September 20, 2021 — Flagler Law Group is pleased to announce Sandon M. Fisher will join the firm’s Asheville, North Carolina office as Associate Attorney on October 15, 2021. Sandon’s service to the firm’s clients will focus on business transactions, primarily drafting contracts and negotiating acquisitions, as well as trademark prosecution and related intellectual property advice.  As the firm’s practice has grown, the volume and complexity of intellectual property and transactional needs of its clients has increased.

Veteran intellectual property attorney, Craig Gipson – who celebrated his ten-year anniversary with the firm this year – has been promoted to Of Counsel and will maintain the firm’s West Coast presence.  As Of Counsel, Craig will continue to counsel and manage projects for publishers and other rights organizations as well as expand his First Amendment, privacy, and dispute resolution practice.

Craig’s promotion and the addition of Sandon to the team of dedicated legal professionals at Flagler Law Group enables the firm to continue to provide efficient and cost-effective counsel to Christian publishers, ministries, churches, seminaries, and other content organizations.

Sandon comes to Flagler Law Group with just shy of six years of experience as a practicing attorney. Most recently he served as Legislative Counsel to the State of Alaska. Sandon honed his transactional skills as an Associate Attorney at the firm Manley & Brautigam in Anchorage. Sandon earned his Juris Doctorate at Liberty University School of Law, and was admitted to the Alaska Bar in 2015.

“Sandon’s recruitment and Craig’s promotion reinforce our commitment to continually improving best practices and maximizing efficiency, which we tailor to the needs of publishers and ministries.”
– Brian D. Flagler, Founder and Managing Partner

Sandon, his wife and daughter look forward to making the transition from the Boundary Ranges to the Blue Ridge.  An avid outdoorsman, Sandon is likely to join Brian and Craig on one of their paddling adventures.

Flagler Law Group serves organizations that publish, teach, and distribute Christian messages, providing informed and practical counsel on publishing and intellectual property matters.

Contact: Brian D. Flagler, (541) 549-8401

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 14, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release The One Year Praying in Faith Devotional: 365 Daily Bible Readings on Hearing God and Believing His Promises by Chris Tiegreen on November 9. Tiegreen has inspired thousands of people through his popular One Year devotionals, and his latest release specifically focuses on helping readers develop a deeper, more prayerful relationship with God.

The One Year Praying in Faith Devotional explores biblical stories of heroes of the faith and their answered and seemingly unanswered prayers, including Abraham, Joseph, David, Paul, and even Jesus himself. Through these examples, readers will see how God works, even in the darkest times, and find answers to their most pressing questions about faith and prayer.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com.

The One Year Praying in Faith Devotional by Chris Tiegreen
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4611-4
Softcover: $17.99
November 2021 release

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.

Tyndale Momentum is a nonfiction imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois.

Contact: Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com, 630.784.5103

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 16, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Devos for Brave Boys by Jesse Florea and Karen Whiting and Devos for Brave Girls by Katrina Cassel on November 9.

These 60-day devotionals are designed to encourage boys and girls ages 8 to 12 to form the habit of opening their Bibles and reading directly from God’s Word. Featuring updated devotions from the best-selling titles The One Year Devotions for Active Boys and The One Year Devotions for Girls Starring Women of the Bible, the daily readings will teach readers to apply biblical concepts to their own lives. The books include engaging activities, puzzles, quizzes, and jokes to engage readers in a fun way, while also emphasizing how to love others courageously, share faith boldly, and trust in God’s power and protection.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com.

• Devos for Brave Boys by Jesse Florea and Karen Whiting
  ISBN: 978-1-4964-5116-3 Board Book: $14.99
• Devos for Brave Girls by Katrina Cassel
  ISBN: 978-1-4964-5112-5 Board Book: $14.99 November 9, 2021

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. Tyndale.com

Contact: Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com, 630.784.5103

The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast premieres September 23 with guests Amy Grant and Bishop Michael Curry

Grand Rapids, MI – September 16, 2021 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones, creator of the multi-million bestseller The Jesus Storybook Bible, will host a new podcast beginning this fall. Inspired by the many beautiful stories of hope and joy and grace which readers have shared in the 15 years since The Jesus Storybook Bible was published, the podcast will be a platform where we hear from people from of all walks of life share about the life-transforming power of God’s love in their lives. The first three shows release September 23 featuring interviews with songwriter Amy Grant and Bishop Michael Curry who share how the book has impacted their own faith journey and outlook.

A full season of shows will be available this fall, with more shows in place to be recorded and aired in Spring 2022.

“We have been eagerly anticipating this launch. The stories in The Jesus Storybook Bible are so inspiring and encouraging and filled with hope. And we can’t think of a time when we need them more. Our hope is that the podcast will be a place of hope and inspiration—a place where we can all be reminded of the love God has for us and his power to change lives,” says Megan Dobson,  Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “Bringing Sally together with friends of the book has been a joy. Listeners will appreciate the perspectives guests share on what their favorite Bible story is, how the telling of that story in The Jesus Storybook Bible has grown their faith, and how they’ve been impacted by God’s story.”

The Jesus Storybook Bible, first published in 2007, has sold over 3 million copies and has been published in over 55 languages.

“I wrote a book for children that somehow found its way into the hands of pastors and professors, musicians and actors, on NICU wards, in prisons. And then we began to hear incredibly moving stories lives transformed by God’s love. Well, I couldn’t keep the stories to myself any longer. I had to share them. So I invited people to share with us personally about how God’s love has changed everything,” says Lloyd-Jones. “The stories told in the Bible, and on the podcast, and in the book all celebrate the wonderful good news—that God loves us with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.”

More about the Podcast:
The trailer to the announcement about the podcast can be found at https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com and at the Apple Spotify Stitcher Amazon/Audible platforms. Four Eyes Media (www.iiiimedia.com) is producing the podcast and guest inquiries can be made to Abigail Nibblett at abigail@iiiimedia.com. The podcast will be carried on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher and most other podcast platforms.

More about the Book:
The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. At the center of the Story there is a baby, the child upon whom everything will depend. Every story whispers his name. From Noah to Moses to the great King David–every story points to him. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle—the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture. From the very beginning, all through the Old Testament and the New Testament, the beautiful Story unfolds of a great Rescuer, a brave hero, a young prince. And the God who can’t stop loving us and comes to rescue us. A Bible like no other, The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children (and their grown-ups) to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God’s great story of rescue—and at the center of their Story too.

Milestones and accolades:

• First published in 2007, The Jesus Storybook Bible has sold over 3 million units, one of the bestselling storybook Bibles in the last 2 decades
• The book reached 1 million units sold in 2016, receiving the Platinum Book Award from ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association)
• The book has been published in over 55 languages
• The Jesus Storybook Bible has captured the attention of many, with thousands of blog, social media and magazine reviews and interviews including mentions in USA Today, Christianity Today, and more. See more at jesusstorybookbible.com under the “Etc.” tab.
• See the full collection of related books, board books and more: https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/jsbcollection/
• Free Advent and Lenten reading plans in the last year have had over 70,000 + downloads
• Awards:
  • 2007 Moonbeam Award
  • 2009 NAPPA Award
  • 2010 Mom’s Choice Award
  • 2010 ALA Notable Award for Children’s Recordings
  • 2011 ECPA Gold Book Award
  • 2014 Rodda Award
  • 2014 Best in Children’s Media Award from the Association of Christian Booksellers Group- UK
  • 2018 Logos Author of the Year Award

More about Sally Lloyd-Jones:
Sally is a New York Times bestselling writer and frequent performer of her work. She has written over 25 books, spanning the Christian and the general markets. Her work has been critically acclaimed by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Her Zonderkidz books include The Jesus Storybook Bible, winner of the Platinum Book Award, with over 3 million copies sold and translated into over 55 languages; Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing, winner of the Association of Christian Publisher’s Book of the Year Award in the adult inspiration category; Baby Wren, winner of The Christopher Award, and many others. Sally has performed her stories and poems with Amy Grant and Ellie Holcomb, appeared at Carnegie Hall with The Gettys in their Christmas Show and with Andrew Peterson at The Ryman. Sally was born in Kampala, Uganda, raised in East and West Africa and at a boarding school in the New Forest, England, studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, and now lives in NYC.

She can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com , on Instagram @sallylloydjones, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SallyLloydJones/

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.

September 17, 2021, New Kensington, Pa.—Whitaker House mourns the passing of bestselling author, Dr. Mary K. Baxter, who died on September 13 at age eighty-one.

Mary had been in full-time ministry for over thirty-five years, ever since she was taken by God into the dimensions and torments of hell, as well as the streets of heaven, for over forty nights in 1976. God commissioned Mary to record her experiences and tell others of the horrific depths, degrees, and torments of hell, as well as the wonderful destiny of heaven for the redeemed of Jesus Christ in her book A Divine Revelation of Hell, which sold over 1.4 million copies.

Fellow Whitaker House author and Mary’s good friend, Joshua Mills, stated on Instagram, “If you know about Mary, then you know that her life was filled with very special encounters and supernatural visitations that allowed her to see the horrors of hell and the glories of heaven. The Spirit anointed her with the unique ministry call to wake up the church and to prepare all people for eternity.”

Mary was ordained as a minister in 1983 and received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Faith Bible College, an affiliate of Oral Roberts University. She traveled the world and ministered in power. In addition to A Divine Revelation of Hell, her books published by Whitaker House include A Divine Revelation of Heaven, A Divine Revelation of the Spirit Realm, A Divine Revelation of Angels, A Divine Revelation of Spiritual Warfare, A Divine Revelation of Deliverance, A Divine Revelation of Healing, A Divine Revelation of Prayer, A Divine Revelation of the Powerful Blood of Jesus, and A Divine Revelation of Satan’s Deceptions.

“Whitaker House has worked with Mary K. Baxter for twenty years,” said Publisher Christine Whitaker. “She was a woman with a gentle, childlike faith but at the same time a powerful, anointed message. Her heart’s cry was to see people know Jesus and know His power to save. I have heard so many testimonies over the years from people all over the world who have been changed by her books and ministry.”

Debut poet Sister Sharon Hunter, CJ offers poems of pain and forgiveness for those who struggle to find healing from a childhood marked by addiction 

September 2021 — To Shatter Glass (ISBN 978-1-64060-714-9│September 2021│Hardcover│80 pp│$24) is Sister Sharon Hunter’s memoir in poetic form, tracing seventy years of struggle and experience. In her early thirties, at the end of an abusive and childless marriage, Sister Sharon Hunter entered a modern convent. Neither sheltered nor immune from reality, she confronted demons of the past and trauma brought with her, unresolved and in need of healing. Her collection obliterates a common belief that men and women enter religious orders to escape life. Its fifty-six poems vary in style and capture the heart and imagination of those searching for straight answers to difficult questions. It touches on the need to know ourselves, to accept our humanity as defined by God, and to strive toward reconciliation through self-examination and forgiveness.

To Shatter Glass is an invitation to wholeness for those scarred by family alcoholism. It is written for the quiet and sensitive buried by depression, and for those who may be too afraid to expose their wounds. It is for anyone who has experienced betrayal or the loss of a loved one through tragic circumstances.

Sister Sharon Hunter, CJ, is a professed religious of thirty-five years at the Community of Jesus, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Born in 1947 in the farming region of Western Pennsylvania, Sister Sharon was raised a country girl. Her writing, infused with practical, sometimes stark reality, compliments her desire to offer hope in extreme circumstances, beauty in our sufferings, and assurance that light is always with us.

“In this new collection of poems, rising as they do out of past turmoil and brokenness, Sister Sharon Hunter’s meditations speak in redemptive ways, inviting us into the old wounds and scars and presenting to God, and to us as readers, fresh understandings of what it takes to heal.” —Luci Shaw, author, The Generosity and Eye of the Beholder, Writer in Residence, Regent College

“Sister Sharon’s poetry leads her reader seamlessly through several chapters of life’s most fearsome and heart-wrenching struggles to a place of redemption. The imagery that makes her poetry a visual experience keeps the reader hungry for the next scene, allowing just long enough to share her angst, while in the background a cadence pushes forward, promising the hope of redemption. The fact is, she may just be the most honest poet I have ever encountered.” —Rev. Dr. Bradford D. Lussier, pastoral counselor, author of How Does He Love Me? A Collection of Love Sonnets

“In words of courage, conviction, and terrible beauty, Sister Sharon Hunter dispels the myth of escaping life in the real world for the shelter of the cloister. She confronts the lingering demons of the past—a legacy of family alcoholism, abuse, violence, and depression—holding them up to the light of her daily encounters with the mysterious, often incomprehensible, love of God. By reading these poems, we are privileged to join her on the path to hope and healing.” —Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking and River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey

“Sister Sharon Hunter never forces us to swallow the ‘wool pulled so far over our own eyes it’s in our mouths,’ yet she enables us to see the pain and hear the shattered glass that is our collective experience of loss. Her words respect this truth, but also give grace and hope to our individual hearts as we make pilgrimage together. Her courage expressed toward triumph through tears inspires us to keep going, believing in the goodness of God.” —Margaret Philbrick, Redbud Writers Guild, Contributing editor of Everbloom: Stories of Living Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives

“Unabashed is the first word that comes to mind to describe this debut poetry collection. Courageous is the second. With unflinching candor Hunter here lays bare the despair, destruction and shattering loss she experienced growing up in an alcoholic home. But this recounting is far more than a chronicle of personal loss and pain. Rather it is the beginning of a pilgrimage of hope and restoration to which she bids readers join her, poem by poem, and step by step.” —Margaret B. Ingraham, author of Exploring this Terrain

“There’s not an ounce of affectation or pretentiousness in these poems. They have a ‘Mary Oliver’ directness. One poem, ‘The Listener,’ thanks the person who hears a broken heart and finds the unshed tears in our nervous laughter. These poems do exactly that, they hear your broken heart and help you name your unshed tears. Poems give clear expression to unclear feelings. These poems do that. Wonderfully.” —Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, author of Bruised and Wounded, The Fire Within, and Domestic Monastery

“To Shatter Glass not only breaks literal doors, but also trauma-related silences. A memoir in verse, To Shatter Glass honors the holy mystery of its subject matter by avoiding superfluous details. Instead, Sister Sharon offers ‘life’s fragments,…/ like ice floes from a half-frozen river.’ One of these fragments is the miracle that ‘Any day now, a bird will lift its tiny head and sing.’ Sister Sharon Hunter is that bird, and her song enriches all who hear it.” —Melanie Weldon-Soiset, poet, former pastor, and #ChurchToo spiritual abuse survivor

“Who of us reading Sister Sharon Hunter’s To Shatter Glass can ever forget the image in the title poem of her as a little girl deliberately plunging headlong into a glass door, “Hands and knees on shattered rain / my head slipped through the broken pane / Around my neck a jagged crown / I didn’t move or make a sound.” The poet’s shocking recollection drives us deep into the heart of her traumatic life, a life so painful as the daughter of alcoholic parents and the victim of other abuses that she gives herself names like “Invisible,” “zero,” “the glass half-empty.”  She does “a comb-over / to hide the baldness” of her soul, and “slap[s] on a smile / to cover every avenue of sadness.” And though she concealed her inner life from the world, she also felt the motions of grace, so beautifully conveyed in “Perhaps.” Here, she considers the mystery of God revealed perhaps in darkness, “a pinpoint of light that woos and beckons. / Interior light / expanded through suffering.” The shattered glass is restored, but it is more than what it was, more like a stained glass window letting in the light.” —Suzanne Underwood Rhodes, author of Flying Yellow

This is the first book in Paraclete’s Iron Pen imprint. In the book of Job, a suffering man pours out his anguish to his Maker. From the depths of his pain, he reveals a trust in God’s goodness that is stronger than his despair, giving humanity some of the most beautiful and poetic verses of all time. Paraclete’s Iron Pen imprint is inspired by this spirit of unvarnished honesty and tenacious hope.

For review copies, interviews, or more information contact Publicist Rachel McKendree at rachelm@paracletepress.com. 

September 1, 2021 – After several months reading and discussing 68 outstanding entries, judges Laura Reece Hogan, Scott Cairns, and Jon M. Sweeney are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Paraclete Poetry Prize.   

First Prize is awarded jointly to: 

• Angela Alaimo O’Donnell of Bronxville, NY for her manuscript, Holy Land 
• Amy Nemecek of Wyoming, MI for her manuscript, The Language of the Birds and Other Poems 

Second Prize winner is Jeannine M. Pitas of Dubuque, IA for her manuscript, Or/And 

All three winners will be published by Paraclete Poetry.

• First prize: $1,000 honorarium and book publication in 2022.
• Second prize: $250 honorarium and book publication in 2022 or 2023. 

For more information, please contact publicist Rachel McKendree at rachelm@paracletepress.com or 1-800-451-5006, ext. 301. 

“Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith” presents easy, fun daily engagement for kids to build confidence anchored in faith

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 1, 2021) – Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a deeper, richer spiritual life. In his first children’s devotional, Lusko tackles real issues kids face in a wild world of uncertainty. Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith (ISBN: 9781400224364) debuts Sept. 14 wherever books are sold.

With eye-catching art, captivating stories, fascinating facts, Bible verses and prayers, and simple action steps, Roar Like a Lion helps kids approach both fun and tough times with strength, courage and certainty in God’s faithfulness.

A pastor and parent of five children, ages 4 to 15 and one in Heaven, Lusko relates to modern challenges parents and kids face. Known for being extremely well-received by millennial and Gen X Christians, Lusko’s ability to address real-life situations with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity is showcased in each devotion.

“Hardships are inevitable – even at a tender young age,” said Lusko. “I wrote this book to give children encouragement that they can be courageous—no matter what they are going through. I think parents, younger siblings, grandparents, and those looking for uplifting homeschool material will see this as a tremendous resource.”

Covering topics such as peer pressure, bullying, loss, handling new challenges and past disappointments, purpose and faith, Roar Like a Lion encourages kids to “run toward the roar” as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. Roar Like a Lion is a fun, trustworthy read that can spark discussion on meaningful topics and get children in the habit of reading a biblically-based devotional.

Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith (ISBN: 978-1400224364, ages 6-10) will be released on September 14, 2021 everywhere books are sold.

About the Author:
Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah and everywhere online. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in Heaven.

About Tommy Nelson:
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620, natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

Press Kit Materials: https://we.tl/t-Lk2c0JG8zm

Ministry launches global search for new leader after President Rick DeHaan announces intent to retire at the end of 2021

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 2, 2021 — Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) today announced it is currently conducting a global search for a new president and CEO of the ministry. Rick DeHaan will retire as president at the end of year but will continue supporting the organization in an advisory capacity.

“I am very grateful for the work we have accomplished as a ministry, from launching new platforms, to reaching younger generations, to building a strong, diverse global leadership team,” said Rick DeHaan, current president of ODBM and grandson of founder Dr. M.R. DeHaan. “We are in the midst of a major digital transformation that is impacting the way we deliver our mission and the Bible. As a result, the audiences we are reaching are increasingly younger and more diverse, and it is important our leadership team reflects those we serve and those we want to reach. With God’s help, and a very thoughtful and deliberate search process, the Lord will provide us with the right person to guide the ministry forward.”

The ODBM mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable to all. The ministry is now in more than 150 countries, using 58 different languages to reach people around the world.

“Thanks to Rick’s leadership, and the stewardship of the DeHaan family, we are a global ministry in every sense of the word,” said Marty Doorn, chairman of the Board of Directors of ODBM. “Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a very healthy time for the ministry and the Lord has been amazingly gracious when providing for our needs. We are extremely thankful for Rick’s leadership over the years, and trust in the Lord to lead us into the future.”

The ministry is working with CarterBaldwin executive search firm to find and vet candidates equipped to lead the global ministry. ODBM is searching for a leader with global expertise and Godly qualities. The ideal candidate is a mission-hearted person, with the heart of Christ and who exemplifies humility. Those who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to inquire with Bill Peterson at ODBPresident@carterbaldwin.com or apply at https://carterbaldwin.com/opportunities/odb-preceo/.

About Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization that distributes more than 60 million resources in 150 countries. Through print, radio, television, DVD, podcast, book, mobile app, and websites, ODBM encourages people to draw closer to God and helps them grow in their faith. Since 1938, ODBM has endeavored to trust in God above all else and relied on His wisdom and strength to guide their ministry. ODBM is not funded or endowed by any group or denomination. Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable the ministry to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. Visit www.odb.org/donate to help make a difference. For more information about ODBM, visit www.odb.org.

 

WESTMONT, IL—At a time when few of the nearly seven million English-speaking North American Native people have access to biblical resources, IVP now offers an indigenous translation of the New Testament with the August 31 release of the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament.

The First Nations Version is also being used as the basis for three short-animated films created by the Jesus Film Project titled Retelling the Good Story. The three films pull from the translation’s version of Matthew 14 that shares the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand and Peter walking on water.

Cindy Bunch, IVP associate publisher and editorial director, said, “We need new voices and new ways of experiencing Scripture now more than ever as we have become entrenched in our own small corners of the world. By embracing what they name as First Nations people’s ‘heart languages,’ the translators of the FNV cause us to pause and hear the Word of God anew.”

The FNV project was first envisioned by pastor and founder of Rain Ministries, Terry M. Wildman of the Ojibwe and Yaqui tribes. The First Nations Version: New Testament is a culmination of a five-year collaboration between Wildman, OneBook.ca, Wycliffe Associates, Native North Americans from over twenty-five different tribes, and a translation council that consisted of twelve Native North American elders, pastors, young adults, and men and women from different tribes and diverse geographic locations.

Wildman is the lead translator and project manager of the First Nations Version, and he currently serves as director of spiritual growth and leadership development with Native InterVarsity. With the final published version now in hand, Wildman said, “My greatest hope comes from First Nations people who have read this translation and have said it opened their eyes to who Creator Sets Free (Jesus) truly is. It has already broken down some of the walls that exist because of the horrific way the gospel was most often forced on our Native peoples. I hope stories like this will multiply now that the FNV is fully released by InterVarsity Press.”

The First Nations Version is a dynamic equivalence translation because it is a thought-for-thought rather than word-for-word translation. The style is one of an oral storyteller where culturally relevant language is used to convey the ideas expressed throughout Scripture to create a deeper connection with the reader. God is experienced as “Creator,” Jesus as “Creator Sets Free,” and Jerusalem as “Village of Peace.”

Further clarifying this point, Al Hsu, senior editor at IVP, said, “For example, the FNV’s rendering of the return of the prodigal son in Luke 15:22 has the father saying, ‘Go! Find my best regalia and put it on him. Give him a headdress of feathers for his head and new moccasins for his feet!’ While regalia, headdress, and moccasins are of course not direct translations of Luke’s Greek words for robe, ring, and sandals, they do nevertheless communicate the great honor given to the younger son upon his return. The FNV stands in the long tradition of faithful dynamic equivalence English translations that make Scripture come alive to contemporary readers.” 

Dr. Casey Church, pastor of Good Medicine Way, an indigenous community of believers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said, “The FNV is written for a particular time, place, and people—the indigenous people of North America. The First Nations Bible is a version for us. With estimates that a mere 5 percent of indigenous people of North America have a relationship with Creator Sets Free (Jesus), it’s time for us to have a Bible translation of our own that speaks to our culture, our values, and our hearts through Creator’s Word.”

For more about the FNV visit FirstNationsVersion.com.

Contact: Tara Burns, 630.734.4059, tburns@ivpress.com