book includes creative and approachable recipes for the entire family, featuring culinary tips and techniques to help children learn to be a super chef like Darnell. QR codes are included, taking kids to online videos where Darnell demonstrates cooking techniques.

With the release of this book, SuperChef hopes to be the inspiration and example kids look to as they begin their journey into the culinary world.  As a rising star on Food Network and three-time contestant on Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, SuperChef is the host of SuperChef Grudge Match and recently co-hosted Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America (Season 25) alongside chef Anne Burrell. SuperChef has also appeared on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover and OWN’s The Big Holiday Food Fight, as well as Food Network’s Chopped, Supermarket Stakeout, Tiny Food Fight, Guy’s Grocery Games, and much more.

Regarding this exciting acquisition, Tyndale Kids associate publisher Linda Howard shared, “We are so excited to be working with Darnell SuperChef Ferguson on this cookbook. His creative approach to teaching kids foundational cooking skills paired with his desire to help them care for others through the food they make has created a unique and fun culinary experience that will help produce a new generation of “super chefs.”

Darnell SuperChef Ferguson is represented by Eric Bentley. For more information or for media inquiries regarding Darnell’s book with Tyndale House Publishers, please contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com. For personal PR inquiries with Darnell, please contact Jenna Guarneri, jenna@jmgpr.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 majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630.784.5125

WaterBrook and Multnomah welcomes WILL ANDERSON to its editorial team as Senior Editor. An experienced freelance editor and writer, Will has worked in various capacities with a range of content providers including The Chosen streaming series, The Gospel Coalition, Dwell Bible App, Preaching Today’s Craft and Character podcast, and Relevant magazine.

In addition, he has helped several pastors craft their books and has created content for churches around the country. For more than 15 years, Will has served as a pastor, most recently as a church planter at Southlands Church in Santa Ana, California. He holds a B.A. in journalism from Biola University and an M.A. in New Testament from Talbot School of Theology and has taught biblical studies and theology at the high school and college level.

WaterBrook and Multnomah are imprints of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

NASHVILLE, TN-March 13, 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s election. Worthy Publishing US, in a joint deal with Hodder & Stoughton UK announce the acquisition of the next two official books by the Pontiff, entitled Buona Vita (‘Have A Great Life’) and Ti Voglio Felice (‘I Want You To Be Happy’). This follows the publication of A GIFT OF JOY AND HOPE by Hodder & Stoughton/Worthy Publishing in 2022, written to help people find hope and meaning during the Covid pandemic.

Publisher Daisy Hutton and Editorial Director Beth Adams at Worthy Publishing worked with Andy Lyon, Publishing Director at Hodder Faith, to buy the World English rights from Luigi Bonomi at LBA Books, on behalf of Juliane Roderer.  Hodder Faith is Worthy Publishing’s is sister UK imprint at Hachette Book Group. Worthy Publishing plan to publish HAVE A GREAT LIFE (Buona Vita) in Winter 2024, with, I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY (Ti Voglio Felice) following. Ti Voglio Felice has been topping the charts in Italy for months.

“Pope Francis is an inspiration to Christians around the world, and it is an honor to partner with him to share his message of hope and faith.” said Beth Adams.

In HAVE A GREAT LIFE (Buona Vita), Pope Francis outlines 15 rules for a good life. We can always make a fresh start, whatever difficulties we’ve had in the past. In I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY (Ti Voglio Felice), Pope Francis’ starting point is that the desire for happiness was planted into the soul of every human being. Both books contain popular, accessible theology from the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

Andy Lyon, Publishing Director for Hodder Faith, commented:
‘It is a huge honour to be trusted with publishing Pope Francis’s books in the English language across the world. His Petrine ministry has been admired by many as a tremendous gift as he has called us all over the past decade to think more intently about the shape of the Church in the future. These books represent Pope Francis at his pastoral best, throwing his arms wide open to include an audience even beyond the Church, encouraging us to attend to our inner lives and respond to the spiritual instinct in the soul of each one of us.’

For publicity inquiries, please contact:
Laini Brown; Laini.Brow@hbgusa.com<mailto:Laini.Brow@hbgusa.com> 615-371-7763

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co.—April 6, 2023—Books by four NavPress authors have been named finalists for the 2023 Christian Book Awards. The Christian Book Awards honor excellence in Bibles and Christian books.

According to their website, “The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the ‘best of the year’ in 12 categories.”

NavPress authors and titles are finalists in the following categories:

Christian Living:
Aging Faithfully: The Holy Invitation of Growing Older by Alice Fryling

Biography and Memoir:
Two Hundred Tuesdays: What a Pearl Harbor Survivor Taught Me about Life, Love, and Faith by Dianne Derby, with T. L. Heyer

Young People’s Literature:
How to Pray: A Guide for Young Explorers by Pete Greig, with Gemma Hunt (published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton)

New Author:
We’re Stronger than We Look: Insights and Encouragement for the Caregiver’s Journey by Jill Case Brown

“We’re thrilled that these authors are being recognized for the care and conviction they brought to their books,” said NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “The intended audiences for these books range from childhood to late adulthood. Each book touches on the real-world challenges that we face and the love of God for us in the midst of those challenges. It’s wonderful to see their impact extended through this recognition.”

Award winners will be announced on May 9 at the ECPA Leadership Summit in Nashville, TN.

For more information on NavPress titles, please visit www.navpress.com. 

NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978, when it was called the Gold Medallion Award. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award program is among the oldest and most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.  ChristianBookAwards.com

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.

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

April 5, 2023, WHEATON, Ill.—In 2014, Crossway published Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin, which offers practical guidance and helpful tips for women who want to go deeper in their study of the Bible and learn how to teach others to do the same. Since its release, the book has sold over 500,000 copies and helped women around the world to study the Bible for themselves.

To further equip women with Bible literacy tools and skills, Crossway is pleased to announce the release of a new podcast featuring Wilkin called Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Jen Wilkin.

Over the course of 10 weeks, Wilkin will talk through various Bible study topics including:

• the importance of Bible literacy;
• overcoming common barriers to Bible study;
• tips for teaching the Bible; and
• the Bible study process (comprehension, interpretation, and application).

Hosted by Crossway’s Director of Publicity, Lauren Susanto, the Women of the Word podcast is conversational in nature and ideal for women of all ages looking to go deeper in their study of God’s word.

Episodes will be released weekly starting April 5. Audio episodes will be streamed on all major podcast platforms and video episodes can be found on YouTube. To subscribe and find more information, please visit Crossway.org/womenoftheword.

Jen Wilkin is a Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. As an advocate for biblical literacy, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts and authored multiple books, including the best seller Women of the Word. You can find her at JenWilkin.net.

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.

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org, crossway.org

Philosophy Professor Phillip Cary Affirms Ancient Text’s Relevance for Today

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 10, 2023 — To help believers articulate their faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, seasoned author, philosopher and professor Phillip Cary has released “The Nicene Creed: An Introduction,” available now from Lexham Press.

For centuries, the Nicene Creed has been central to the Christian Church’s confession. Far from being abstract or irrelevant, the words of the Creed carefully express what God has done in Christ and through the Spirit and gives biblical Christians words for what they believe.

“The Nicene Creed is a summary of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Cary. “It brings me great joy, and I wanted to make that joy accessible to those who may be unfamiliar with it.”

One of the most famous and influential professions of faith in the history of the church, the biblically inspired Creed encapsulates the entire good news of the gospel and ultimately settles the question of how Christians can worship one God who is three persons. In “The Nicene Creed: An Introduction,” Cary explores the Creed’s riches with simplicity and clarity, explaining its history and meaning line by line.

Offering precise and profound insight, Cary invites readers to gain a fresh appreciation for how the Nicene Creed came to be and why it is still relevant today. As an astute student of the Bible, he successfully brings meaning back to the Creed for those from more liturgical traditions for whom it has become rote, while also introducing it to those from more evangelical, contemporary churches who may not be as familiar with it.

Cary asserts that when we profess the Creed, we join the global Church throughout history in declaring the name and work of the one God — Father, Son and Spirit.

Adds Cary, “This is a book for those who want to understand their faith better, and thus to grow in the knowledge of God, by learning what the ancient teachers of the Nicene faith had to give us.”

Praised as an essential addition to the libraries of Christians, “The Nicene Creed: An Introduction” is available now from Lexham Press. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/224267/the-nicene-creed-an-introduction.

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.

About Phillip Cary: Phillip Cary is professor of philosophy at Eastern University in Philadelphia and author of several books, including “Good News for Anxious Christians” and “The Meaning of Protestant Theology.”

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

April 6, 2023, WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is excited to announce that thirteen titles have been selected as finalists for the ECPA 2023 Christian Book Award in eight categories.

The finalists include:

• ESV Concise Study Bible (Bible category)
• In the Fullness of Time: An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Acts and Paul by Richard B. Gaffin Jr. (Bible Reference Works category)
• Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry (Bible Reference Works category)
• Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation by Nancy Guthrie (Bible Study category)
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca McLaughlin (Bible Study category)
• Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart by David Gibson (Bible Study category)
• The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung; illustrated by Don Clark (Children’s category)
• ESV Psalms, Photography Edition (Devotion & Gift category)
• Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls by Joni Eareckson Tada (Devotion & Gift category)
• Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman (Faith & Culture category)
• Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission: Practical Strategies for Discipling the Next Generation by Jared Kennedy (Ministry Resources category)
• Workers for Your Joy: The Call of Christ on Christian Leaders by David Mathis (Ministry Resources category)
• The Prince and the Blight by Kathryn Butler (Young People’s Literature category)

The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles in twelve categories.¹ Winners will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration in Nashville on May 9, 2023.

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.

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org