By The Sweet Gum brings home two awards from the 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for Iron Stream Media.

The 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Selah Awards and Directors’ Choice Awards were announced at a banquet on May 31, 2023. This year both awards were highly contested with over 450 entries for the Selah Awards and over 80 entries for the Directors’ Choice Awards.

By the Sweet Gum by Ane Mulligan snagged two awards that night:

• The 2023 Selah Awards — Historical / Biblical —  First Place
• The Directors’ Choice Awards — General Fiction — Third Place

About the book:
She’s bound by duty. He’s tethered to a dream. In the beleaguered mill town of Sweetgum, Georgia, Genessee Taylor dreams of a life beyond running the mill-owned hotel with her family. Though the work is honest, the owner of the mill is not. Genessee and her father long to see stronger labor laws passed to protect the innocent children who are injured and dying in the mill. When the owner learns of their activity, he will stop at nothing to silence them.Tommy Mack works at the mill and dreams of playing professional ball and marrying Genessee. When he’s contracted by a big-league team, his dreams are within grasp. Just as Tommy and Genessee’s wedding is on the horizon, tragedy strikes Sweetgum. Tommy can’t stay and Genessee can’t leave.Is there any way for them to battle through loss, deception, and sacrifice to find their way back to each other?

About the author: Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown. But when Ane saw Peter Pan onstage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a best-selling, award-winning novelist emerged, writing Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet tea. Ane lives in Sugar Hill,Georgia, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on anemulligan.com, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and The Write Conversation.

Event Correlates with 60th Anniversary of King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 22, 2023 – HarperCollins Publishing in collaboration with Urban Ministries, Inc., and The K.I.N.G. Movement encourage congregations around the nation to proclaim Aug. 27 Share the Dream Sunday ahead of the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech, which he gave on Aug. 28, 1963.  

Share the Dream Sunday is an opportunity to help a new generation better understand, live, experience, and ultimately form a community around the six unifying principles at the heart of the dream to which King dedicated his life – love, conscience, freedom, justice, perseverance, and hope. 

Interested churches can download free resources from sharethedreamsunday.com, including:

• A Getting Started Guide,
• A Sermon outline covering the six biblical principles of King’s vision,
• Access to the I Have a Dream speech,
• Elementary Sunday School lesson,
• Printable invites, posters and bulletin inserts 
• Web, email and social media graphics,
• Video clips,
• And more.

Share the Dream Sunday is modeled after a new transformative video Bible study, Share the Dream: Shining a Light in a Divided World through Six Principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., releasing on Aug. 8. The study inspires and encourages viewers to transform their communities, cities and nations for Christ by embodying King’s six biblical principles. 

“Share the Dream is an incredible resource for churches, ministries and individuals to reclaim his dream and to put into practice right now,” said GRAMMY Award-winning musical artist Lecrae. 

The study is co-hosted by Matthew Daniels, J.D., Ph.D., a human rights and counter-terrorism expert, and Chris Broussard, an acclaimed journalist and broadcaster for FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports Radio, and features expert voices including Ambassador Andrew Young, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, ABC News Broadcast Journalist Linsey Davis, Lecrae, and U.S. Senator Chris Coons. 

“In these difficult and dangerous times, this material needs to be in the arsenal of those who seek to bring healing to our hurting nation,” said Black. 

The video study consists of dynamic lessons that delve into each of the six principles, accompanied by an engaging study guide to facilitate individual or group reflection. Each lesson combines powerful teachings, thought-provoking discussions, and real-life applications to encourage viewers to live out these principles in their daily lives. 

“Dr. King’s message is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago… Share the Dream is an excellent resource for churches, ministries and individuals to reclaim his dream and put it into practice right now,” said Young.

To learn more and view the first session of Share the Dream visit sharethedreamsunday.com. 

About UMI
UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.) is the largest independent religious media and publishing company serving the African American market. Founded in 1970 in Chicago, Illinois, by Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr., UMI creates positive, transformative analog and digital content based on a biblical worldview that is especially empowering to the African American community. UMI offices are in suburban Chicago. UMI exists to disseminate culture changing, biblically sound content and has tremendous credibility in producing high quality material reaching millions of people throughout the globe.

About The K.I.N.G. Movement
K.I.N.G. is a national Christian Men’s Movement geared toward strengthening men in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ by providing brotherhood, encouragement, accountability, knowledge, and fellowship.  The name K.I.N.G. is an acronym for Knowledge, Inspiration, and Nurture through God. K.I.N.G. is a non-denominational movement that seeks to unite true Bible-believing Christian men across racial, denominational, generational and political lines.  It is our hope that Christian men can move past their minor doctrinal differences and work together to expand the Kingdom of God. While founded by Chris Broussard in South Orange, New Jersey, K.I.N.G. has local chapters across the United States.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups, 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 20 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 HarperCollinsChristian.com.

CONTACT:  Kristin U. Cole, kristin@kcolecommunications.com, 615-289-6701

 

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 19, 2023 — End Game Press, a traditional publishing house releasing family-friendly books in the general trade market, received multiple prestigious awards at the 2023 Selah Awards presentation on May 31st in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. These awards are sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference whose mission is to connect writers with God and other industry professionals.

This was the 11th year of the Selah Awards that were open to all published authors with works published in 2022 with either traditional or nontraditional publishers. The fees collected for the contest go towards the Blue Ridge Scholarship Fund that provides financial needs for talented writers who otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend.

First Place Selah Awards were given to Lilibet the Brave (Children’s Literature, December 6, 2022) by Katy Rose and After the Flowers Die (Inspiration/Gift, October 3, 2022) by Renee Leonard Kennedy. Second Place was awarded to The Choices She Made (Audio, October 13, 2022) by Felicia Ferguson and Third Place to Bedtime with Daddy (Children’s Picture Books, September 2, 2022) by Nancy Sanders.

Director’s Choice Awards were given to multiple End Game Press titles as well including Second Place for The Choices She Made (General Fiction, October 13, 2022) by Felicia Ferguson and Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw (Children’s, February 22, 2022). Third Place was given to After the Flowers Die (Devotionals/Bible Study/Gift, October 3, 2022) by Renee Leonard Kennedy, and Honorable Mentions were awarded to Our God Is Bigger Than That! (Children’s, July 18, 2022) by Michelle Medlock Adams and Eva Marie and In the Eye of the Storm (Devotionals/Bible Study/Gift, July 22, 2022) by Andy Clapp.

Founder and director of End Game Press, Victoria Duerstock, is excited for the continued recognition for her authors and their work. She is passionate about continuing to publish books that make a positive impact in the world today as well as providing an exceptional experience for each member in the End Game Press family.

“We are grateful once again to find our authors earning recognition for their dedication and hard work, while competing against many other excellent authors and publishers,” said Duerstock.

You can find the full list of finalists for the Selah Awards at www.blueridgeconference.com.

About End Game Press
Launched in 2021, End Game Press is a traditional publishing house releasing family-friendly books in the general trade market. Creating beauty, cultivating community, and leveraging all the resources to make an impact for the Kingdom, End Game Press believes in providing books that are salt and light in a dark culture, while also uplifting and encouraging Christian believers. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com.

 

June 2023 marks twenty years since Riggins Rights Management began serving the Christian publishing community.

The company was started by Cindy Riggins in 2003 after ten years as Rights Director at Thomas Nelson. Her goal was to help other companies proactively market their subsidiary rights, link publishers acquiring rights to client copyright holders, then properly manage the full rights process and compliance.

The company first began representing Integrity Publishers, then Abingdon Press and AMG soon followed. Through the years, they have represented over thirty clients, with 24 current clients.  They represent a broad Christian theological spectrum from Evangelical to Mainline Protestant, Messianic Jewish, and Catholic…a mosaic of inspirational content within the Christian faith.  Several clients (Abingdon, AMG, B&H, New Growth Press, Iron Stream Media, No Greater Joy, Upper Room, and Warner Christian Resources) have remained clients for over fifteen years. Their full client list is available at www.rigginsrights.com.

But what is most important is the results.  Clients have expanded their global reach through rights sales, licensing partners around the world have great products in their own language or format, and millions of lives have been reached through the products.  In fact, Riggins Rights Management has issued over 8,500 agreements in 75 languages, resulting in 10+ million products distributed and possibly impacting 20+ million lives around the world.

The company has grown to become a global team that provides over 100 years of combined rights experience. Four of the team are US-based and two team members live outside the US; one covers Europe from Ukraine and another covers Africa and Latin America from Brazil. If you would like to evaluate if they can be of service to your company, contact Cindy Riggins at cindy@rigginsrights.com

In addition to industry veteran Carolyn Weidmayer, Paul Hendrickson joined the Riggins Rights Management Board of Directors this month. Paul has worked with Riggins Rights Management as a client and a licensee, so understands their business well.  Paul served as the general manager of the Hendrickson Publishing Group (HPG), which included the Rose Publishing imprint, from 2013 to 2023. HPG is noted for original biblical language materials, academic reference titles, and a wide variety of Bible products. Paul also served as director of new business development for Christian Book Distributors, LLC, the largest internet and catalog retailer of exclusively Christian products. Paul has held numerous board positions including serving on the Board of Directors for the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Prior to the Christian publishing industry, Paul was a managing partner of Creative Information Concepts (CIC), an international management consulting company, for over 25 years.

Riggins Rights Management serves as the rights department for over 20 Christian publishers. They are a “business-to-business” service linking inspirational copyright owners and publishers acquiring rights for publication in different formats or languages, then managing the full licensing and compliance process. They have issued over 8,500 agreements in 75 languages, resulting in 10+ million products distributed and possibly impacting 20+ million lives around the world.

Contact: Cindy Riggins, cindy@rigginsrights.com 931-216-0760

 

 

“I Believe: Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed,” announced on Friday, June 23, is the newest release from the RFPA. The book is a compilation of sermons from Herman Hoeksema that were delivered via the Reformed Witness Hour in the 1950s. Hoeksema (1886–1965), who wrote prolifically during his time as a Christian Reformed and then Protestant Reformed pastor in Grand Rapids, MI, is one of the more well-known RFPA authors in Reformed circles, noted for his expositions on covenant theology (Sin and Grace) and eschatology (Behold! He Cometh).

This collection of sermons is an excellent introduction to a Reformed understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. According to book coordinator Marco Barone, who wrote the introduction for the work, “The sermons in this book are more than theological expositions of the doctrines of the Apostles’ Creed. Hoeksema offers insightful, practical applications that flow from the truths of the Creed.”

The Apostles’ Creed declares truths that transcend time and space, uniting all of Christ’s saints from past, present, and future. Both the Creed’s doctrines and practical implications are crucially important—not only to the individual Christian—but also to the church as a whole. By expounding the Apostles’ Creed, Hoeksema demonstrates that its truths are not empty propositions but living declarations pointing to the Christian’s only hope and comfort in life and death—the triune God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Believe precedes a current RFPA project to republish a number of Hoeksema’s most popular works, including Voice of Our Fathers, The Triple Knowledge, and When I Survey.

Subscribe to the Reformed Free Publishing email list on their website homepage to be notified of sales, news, and upcoming book releases.

June 23, 2023, WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that pastor Mark Vroegop’s Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament (Crossway, March 2019) has surpassed 100,000 units in sales.

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy explores how the Bible—through the psalms of lament and the book of Lamentations—gives voice to our pain. This book invites readers to grieve, struggle, and tap into the rich reservoir of grace and mercy God offers in the darkest moments of life. Drawing on examples from the Bible and his own story of loss, Vroegop walks through the steps of lament (Turn, Complain, Ask, and Trust) to show what lament is, why it is important, and how to enter into it.

“I don’t think many people would have predicted that a book on lament could become a bestseller,” writes Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing, book publisher. “Even though the world regularly laments, we needed instruction from a seasoned pastor and a careful student of the word like Mark Vroegop to teach us about biblical lament: a God-given liturgy for prayerfully processing pain in order to trust and rejoice in God. We thank God for this book and pray that he will continue to bless it and use it in the lives of God’s people.”

Vroegop writes: “When the circumstances of life create dark clouds, I hope you’ll come to embrace lament as a divinely given liturgy leading you to mercy. This historic song gives you permission to vocalize your pain as it moves you toward God-centered worship and trust. Lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life and trusting in God’s sovereignty.”

Winner of the 2020 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy is available in print, electronic, and audio formats.

Mark Vroegop (MDiv, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary) is the lead pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis and the author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament and Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation. He’s married to Sarah, and they have four children and three daughters-in-law.  markvroegop.com  @MarkVroegop

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

 

Sells over 100,000 books anchoring women in Jesus’ presence

SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas—June 5, 2023—DaySpring Cards, Inc., a Northwest Arkansas-based company specializing in Christian cards, specialty products, and gift books, proudly announces a momentous achievement by their esteemed author, Cleere Cherry Reeves.

With over 100,000 copies sold of her reflective book, “Be Still: 90 Devotions for the Hopeful Heart,” Reeves has captured the hearts of readers, anchoring women in Jesus’ presence. This transformative 90-day devotional combines daily scripture, inspiring devotional thoughts, and guided prayers that lead readers to the heart of the Father, providing a sanctuary of strength and encouragement.

“When I wrote this book, I was also planning my wedding which opened my eyes to both sides of the equation…the pressure to remain anything but still and the difference it makes to maintain a posture of peace no matter what,” says Cleere. “The more we understand the heart of our Father, the more our heart walks in hope no matter our circumstances.”

“Be Still: 90 Devotions for the Hopeful Heart” is a recipient of the Bronze Award from The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). The ECPA recognizes outstanding sales achievement in the publication of quality Christian literature, and the Bronze Award is presented when a book property sells 100,000 copies.

DaySpring Managing Editor, Gini Wietecha, says it is an honor to work with partners like Cleere. “She has such a strong heart for sharing the raw love of Jesus. Knowing ‘Be Still: 90 Devotions for the Hopeful Heart’ has reached over 100,000 people–this means that His message, which was laid on Cleere’s heart and crafted through His guidance, is reaching so many lives! Gini added, ‘This is what Cleere and I prayed for.'”

“Be Still: 90 Devotions for the Hopeful Heart” serves as a recalibration for wherever you are in life and reminds readers that God is always present, and hope is anchored in His presence.

“Be Still: 90 Devotions for the Hopeful Heart” is available wherever books are sold.

About Cleere Cherry Reaves:
Cleere Cherry Reaves is the owner and creator of Cleerely Stated, a successful product line available online and in retail stores across the United States. She is an author, speaker, and educator who is passionate about serving others and building God’s Kingdom. Well-known for her easy-to-relate, practical writing style, Cleere’s mission is to help others see themselves and the world around them through the eyes of Jesus. Cleere now hosts a growing podcast called “Let’s Be Cleere,” where she hopes people are encouraged by the raw, real love of Jesus. Born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, she is a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and loves to live life to the fullest. Her favorite times always include her husband, Will, and their son Sledge, who was born in July 2021.

About DaySpring:
DaySpring^®, the world’s largest Christian-message product provider, was founded in 1971 with a single Christmas card. Today DaySpring offers more than 6,000 products—from greeting cards to home décor, specialty gifts to devotional books. In 1999, DaySpring was acquired by Hallmark Cards, Inc. DaySpring products are sold in Christian retail outlets, mass retail stores, card and gift shops and other outlets in the United States and 60 foreign countries. DaySpring is based in Siloam Springs, Ark., and employs a staff of 200 people. Visit www.dayspring.com for more information about the company, to find a local retailer, and to send a free e-card.

About The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA):
The 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.

Contact: Kathleen Benefield, 479-549-6556, Kathleen.Benefield@dayspring.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — On May 31, 2023, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference announced the winners for their annual Selah Awards. Seven Kregel titles were named in this announcement.

Colorful Connections (Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Lori Stanley Roeleveld) is the first-place winner in General Nonfiction, Death to Deconstruction (Joshua S. Porter) the first-place winner in Christian Life, and The Songs That Could Have Been (Amanda Wen) the first-place winner in Historical Romance.

Second-place winners include When Stone Wings Fly (Karen Barnett) in General Fiction and Circle of Vengeance (Ramona Richards) in Mystery/Suspense.

Fruit Full (Christie Thomas) won third place in Children’s Literature.

Circle of Vengeance (Ramona Richards) also won first place in the Director’s Choice Award for Romantic Suspense/Suspense/Mystery, and On Purpose (Julie Zine Coleman) won first place in the Director’s Choice Award for Christian Life. Colorful Connections (Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Lori Stanley Roeleveld) won second place in the Director’s Choice Award for Christian Life.

Kregel is pleased to congratulate all these winners. Blue Ridge’s full press release can be viewed here.

The mission of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is to inspire writers to connect with God, other writers, and industry professionals as they embrace their calling with excellence. The Selah Awards open each year and accept books that were published within the last calendar year, from January to December, and include books published traditionally and nontraditionally.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Contact: Publicity Department, 616-451-4775, publicity@kregel.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (June 7, 2022) In September, NavPress will release The Message of Matthew: Echoes, a creative approach to experiencing and interacting with Eugene Peterson’s beloved Message translation.

The Message of Matthew: Echoes demonstrates the Bible’s diverse impact on our culture. Alongside the text of Matthew (in the accessible Message translation), readers will see how contemporary authors, screenwriters, and musicians have mined key passages to enhance their work. Also included are writing prompts to spark creative interaction with the Scriptures. The Message of Matthew: Echoes shows how the Bible has impacted every generation and prompts readers to explore how it will shape their own culture.

Thoughtful creatives who are intrigued by the intersection of faith and culture will particularly enjoy the artistic thought behind The Message of Matthew: Echoes. Unique features include

• song lyrics and passages from contemporary literature, film, and television set alongside the texts of the Bible that inspired them;
• “Original Language” entries pointing out the biblical origins of everyday words and phrases;
• “Experiments in Echoing Scripture,” creative prompts to inspire Scripture engagement; and
• ample space for Bible journaling.

The Message of Matthew: Echoes releases September 5, 2023.

The Message of Matthew: Echoes | ISBN: 978-1-64158-510-1
Softcover: $11.99 | September 5, 2023

NavPress is the book-publishing arm of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, ministry resources, and The Message® Bibles, 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. NavPress.com

Contact: Publicist Isabella Graunke, isabellagraunke@tyndale.com, 630.784.5298

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 8, 2023) – NavPress is pleased to announce a partnership with Jim Putman and Real Life Ministries, a trusted source in developing church leaders and communities to live out Jesus’ method of discipleship and disciplemaking. The partnership will include releases of several revised and new projects starting in 2024.

Putman’s bestselling Real-Life Discipleship and Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual have been foundational in equipping the church for the work of grounded and relational disciplemaking. Three upcoming projects—revised releases of Putman’s The Power of Together and The Power of Together Workbook alongside new resource The Disciple’s Journey—will join updated versions of Real-Life Discipleship and Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual to create a cohesive Real Life Discipleship Resources product line.

“It’s hard to imagine someone more aligned with NavPress’s calling than Jim Putman, who is deeply committed to training disciples who disciple others,” said NavPress Senior Editor Caitlyn Carlson. “We are grateful to join Jim and Real Life Ministries in equipping the church with a robust library of resources that develop discipleship-minded individuals, leaders, and communities.”

“When the church looks the way God originally intended and discipleship empowers Christians to be more like Christ, we will become a light in the community,” Putman said. “We believe these resources will equip all of us in that journey of becoming effective, spiritually mature disciples of Jesus.”

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.

For inquiries or questions, please contact Katie Dodillet: katiedodillet@tyndale.com.