Marty Machowki’s The Light Before Christmas provides families with a devotional and churches with a curriculum for the holiday season

The Light Before Christmas: A Family Advent Devotional (New Growth Press/October 10, 2022) is a new four-week devotional by Marty Machowski, best-selling author of the popular Prepare Him Room Advent devotional and curriculum, and many other family favorites. The Light Before Christmas combines devotions on the theme of light and darkness with the story of eleven-year-old Mia and her grandmother as they prepare for Christmas.

Every year, Mia loves to spend the month of December with Grandma getting ready for Christmas. Grandma loves to share her faith, especially at Christmas time, and although she is blind, she can see the light of Jesus shining bright and helps Mia—and children of all ages—to do the same. This year, they read a special devotional, The Light Before Christmas, together.

Machowski brings families into their devotional time, sharing the story of Christmas. Through a Bible study of light and darkness, readers will discover how the theme of light weaves its way through the Christmas story and God’s plan of salvation.

“Light is the most amazing element of God’s creation and people have long celebrated its beauty at Christmas time. Christmas lights decorate our windows and doorways, our houses, and trees. Though many have lost the meaning behind the light, they marvel at the twinkle of Christmas lights as they shine forth in the darkness in beautiful arrays of color. Children celebrate when they see a well-lit Christmas decoration and the lights of Christmas on a dark night cheer up the weariest soul,” Machowski writes. “Once you know the story of light and its place in the Christmas story, the lights that decorate homes at Christmas will bring a deeper joy to you.”

The Light Before Christmas contains thirteen devotionals—three for each of the four weeks of Advent and one more for Christmas. Each devotional includes a Scripture for the day, an object lesson, a question to discuss as a family, a song to sing together, and a prayer.

For churches looking for a fresh take on their children’s curriculum this year, Machowski has also written The Light Before Christmas: An Advent Sunday School Curriculum. The four-weeks of lessons guide children in learning about the reason we celebrate Christmas. Using the same theme as the family devotional, each lesson points to Christ, the Light of the World who came to save us from the darkness of sin.

“From before the dawn of creation through the eternal light of God’s glorious throne, God’s light has always shone bright. Long before the twinkle of a star directed the wise men to Jesus, God planned to send his only son to rescue God’s children from the darkness of sin and bring them all into the glorious light of his presence,” Machowski points out.

This two-level (preschool and elementary) digital curriculum consists of lessons that include Scripture readings, dramas, object lessons, discussion questions, activity pages, crafts, and songs. Lessons include:

• Week 1: A Great Light in a Land of Deep Darkness (Isaiah 9:2–7)
• Week 2: Jesus the Light of Men (John 1:1–18)
• Week 3: Glory to God in the Highest (Luke 2:1-20)
• Week 4: A Light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:21–35)

Designed for families to be able to study in church and at home together, the devotional and curriculum can be used independently. Together, the devotional and curriculum will help families see the light of Jesus shining bright not only in the Advent season, but all year long.

Bob Lepine, longtime cohost of FamilyLife Today® and author of Build a Stronger Marriage, writes, “Almost every family I know is looking for fresh help in keeping the focus of Christmas where it belongs—on the birth of Jesus. That’s what makes The Light Before Christmas so special. Now parents and churches have a way to team up to recapture the wonder and excitement of the moment when heaven came to earth and Jesus was born.”

The Light Before Christmas: A Family Advent Devotional
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-292-8
October 10, 2022 / Retail Price: $16.99

The Light Before Christmas: An Advent Sunday School Curriculum
Digital ISBN 978-1-64507-294-2
October 10, 2022 / Retail Price $59.99
By Marty Machowski, Illustrated by Sarah Bland-Halulko
Religion / Christian Education/ Children & Youth

About the Author:
Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press. He is the author of a number of family devotionals, Sunday School curriculums (including the Gospel Story Curriculum), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Light Before Christmas, Darkest Night Brightest Day, and Build on Jesus (coauthored with Deepak Reju). Machowski and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Instagram (@martymachowski) and Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

About the Illustrator:
Sarah Bland-Halulko lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and identical twin daughters. Sarah’s imaginative style was crafted by her mentors and life experiences. Her favorite forms of artistic expression include pen and ink drawing, watercolor, and photography. Sarah is the illustrator for the Prepare Him Room advent devotional and curriculum, as well as The Light Before Christmas advent devotional and curriculum.

Parsley Invites Readers to Experience Personal Renewal and National Revival in ‘Revival If…‘

Lake Mary, FL—America presently lies in the death grip of a devastating drought, albeit one of a very different type, says Best-Selling Author and Pastor, Rod Parsley. He writes that “ours is a ‘Dust Bowl’ of the spirit. Having fully embraced post- modern relativism, sexual-revolution hedonism, and a pantheon of false gods, our once-verdant culture has become a moral Atacama Desert. Barren. Powerless. Unable to sustain life. A desolate wasteland that at one time, not so very long ago, was history’s greatest garden of human flourishing.”

Is his latest book, Revival If…Igniting Your Passion for Personal Renewal and National Revival (Charisma House, ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-079-1), Parsley is shaking up all previous perceptions about what revival is and the possibilities of what it could look like in America and around the world. He takes an in-depth look at 2 Chronicles 7:14 to offer readers a scriptural blueprint to cultivating renewal in the heart and mind and a divine roadmap to revival on a national scale.

Drawing from over forty years’ experience with revival personally and in ministry, Parsley:

• Clarifies what revival is and is not
• Explains the difference between revival and awakening
• Includes historical accounts and current perspectives on various revivals
• Explores the four simple but essential requirements that when fulfilled will release the life-giving rain of revival upon a nation

“The ‘rain’ we so desperately need has a name—one that hits modern ears as hopelessly old-fashioned and outdated. It is revival,” writes Parsley. “And it has been far, far too long since we’ve seen this blessing poured out from heaven. Just as rain is the only cure for drought, revival is our only hope for the current famine of faith.”

Parsley goes on to describe the differences between what revival is and is not and how we will see it ignite the flames of clarity and a heart for the Lord on a national scale. Revival If… captures the whisperings of the Holy Spirit that are nudging believers towards a brand-new beginning marked by strength, wisdom, and power as the return of the Lord nears.

“Over the last several months God began to pose the burning question to my heart: Could it be that God is giving us one last opportunity to allow His Spirit to be poured out upon the earth before the return of Jesus Christ?” Parsley queried in his latest promotional video. This riveting and intriguing question sets the tone for Parsley’s book as readers dive into a greater understanding of revival and God’s heart behind it. Watch the full video clip here.

“He reminded me that what we must do now is to fan the flames of revival in our own hearts and lives as well as that of our nation,” Parsley says, and goes on to note that this reminder—this command of God—is to hold onto hope, persevering to the very end, seeking fullness of life and joy in the presence of the Holy Spirit here on earth and in the eternity to come.

“I believe America, I believe the world, are hungry for a passionate renewal and spiritual awakening,” Parsley notes. And in Revival If… he invites readers to experience that refreshing movement of God’s Spirit.

To find out more about Revival If… or to download a free chapter, visit CharismaHouse.com.

Revival If…, by Rod Parsley and published by Charisma House, is available now at MyCharismashop.com and other online retailers, and wherever Christian books are sold.

• Website: www.rodparsley.com
• Facebook: @rodparsley
• Twitter: @RealRodParsley
• YouTube: Rod Parsley 

ROD PARSLEY is the author of more than one hundred books, including his New York Times best seller, Culturally Incorrect; The Finale: One World, One Ruler, One Reign; and his most recent, Grace. He is an international speaker, a frequent guest on numerous media outlets, and the host of the daily television broadcast Breakthrough With Rod Parsley, viewed by millions worldwide. He is the founder and lead pastor of World Harvest Church, a thriving multicampus church headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. He has founded and oversees various ministries, including Valor Christian College, Bridge of Hope missions, and City Harvest Network. The roles closest to his heart are those of husband to Joni and father to their adult children, Ashton and Austin.

Title: Revival If…: Igniting Your Passion for Personal Renewal and National Revival | Retail: US $19.99 | Release Date: Now Available | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-079-1 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-080-7 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5” x 8.25” | Page Count: 208 | Hometown: Columbus, OH | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / General, RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues, RELIGION / Christianity / Pentecostal & Charismatic

To interview Rod Parsley or for a review copy of Revival If… please contact:
Linda Klosterman, lklosterman@tkomarketing.net
Chelsey Dickson, chelsey@tkomarketing.net

Auto Translation, Curated Libraries, Factbook, Church History, Advanced Timeline and Print Library Catalog all included in Logos 10

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Oct. 10, 2022 — Logos, the most widely used Bible study and sermon preparation platform available, today released its highly anticipated new version, Logos 10. With a sleek and modern design and lightning-fast speed, Logos 10 is designed for the global Church and includes multiple new features geared to help users engage more deeply with the Bible whether they have five minutes or five hours.

“We are excited to release the latest version of Logos and to aid both individuals who have used our software for years, as well as new users who will discover simplified and amplified theological learning,” said Phil Gons, Chief Product Officer. “With Logos 10, we have improved the Logos experience to better meet our users’ needs and adapted to the rapidly changing world around us where technology solutions are more important in supporting ministry expansion than ever before.”

WHAT’S NEW IN LOGOS 10

Logos 10 is launching in seven different languages and is specifically designed to aid researchers, students of Scripture, pastors and church leaders around the world. New features include:

— Auto Translation, allowing users to translate a section of text in a few clicks. The feature works for over 100 modern languages as well as Latin and biblical Hebrew.

— Print Library Catalog, a brand-new tool empowering users to search the content of their print library, adding value to the books already on their shelves.

— Church History tools, including over 40 new themes tracing historical movements as well as the Essential Lexham Dictionary of Church History, edited by Michael A. G. Haykin.

— Questions & Answers, which surfaces concise questions and answers from across the library on thousands of topics and passages.

— Sermon Import to transfer a user’s sermon outlines and manuscripts from Microsoft Word directly into Logos for easy search and access.

— Popular Quotes to discover more than 1 million powerful quotes from respected Bible teachers and scholars that can be dropped into slides and sermons.

WHAT’S UPDATED IN LOGOS 10

Logos 10 expands and improves the platform’s existing features, including:

— Factbook, which now displays results from Logos Edition books. Tens of millions of tags were added to these books, so users can search or click a word as they’re studying, uncover its meaning, and transition to deeper study if they’d like.

— Simplified Search Syntax allows users to easily find what they’re looking for.

— Search Autocomplete offers smarter suggestions to help users easily build queries.

— New Curated Theological Libraries including new books by respected scholars, carefully curated to work with the Bible study tools in Logos.

— New Workflows from Bryan Chapell, Tony Merida, Dr. David Allen, Dr. Jim Shaddix, and Ridley Rosner.

— Advanced Timeline, with new navigation and filtering options that allow readers to explore historical context.

— Mobile Updates to include:

• Simultaneously use up to six books and tools on a single screen with Layouts on tablet.
• Create visuals of outlines, markups, diagrams, and information cards with Canvas for iPad.
• Tap the audio button on the Logos mobile app to start listening to nearly any Logos resource.
• Write on the iPad screen and save scribbles as an image to photos or in a new note.
• Tap a word or passage to highlight, leave a note, open Bible Word Study, or dig deeper in Factbook.
• Plan, organize, and track sermons on the go with Sermon Manager for iPad.

Logos 10 also maintains the app’s comprehensive reading management system and improved tools for visualizing data, browsing commentaries, exploring the books of the Bible, sharing documents and adding images into notes.

“We cannot wait for Logos 10 to be in the hands of theological learners around the world and witness the ways it enhances their day-to-day lives,” said Mark Ward, Senior Editor of Digital Content. “Logos Bible was created to readily assist anyone with a desire to dive deeper into Biblical Truth and the contexts surrounding God’s Word. We are committed to increasing biblical literacy and accessibility for every Christian around the world, and we’re so excited to see what new opportunities this updated version will offer.”

To learn more about Logos 10, visit logos.com/10.

ABOUT LOGOS
Logos is the preferred Bible study tool for pastors, scholars, students and lifelong learners worldwide who want to dive deeper into the intricacies of God’s Word. Used by renowned faith leaders including John Piper, Christine Caine, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Dr. David Jeremiah, Justo González, Miles McPherson and Lisa Bevere, to name a few, Logos enables users to obtain seminary-level knowledge and training at a low cost. To learn more about Logos, visit logos.com.

CONTACT: Kristin Cole, 615-289-6701

Carol Stream, Ill. (October 13, 2022) NavPress will release the first two installments in the Storyline Bible Study series by Kat Armstrong in January 2023. The first two offerings in the series are titled Mountains and Valleys.

These studies guide readers through the storyline of Scripture—each following specific people, places, or things in the Bible. People may be practiced in dissecting a passage or verse and pulling things out of the text to apply to their lives, but this can sometimes cause it to feel like their faith is fragmented.

The Storyline Bible Studies will help readers put things back together in the broader context of the Bible. Through this series, readers will discover cohesive, thematic storylines with literary elements and appreciate the Bible as the literary masterpiece that it is.

Each study is five lessons long and can be paired with its thematic partner for a seamless ten-week study to fit in a church semester. Every study features

• gospel presentation at the beginning of each Bible study;
• full Scripture passages included in the study so that you can mark up the text and keep your notes in one place;
• insights from diverse scholars, authors, and Bible teachers; and
• free resources for preaching and leading small groups.

Mountains
In the ancient, symbol-driven world of the Bible, location didn’t just matter—it had meaning. The Mountains Bible study will guide you through five mountaintop Bible stories because mountains are holy ground for connecting with God.

Valleys
Valleys in the Bible have far more meaning than just as geographical markers or pins on an ancient map. In his literary genius, God repurposes valley settings throughout Scripture to signal tests of faith––and the deepening of confidence in the One who is with us in the valley.

Mountains | ISBN: 978-1-64158-580-4 | Softcover: $16.99 | January 17, 2023
Valleys | ISBN: 978-1-64158-584-2 | Softcover: $16.99 | January 17, 2023
NavPress.com

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.

Contact: Natalie Wierenga, Publicist, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com, 630.784.5211

 

Bellingham, WA—FatCat, the friendly feline, has grown in stature as The Lord’s Prayer: For All God’s Children has won the 2022 Gold Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the religion category. The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and are dedicated to supporting childhood literacy and lifelong reading.

The Lord’s Prayer: For All God’s Children is the second book in the FatCat children’s series from Lexham Press and was published on October 5, 2022, along with The King of Christmas: All God’s Children Search for Jesus.

Illustrator of the FatCat series, Natasha Kennedy, said, “I’m really humbled to win a gold Moonbeam award. As with all the FatCat books, illustrating The Lord’s Prayer was a labor of love. And it’s rewarding to see all these hours of intentionality being recognized and celebrated by others—especially those who evaluate many children’s books!”

“Children learn to speak by repeating what they hear,” said Harold L. Senkbeil, author of the text that accompanies each petition of the prayer. “My privilege was to unpack the words of Jesus simply and clearly so kids can speak to their Father in heaven just like Jesus does: boldly and confidently.” Senkbeil is a pastor of over five decades, and author of the multi-award-winning book The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart.

Todd Hains, children’s book editor said, “These books are more than a dear plump, gray cat—that’s what this award recognizes. Natasha’s illustrations open children’s imagination, so they can enter the world of God’s word. The authors’ words teach the meaning of God’s word in a simple way. The FatCat series helps parents give their children God’s word. And God’s word never returns empty! Parents may not see it right away, but they’re planting the seeds of God’s word in their children’s heart.”

The FatCat series includes The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children, The Lord’s Prayer: For All  God’s Children, The King of Christmas: All God’s Children Search for Jesus, and accompanying coloring books for The Apostles’ Creed and The Lord’s Prayer. The King of Easter: Jesus Searches for All God’s Children publishes in January, 2023, and future volumes are planned, including The Ten Commandments: For All God’s Children.

For more about FatCat Books, visit lexhampress.com/fatcat-books

Contact: Lindsay John Kennedy, Publicity Strategist | lindsay@lexhampress.com

MEMPHIS, TN. (October 16, 2022) — End Game Press is pleased to announce that Harambee Press will join the team as their newest imprint this Fall. Harambee Press pursues publishing ethnic writers in order to share their words and stories with the literary world.

Edwina Perkins, the Managing Editor for Harambee Press, is passionate about seeing ethnic writers represented well in the publishing industry and enjoys mentoring writers, as well as, speaking to audiences about this opportunity. End Game Press is looking forward to supporting her efforts and raising up this ethnic voice.

“African American culture is rooted in the art of storytelling,” said Perkins. “Laced within each breath of our ancestors, entwined within the stories they told, our culture has endured. For people of color, our common history has been a means to come together. Or, like the Swahili word harambee teaches, to pull together. Out of this truth, Harambee Press was born.”

“As a team, I can’t express to you just how excited we are about partnering with Harambee Press and sharing these stories while advocating for diversity,” said Victoria Duerstock, owner of End Game Press. “And personally, I am thrilled to welcome a friend and trusted industry colleague to the team!”

About Harambee Press
Harambee Press is here to raise up the ethnic voice, and to give a place for BIPOC authors to communicate, through publication, with each other and the world. We are looking for writers who want to express the diversity of their culture and writers who have stories or life lessons whether through fiction or nonfiction. HP authors should carry a message of hope and redemption. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com/harambee-press. 

About Edwina Perkins
Edwina Perkins is the acquisitions editor for the imprint Harambee Press and the assistant director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with BRMCWC. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board. Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity reader. She is also a freelance writer with Guideposts. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. She also loves working with new writers.

About End Game Press
Launched by award-winning author Victoria Duerstock in 2021, End Game Press is a traditional publishing house where ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. End Game Press puts authors first, educating them on the entirety of the publishing process and providing them with the needed training to be successful. With a goal to create beauty and cultivate community, End Game Press publishes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles into both general and Christian markets. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com.

Media Contact: Christina Bostick, pr@endgamepress.com

Grand Rapids, Mich., Oct. 2022– Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announces the release of The NIV Telos Bible, developed in partnership with Feed, an initiative of OneHope.

“The Greek word telos means an ultimate object or aim. At OneHope, our ultimate aim is to equip the next generation with the Gospel in a way that empowers them to navigate the false narratives of their generation and apply biblical principles to the doubts and questions they wrestle with daily,” said OneHope President, Dr. Rob Hoskins. “We know that the Bible has the answers. But how will they know unless we teach it in a way that is relevant to them?”

Created to meet the spiritual needs of high school and college students, The NIV Telos Bible is designed to be contextually relevant and to challenge young adults to take a meaningful look at the Bible.

“Young people today face so many challenges that we, as adults, never faced growing up,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “God’s Word provides guidance through any situation. By bringing it to young people, in a way that speaks directly to them, it is our hope that it will positively impact their lives, now and for years to come.”

The NIV Telos Bible features the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® for smooth reading. Designed specifically to be used for the New International Version (NIV) text, Comfort Print offers an easier reading experience that complements the most widely read modern-English Bible translation. Features include:

• Full text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Book introductions outline the structure and important themes of each book of the Bible
• Infographics visually explain concepts throughout the text
• Icons indicate features in the margins that help you journey through Scripture, dig deeper, answer core questions, and lend cultural context to what you’re reading
• Reading tips help you get the most out of Scripture
• Study questions serve as journaling prompts
• Reading plans
• Two-color page design
• Blank space to draw or add notes throughout
• NIV dictionary-concordance
• Black letter edition
• 16 pages of full-color maps
• Satin ribbon marker
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface
• Print size: 8

The NIV Telos Bible is available now:
9780310458685 NIV, The Telos Bible, Hardcover, Comfort Print, $39.99
9780310458692 NIV, The Telos Bible, Leathersoft, Charcoal, Comfort Print, $59.99

If you would like to receive a review copy, reprint permission or schedule an interview with representatives from OneHope and/or Zondervan, contact Amy Bigler, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, at amy.bigler@harpercollins.com.

About Feed
Feed is an initiative of OneHope, beginning with a community of leaders and innovators working to answer the question, “How can youth ministry be improved?” Feed is a new way of thinking about youth ministry, specifically tailored to the unique characteristics and spiritual needs of today’s youth. Feed products are created to help engage the next generation with the Bible in a relevant way.

About OneHope
OneHope creates compelling programs that share God’s Word, offer hope and foster life change for the next generation around the world. Through collaboration with local churches and partners, OneHope’s mission is to see young people engage with the gospel in a way they can understand and that leads to a transformed life. Since 1987, more than 1.7 billion children and youth have received the gospel message through OneHope’s partnerships.

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 different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

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

(Colorado Springs, CO)—Magazine Training International (MTI) invites Christian magazine publishing professionals in Africa to attend the third event in a 10-year training program for Africa. The conference will be held 13-18 November, 2022, in Accra, Ghana.

The five-day Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course will cover editing, design, and management. Participants will gain the tools needed to successfully launch a magazine or update their current process for more effective and influential publication. Participants in the course will receive the 240-page Introduction to Magazine Publishing textbook.

The course will be followed by a one-day, limited-enrollment Hands-on Workshop designed to give practical help to participants as they make plans to start a new magazine or restart an existing one. All participants must have taken part in the Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course preceding the workshop.

Some of the topics to be covered in the course include the sound business principles needed to establish a magazine on a solid foundation, how to craft articles that touch the hearts and lives of readers, and mastery of design principles to create an attractive magazine that draws and engages readers.

MTI conferences are known for practical training and a genuine approach from the expert trainers.

“I came in to pursue excellence in my publication and what I left with was a map—a road map in which I can attain this excellence,” said Jim Olang with Afroscope magazine, an attendee of MTI’s conference in Kenya. “The trainers were relevant, credible, and what I loved most—they contextualized their examples. This resonated with me. It was definitely worth the time and resources.”

This year’s international team of trainers includes James Njoroge, art director of Timazi; Esther Nyaga, publishing manager of Publishing Institute of Africa; Jeremy Weber, director of CT Global at Christianity Today, David Renard, a partner with mediaIDEAS; Francis Ayieko, founder and publisher of The Shepherd; and Lea Greene, publication content manager and designer for SAconnects.

Training events will be presented in English, but because Ghana is surrounded by French-speaking countries, simultaneous interpretation in French will be available. The textbook is also available in French.

MTI’s prior conferences in Africa were held in Kenya in 2018 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2019. MTI provides professional development opportunities in-person and online to Christians in publishing around the world.

The mission of Magazine Training International is to encourage, strengthen, and provide resources to Christian magazines as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ. Over the last 33 years, MTI offered 70 conferences, courses, and seminars in East/Central Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In addition to on-site courses and conferences, MTI provides online courses and workshops, free e-books, training videos, course manuals in a dozen languages, and other print digital, audio, and audio-visual materials in a resource-packed library on MTI’s website. More information is available on our website and Facebook.

Media Contact:  Sharon Mumper, President, (719) 598-9743, semumper@magazinetraining.com

 

Iron Stream Media is thrilled to announce that Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd has won the prestigious Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award from The Word Guild for 2022 as well as the award for Best Book Cover! The Word Awards were established to recognize excellence and raise the profile of Canadian Christian writers. The awards ceremony was broadcast online Saturday, September 17, 2022.

Recognition for Rose Among Thornes includes:

• Winner: Best Book Cover Award
• Winner: Debra Feiguth Social Justice Award
• Finalist: Christian Fiction – Historical

About the Book

Forgiveness is the deadliest force on earth.

War might be raging overseas, but Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced by her government to leave her beloved home in Vancouver and move to the Canadian prairie to work on the Thornes’ sugar beet farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. Though the Thorne family is kind, life is unbearably lonely. In hopes that it might win her the chance to play their piano, Rose agrees to write letters to their soldier son.

When Rusty Thorne joins the Canadian Army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Inside the camp, the faith his parents instilled is tested like never before. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him—especially the brilliant notes from his mother’s charming helper, which the girl signs simply as “Rose.”

Will Rusty survive the war only to encounter the Japanese on his own doorstep? Can Rose overcome betrayal and open her heart? Or will the truth destroy the fragile bond their letters created?

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Harambee Press, Iron Stream Kids, and Brookstone Publishing Group. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year, and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Book Terrie Todd as a guest speaker or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com. 

A limited supply of giveaway copies is available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or through www.ironstreammedia.com.

Effective immediately, IPG has executed a four-part plan to integrate and stabilise UID, the UK’s leading distributor of independent publishers.

The first piece is consolidating the Eurospan unit distribution through Marston Book Services’ systems in UID’s state-of-the-art Biggleswade Distribution Centre (BDC). The second piece is a reorganisation of the UK management team into a shared services model so that the companies act as one. This reorganisation enables the third component, a one-time reduction in staff across the companies securing the synergies between units. The final piece is a managed exit of the Turpin Distribution unit through an administration process. 

As of 1 October, all orders for publishers distributed by Eurospan will be processed by the customer service team at Marston. Trade customers have been informed, and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive due to the efficiency of centralised ordering, returns processing, and Marston’s reputation for high-quality, timely service. This will increase efficiency for Eurospan and their customers through consolidation of deliveries and simplified accounting through Marston’s credit control team.

Harmonising Marston, Orca, and Eurospan into a single solution also enables our long-planned reorganisation of the UID leadership team:

Joe Matthews, global CEO, will spend equal time with the UK and US domestic territories. 

Frank Autunnale will take over the reins as global CFO, overseeing finance and accounting teams in the US and the UK to harmonise practices and consolidate financial statements. Autunnale will also continue to oversee the HR departments, with Julie Barnes named UK Director of HR.

Mark Chaloner will remain UID group COO, overseeing facilities, warehouse management, and interdepartmental communication, reporting to Joe Matthews.

Imogen Adams, MD of Eurospan, remains responsible for the health of Eurospan publishers but will join the global business development team, which will allow her to offer services in both the UK and US domestic markets along with the global network of sub-distributors and agents. Imogen’s team will include Michelle Zappa, Head of Sales, and Catherine Lawn Edwards, Head of Marketing. Michelle will oversee the accounts used by all divisions, expanding her ability to provide comprehensive sales through Eurospan’s in-house team and robust network of commissioned reps. Michelle will continue to manage international academic sales, with her US-based counterpart, Scott Hatfill, handling international trade sales as the US and UK international programs are merged. Catherine and her team will offer their expertise developed within the Eurospan division to all publishers looking to increase sales through enhanced marketing activity.

Eurospan’s Andrew Boughton will become Director of Operations, overseeing client and publisher service departments. Based in the London office, Andrew brings his wealth of knowledge to create a single repository of metadata and ONIX transmission, oversee eBook and digital print services, and manage the group’s order processing and supply chain functions. Andrew’s team will include Head of Distribution Services, Tracy Hopkins, Head of Data and Online Operations, James L. Smith, Head of Publisher Services, Sarah Knapton, and Customer Services Manager, TBC.

The reorganisation to shared services departments offers a tremendous opportunity to eliminate duplication of effort, close redundant positions, and bring best-practice workflows and systems used by the various entities into one streamlined operation. The reduction in overheads through consolidation to shared services will achieve profitability while preserving a high-quality service for publisher satisfaction. There are no further layoffs planned. We hope employees see a bright future in the company with greater ability for upward mobility, deeper departments that offer increased business continuity, and better systems and services to support our publishers. 

Those who follow scholarly publishing know that there are major structural changes occurring in that industry, including a move to Open Access publishing, a decline in journal subscriptions, and a move toward lower-priced digital journals. The Turpin board has worked hard with its professional advisors to find a solvent solution to preserve the Company or a going concern sale of the Company’s business, but regrettably this has proven impossible, and we have therefore resolved that the only option now available for Turpin is to place it into Administration.

Joe Matthews notes, “This restructuring of the UK has long been anticipated and the leadership team is excited to execute our plans to build a strong and enduring future for the business.”