PASTOR CHOCO DE JESÚS CHALLENGES A POLARIZED CULTURE WITH HIS GUIDING LIFE PRINCIPLE TO ‘LOVE THEM ANYWAY’

ORLANDO, Fla.— Pastor and Bestselling Author Choco De Jesús gets why our world has never been more desperate than it is today for unity and respect for people from all walks of life. One need only read the morning headlines to see how the emotional barriers and bitterness that have poisoned our discourse play out across the country and are defining us. Today, many people even see Christians as angry followers of God who are more interested in winning political arguments than respecting and loving others.

Pastor Choco firmly believes there is a better way. In his new book, Love Them Anyway: Finding Hope in a Divided World Gone Crazy (Charisma House Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1-62999-715-5), he writes, “division can become so common that love can feel weird or wrong at times. But love breaks through defenses and destroys walls that divide us.” Watch this video message from Pastor Choco about his new book: bit.ly/LoveThemAnyway

Through personal accounts of growing up in downtown Chicago’s Humboldt Park, getting married, raising a family, and pastoring New Life Covenant Church, Pastor Choco humbly and transparently describes how choosing the perspective and the lifestyle of the kingdom of God to “love them anyway” helped transform the crime-ridden community he called home for decades.

“The currency of the kingdom of God isn’t prayer, Bible study, missions, or service; it’s love” writes Pastor Choco. “All the disciplines are means to put us in touch with the love of God so it overflows into the lives of those around us.”

Pastor Choco explores questions in his book such as, “What about stereotype, race, that person or group of people in a political, cultural, or socioeconomic class who don’t behave like you? Don’t believe like you? And if you are honest…make you uncomfortable? What is love in this context?” In response, he is not judging his fellow believers – but reflecting on his own personal journey and experience as a pastor, when he writes: “Jesus broke social and religious boundaries to love those whom the religious people detested. Jesus didn’t distinguish between the deserving and the undeserving. Love is the answer, but only if we admit our resistance, fill the holes in our hearts with God’s in-spite-of love, and choose to love them anyway.”

Love Them Anyway will inspire readers to love in a way like never before, paving a compelling path to both express and experience a truly transformative love on a deep level—and that love will change lives. Pastor Choco explains that when we see past disagreement, indifference, and offense, and love them anyway, our passion will be redirected and our purpose will be refined, opening up the possibility to be used by God in ways never imagined.

What leaders are saying about Pastor Choco’s book:

• “While many have written about life in the inner city where violence and crime are everyday occurrences, Pastor Choco has lived this and come out on the other side, more determined than ever to combat every enemy of peace with love, hope, and the profound message of grace, mercy, and salvation.”
  -Jentezen Franklin Senior Pastor, Free Chapel New York Times Best-Selling Author
• “Pastor Choco’s love for the marginalized serves as a modern-day unbridled application of the Good Samaritan parable. His leadership transformed Chicago, and now his message stands poised to change the world. Beyond a must read, this is a must do!”
  -Pastor Samuel Rodriguez President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
• “Read this book and use it as a catalyst for change in your own heart and mind, transforming you into a living, breathing extension of God’s love to others.”
  -Mark Batterson, New York Times Best-Selling Author of The Circle Maker, Lead Pastor, National Community Church

Pastor Choco De Jesús’ book is designed for individual study, small groups, and classes. Each chapter’s questions are designed to promote reflection, application, and discussion.

Love Them Anyway: Finding Hope in a Divided World Gone Crazy is released by Charisma House, which publishes books that challenge, encourage, teach, and equip Christians.

For additional information, including a free sample chapter, visit: https://lovethemanywaybook.com

Stay in touch with Pastor Choco De Jesús:

• Facebook: @pastorchocodejesus
• Twitter: @PastorChoco
• Instagram: @pastorchoco
• Website: mynewlife.org

Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesús, is the former senior pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Chicago, one of the largest US congregations in the Assemblies of God. Recently he was elected General treasurer of the Assemblies of God. He is the founder of the nonprofit agency Chicago Dream Center, which serves the city of Chicago through residential, outreach, and rescue programs. In 2013 De Jesús was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in recognition of his authentic Christian leadership in evangelical and Latino communities. De Jesús lives in Springfield, Missouri, with his wife, Elizabeth.

Viral Sensation with 55+ Million YouTube Subscribers and Over 12 Billion Views, Debuts New Book, June 22

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 12, 2021) – Internet icons Dude Perfect – the uber talented group revered worldwide for its viral trick shot videos and epic battles – will release Dude Perfect 101 Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff  (ISBN# 9781400217076) June 22 everywhere books are sold.

The Dude Perfect team – consisting of Coby Cotton (Twin #1), Cory Cotton (Twin #2), Garrett Hilbert (The Purple Hoser), Cody Jones (The Tall Guy), and Tyler Toney (The Bearded Guy) – first gained viral fame by posting videos of the Dudes’ extraordinary basketball trick shots. Over the years, Dude Perfect has amassed a fanatical YouTube following with over 55 million subscribers and more than 12 billion views, making it one of the world’s most-subscribed YouTube channels:  www.youtube.com/user/corycotton.

“We love bringing people together, and that’s exactly why we created this book. By teaching others how to do what we do, families and friends will have a blast attempting our stunts, competing in battles, and learning top secret Dude Perfect info.” — Cory Cotton, Dude Perfect

See video announcement/new book post, personally from “the Dudes” here: Dude Perfect Book Launch Video (10.5M views in 10 DAYS)

Displaying never-before revealed tips and tricks through high-quality, captivating photos and Dude-worthy graphics, the book will give readers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into Dude Perfect’s favorite stunts, stats and personal lives.

With an oversize format featuring step-by-step instructions for great do-it-at-home stunts and skills, Dude Perfect 101 Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff includes:

• “How to” perform some of the Dudes’ dynamite tricks using easy-to-obtain items
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses at those hilarious stereotype videos and extreme sports moments
• Dude Perfect teaching what a blast patience, perseverance, teamwork, friendship, and faith can be
• Fun science facts behind the seemingly impossible tricks
• Infographics with “No way!” truths from the inspirational to the absurd

For more info and assets about Dude Perfect, see here:

• DP Website: https://dudeperfect.com/
• DP Facebook: www.facebook.com/DudePerfect/ (18M followers)
• DP Instagram: www.instagram.com/dudeperfect/ (11.3M followers)
• DP Twitter: @DudePerfect, https://twitter.com/dudeperfect (433.1K followers)
• DP YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/corycotton (55.9M subscribers)

About Dude Perfect:  Founded in 2009, Dude Perfect is a group of five former college roommates from Texas A&M University who initially made basketball trick shots for fun. Cory Cotton, Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones, and Tyler Toney had no idea what they were getting themselves into after that first ball swished, but they believe that nothing happens by accident and are grateful that they’ve had an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of countless others all around the globe. “The Dudes,” who all call Texas home, have gone on to reach more than 55 million YouTube subscribers, sell out arena-events, and hold several Guinness World Records.

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

Contacts: 

• Lesley A. Burbridge, 14 PR & Entertainment, lesley@14prandentertainment.com 310.562.0715
  
• Natividad Lewis, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Tommy Nelson, 931.698.9620 natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com                

Carol Stream, IL. May 12, 2021 – Christianity Today is calling for submissions for the 2022 Christianity Today Book Awards. The CT Book Awards, along with our “Beautiful Orthodoxy” Book of the Year, will be announced in December at ChristianityToday.com. Winners will be featured prominently in the January/February 2022 issue of CT and widely promoted in CT newsletters and on the site. Publishers of the winning books will also have the opportunity to participate in a promotion organized by CT’s marketing team.

Award Categories:

1. Apologetics/Evangelism
2. Biblical Studies
3. Children and Youth
4. Christian Living/Discipleship
5. The Church/Pastoral Leadership
6. Culture and the Arts
7. Fiction
8. History/Biography
9. Marriage and Family
10. Missions/The Global Church
11. Politics and Public Life
12. Spiritual Formation
13. Theology/Ethics
14. The “Beautiful Orthodoxy” Book of the Year*

To be eligible for nomination, a book must be published between November 1, 2020 and October 31, 2021. CT is looking for scholarly and popular-level works, and everything in between. A diverse panel of scholars, pastors, and other informed readers will evaluate the books. Detailed instructions for how to submit your nomination can be found online at MoreCT.com/2022Nomination

* Beautiful Orthodoxy is a special add-on category. Books nominated for this category must have first been nominated in one of the other main categories. (They will be eligible to win more than once.)

Deadline:

• The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, August 6, 2021.
• Please read complete submission instructions at MoreCT.com/2022Nomination

Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxy—strengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.

Contact:
Leanne Snavely, 630-260-6200 x7214  lsnavely@christianitytoday.com

Ada, Mich. (May 11, 2021)—Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that Kim Bangs will serve as the new editorial director. This position has been held by Jane Campbell, who will retire in early June.

Kim Bangs has worked in the publishing industry for almost thirty years. She began as an editorial assistant in the Gospel Light curriculum department and a few years later moved to the Regal Books division as the assistant to the publisher. She also served Regal as an author relations manager, contracts manager, and acquisitions and publishing director. In 2014, Regal was acquired by Baker Publishing Group. Kim joined Baker as a senior acquisitions editor for both Bethany House nonfiction and Chosen Books and later transitioned to full-time acquisitions for Chosen Books.

As editorial director for Chosen Books, Kim will continue her work with authors in acquisitions and book development while also managing the Chosen Books acquisitions team and collaborating with the executive leadership team on strategic plans for division growth.

Kim states, “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the rich heritage of Chosen Books as we enter our fiftieth year of serving the interests of evangelical readers.  In my expanded role, I will continue working with the authors I dearly admire, meet and work with new authors, and also work with the team to develop a vision for growth and expansion in the years to come.”

“Kim has proven herself as an exceptionally talented editor with a deep passion for serving the Spirit-empowered community,” said Jennifer Leep, executive vice president, trade publishing for Baker Publishing Group. “We look forward to seeing Chosen Books flourish in this new season under Kim’s creative and insightful leadership.”

Chosen Books publishes well-crafted books that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and help readers live more empowered and effective lives for Jesus Christ.

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

Ada, Mich. (May 11, 2021)—Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, announces that editorial director Jane Campbell will retire effective June 4, 2021. This position will be filled by Kim Bangs, who has served as a senior acquisitions editor for Chosen Books.

Jane spent the early days of her career working as the managing editor for Christian Herald magazine. In 1978, she entered the field of Christian book publishing under the skilled tutelage of John and Elizabeth Sherrill, who were bestselling authors and the founders of Chosen Books. Since 1984, Jane has headed up acquisitions for Chosen Books and has worked with hundreds of authors to fulfill Chosen Books’ mission of “publishing well-crafted books that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and help the reader live a more empowered and effective life for Jesus Christ.”

Jane has a BA in literature from Houghton College (NY) and is the coauthor of several books. She is active at the Church of the Apostles, an Anglican congregation in Fairfax, Virginia, where she serves on the vestry as junior warden. Jane’s knowledge and expertise have helped lead to the success of the Chosen Books division as it transitioned from Zondervan to Guideposts and eventually to Baker Publishing Group in 1992.

“Chosen Books has been my calling,” Jane said. “I cherish the decades of partnership with authors and colleagues who are hearing what the Spirit is saying to the church. And I am grateful for the wise stewardship of Baker Publishing Group and the faithful work of all who have grasped the vision and will continue to answer the call. Chosen Books will always be part of my heart.”

“Preparing Christian books with Jane Campbell during the past three decades has been a unique blessing for all her companions in this business,” stated Dwight Baker, president of Baker Publishing Group. “Our publishing experience has been wonderfully expanded through Jane’s vision and passion for serving the Spirit-led church, and she has skillfully positioned Chosen Books for ongoing growth under the care of emerging leaders.”

Chosen Books publishes well-crafted books that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and help readers live more empowered and effective lives for Jesus Christ.

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

(Grand Rapids, MI, May 2021) – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce their first New American Standard Bibles (NASB) in the 2020 Text.

“We are excited to launch our inaugural publications in the recently completed NASB 2020 text,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “We will continue our promise to serve NASB readers with beautiful Bibles in the text editions they want for years to come!”

The New American Standard Bible, 2020 Text continues a rich tradition of faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts by maintaining fidelity to the original biblical languages while also ensuring that God’s Word speaks clearly to readers today.

Zondervan’s first NASB 2020 Bibles will be the NASB 2020 Thinline and NASB Thinline Bible, Large Print. These Bibles deliver a traditional translation with improved readability in a portable and easy-to-read format and features Zondervan’s exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface, as well as:

• The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 2020 Text
• Sophisticated, durable covers
• Less than one inch thick
• Double-column, verse-by-verse format
• Presentation page
• Two satin ribbon markers
• Words of Christ in red
• Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
• 9-point print size (Standard Print Editions)
• 10.5-point print size (Large Print Editions)

The NASB Thinline Bible, 2020 Text, is available now in a variety of binding types:

• 9780310455431  NASB, Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Black, Red Letter Edition, $32.99
• 9780310455622 NASB, Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Teal, Red Letter Edition, $32.99
• 9780310455660  NASB, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Black, Red Letter Edition, $42.99
• 9780310455677  NASB, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Burgundy, Red Letter Editions, $42.99

The thumb-indexed editions will be available beginning May 25, 2020:

• 9780310456650  NASB, Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Black, Red Letter Edition, Thumb Indexed, $42.99
• 9780310456667  NASB, Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Teal, Red Letter Edition, Thumb Indexed, $42.99
• 9780310456674  NASB, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Black, Red Letter Edition, Thumb Indexed, 52.99
• 9780310456681  NASB, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Burgundy, Red Letter Edition, Thumb Indexed, $52.99

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.

About Comfort Print: Zondervan Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost Bible typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print Bible fonts. NASB Comfort Print Bibles are easy to read at any size because the typeface was designed to be both efficient and readable. Zondervan Bibles believes that the beauty of the message should be reflected in the physical form of the book. Choosing the right typeface is one significant element in creating beautiful Bibles.

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

Ada, Mich. (May 11, 2021)—On Thursday, May 6, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the winners of the 2021 Christian Book Awards. Baker Books author Sheila Walsh was named the winner in the Young People’s Literature category for her book Praying Girls Devotional (Baker Books; ISBN 9781540900678; Ebook ISBN 9781493426850; $16.99).

The Praying Girls Devotional, which was created after the success of Sheila’s book Praying Women, invites young girls to experience the incredible power of prayer through a 60-day devotional that will help shape their hearts and grow their faith.

Sheila Walsh is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and bestselling author with more than 5 million books sold. She is the author of It’s Okay Not to Be Okay, Praying Women, and the award-winning Gigi, God’s Little Princess. She is cohost of LIFE Today with James and Betty Robison, with more than 100 million potential viewers each day. Walsh is a popular speaker and Bible teacher around the world. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Barry, and their two pups, Tink and Maggie. They have one son, Christian, who is in graduate school. You can find her at www.SheilaWalsh.com.

Editorial director of Baker Books, Rebekah Guzman, stated, “We are thrilled to be partnered with Sheila and to see her work recognized in this significant way.”

In addition to the Christian Book Awards, ECPA also featured industry honors and sales milestones. The 40-Day Sugar Fast (Baker Books; ISBN 9780801094576; Ebook ISBN 9781493419272; $14.99) by Wendy Speake and The Manual to Manhood (Revell; ISBN 9780800722296; Ebook ISBN 9781441234575; $15.99) by Jonathan Catherman were recipients of the Bronze Award, with over 100,000 copies sold.

Since 1978, the Christian Book Award program has recognized the highest quality of Christian books and is the oldest and most prestigious award in the religious publishing industry. This year, ECPA announced the winners in twelve categories based on their excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact. ECPA president, Stan Jantz, said, “Congratulations to all the winning authors and their publishers for producing these outstanding titles. In a year of uncertainty and turmoil, readers turned in record numbers to Christian books.” For a complete list of winners, please visit https://rushtopress.org/edition/for-immediate-release-may-6-2021/.

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

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

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

Ten titles honored as finalists

Nashville, Tenn. (May 10, 2021) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today congratulates its five 2021 Christian Book Award winners. These awards have been presented annually since 1978 by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA). In lieu of an in-person event, this year marked the second virtual awards ceremony, which took place on May 6, 2021, to recognize the best Christian products of the year in 12 categories.

The winning titles from HCCP are:

• Audio – Suffer Strong written and narrated by Katherine and Jay Wolf produced by Gabe Wicks/HarperCollins Christian Publishing – (Zondervan)
• Bibles – NIV Study Bible Fully Revised Edition – (Zondervan)
• Bible Reference Works – The New Testament in its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature and Theology of the First Christians written by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird – (Zondervan Academic)
• Devotion and Gift – How Great Is Our God: 100 Indescribable Devotions About God and Science written by Louie Giglio – (Tommy Nelson)
• New Author – Laughing Through the Ugly Cry…and Finding Unstoppable Joy written by Dawn Barton – (Thomas Nelson)

In addition to the five award winners, HCCP had 10 additional titles that were finalists in nine out of 12 categories.

These finalists are:

• Bibles – NET Full Notes Edition Bible – (Thomas Nelson)
• Biography and Memoir – I Am Restored written by Lecrae – (Zondervan)
• Biography and Memoir – The History of Apologetics: A Biographical and Methodological Introduction written by Benjamin K. Forrest, Josh D. Chatraw, Alister E. McGrath – (Zondervan Academic)
• Christian Living – Dangerous Prayers written by Craig Groeschel – (Zondervan)
• Devotion and Gift – More Power to You: Declarations to Break Free from Fear and Take Back Your Life written by Margaret Feinberg – (Zondervan)
• Faith and Culture – The House that Love Built written by Sarah Jackson with Scott Sawyer – (Zondervan)
• Faith and Culture – White Lies written by Daniel Hill – (Zondervan)
• New Author – The Fight to Flourish written by Jennie Lusko – (Thomas Nelson)
• Young People’s Literature – Goliath Must Fall for Young Readers: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants written by Louie Giglio with Laura Fortner – (Tommy Nelson)
• Young People’s Literature – Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls written by Lynn Cowell with Michelle Nietert, M.A., LPC-S CSC – (Zonderkidz)

“We are honored to have 15 titles recognized by the 2021 Christian Book Awards,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP. “Since March of last year, our readers have been experiencing the unprecedented challenges facing the world while in lock down – away from churches and community. I believe these books were published for such a time as this – to bring light and hope into a dark year. It is a privilege to have published them.”

In addition to the 2021 Christian Book Award recipients, HCCP also celebrates its longtime international bestselling author, Max Lucado, who was honored with the ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding writing contributions, both to the publishing industry and to society at large. He is only the fourth recipient of this prestigious award.  HCCP has represented Lucado for 31 of his 35-years as an author. He has impacted more than 145 million lives with his books, which are printed in 45 different languages and distributed throughout 80 countries.

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

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

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

Bringing Together Leading Voices on What Can Be Done to Address Serious Cultural Issues Now

Adelphia, NJ – May 18, 2021 – 2020 put a spotlight on the inequities, systems of oppression, and deep division in our society. Much has been written that acknowledges and describes racial, political, religious, and other divides, but there is little practical information on what can be done about them. How to Heal Our Divides is a project that builds awareness and highlights organizations that are taking real action to address these issues and heal divides in effective and practical ways.

How to Heal Our Divides: A Practical Guide is an anthology with over thirty contributors who highlight organizations working to address racial, political, religious, and other forms of serious division. The book includes essays written by thought leaders Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, Frank A. Thomas, Michael W. Waters, Shane Claiborne, Alexis Salvatierra, Parker J. Palmer, and many more! . Compiled and edited by Brian Allain and Adam Thomas, the book releases on Tuesday May 18, 2021.

Contributor Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, said: “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in How to Heal Our Divides to help spread the word about the work of the many outstanding organizations featured in the book.” She describes the work of her organization as “providing tools and experiences that allow faith communities – and the larger community of individuals – to engage in dismantling racism through education, prayer, dialogue, pilgrimage, and spiritual formation.”

Parker J. Palmer, who also contributed to the book, is the Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal. “I am happy to participate in How to Heal Our Divides to come alongside other organizations working with similar goals,” Palmer said. “For twenty-five years, the Center for Courage & Renewal has helped people reclaim the wholeness that is everyone’s birthright gift, so they can bring their identity and integrity more fully into their personal, vocational, and public lives.”

Seth Henderson, Program Manager at the Aspen Institute’s Citizenship and American Identity Program, offers “The Better Arguments Project is a national civic initiative created to help bridge divides – not by papering over those divides but by helping Americans have better arguments.   We appreciate the opportunity to participate in ‘How to Heal Our Divides’ to illuminate the many ways in which organizations are effectively working to improve our country’s civil discourse.”

“Jesus’ final prayer with his disciples (John 17) asked for one thing: that we his followers demonstrate a profound unity that will both convict and attract the watching world.  In this time of deep division, this book shows how to do exactly that,” said Philip Yancey, author of “What’s So Amazing About Grace.”

The book’s ISBN number is 9798745784286.

Additional organizations featured in the book include: Arrabon, Red Letter Christians, The Julian Way, Matthew 25 / Mateo 25, Peace Catalyst International, Telos, The Center for Native American Youth, and Vote Common Good.

In addition to the book, the “How to Heal Our Divides” project includes a website, social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), podcast, and virtual bookstore.

Sponsors of the project include Writing for Your Life, Publishing in Color, and Compassionate Christianity.

You can learn more about the project at: https://howtohealourdivides.com/

For additional information contact Brian Allain at brian@howtohealourdivides.com. 

Hope Carpenter nearly destroyed her family, her church, and her ministry by living a double life, but then God did something miraculous. Out of her brokenness, He made something beautiful.

In THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DISASTER (FaithWords, May 4, 2021, ISBN: 9781546017486), Hope helps readers understand the lasting impact of childhood trauma and gives readers practical steps to uncovering the root of pain in their own lives. She shows how small decisions can lead to big changes, and helps readers find healing and wholeness in Scripture and prayer. Ultimately, readers will be led to hope, reconciliation, and true freedom.

As co-pastor of one of the nation’s largest megachurches, Hope Carpenter had perfected the roles of supportive wife, good mother, devoted worship leader, and dutiful homemaker. But inside, she was secretly ashamed, sad, and afraid. She didn’t know who she was, and she didn’t know how to ask for help without bringing down the whole façade. A series of bad choices led to multiple affairs; her husband kicked her out and announced from the pulpit of their church that their marriage was over.

“This book is raw and honest. It might make you flinch, and it might make you think less of me. That’s okay, because I’m no longer concerned with living for the accolades of others. This book will challenge you. You’re going to have to stop trying so hard to convince people that everything is great and take a good, hard look at the places deep inside you that maybe aren’t actually all that great. You’re going to make yourself vulnerable, and I know that can be scary. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.”

–THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

Hope was sure her life was done. But in her lowest moments, something beautiful happened. God met her there, and, with a lot of hard work, time, and mountains of therapy, she started to understand the pain that had caused her to act out. She and her family faced their brokenness together, and in powerful acts of forgiveness only God could have arranged, they all found real breakthrough and healing. Ron and Hope rebuilt their marriage and their family, and their ministry thrives today.

Hope Carpenter is the cofounder of Redemption Church, a megachurch that started in Greenville, South Carolina. The church has satellite locations in San Jose, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; and the Dominican Republic. Redemption Greenville has weekly attendance in excess of 20,000 and the San Jose campus has approximately 6,000. Hope and her husband, Ron, live in San Jose, California and Greenville, SC.

FAITHWORDS

On Sale Date: MAY 04 2021

US/Can: $26.00 (T) / $33.00 (T)

Format/Sub: HARDCOVER BOOK

ISBN-13: 9781546017486