A Prayer for Our Country: Words to Unite and Inspire Hope releases June 7, 2022

Grand Rapids, MI – May 4, 2022 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black will publish a picture book titled, A Prayer for Our Country: Words to Unite and Inspire Hope releasing June 7, 2022, illustrated by Kim Holt. This book from Black will be for children ages 4 – 8, and focus on celebrating everything that makes America an amazing place, helping children thank God for all the beauty, neighbors, friends, and more while encouraging all Americans to come together and heal the hurts that divide.

“This unique book filled with the wise words of prayer from the esteemed Chaplain Barry Black, coupled with illustrations from Kim Holt that highlight the beauty and diversity of America, will be treasured by readers and those who desire a united country,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “Black helps point the way for children to pray for their country, thank God for their blessings, and to think about how they can be living lights.”

“I am dedicating this book to my mother, who taught me to love God’s Word and how to pray,” says Black. “Children have such capacity to lead us in finding the words that inspire all of us to model God’s love and create a future that is strong and united.”

‘Great God, we admit that we face big problems.
Sometimes we feel scared, hurt or even lost.
It’s easy for us to be overwhelmed by the work we need to do.
But we know that You are always with us.
Give us wisdom to understand that You are stronger than any challenge we face.’

Senate Chaplain Barry Black is a Baltimore native who has been selected for many outstanding acheivements, including the NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. Prior to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. He has authored five other books, including his autobiography, From the Hood to the Hill.

Black and his wife reside in Orlando, Florida and have several children. Black will be participating in the National Day of Prayer on May 5 and has been selected to speak at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Washington D.C. in June.

Copies of the book and interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com.

A Prayer for Our Country: Words to Unite and Inspire Hope
Authored by Senate Chaplain Barry Black, illustrated by Kim Holt
Hardcover w/Jacket, $17.99 9780310771234 June 7, 2022 On Sale

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.

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

This annual leadership and training conference focuses on equipping believers with necessary tools to lead, serve, and grow everyday through the context of their faith

NASHVILLE, Tenn., R.H. Boyd will host the 2022 Vision Conference™ June 16–18, in conjunction with the 116^th Annual Session of the National Baptist Congress. The Vision Conference™ theme is “Building Legacies Through Leadership” (Psalm 145:4) and will be held at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown.

The Vision Conference is a premier leadership event offering helpful resources that encompass a broad spectrum of interests, including panels, financial literacy discussions for youth and adults, women’s empowerment, sermons, youth ministries, a targeted youth rally, live entertainment, and access to the Seminary Now™ Urban Leadership Program at Northern Seminary.

R.H. Boyd and the National Baptist Congress, a consortium of churches and organizations focused on Christian education and leadership, are proudly celebrating milestone anniversaries since their founding in 1896 and 1906, respectively.

“After being virtual for two years, we are grateful to gather in-person in 2022 to host the conference in our home city of Nashville.” said Dr. LaDonna Boyd, fifth-generation president/CEO. “We are excited to offer our attendees and partners greater opportunities to learn, grow, fellowship, and explore all that our city has to offer.”

On June 17, 2022, R.H. Boyd will host the Legacy Ball in celebration of the company’s 125^th anniversary. “The contributions of this company and founder Dr. Richard Henry Boyd to Nashville history, Black History, and this nation’s history are vast. Celebrating this milestone is very important to our organization and the Boyd Family as well. We truly count it a privilege and honor to continue this legacy,” said Dr. Boyd.

Conference and Legacy Ball sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels. All sponsorship funds support conference programming and the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, a tax-deductible fund that invests in students and communities through undergraduate and graduate scholarships and community grants.

To register for the Vision Conference™ or to learn about sponsorship opportunities and the Endowment program, please visit visionconference.org. To learn more about the Legacy Ball, visit www.rhboyd.com/legacyball. Follow us on Instagram @visionconference_official and @rhboydco for additional details.

Contact: Emmanuel LeGrair, marketing@rhboyd.com

Zondervan Academic and Zondervan Reflective win in four categories

(Grand Rapids, Mich) May 2022—Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce its imprints, Zondervan Reflective and Zondervan Academic, received a total of four 2022 Christian Book Awards®.

Launched in 2019, Zondervan Reflective focuses on thoughtful books that address the intersection of faith and culture, as well as the challenges of ministry and leadership. They won the evening with awards in three categories:

• Faith and Culture: How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby
• Ministry Resources: Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation by Peter Scazzero
• New Author: Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures by Michelle Ami Reyes

“These award-winning titles serve as great examples of the kinds of authors and books we love to publish—practical, well-written, and relevant to today’s concerns,” said Ryan Pazdur, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Reflective. “We congratulate each of our authors on this well-deserved recognition.”

Zondervan Academic, an imprint dedicated to serving the needs of scholars, pastors, and students, received the award for Bible Reference Work with A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ by Douglas J. Moo

“We are honored by the recognition of Douglas Moo’s A Theology of Paul and His Letters. It is a fitting acknowledgement of Dr. Moo’s monumental accomplishment—what many have marked as his magnum opus—born out of many years of careful research and deep reflection on Paul’s writings,” said Katya Covrett, associate publisher for Zondervan Academic. “We are delighted to be the publisher of this outstanding work of New Testament scholarship.”

Presented annually since 1978, the Christian Book Award program honors the “best of the year” in Christian literature. The winners were selected from 65 finalists to reflect literary excellence in 12 categories. The awards ceremony took place on May 2, at the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s annual Leadership Summit.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Senior Public Relations Manager, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 

Bestselling author Joyce Meyer draws upon the teachings of the apostle Paul to lead readers in the daily practice of joy-filled living

In this 50-day guide, Bestselling author Joyce Meyer draws upon the teachings of the apostle Paul to lead readers in the daily practice of joy-filled living.

Joy is not just a “happy feeling” based on our circumstances or on things we possess—it is an unshakable stability in our spirit that comes from the strength of the Lord.

The apostle Paul has been called the apostle of joy. In his letter to the Philippians—widely considered to be the most joyful book in all of scripture—Paul uses the Greek words for joy and rejoicing 13 times in only 11 verses! Paul talks about experiencing joy in all circumstances, even during times of struggle.

In this unique book, Joyce Meyer distills Paul’s teaching on joy into 50 lessons that equip us to overcome the greatest challenges we face to a joyful life. Through daily readings, we are encouraged to embrace the truths God has given us that allow us to overcome the emotions, attitudes, and experiences that rob us of our joy. When we learn to Be Joyful in our journey, we begin to experience the wonderful, abundant life that the Lord has in store for us.

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.” Joyce holds conferences across the United States and around the world, and her Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast on TV, radio and online to millions in over 100 languages.

She has also authored over 135 books, which have been translated into over 160 combined languages. Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries, which provides humanitarian relief through its hundreds of global outreaches.

Thirteen titles across eight categories honored as finalists 

(Nashville, Tenn.) May 6, 2022 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates its authors and publishing teams who were honored with six 2022 Christian Book Awards. These awards are presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) and honor the “best of the year” in Christian books and Bibles. This year marked the first in-person awards ceremony since 2020 and was held on May 3, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The six winning titles from HCCP are:

• Bible Reference Work – A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ by Douglas J. Moo – (Zondervan Academic)
• Children – Where’d My Giggle Go? by Max Lucado, illustrated by Sarah Jennings (Tommy Nelson)
• Faith and Culture – How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby – (Zondervan Reflective)
• Ministry Resources – Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation by Peter Scazzero – (Zondervan Reflective)
• New Author – Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures by Michelle Ami Reyes – (Zondervan Reflective)
• Young People’s Literature – Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith by Levi Lusko, illustrated by Catherine Pearson – (Tommy Nelson)

In addition to the award-winners, the company had 13 titles named finalists across eight categories.

The 13 HCCP finalists are:

• Bibles – NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible, General Editor, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – (Zondervan)
• Bibles – NIV Radiant Virtues Bible: A Beautiful Word Collection – (Zondervan)
• Bibles – NRSVCE Illustrated Catholic Bible – (Catholic Bible Press)
• Bible Reference Works – Old Testament Use of Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Guide by Gary Edward Schnittjer – (Zondervan Academic)
• Bible Study – Beautiful Word: Revelation Study Guide by Margaret Feinberg – (HarperChristian Resources)
• Bible Study – Forgiving What You Can’t Forget Study Guide by Lysa TerKeurst – (HarperChristian Resources)
• Children – Indescribable for Little Ones by Louie Giglio, illustrated by Nicola Anderson – (Tommy Nelson)
• Children – Near by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago – (Zonderkidz)
• Christian Living – When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simons – (Thomas Nelson)
• Devotion and Gift – Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story by Lysa TerKeurst – (Thomas Nelson)
• Ministry Resources – Urban Apologetics: Restoring Black Dignity with the Gospel, General Editor, Eric Mason – (Zondervan Reflective)
• Young People’s Literature – Anxious for Nothing (Young Readers Edition): Living Above Anxiety and Loneliness by Max Lucado and Andrea Lucado – (Tommy Nelson)
• Young People’s Literature – Everybody, Always for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducic, illustrated by Diane Le Feyer – (Tommy Nelson)

Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP commented, “Since 1978, the ECPA Christian Book Awards have served as a hallmark of excellence for Christian books and Bibles. After two years of unprecedented challenges from shutdowns to supply chain issues, it is a testament to the resilience of our teams and authors to have 19 books recognized in the 2022 Christian Book Awards. Congratulations to our authors and publishing teams. This recognition is well-deserved!”

For more information on this year’s winners and finalists please click here.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprints, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 29 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Contact:
Chelsea Taff, Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137, Chelsea.Taff@HarperCollins.com

InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep by Tish Harrison Warren was named the Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) at its awards ceremony in Philadelphia on May 3. Prayer in the Night was also selected as the top book in the Christian Living category of the 2022 Christian Book Awards.

Framed around a nighttime prayer of Compline, Warren explores themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God’s seeming absence. When she navigated a time of doubt and loss, the prayer was grounding for her. She writes that practices of prayer “gave words to my anxiety and grief and allowed me to reencounter the doctrines of the church not as tidy little antidotes for pain, but as a light in darkness, as good news.”

Jeff Crosby, ECPA’s president and publisher and the host of the 2022 Christian Book Awards celebration said, “The prayer of Compline and its earnest plea for God to keep watch over all who work, and who watch, and who weep in the night is a prayer for all of us, for all time. Tish Harrison Warren’s book, so artfully rooted in and wrapped around the prayer of Compline, has had a special resonance in the months since it was released. It’s a book that simultaneously has a sense of immediate relevance and of never-ending value, the type of book that will be read generations from now. I congratulate both Tish and the staff of InterVarsity Press for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award.” 

“Sometimes a manuscript is delivered at just the right cultural moment, and this was true with Prayer in the Night,” said Cindy Bunch, IVP Vice President, Editorial. “This beautifully written book explores suffering, human vulnerability, and our experience of God. Written prior to the pandemic, it has been a comfort to many during this challenging and sorrowful season. I am grateful to have published it.”

Presented annually since 1978, the Christian Book Award program honors the “best of the year” in Christian literature. The winners were selected from sixty-five finalists to reflect literary excellence in twelve categories. Prayer in the Night was one of four finalists from IVP for the Christian Book Award program. The other finalists from IVP included God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming by Drew Jackson (Audio category), Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World by Richard Stearns (Ministry Resources category), and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change by Tod Bolsinger (Ministry Resources category).

“In one of her books, the author Marilyn McEntyre reminds us that ‘words are entrusted to us as equipment for our life together, to help us survive, guide, and nourish one another,’” Crosby said. “The books selected as finalists, the individual category winners, and the Christian Book of the Year powerfully reflect the ways in which authors and publishers steward the sacred trust of words with excellence.”

Prayer in the Night was also named Christianity Today’s 2021 Book of the Year, and Warren’s first book, Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life, was the Christianity Today Book of the Year in 2018.

Warren is a weekly contributing newsletter writer for the New York Times and writes a monthly column for Christianity Today. She has worked in ministry settings for over a decade as a campus minister with InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries and as the writer-in-residence at Church of the Ascension in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Comment Magazine, The Point, and elsewhere.

For a complete list of IVP award winners, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact: Krista Clayton, 630.734.4013, kclayton@ivpress.com

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—May 6, 2022—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that Immerse: The Reading Bible has been named the Christian Book Award winner in the Bibles category. The Christian Book Award honors excellence in Bibles and Christian books.

Immerse: The Reading Bible delivers Scripture to the reader as it was originally written—without chapter or verse numbers, subheadings, or textual notes that can distract readers from the text. Created with the look and feel of a paperback book and using the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, the most readable translation available, Immerse offers uninterrupted reading of God’s Word.

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.” On May 4, 2022, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the winners of the 2022 Christian Book Awards.

In response, Amy Simpson, Bible Publisher at Tyndale House Publishers, shared, “This honor for Immerse is so exciting. Understanding the Bible changes everything, and as a Bible built for reading, Immerse has been providing new access and understanding of the Bible for individuals and groups, encouraging more reading of God’s Word by including fewer interruptions. We’re so grateful for this professional recognition.”

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit www.tyndale.com.

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 the oldest and among the 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.

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: Madeline Daniels, madelinedaniels@tyndale.com

Newly Released Customizable Digital Curriculum Wonder Ink Connects Church and Home

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 3, 2022 — David C Cook is reinventing the way kids and families engage in the Bible, and extending faith formation beyond the church walls through a new customizable digital tool kit, Wonder Ink. Created by ministry practitioners and discipleship thought leaders to fit the needs of today’s church, Wonder Ink empowers families and invites children to experience the wonder of God every day in every way.

“We think Sunday morning is just the starting point when it comes to Sunday school curriculum for kids,” said Jana Zachman, senior vice president of Services and Innovation for David C Cook and children’s ministry leader for her local church. “As more families have become active digital participants in church and Sunday school over the past few years, we intentionally designed Wonder Ink to bridge the gap between church and home, so kids can engage in God’s word anytime, anywhere. It’s our goal for Wonder Ink to spark curiosity and guide children on a journey of faith through the wonder of God.”

Wonder Ink’s digital suite of resources connects Sundays to Mondays with Wonder@home, including online portals individualized for parents and children. The curriculum includes customizable multimedia lessons, activities, videos, music, and a developmental tool set to motivate, engage and train volunteers. With a digital platform for in-person and online participation, children’s ministry leaders can easily track engagement and build community.

Wonder Ink’s collaborative, community-building tool kit equips churches and volunteers with curriculum for preschool and elementary-aged kids that comprehensively explores the big questions and big ideas of the entire Bible through a four-part journey of curiosity, belief, faith and identity.

“Kids need space to encounter God and see their place in His big story. With so much coming at our kids, they are desperate to encounter something real, something that answers their question of ‘So what?’,” said Kirsten Hitchcock, children’s pastor at The Practice Church in South Barrington, Illinois. “Wonder Ink provides that necessary space with a solid biblical foundation and invites kids to know God, His story and their place within it.”

Features of Wonder Ink’s curriculum and tool kit include:

• A three-year, 52-week sequence developed in themed units that is four to eight weeks in length.
•  A comprehensive thematic exploration of the big questions and big ideas of the entire Bible.
•  Curriculum that supports early childhood (ages 3 to 5) and elementary grades in both large and small group Sunday school models.
•  Lesson templates designed for easy customization to fit a group’s unique needs.

The curriculum is available by visiting wonderink.org.

David C Cook is a global nonprofit equipping individuals and church leaders with vital learning and worship resources. David C Cook’s desire is for individuals and faith groups to experience the transforming power of the gospel through music and media that fit the culture, language and spiritual needs of their communities.

David C Cook was founded in Chicago, Ill., in 1875 by David Caleb Cook, a businessman who began publishing pamphlets on lessons and songs that equipped local churches for ministry to children displaced by the Great Chicago Fire. Over the years, David C Cook has grown from a Sunday school curriculum publisher to one of the world’s largest providers of dynamic and relevant media and music designed to equip the global church and individuals with creative, Christian content.

BroadStreet^® Publishing Group is pleased to announce several recent landmark sales milestones from their catalog of titles. Two of the publisher’s gift books, Prayers & Promises for Women and Be Still and Know, have sold more than 500,000 copies and received ECPA’s Gold Milestone Sales Award.

Five additional BroadStreet titles received ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award for achieving more than 100,000 units sold, including Jesus in Red and Think on These Things by Ray Comfort, Talk to Me Jesus and Walk with Me Jesus by Marie Chapian, and Praying Grace by David A. Holland.

“We love to partner with authors to create impactful products of the highest quality,” says Carlton Garborg, founder and president of BroadStreet Publishing. “Our prayer books, promise books, and devotionals are beautifully designed, powerfully written, and feel good in your hand. You can’t wait to gift them to a friend or loved one.”

BroadStreet^® Publishing Group is a Christian book publisher that creates meaningful, inspirational products that share God’s truth with quality, beauty, and creativity. Its imprints include Belle City Gifts, BroadStreet Español, BookStreet, and BroadStreet Kids. BroadStreet publishes The Passion Translation (TPT), which has sold over 1.5 million copies, and Bible study materials, biographies, Christian living nonfiction, devotionals, journals, gift books, children’s books, and accessories for books and Bibles. Learn more at www.broadstreetpublishing.com.

Ada, Mich. (May 2, 2022)—Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that Stephanie Duncan Smith is being promoted to executive editor effective May 1, 2022.

Stephanie joined the Baker Books team in March 2021, bringing over thirteen years of experience with her. She previously served as the associate publisher of the Zondervan Books team, and prior to that managed the digital content strategy for Relevant magazine and Barna Group.

Rebekah Guzman, editorial director for Baker Books, stated, “Stephanie has already been a major contributor in her first year at Baker Books. She continues to develop and acquire bestselling and award-winning authors, and in spring 2022 she completed her masters in theology from Western Theological Seminary. We are excited to promote her to executive editor and expand her role on our publishing team.”

Baker Books has a vision for building up the body of Christ through books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. We publish titles for lay Christians on topics such as discipleship, apologetics, spirituality, relationships, marriage, parenting, and the intersection of Christianity and culture. We also publish books and ministry resources for pastors and church leaders, concentrating on topics such as preaching, worship, pastoral ministries, counseling, biblical reference, and leadership.

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