Global Leaders of Anti-Trafficking Organization Share Astonishing, Gritty Reality of Ministry and Liberation for Women and Children Trapped in Human Trafficking

Lake Mary, FL— Anti-trafficking organization members from Project Rescue are sharing their story and the testimonials of those whose lives have been changed in the book, From Horror to Hope: Inspiring Stories of Project Rescue and a Global Movement to Bring Freedom to Survivors of Sexual Exploitation (ISBN 978-1-63641-148-4, Charisma House). The book, written by Project Rescue co-founders David and Beth Grant, and Jonathan and Jennifer Barratt, CEO of Project Rescue Foundation and executive director of Project Rescue respectively, detail how this unconventional, diverse group of people came together to put an end to the exploitation of women and children in some of the most desolate and underserved areas of the world in both Southern Asia and Europe.

Over the past 25 years, Project Rescue’s leaders have given their lives completely over to the cause of ending this physical, psychological, and spiritual bondage and bringing the freedom of Christ to those in desperate need of hope and eternal life. Many of them took time out of often impossible schedules for interviews and provided the stories on which this book is based. The stories in this book are their stories.

In their latest promotional video, David Grant and Jennifer Barratt share their heart behind From Horror to Hope. Grant says, “We’re on a mission to rescue and restore victims of sexual slavery through the love and power of God.”

In the early days of Project Rescue, leaders asked themselves one critical question that would change the course of their lives forever: “If organized crime can work together for evil purposes of greed, injustice, and exploitation, why can’t good people—God’s people—work together across denominations, organizations, and borders for God’s great purposes of justice, freedom, and healing?” It is this philosophy of piercing through the darkness with light that has transformed and changed the trajectory of thousands of lives.

“No one,” David Grant says, “no sexually exploited woman, man or child has a story so dark or difficult that it cannot be redeemed.”

Project Rescue continues to pray together, share resources together, and fight hell on behalf of God’s violated sons and daughters as they celebrate the hard-won victories of rescue and restoration together. “As important and life-changing as the work in the red-light districts of the world has been, perhaps training the trainers is one of the most strategic aspects of Project Rescue’s ministry today,” writes Beth Grant.

From Horror to Hope is released by Charisma House, which publishes books that challenge, encourage, teach, and equip Christians.

For additional information on From Horror to Hope, including a free sample chapter, visit: charismahouse.com

Follow the Grants, the Barratts, and the whole Project Rescue team:

• Website: www.projectrescue.com
• Facebook: @projectrescue
• Twitter: @ProjRescue
• Instagram: projrescue

David and Beth Grant, founders of Project Rescue, have built and served a devoted network of highly skilled colleagues around the world who share a passionate commitment to survivors of sexual exploitation on their journey toward restoration. The Grants firmly believe that no one—no sexually exploited woman or child—has a story so dark, difficult, or troubled that it cannot be redeemed through the love and power of God. This message of hope has marked their twenty-five-year mission to rescue and restore victims of sexual exploitation.

Jonathan and Jennifer Barratt, CEO of Project Rescue Foundation, and executive director of Project Rescue, respectively, are committed to seeing hope restored in the lives of survivors of sexual exploitation. As they pave the way forward, their shared goal is to enable the Project Rescue network to grow exponentially, increase its presence in areas devastated by sexual exploitation, and provide more access to critical, trauma-informed training for local leaders. While the methods and strategies developed will be tailored to each local context, the permeating commitment to Project Rescue’s founding mission and values will never change.

Title: From Horror to Hope | Retail: US $18.99 | Release Date: September 6, 2022 |
ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-148-4 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-149-1| Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5” x 8.25” x 0.52” | Page Count: 208 | Hometown: Springfield, MO | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / General, RELIGION/ Christian Living / Spiritual Growth, RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Warfare

To interview the authors or for a review copy of From Horror to Hope, contact lklosterman@tkomarketing.net or chelsey@tkomarketing.net.

Featuring Worship by Kyle & Lauren Smith; Tickets Are Available Now

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AUGUST 15, 2022) New York Times’ best-selling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst will be celebrating her new book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, this fall on her book tour presented by Transparent Productions. Her tour will hit nine markets where she will meet with communities to talk about how to love others well without losing who you are in the process. Tickets for this special night are currently on sale at the links below.

“I know that setting boundaries in relationships can be incredibly difficult to navigate,” states Lysa TerKeurst. “I truly believe the best way for us to process all of these hard things is face-to-face and heart-to-heart. That’s why I’m going back out on the road for the Good Boundaries and Goodbyes book tour.”

Joining her will be worship leaders Kyle & Lauren Smith for powerful nights of teaching and worship during the month of November.

“We could not be more excited for this book tour,” shares Kyle & Lauren Smith. “Lysa is an amazing author and speaker, and these nights are so special. We’ll worship the Lord and hear from God’s Word together! So come with your heart open and expectant for the Lord to move!”

TerKeurst adds, “This isn’t going to be a super big, slick production. It’s going to be a much more intimate evening where we talk honestly, open up our Bibles, study, and worship together. My prayer is that we’ll all leave a little more healed, transformed, and equipped to handle the relational tensions and dysfunctions we’ve been facing. My heart has been longing for this kind of connection and I hope yours is too.”

GOOD BOUNDARIES AND GOODBYES BOOK TOUR WITH LYSA TERKEURST DATES:

• 11/10/2022 | Lexington, SC
• 11/11/2022 | Pittsburgh (Moon Township), PA
• 11/12/2022 | Mansfield, OH
• 11/13/2022 | Lafayette, IN
• 11/15/2022 | Milwaukee (Waukesha), WI
• 11/16/2022 | Minneapolis (Bloomington), MN
• 11/17/2022 | Omaha (Bellevue), NE
• 11/19/2022 | Kansas City, MO
• 11/20/2022 | Indianapolis, IN

ABOUT LYSA TERKEURST:
Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of more than twenty-five books, including It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way and the No. 1 New York Times’ bestsellers Forgiving What You Can’t Forget and Uninvited. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as Focus on the Family and CNN online. Additionally, she has appeared on The Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community. Connect with her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com or on social media at @LysaTerKeurst

ABOUT KYLE & LAUREN SMITH:
Kyle and Lauren Smith have been worship leaders and songwriters for over 10 years. Having been part of Vertical Worship for most of that time, they have recently started a new chapter as worship leaders at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Married for 7 years, they have written and produced several songs in the top 2000 CCLI chart and have toured the globe leading worship and investing in teaching worship leaders.

ABOUT TRANSPARENT PRODUCTIONS:
For over two decades, Transparent Productions has been one of the largest producers of Christian concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, and amphitheaters. In 2022 the company will produce nearly 400 dates nationwide. Visit them at TransparentProductions.com.

Media Contacts: 
Stacie Vining | stacie@mergepr.com | 615.260.4679
Lori Mahon | lori@mergepr.com | 615.579.1266
Bela Kawalec | PR@mergepr.com | 954.482.3186

 

PubU will feature 30+ sessions in tracks for Editorial, Marketing, Design, Production & Operations, and a Children’s Book Summit

Early Bird Rate for All Access Pass is Available Until September 30; Scholarships available for Emerging Leaders

TEMPE, ARIZ., AUGUST 8, 2022 – ECPA’s annual Publishing University, PubU, will return to Lipscomb University in Nashville on November 16-17, after two years of offering the program online.

The event delivers targeted training and connection in the following tracks, developed and curated by industry leaders who make up the PubU Brain Trust:

DESIGN – EDITORIAL – MARKETING – PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS

In addition, attendees can opt to attend the second annual CHILDREN’S BOOK SUMMIT — or the ART OF WRITING CONFERENCE hosted by The Christy Award® program — both held the afternoon of November 17 after the PubU track sessions have concluded.

Registrants can customize their schedule and training based on their publishing role.  The schedule, and many of the sessions and speakers are already posted on the event site, in the SESSIONS menu.

“PubU is unique among all of the gatherings and events that ECPA hosts annually,” Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO, said. “It’s an event developed by the industry for the industry, drawing on the unique perspectives, skill sets, and experience of a range of outstanding leaders and practitioners.”

ECPA PubU will continue its Emerging Leader mentorship program, offering scholarships to up-and-coming industry leaders, with an emphasis on under-represented voices in the industry.  Each emerging leader will be matched with an industry mentor, for a year-long mentorship relationship.  The program includes two special sessions for this group, scheduled the morning before PubU opens. Publishers are encouraged to nominate a colleague or candidates can nominate themselves before the deadline of September 30.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ECPA MEMBERS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30.
Registration, event schedule, and a list of many of the sessions and speakers already confirmed,
are posted at ECPAPubU.org.

ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org  ECPA.org  @ECPA

ECPA PubU has delivered training, connection, networking and inspiration to the industry’s frontline practitioners since 2004.  Industry leaders develop the program to invest in the expertise of their colleagues, and train up the next generation of leaders.  For more information, visit ECPAPubU.org.

Media contact:  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998

Palm Bay, FL:  Created with Christian Fiction Reader-Fans in mind, the 2022 ACFW Storyfest is ACFW’s response to reader requests for access to some of their favorite authors and the chance to talk story. This inaugural year of hosting ACFW Storyfest (formerly the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat) takes place Thursday afternoon, September 8, 2022 through Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

The reader event—conducted in conjunction with ACFW’s annual conference for authors—includes a Meet & Greet with Christian Fiction authors on Thursday evening; all-day Friday and Saturday sessions including free books, free swag, interactive games and fun with authors; informative panels; afternoon tea; and more. Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast, with author-hosted tables, are included, as well as the opportunity to join a multitude of authors to hear an address by Liz Curtis Higgs, the conference’s keynote speaker.

Readers may also purchase an add-on Gala ticket which will allow them exclusive access to ACFW’s annual conference Awards Gala, celebrating the best in Christian Fiction through ACFW’s Carol Awards (published in the previous calendar year), Genesis Awards (as yet unpublished, writers to watch for), and other honors.

Christian Fiction readers are invited to celebrate story and some of their favorite authors right on the premises of the ACFW conference—where hundreds of CF authors gather each year. Books will also be available for purchase and signing onsite.

For more information or to register TODAY, check out https://www.acfwstoryfest.com/

Author of the YouVersion Bible App for Kids Bible Stories Releases Two New Picture Books from the Clever Cub Series Created to Remind Young Children Of Their Part In God’s Story

Bestselling Children’s Author and internationally known Performance Storyteller Bob Hartman brings to life two all new stories poised to entertain and inspire young children with the Sept. 6 release of Clever Cub Learns to Share and Clever Cub Trusts God. Featuring the inquisitive Clever Cub, a curious little bear who LOVES to cuddle up with the Bible and learn about God, these new adventures in Hartman’s popular series of pictures books from David C Cook, Clever Cub Bible Stories, remind kids of their part in God’s story.

Known for its vibrant illustrations, kid-friendly questions and engaging Bible stories geared to little ones ages three to six years old, the Clever Cub picture books series makes reading time a faith-building adventure for children along with sweet reminders of their part in God’s story. Each book incorporates timely themes and age-appropriate lessons as Clever Cub invites young readers to learn about the God of the Bible.

With these new adventures, God’s Word comes alive through the gifted storytelling of Bob Hartman and the colorful illustrations by Steve Brown as Clever Cub learns the joy of sharing and the peace of trusting God in these delightful retellings of Jesus feeding the five thousand in the New Testament and the story of Caleb and Joshua in the Old Testament.

A note at the end of each book includes questions about the story’s theme for learning more in the Bible to help parents and ministry leaders begin conversations with children about their own part in God’s story.

“We all have a part in God’s story!” exclaims Hartman, who is also the author of the YouVersion Bible App for Kids Bible stories which have been downloaded 85 million times. “What an incredible opportunity to share biblical truths and God’s love with young children through these faith-filled adventures every time they ‘cuddle up’ with Clever Cub. I’ve read these books with my own grandchildren and watch them get excited about discovering who Jesus is. My dream for this series is that Clever Cub helps children see the love of God in their own lives and that they receive the joy that Christ brings when we enter into a relationship with Him.”

Clever Cub Bible Stories Series Descriptions for Books 7 – 8:

In Clever Cub Learns to Share, Clever Cub does not want to share with Skippy the Squirrel until Papa Bear tells him about a boy in the Bible who shared all that he had and shows the reluctant Clever Cub that sharing brings great joy!

This colorful picture book:

• Tells the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with loaves and fishes in  John 6:1–14.
• Teaches children ages 3 to 6 how wonderful it is to share with others.
• Includes questions about the story’s theme and ideas for learning more in the Bible.

As the story of Clever Cub Trusts God unfolds, Mama Bear helps Clever Cub face his fears in the night by telling him about two brave spies in the Bible who trusted God. Clever Cub goes to sleep knowing that God is with him all the time!

This engaging picture book:

• Helps kids ages three to six overcome anxiety as they rest in God’s presence with them.
• Tells the story of how Joshua and Caleb trusted God in the desert (from Numbers 13–14).
• Encourages kids to talk about their emotions and how God makes them brave.

As part of the series, there are also helpful resources and downloadable content available for parents and adults to share with children, including free Clever Cub coloring pages, animated story videos narrated by Hartman, and more “freebies” available through signing up for email updates at https://davidccook.org/clever-cub-books/. Subscribers may also receive notifications to hear about all the new Clever Club adventures coming soon and the latest free resources being offered.

Bestselling Children’s Author Bob Hartman shares the story behind the creation of his all-new Clever Club Bible Stories Series.

About Bob Hartman:
Performance storyteller Bob Hartman is the author of the YouVersion Bible App for Kids Bible stories, that have been downloaded 85 million times. His long list of children’s titles have sold over a million copies, including The Lion Storyteller Bible, which has been printed in eleven different languages. As an ordained minister, his passion is to help people of every age find their way into the Bible, engage with it and discover the God who inspired it. Bob is married to Sue, has two married children, Kari and Chris, and five grandchildren. For more information or to connect with Hartman, visit Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Steve Brown:
Steve Brown (stevebrownillustration.co.uk) is a UK-based freelance children’s illustrator with a passion for telling stories through his art and using humor to delight children and adults alike.

About David C Cook:
David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—with offices in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom—David C Cook produces resources that are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 170 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, David C Cook now also publishes numerous bestselling books, resources, music (Integrity Music), and media from a variety of award-winning authors and artists. Learn more about David C Cook’s mission at DavidCCook.org.

ATTN MEDIA: Bob Hartman, Clever Cub Learns to Share and Clever Cub Trusts God review and giveaway copies are available upon request. High-resolution cover artwork and other press materials for these and the entire Clever Cub Bible Stories series to date are available now at https://app.box.com/v/BobHartmanCleverCubPress.

For additional information, contact:
Maureen Hoganson, MaureenHoganson@comcast.net
Rick Hoganson, Hoganson@comcast.net
Hoganson Media Relations, 615-459-9870

August 2022 |  WESTMONT, IL—Since the launch of Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver in October 2021, InterVarsity Press (IVP) has continued to build its IVP Kids imprint. The line now includes seven picture books for children ages four to eight with five more contracted to release in 2023 and 2024.

IVP Kids editor Elissa Schauer said, “I know that I keep using the word thrilled, but it’s an accurate description of our experience this last year with IVP Kids. It’s been wonderful to see these books come to life, and to hear from all who are reading and sharing. And we really are so very excited about all that lies before us!”

The current IVP Kids titles include

• Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus written and illustrated by Ned Bustard (October 2021)
• The O in Hope: A Poem of Wonder by Luci Shaw, illustrated by Ned Bustard (November 2021)
• The Celebration Place: God’s Plan for a Delightfully Diverse Church  by Dorena Williamson, illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks (November 2021)
• Isaiah and the Worry Pack: Learning to Trust God with All Our Fears by Ruth Goring, illustrated by Pamela C. Rice (November 2021)
• Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley, illustrated by LaTonya Jackson (May 2022)
• Little Prayers for Ordinary Days by Katy Bowser Hutson, Flo Paris Oakes, and Tish Harrison Warren; illustrated by Liita Forsyth (May 2022)
• All Will Be Well: Learning to Trust God’s Love by Lacy Finn Borgo, illustrated by Rebecca Evans (October 2022)

While this is the first dedicated kids’ line in the history of IVP, a few IVP books were published for children in the late 1970s, namely John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. With more than ten million in print, the well-known and beloved booklet My Heart—Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger was also turned into My Heart—Christ’s Home Retold for Children in 2010.

IVP Kids is an imprint that presents themes such as justice, spiritual formation, and discipleship, which have been cornerstones of IVP throughout its nearly seventy-five years. Terumi Echols, IVP president and publisher, said, “This line is a much-needed resource for parents who are reading to and teaching their children about who they are as Christians, their place in God’s kingdom, and the impact they can have on our culture.”

Forthcoming IVP Kids titles include

• Saint Patrick the Forgiver written and illustrated by Ned Bustard (February 2023)
• God, Right Here by Kara Lawler, illustrated by Jennie Poh (Spring 2023)
• When I Go to Church by Elrena Evans, illustrated by Rebecca Evans (Fall 2023)
• The Chosen One Is Born by Terry Wildman (Fall 2023)
• Zion Loves to See by Terence Lester with Zion Lester (Winter 2024)

Schauer said, “IVP inhabits a unique space in the world of publishing, and our deep desire is for IVP Kids to do so as well. Our hope is that children and families would enjoy reading together, and that the content of these books would spark meaningful conversations for years to come.”

Media Contact:  Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

July 2022 — Christian publishers from more than a dozen countries expressed their appreciation for ECPA’s International Christian Rights & Export Fair (ICREF), held June 28-29 on the campus of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

Representatives from Czech Republic, Egypt, South Africa, Germany, England, South Korea, Brazil, Colombia, and several other countries traveled to Chicago to attend the two-day conference. Thirty publishers and service providers exhibited at the event for the purpose of selling foreign rights and exports and building business relationships.

Anthony Gosling, EVP of Sales at Crossway expressed: “It was so good to be together again and great to have so many valuable meetings. I really like the simplicity and businesslike nature of the event.”

Tom DeVries, Subsidiary Rights Manager at Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. said, “The ICREF show is my favorite show for rights sales. It’s small, intimate, and friendly, allowing for excellent conversations with long-standing and new partners.”

Moody Bible Institute was an ideal venue, and the staff and publishing team of Moody Publishers were gracious hosts, sponsoring an ice cream social for all attendees.

ECPA is planning to return to Chicago and Moody Bible Institute in 2023 on June 27-28.  For more information, contact Cynthia Helblig.

From Katie Davis Majors, author of the New York Times bestsellers Daring to Hope and Kisses from Katie, two new nonfiction works to Multnomah.

The first book, Safe All Along, tentatively slated for release in Spring 2023, equips readers to experience the peace that comes with trusting God in the midst of tumultuous times. A second work, as yet untitled, will follow, along with a devotional product.

Laura Barker acquired world rights in an exclusive submission by Karen Yates at Yates & Yates.  For rights queries, please contact Denise Cronin, decronin@prh.com.

Multnomah is an imprint of the Random House Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

KINGDOM STORY COMPANY TO ADAPT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SEAL TEAM SIX STORY “FEARLESS” INTO FILM DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY ANDREW ERWIN

Kevin Downes to Join as Producer With Mark Ciardi
Screenplay by Academy Award^®nominee Jason Hall

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 26, 2022 – Kingdom Story Company has acquired the rights to adapt the New York Times bestseller Fearless by Eric Blehm and has hired screenwriter Jason Hall, best known for his Academy Award^®-nominated work on American Sniper and most recently wrote Gran Turismo for Sony Pictures, to adapt the screenplay. 

The announcement was made today by Kingdom Story Company co-founders Andrew Erwin, who will direct the film, and Kevin Downes, who will join Erwin in producing the feature along with Mark Ciardi and Jon Erwin. Kingdom Story Company has a distribution deal with Lionsgate. 

The film will tell the story of SEAL Team Six commando Adam Brown, a legendary hero who repeatedly overcame personal demons, including drug addiction and jail, to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a member of the elite Navy SEAL team. Supported by his family and drawing on his faith, Brown’s story of perseverance, heroism, and sacrifice is an inspiring story of patriotism and selflessness. 

“Eric Blehm’s bestselling book absolutely captivated me,” said Andrew Erwin. “Adam Brown’s journey from destructive addiction to the front lines with the Navy Seals is the most human redemption story I’ve ever read. Adam is a true American hero who overcame insurmountable odds to earn his way onto Seal Team Six, and the love story and the strong faith he had with his wife Kelley was truly special. We are tremendously honored to bring this story to life, and I can’t think of a better person to write this than Jason Hall. We are all honored by the trust the Brown family has placed in us to tell this story.”

Downes added: “This film is right in Andy’s wheelhouse. Fearless will not only take you behind enemy lines with SEAL Team Six, but into the heart and soul of one man and how he found the strength to step up. With its exciting setting among our country’s most valiant heroes and a story that delves deep into what it means to show true valor, Fearless will be a highly cinematic, compelling film.”

Added Kelley Brown, who was married to Adam Brown, “We are so blessed that such an amazing team will bring Adam’s story – as told in Fearless – to the big screen. His legacy is in good hands.” 

Andrew Erwin and his brother Jon previously directed American Underdog, I Still Believe, and I Can Only Imagine, among others. Fearless is published by Penguin Random House.

Reporting on crises: Initiative offers guidance

(July 2022 — Chicago, IL)—Some 50 Christians in publishing from 10 countries who attended the Crisis Publishing Initiative (CPI) Conference in Chicago last month gleaned an in-depth understanding of some of the biggest crises threatening the world—and gained key tools to help in reporting responsibly in the chaos of crisis.

In plenary sessions and a rich slate of workshops some 21 speakers delved into topics like covering war, hostage situations, vulnerable women and children, human trafficking, Christian persecution, and refugee movements.

The three-and-a-half-day conference organized by Magazine Training International (MTI) in partnership with the Evangelical Press Association, drew journalists from Austria, Ghana, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Context for crisis and a framework for handling truth with a global perspective was offered in plenary sessions led by internationally-recognized experts, including Dr. Miriam Adeney, professor at Seattle Pacific University; Dr. Sam George, faculty member and director of the Global Diaspora Institute at Wheaton College; Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice; and Julia Bicknell, co-founder of World Watch Monitor in the U.K.

Top-of-mind for many was the war in Ukraine. Katya Yefetova, a photographer and videographer from Kiev, described the digital defense effort with which she was involved from the start of the war until just a few days before arrival in Chicago after a harrowing journey across Ukraine.

Jeremy Weber, director of CT Global, and Jayson Casper, a journalist in Lebanon, shared lessons about cultivating local sources and discerning their unique angle as they covered the war in Ukraine from afar.

Words and images matter
In addition to the sessions providing valuable context for those reporting on sensitive situations, participants were pushed to excellence in practical application of journalistic principles in their work.

Morgan described how word choice can perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes in reporting on human trafficking. A victim of human trafficking should not be referred to as a “prostitute” in news reporting, she said, but as a “victim of commercial sexual exploitation,” a more accurate description of the crime of profiting by the abuse of another’s sexuality.

When communicating the story of vulnerable children, Dr. Anita Deyneka, director emeritus of the board of Mission Eurasia, and Sarah Gesiriech, principal of 127 Global Strategies, encouraged attendees to avoid stereotypes and sensationalism and to consider how images and words reflect on at-risk children, families, and communities.

Other workshops encouraged journalists to look at the story and its impact from other perspectives.

Bob Klamser, executive director of Crisis Consulting International, provided tips on how to report on hostage situations and how to stay safe in dangerous environments.

Palmer Holt, founder and CEO of InChrist Communications, discussed disasters as a pressing justice issue and suggested questions reporters need to ask. Freelance photographer Gary Chapman and Weber addressed how to navigate the photographer/reporter partnership.

Melissa Harrison, senior programs manager for The Media Project, shared her personal tragedy, what it was like as a journalist to become the story, and how it has transformed the way she interviews crisis victims and their families. Morgan Lee, a digital media journalist at Christianity Today, covered the pros and cons of podcasting.

Reporting on regions where open sharing carries risk for people who lack religious liberty requires special consideration. While identifying details may need to be masked in order to tell a story, readers still need to hear about how God is working around the world. The complexities of this kind of reporting were addressed by experts including Casper; Asif Aqeel, Pakistani newspaper journalist and correspondent for World Watch Monitor; Heather Pubols, founder of le Motif; Gökhan Talas, founder of Miras Publishing Ministries in Turkey; and Dr. C.V. Vadavana, founder of Sathyam Literature Service Trust in India.

Several workshops focused on misinformation, disinformation, and lack of information. While these issues have always been important for journalists, the industry behind the spread of disinformation now has widespread power with social media and Internet sites that appear legitimate. Joseph Benjamin, publisher of Gujarati Christians in India, and Bicknell were among those who addressed this growing problem.

Faith foundation
In a world filled with brokenness and pain, journalists and storytellers have a responsibility that goes beyond accurately reporting on the current state of the world. With a faith foundation that is based on the hope of the resurrected Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, journalists respond personally to stories and point readers toward the hope and truth of a God who is always with us, even through the hardest experiences.

“I’m impressed every time I attend an MTI conference because it dives deep into a subject and it not only covers technical aspects but also the spiritual dimension,” says Benjamin. “You are prepared spiritually as well as professionally.”

During the conference, this essential faith component was lived out. Sonnie Gitonga, founder and director of Scars to Stars Foundation in Kenya, shared particularly difficult stories about the hidden crisis of violence against women. In a sacred moment following her workshop, rather than the expected question and answer segment, participants asked if they could gather to pray.

The professional component of care that incorporates spiritual truth and best practices in psychology was presented by Dr. Jamie Aten and Kent Annon, co-founders of Spiritual First Aid, using the Spiritual First Aid model developed by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute of Wheaton College.

Woven through the planned sessions and informal conversations over meals were thought-provoking questions, spirited conversations, and a deepening of new and existing relationships.

“This conference has been an amazing opportunity to learn from and connect with international experts,” said Katy Causey of Compassion International. “There are also many practical tools and ideas that I can apply in my everyday work.”

Real-time application
While the conference was on-going, stories related to CPI discussions unfolded around the world. Participants could apply what was learned to events like the attack on a shopping center in Ukraine and the death of trafficked migrants in a semi-truck in San Antonio, Texas.

Rather than simple answers to complex realities, attendees left with a solid context for ongoing work and access to an extended network of relationships. The application will vary based on each person’s emphasis, but participants were eager to continue learning and growing while responding to crises around the globe from their own sphere of influence.

The Crisis Publishing Initiative Conference in Chicago was the second organized by Magazine Training International. The first was held in Hungary in 2017, drawing some 60 people from two dozen countries. “This conference was a smaller group than in 2017,” says Morgan, who spoke at both, “but the impact was mind blowing!”

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 32 years, MTI offered 70 conferences, courses, and seminars in East/Central Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In addition to 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 resource center on MTI’s website.

Written by Carla Foote, MTI board chair

Media Contact:  Sharon Mumper, President, (719) 598-9743, semumper@magazinetraining.com
More information is available on the event website or our website and Facebook.