December 2025 | LISLE, IL— Lutheran Church Charities has received a $4,894,190 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life 2025 for the Good Samaritan Stories Project—that will include key roles by Spiritual First Aid, Values Partnerships, InterVarsity Press (IVP), and the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

Lutheran Church Charities is one of sixty organizations from across the United States that have received grants through the initiative since 2024. The groups include media organizations, denominational judicatories, church networks, publishers, educational institutions, congregations, and other nonprofit charitable organizations.

The Good Samaritan Stories Project will share moving accounts of neighbors helping one another during and after disasters in the United States, inviting audiences to know and love God through stories of care and resilience. Rooted in the biblical call to love God and neighbor, the stories will seek to engage and transform—toward deeper faith and more active compassion. The project will consist of a multi-platform campaign that connects a national TV/streaming docuseries, three books, and curricular resources for churches, classrooms, and small groups. Together, these products will form a coordinated storytelling initiative with broad reach and lasting impact.

“We need compelling stories that invite and inspire us—not just abstract exhortations that tell us—to love God and our neighbors,” says Kent Annan, the Good Samaritan Stories Project Director, who is also Co-Founder of Spiritual First Aid and Co-Director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute. “With deep social fragmentation and skepticism toward institutions, I believe (and our team’s initial audience research shows) that people with a range of faith perspectives want credible, embodied examples of Christian faith in action. Well-told, theologically-grounded stories can bridge divides, spark imagination, and invite people into a living encounter with the God who ‘became flesh and lived among us’ (John 1:14).”

The key roles on this team of complementary partners include: Lutheran Church Charities as the grantee providing fiscal management, on-the-ground community support through their K-9 team, and church engagement through their network; Spiritual First Aid providing project leadership, developing the curricula, and co-executive producing the docuseries; Values Partnerships as the production company for the docuseries and leading outreach efforts; InterVarsity Press publishing books and engaging readers; and the Humanitarian Disaster Institute leading evaluation. Additional partners have already and will continue to contribute to this project in important ways.

“We’re deeply grateful for Lilly Endowment Inc.’s vision and generosity,” says Chris Singer, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Charities, “that has enabled this team to begin working as partners dedicated to loving and serving our neighbors around the country through storytelling.”

The aim of Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative on Christian Faith and Life is to help organizations identify, produce and share with a wide variety of audiences compelling stories that portray the vibrancy and hope of Christian faith and life.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A primary aim of its grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment values the broad diversity of Christian traditions and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts. The Endowment also seeks to foster public understanding about religion by encouraging fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the positive and negative effects of religion on the world and lifting up the contributions that people of all faiths make to our greater civic well-being.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – December 16, 2025 – Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) has received a grant of $5M from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support its Witness & Wonder: Everyday Encounters with God initiative – a four-year storytelling initiative designed to help young adults (ages 18–34) encounter, know, and love God through real-life stories of vibrant faith. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life 2025.

“The gap between faith and everyday life for young adults continues to widen,” said Dr. Matt Lucas, CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries. “Witness & Wonder steps directly into that gap with honest, emotionally resonant stories that show how God meets people in the middle of real questions, struggles, and hopes. Our desire is to help a new generation see that Christian faith is deeply relevant and spiritually transformative in today’s world.”

As part of the initiative, ODBM will produce and distribute more than 200 original multimedia storytelling resources and more than 600 social media resources. These will include short-form videos, podcasts, thematic Bible content, digital Bible engagement tools and derivative media designed for platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Featuring people from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, life experiences, and cultures, each resource is crafted to reflect the questions, struggles, and spiritual hunger of today’s young adults.

“Many in this generation are navigating big questions about meaning, purpose, and truth,” said Dave Gavette, Vice President of Media Programs. “With innovative media and multi-tiered content journeys, Witness & Wonder features everyday people whose faith shapes their choices, relationships, and daily rhythms. These stories reveal how God is at work in ordinary moments and invite young adults to encounter Him in meaningful, personal ways.”

ODBM is one of 60 organizations from across the United States that have received grants through the initiative since 2024. The groups include media organizations, denominational judicatories, church networks, publishers, educational institutions, congregations and other nonprofit charitable organizations.

The aim of Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative on Christian Faith and Life is to help organizations identify, produce and share with a wide variety of audiences compelling stories that portray the vibrancy and hope of Christian faith and life.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A primary aim of its grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment values the broad diversity of Christian traditions and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts. The Endowment also seeks to foster public understanding about religion by encouraging fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the positive and negative effects of religion on the world and lifting up the contributions that people of all faiths make to our greater civic well-being.

About Our Daily Bread Ministries
Our Daily Bread Ministries is a donor-supported, global Bible engagement ministry with a staff of 700 serving in 32 offices to distribute more than 60 million resources each year in 58 languages throughout 150 countries. Often known for its global devotional, the ministry produces long- and short-form Bible content across print, video, audio, and digital platforms to help people connect with God every day in every way. For more than 87 years, the ministry’s mission has remained the same: to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., December 2025 — Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, celebrates a significant achievement as the NIV Quest Study Bible surpasses 2 million copies sold worldwide. Known for its innovative Q&A approach that directly engages the real questions readers bring to Scripture, the NIV Quest Study Bible has steadily grown into one of the most trusted and approachable study Bibles on the market, particularly resonating with new believers and first-time Bible readers. This milestone highlights the enduring appeal of a resource designed not to lecture but to guide—helping millions move from curiosity to clarity as they read God’s Word.

First released in 1994 and developed in partnership with Christianity Today (CT), the NIV Quest Study Bible pioneered a new way of engaging Scripture by centering on the research-based  questions readers ask. Instead of leading with commentary or academic notes, this study Bible tackles more than 7,000 of the most commonly asked questions about the Bible—questions about history, cultural context, difficult passages, and everyday application—answered with clarity, accuracy, and pastoral warmth. The unique Q&A format, paired with an approachable tone and clean design, continues to make the NIV Quest Study Bible a trusted resource for new and seasoned Bible readers alike.

Reaching this milestone reflects an impact far beyond the page. Through Zondervan’s partnership with Biblica, sales of the NIV Quest Study Bible help advance Bible translation efforts, bringing Scripture closer to communities around the world still waiting to encounter God’s Word in their own language.

“The NIV Quest Study Bible has always been about meeting people where they are—with the real questions they bring to the text,” said Melinda Bouma, VP and Associate Group Publisher for Bibles at Zondervan. “Passing 2 million copies reinforces how deeply readers resonate with this approach. Generation after generation has found that the NIV Quest Study Bible helps them move from curiosity into deeper confidence in God’s Word.”

Designed with an intuitive, question-driven layout, the NIV Quest Study Bible features:

• Over 7,000 insightful notes arranged in a Q&A format
• Nearly 350 articles exploring big themes and challenging topics
• An extensive NIV concordance
• Full-color maps and charts
• Thought-provoking book introductions that frame each biblical book around the questions readers most often ask

The NIV Quest Study Bible is available in multiple bindings and both print and digital formats, and continues to serve as an essential companion for personal study, small-group exploration, and discipleship settings. It is also available as the NIV Quest Study Bible for Teens and a kids’ edition, the NIrV Kids’ Quest Bible.

To learn more, visit nivqueststudybible.com.

About Zondervan
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in numerous genres and subject areas; academic and reference works; curriculum resources; and books for children and young adults. Zondervan is based in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit zondervan.com.

About the NIV
The New International Version (NIV) is the world’s bestselling modern-English Bible translation—accurate, readable, and clear, yet deeply faithful to the detail of the original languages. For over 50 years, the Committee on Bible Translation has overseen the work of scholars from around the world to ensure the NIV remains accessible, relevant, and authoritative. Every NIV purchased helps Biblica translate and distribute Scripture to people around the globe. Learn more at thenivbible.com.

For more information, contact: 
Serena DeKryger, Manager, Publicity & Reader Engagement at serena.dekryger@harpercollins.com

LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce the recognition of Don’t Despise Our Youth: Renewing Hope for Urban Youth Ministry in the 2025 Rooted Book Awards. The book tied for first place in the Best New Books for Youth Ministers category.

For over a decade, Rooted Ministry has engaged in the spiritual lives of young people. Rooted promotes the discipleship of youth, reaching thousands of students by equipping leaders to witness through gospel-centered youth ministry. The organization is headquartered in Homewood, Alabama.

In Don’t Despise Our Youth, David A. Washington (DMin, North Park) challenges traditional views of youth ministry to see the full potential and worth of youth, urging church leaders and congregations to build ministries that reflect discipleship, community, and the foundation of God’s Word.

Rooted wrote, “For any church leader, parent, or youth worker who is serious about shaping the next generation, Don’t Despise Our Youth stands out as a timely, courageous, and gospel-centered resource. It offers both a strong narrative and a life-giving roadmap, providing readers with a work that seeks to bring change, empower leaders, and foster transformation in the lives of teenagers in the urban context and beyond.”

Washington writes from his own powerful experience, having come to faith through the work of youth ministry in inner-city Chicago. He credits this ministry with rescuing him from a life of gang involvement, crime, prison, and imminent death, providing the guidance he once lacked.

David is the founder and senior pastor of Kingdom Covenant Church, an urban inner-city ministry on the South Side of Chicago.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles, visit https://www.ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact:  Eva Pankratz, epankratz@ivpress.com  

Who Is God? invites families to get to know God better through fifty-two devotions and pictures that display his attributes, characteristics, and names. AVAILABLE 2/9/26

When you meet a new friend, how do you get to know them? You might ask their name, then what they’re interested in. What are their likes and dislikes? The more time you spend with them, the more you get to know them. It’s similar with God. As we spend time with God in his Word, we get to know him better. We learn his names, his attributes, and the different ways he reveals himself through stories, symbols, and imagery in Scripture.

In Who Is God? devotions written by Kate Hox are paired with illustrations by Joe Hox to present families with a big view of God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Each devotion includes a captivating illustration, a key verse to remember, Bible passages for reference, reflection questions, and song suggestions.

• With fifty-two chapters, families can use Who Is God? as their weekly devotional​for an entire year.
• Stories from the Old and New Testaments show readers how all Scripture is connected and what it reveals about God from beginning to end.
• Follows the same format and style as Kate and Joe Hox’s popular family devotional Who Is Jesus?
• Free printable cards that correspond with the pictures and song links can be found at www.katehox.com.

Kate Hox is a mom of four and wife to illustrator Joe Hox. She holds a degree in elementary education from Dordt University and now works as a writer for Dwell Kids. Kate is the author of Who Is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family, and Who Is God? 52 Pictures to Share with Your Family. She loves helping kids understand the Bible.  Learn more at www.katehox.com, Facebook (@KateHox), and Instagram (@katehox).

Joe Hox was raised on a farm in southern Iowa where he doodled whenever he wasn’t spading thistles or bottle-feeding calves. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Joe taught art for twelve years before becoming a full-time illustrator. He is the illustrator for more than thirty books including the Good News for Little Hearts series, as well asWho Is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family​and Who Is God? 52 Pictures to Share with Your Family, both written by his wife, Kate. Learn more at  www.joehox.com, Facebook (@joehox.illustrator), Instagram (@joehox), and Twitter (@joehox).

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

LISLE, IL — InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that Credo Magazine has honored two IVP Academic titles with 2025 Credo Book Awards. The award-winning books are From Aristotle to Christ and the Revelation volume from the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series.

“The Credo Magazine Book Awards move past general categories in Christianity at large to give attention and praise to the best works in theology today,” said the Credo editors. “But not just any theology will do. In the spirit of Credo itself, these accolades go to those authors who model and advance the retrieval of classical Christianity for the sake of renewal today, and not only renewal in the academy but in the church.”

The Credo Book Award winner in the Natural Theology category is From Aristotle to Christ: How Aristotelian Thought Clarified the Christian Faith by Louis Markos. This book takes us on a vigorous and celebratory journey through the work of Plato’s greatest student, demonstrating Aristotle’s often unacknowledged influence on the Christian faith.

The Credo Book Awards judges said, “The beauty of Louis Markos’s book is the way he introduces the novice to the wisdom of Aristotle to better equip Christianity with a defense of its foundational commitments. In a secular age prone to skepticism, what student can afford not to read Markos and consider the myriad ways Aristotle can clarify what we believe and why?”

The other IVP Credo Book Awards winner was Revelation, a volume in the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series. This commentary was the top book in the Translated Work — Medieval or Reformation category. Guided by Rodney Petersen and Gerald Bray, this masterfully curated commentary guides readers through a wealth of early modern commentary on the book of Revelation, including voices across theological traditions—Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Radical, and Catholic. Much of the material—including commentaries, sermons, treatises, and confessions—appears for the first time in English, providing pastors, scholars, and students with fresh perspectives on the text.

“The book of Revelation has proven to be one of the most difficult and significant books of the Bible, but contemporary commentators do not always give attention to the long history of Reformation interpretation on the apocalypse of John,” said the Credo judges. “Gerald Bray and Rodney Petersen have done the world of hermeneutics a great favor by consolidating many of the best commentaries on Revelation by the Reformers into one volume. Not only does this volume give us insight into the 16th century understanding of history and eschatology, but this volume will help Protestants today ask in what ways their eschatology is or is not in the stream of their Protestant forebears.”

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

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — On December 1, sales leader Dan Van Gorp joined Kregel Publications as Director of Sales. In this role, Dan will lead efforts to expand Kregel’s reach across retail, ministry, and church markets while strengthening relationships with booksellers and distribution partners worldwide.

Dan brings over twenty years of sales leadership experience in Christian publishing, with a proven track record of driving growth, building high-performing teams, and developing retail and distributor partnerships. A strategic thinker and relational leader, Dan is passionate about helping books and resources of eternal value reach readers worldwide.

The previous sales director, Dave Hill, will shift to part-time work including data analysis, sales reporting, product sublicensing, and UK sales.

“Dan brings deep experience in Christian publishing, a proven ability to grow revenue across multiple channels, and a leadership style grounded in integrity and collaboration,” says Mark Rice, Senior Marketing Director and Publisher of Kregel Publications. “He understands how to pair data-driven strategy with strong relationships to expand our distribution and reach, strengthen partnerships, and serve both retailers and ministries well. We’re confident Dan’s leadership will help position Kregel for sustainable growth while staying true to our mission.”

“It’s an honor to join Kregel and partner with a team that has stayed true to its purpose,” says Dan Van Gorp. “In a season when mission clarity can be hard to find, Kregel’s commitment stands out. I’m excited to help broaden the impact of resources that honor Jesus Christ, strengthen the church, and serve readers around the world.”

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, www.kregel.com

During the harrowing seige of Leningrad, a docent at the Hermitage Museum gives tours of empty galleries

Orleans, MA – November 6, 2025  – In The Prodigal of Leningrad by Daniel Taylor, a stirring World War II historical novel, Daniil Aslanov continues to lead tours of empty frames through the Hermitage Museum, while bombs fall and Leningrad starves. Although the museum’s masterpieces have been hidden away for safekeeping, their presence lingers in memory and meaning.

Daniil’s grandfather, an Orthodox priest exiled for decades to the brutal Gulag, embraces suffering as his sacred calling, thanking God for being allowed to minister to those around him. As Leningrad’s people perish, Daniil battles a secret shame and finds himself drawn to the story behind Rembrandt’s painting, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.”

Beautifully told and based on historical events, including the extraordinary wartime tours of the Hermitage’s empty galleries, The Prodigal of Leningrad is an unforgettable story of human resilience and a profound meditation on art, faith, forgiveness, and healing.

Readers of The Nightingale, A Gentleman in Moscow, and City of Thieves, and all those interested in World War II history will welcome this important contribution to the genre.

About the Author
Formerly a professor of literature and writing, Daniel Taylor has published books on a a wide range of topics from informal apologetics, to books to the role of stories in shaping our lives to Celtic Christianity. He is the author of the four-novel John Mote mystery series, beginning with Death Comes for the Deconstructionist and concluding with The Mystery of Iniquity. He  collaborated on several Bible translations, including the New Living Translation and The Expanded Bible. Taylor is co-founder of The Legacy Center, an organization devoted to helping individuals and organizations identify and preserve the values and stories that have shaped their lives. He was a contributing editor of Books and Culture. Taylor is married and the father of four adult children.

For interviews or review copies, contact:  Danielle Bushnell at danielleb@paracletepress.com

 

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REVIEWS

“Taylor’s elegantly simple prose is compelling, and his attention to detail is the work of an expert storyteller. An unforgettable book that will resonate with readers of World War Il historical fiction.”
– Library Journal starred review

“A man’s reverence for art leads to wartime defiance in the enchanting historical novel The Prodigal of Leningrad. Told with fabulistic clarity…a moving exploration of what it costs to uphold Christian virtues, including truth and beauty.”
Foreword Reviews

“Art, literature, history, family, friendship, and faith are skillfully intertwined in this remarkable novel set in 1940s Leningrad, a city of profound cultural and historical significance. Daniel Taylor makes the events that mark the city to this day come alive, holding readers’ attention right to the heartwarming closing pages of dialogue. Put composer Dmitri Shostakovach’s “Leningrad Symphony” on in the background as you dive into this compelling work by a master storyteller. Highly recommended!”
– Jeff Crosby, author of World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading

 

CAROL STREAM, IL — Tyndale House Publishers announced today the retirement of Ron Beers, Chief Publishing Officer, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 46-year career in Christian publishing, including 39 years at Tyndale. Beers, who will retire on August 24, 2026, has served as a Tyndale executive for 35 years, shaping the publishing vision and acquisitions strategy of one of the world’s leading Christian publishers.

Throughout his tenure, Beers oversaw Tyndale’s publishing and acquisitions efforts across nonfiction, fiction, children’s books, and Bibles. When he joined the company, Christian publishing looked vastly different. There were no Christian literary agents, and Beers worked alongside just one other acquisitions professional. Today, under his leadership, Tyndale’s acquisitions team has grown to more than 20 people, reflecting both the expansion of the industry and Beers’s commitment to excellence, mentorship, and innovation.

Among Beers’s most significant contributions is his role as the visionary behind the New Living Translation (NLT) of the Bible. He collaborated closely with Tyndale founder Ken Taylor and longtime CEO Mark Taylor (now Chairman of the Board) to establish the Bible Translation Committee and guide a rigorous translation process involving more than 100 leading biblical scholars. Beers continues to serve on the committee as an editorial stylist.

Beers also conceived and serves as General Editor of the Life Application Study Bible, now the bestselling study Bible of all time, a resource that has helped millions connect Scripture to everyday life.

Over the course of his career, Beers acquired and championed many of the most influential and bestselling works in Christian publishing, including

• Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, the bestselling Christian fiction series of all time
• Heaven by Randy Alcorn
• Life Recovery Bible
• New Believer’s Bible by Greg Laurie
• Let’s Roll! the memoir of Lisa Beamer
• Life Application Study Bible

He has also had the privilege of working with many of the most respected voices in Christian thought and storytelling, including Beth Moore, Randy Alcorn, David Jeremiah, Gary Smalley, Francine Rivers, Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Michael Phillips, and Thom S. Rainer, among many others.

“I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the Lord for placing me at Tyndale, an organization founded on the Word of God and committed to radical generosity in giving away so much of its profits to Kingdom work around the world,” said Beers. “To everyone working in Christian publishing, I encourage you to remain committed to being a light in the darkness—your efforts truly make a difference. I’m excited for the bright future of Tyndale and Christian publishing.”

Tyndale leaders note that Beers’s influence extends far beyond individual titles. His vision helped shape how Bibles and Christian books are created, presented, and shared with readers around the world.

“Ron dreams big, champions others, and is marked with humility amidst remarkable achievements in his career,” said Scott Mathews, CEO. “His God given visionary leadership has impacted countless lives around the globe in an eternal way. It is a joy to celebrate what has been accomplished in and through his faithful work. He will be deeply missed at Tyndale, both personally and professionally.”

Ron Beers leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, innovation, and service—one that has profoundly impacted Christian publishing and will continue to influence generations to come.

About Tyndale House Publishers
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:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

 

Nashville (January 5, 2026) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing today announced it has purchased the book, children’s, and Bible publishing assets from DaySpring Cards, Inc., a leading creator of Christian greeting cards and specialty gift products. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.