New Bible Study Examines the Life of Joseph, and What We Can Learn About Staying On Course While We Wait

Birmingham, AL – Beloved author, podcast host, and speaker Carol McLeod is preparing to launch her fifteenth book, MEANWHILE: Meeting God in the Wait.  This Bible study examines the life of Joseph in the Old Testament, and shares how we can thrive in our God-given callings and purpose, even in the challenging, unsettling seasons of our lives.  Published by Iron Stream Media, MEANWHILE will release on July 26, 2022.

“Everyone finds themselves in the ‘meanwhile’ in their lives,” shares Carol. “During these times, God is at work behind-the-scenes to cause all things to work together for good. But for us, it may feel more like an incredibly ‘mean while’!  When we look in the book of Genesis and we experience the story of Joseph, we can be reminded that our past doesn’t define us. Our present doesn’t define us. But who we choose to trust in does determine our future.”

Like many of us, Joseph was a victim: of circumstances, of family dysfunction, of slavery, of unfair accusations, of sexual harassment. However, he still walked in his destiny. She continues, “Joseph’s story parallels many of our stories. The choices of others created hardships that were out of his control. Yet Joseph grew into his God-ordained destiny. Through every painful ‘meanwhile,’ Joseph was able to wholeheartedly know and rest on God’s promise of better things to come.”

Carol McLeod is a sought-after speaker, best-selling author of 15 books and the host of two successful podcasts, including “Jolt of Joy,” a podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network which is ranked in the top 5% of podcasts internationally, and “Significant Women,” which is ranked in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide. Her weekly blog “Joy for the Journey” has been named to the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women, and her YouVersion devotionals have been enjoyed by nearly 4 million people around the world.  In September, she is prepping to launch a weekly TV show, called “The Joy Life.”  Known for her great joy and enthusiasm, Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical Bible-focused messages, interspersed with her own special brand of hope and humor.

“I hope people are inspired when they look to the life of Joseph. That they will be reminded that God is intentionally, powerfully moving in the meanwhiles of our lives.”

MEANWHILE: Meeting God In the Wait is published by Iron Stream Media and is available at all major book retailers and online on July 26, 2022.
CarolMcLeodMinistries.com

About Carol McLeod:
Carol is a best-selling author of 15 books, she hosts two popular podcasts, her weekly blog, Joy for the Journey, has been named to the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women, and she also writes a weekly column for Ministry Today. Her YouVersion Devotionals have reached 4 million people worldwide.

About Iron Stream Media:
Making disciples as we go. 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, to one 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 series. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream Books, Brookstone Creative Group, Iron Stream Kids, Iron Stream Harambee Press, and Iron Stream Fiction. Through the popular Life Bible Study imprint, they also provide web-based year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.  https://www.ironstreammedia.com/

NEW KENSINGTON, PA  July 5th, 2022—Anchor Distributors and The Good Book Company are pleased to announce a partnership in which Anchor Distributors will provide distribution and fulfillment services to The Good Book Company.

The Good Book Company started in 1991, and has grown to be an international provider of Christian resources, with offices in Charlotte, NC, and London, UK, as well as a partner office in Sydney, Australia. The Good Book Company’s books, Bible studies, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses  and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world. Additionally, their resources have been translated into more than 35 languages worldwide. Their focus is on producing materials that help ordinary Christians grapple with issues of faith, life and Christian belief.

“We’re really excited about what the Lord has in store for us,” says Peter Anderson, Vice President of Operations at The Good Book Company. “We have found a likeminded team, who have already made a big difference to our business. Bringing our books on board has been very smooth, and we think there’s huge potential in our partnership to extend the impact of our great content, for His glory.”

“We are excited to partner together with the wonderful team at The Good Book Company,” says Karen Fulton, Director of Operations at Anchor Distributors. “We are confident that our warehousing and distribution services will assist them in expanding their reach in North America and beyond.” Karen went on to say that Anchor’s efficient and accurate order processing capabilities and expansive warehouse will enable The Good Book Company to provide the best possible customer service to their valued customers.

ABOUT ANCHOR DISTRIBUTORS
With headquarters just east of Pittsburgh, Anchor Distributors is part of Whitaker Corporation, which also includes Whitaker House, Whitaker House Español, and Word Alive, our Canadian distribution division. A Christian, family-owned business established in 1970, Whitaker Corp. is dedicated to proclaiming the gospel to the lost and flooding the world with life-changing media of eternal value.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT:  Abigail Talbott | Publicity Manager (publicity@thegoodbook.com)

Ada, Mich. (July 7, 2022)—Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that they have signed a multibook contract with award-winning and bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn. Revell will initially publish three books in the tentatively titled Suitcase Sisters series. The first novel is scheduled to release in Fall 2023, followed by two more books in 2024.

The Suitcase Sisters series will feature best friends in midlife who experience adventures in international settings. Throughout their journey, they will renew and deepen their friendships, expand their view on the world, and discover just how much God loves and cares for them. Fans of Robin’s previous bestselling Sisterchicks series will once again enjoy jet-setting across the globe on new adventures together.

Senior Acquisitions Editor Rachel McRae stated, “We are so excited to welcome Robin Jones Gunn to the Revell family. Robin is a beloved novelist who has a long publishing history and devoted readers who are eager for a new travel series. We often hear how readers would like to see more stories that feature the friendships of women at different stages in life, so the Suitcase Sisters series will be a welcome addition to the Revell lineup. From Europe to Africa and many points in between, we’ll have readers traversing the globe with fun new stories that celebrate the beauty of our world and the power of the female friendships we have in our lives.”

About the Author:
Robin is the bestselling author of more than 100 books with combined sales of 6 million worldwide. She is best known for the timeless Christy Miller series for teen girls and her Glenbrooke and Sisterchicks novels. In addition, she has written 10 nonfiction works, including her memoir, Victim of Grace. Robin’s books have appeared multiple times on the ECPA bestseller list and have been finalists for and a winner of the Christy Award. She has also received two Reader’s Choice Awards from Faith, Hope, and Love, a former branch of Romance Writers of America. Four of her novels were adapted as Hallmark Christmas movies, with two of the movies breaking the Hallmark Network records for most watched and highest rated movies for 2016 and 2017.

After living on Maui for a decade, Robin and her husband recently moved to California to be closer to their two grown children and four grandchildren.

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

Cary, NC, July 11, 2022 — CrossCurrent Digital is a Christian, conservative, family-friendly digital platform that will provide consumers with the option to purchase their eBooks, audiobooks, and digital content from a company that shares and protects content with a biblical worldview.

Many Christian and right-of-center publishers depend on Amazon for the majority of their sales. In 2021, Amazon removed the book “When Harry Became Sally” by Ryan T. Anderson. In 2022 Amazon removed a Christian publisher’s entire Amazon store (Church and Family Life), claiming they “have published books with misleading content that have the potential to mislead or defraud our customers.”

Not only have international book platforms removed titles with a Judeo-Christian worldview, which is the foundation of traditional family values, they have banned ads for titles and failed to make follow-up orders after selling through inventory – despite high demand. Publishers and distributors have also pulled titles they have previously published/endorsed/carried (e.g., Tyranny of Big Tech by Josh Hawley).

What will happen when Amazon and other international book platforms decide to remove all titles from all publishers that take a biblical stand on divisive cultural values?

CrossCurrent will have titles from major Christian and conservative publishers and trusted imprints, general content from many mainstream publishers, and content from authors and publishers that readers need to know about.

CrossCurrent will be cancel-free and insulated from Big Tech, so that the Gospel and books with traditional values that stem from a Judeo-Christian worldview will have a home – no matter what happens with other digital book platforms that are currently dominated by Big Tech.

“It is vitally important that in addition to pushing for legal reforms, conservatives and Christians build their own platforms to protect their content. CrossCurrent is doing just that to ensure that these books are never permanently deplatformed.” – Ryan Anderson, Ph.D., President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

The CrossCurrent platform is scheduled to launch in late summer of 2022.

Find out more at: crosscurrentdigital.com.

CrossCurrent Digital founder Claton Butcher is available for interviews.  cbutcher@crosscurrentdigital.com.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—July 8, 2022—The Navigators, a global ministry of Life-to-Life® disciplemaking, has partnered with The Barna Group, a research company specializing in the state of Christianity, to release groundbreaking new insights on how people can share their faith in organic and impactful ways.

“The Navigators motto is ‘To know Christ, make him known, and help others do the same®.’ The reason for us asking for this research was to figure out what are the obstacles and opportunities in helping others to become a disciplemaker?” said Stephanie Rich, director of marketing and content development for The Navigators. “What we learned is that making disciples in our context is far more achievable than most people think. We’re letting people know: ‘You have what it takes.’”

The preliminary findings of this research project were released in April 2022 with the result of a guidebook, Growing Together: A Three-Part Guide for Following Jesus and Bringing Friends on the Journey, published by The Barna Group in partnership with The Navigators. This field guide is filled with actionable insights around why disciplemaking can change your life and that you have what it takes to be a disciplemaker. This book is meant to be a guidebook for you to share with others.

Alice Matagora, program director for the Leader Development Initiative at The Navigators, has written a follow-up book, How to Save the World: Disciplemaking Made Simple, to help everyday people apply the findings of the research to how they practice and share their faith. “If I can make disciples of Jesus, anyone can make them,” said Matagora, a licensed marriage and family therapist. “The research shows that the hurdles between us and more transformational faith are more about approach and getting out of our own way than anything.”

“These books complement each other well, even though each of them serves a distinct purpose,” said David Zimmerman, publisher of NavPress. “If Growing Together is a field guide for your backpack, then How to Save the World is your thoughtful read on an airplane. Growing Together is an engaging discipleship tool. How to Save the World was written to get you in the game.”

Growing Together is available now for purchase through The Barna Group. How to Save the World releases in August 2022 and will be available through all trade outlets and at navpress.com.

Information on the “You Have What It Takes” campaign is available at navigators.org.

The NavPress mission is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to peoples’ lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

Carol Stream, Ill. — (July 8, 2022) —Tyndale House Publishers recently celebrated 30 years of publishing with beloved and bestselling author Francine Rivers.

Present at the celebration were members of Francine’s book team at Tyndale, as well as her agent, Danielle Egan-Miller, and her husband; Francine’s husband, Rick; and their daughter-in-law Leah.

Francine’s impressive writing career with Tyndale was recounted and celebrated at the event.

The highlights include:

• Francine has written 13 full-length novels for Tyndale, all bestsellers.
• The most recent five releases have all been New York Times hardcover bestsellers.
• She has also written a devotional, a Christmas story, and 10 novellas about biblical characters, all individual bestsellers.
• Her two omnibus compilations of those novellas were both bestsellers, her title A Lineage of Grace a mega bestseller.
• In addition, and amazingly, Francine’s entire body of fiction work from the past 30 years remains in print and selling domestically.
• Her novel A Voice in the Wind will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023.
• Francine Rivers’s works have been translated into 31 languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, and Chinese.
• She is a bestselling author in several countries, most notably South Africa and the Netherlands.
• She has had two full-length feature films produced based upon her novels: The Last Sin Eater (2007) and Redeeming Love (2022).
• Francine has millions of readers and millions of copies of her books have sold worldwide.
• She has received too many awards to count, but two notewothy examples are her induction into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame (1997) and her American Christian Fiction Writers Lifetime Achievement Award (2015).
• Most importantly, Francine has more stories to tell and more books to write!

In addition to her illustrious career and numerous accomplishments, what stands out most profoundly, when marveling at Francine’s career, is her clarity of vision. On November 18, 1985, around the time when Francine became a Christian, while reassessing the next steps in her writing career, she shared this comment in a typed letter to her agent Jane Jordan Browne: “My goal is to write big, adult, earthy Christian books—all set in the multiplicity of California. I have a battle to fight with ‘born-again’ Christians who see God as a despot and prude.” She has faithfully lived out that vision and calling, to the absolute delight of her readers, and all who have had the privilege of working with Francine feel honored to have done so.

Ron Beers, chief publishing officer at Tyndale, shared, “I still remember the first day Francine Rivers visited Tyndale to meet us and see if we would be a good fit for her writing vision. After she left that day, we all knew this was a match made in heaven. What an honor and joy and privilege it has been to be Francine’s publishing partner for 30 years. Long-term publisher-author relationships like this are so rare, and we have never lost sight of that. Francine Rivers has impacted millions of readers in a positive and deeply inspirational way. And she has also made Tyndale a better place through her example of integrity and genuine care for others. We look forward to continuing this very special and unique publishing partnership with Francine.”

Francine’s publisher Karen Watson added, “It is one of my life’s greatest privileges to work with a woman who is so clear-eyed and resilient in her calling, who is a winsome example for aspiring writers, and who still laughs easily, but not cynically, about the foibles of this business. God sent a rare gift to Tyndale when Francine crossed our threshold.”

Of her long-standing representation of Francine, literary agent Danielle Egan-Miller shared, “It is a privilege and a pleasure to be Francine Rivers’s agent. I first met Francine in the early 1990s, at the very start of my publishing career, when I was literary agent Jane Jordan Browne’s assistant. I was in awe of Francine back then. This was when A Voice in the Wind was first published and that book—and the entire Mark of the Lion series—just blew me away. By the time I rejoined Jane’s agency as a partner many years later, Francine was a major internationally bestselling author and had been Jane’s client for nearly 25 years. Then Jane died. As her appointed successor, I had huge shoes to fill. Francine, very graciously, gave me a chance. She was both incredibly patient and remarkably kind as I found my way and eventually earned her trust as her ‘new’ agent. We’ve been together nearly 20 years at this point and we’re still having a great run.

I love to say that Francine Rivers is the most down-to-earth global bestselling author that I know. Because she is! She is an incredible storyteller, an amazing writer, she’s very funny, and she’s an all-around excellent human being. She’s a delight to work for. She has also taught me so much about faith and about grace. I deeply admire her and I count myself as very blessed to have her in my life!”

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet at katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Ada, Mich. (July 11, 2022)—Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract with Myquillyn Smith, NYT bestselling author of Cozy Minimalist Home and Welcome Home.

Her first of the two books will be a definitive guidebook for readers who want to make changes in their home to move from “stuck” to “done.”

“Revell publishes many of my favorite books and I’m absolutely thrilled to get to partner with a publisher so highly admired by readers, writers, and industry insiders,” said Smith. “Together we’ll create beautifully approachable works that are both encouraging and applicable, impacting homes and hearts for years to come.”

Scheduled for a spring 2024 release, the lifestyle book, filled with gorgeous photos and practical tips, will teach readers her universal “rules to decorate by”—a resource her community craves.

“It’s a dream to partner with Myquillyn on these books and serve her always-growing readership, including her beloved Cozy Community,” said Kelsey Bowen, Revell senior acquisitions editor. “There’s a reason readers gravitate to Myquillyn—her relatability and unique talent to make women feel like they can confidently create their dream home in any space and at any skill level is extraordinary. Her books with Revell will be core bestsellers in the home & lifestyle category.”

Smith says, “Make room on your coffee table, these are the home books we’ve all been waiting for. These are the books I’ve always wanted to write.” 

Myquillyn Smith, NYT Bestselling author of The Nesting Place, Cozy Minimalist Home, and Welcome Home, is also known as “The Nester,” and has been encouraging women to embrace their homes—imperfections and all—for more than a decade. She has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Cottages & Bungalows. She was chosen by Christianity Today as one of the top twenty creatives in 2016. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys.

Revell Books provides books that inspire and equip readers, offering them hope and help for daily life. Learn more at www.RevellBooks.com.

Contact: Kelli B. Smith, (616) 676-9185 x 394, ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

CRT Retailers & Suppliers Retreat Returns to the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick in September 2023

Over the past few months Steve and Mandy Briars have been in discussion with Alexandra McDonald and Jon Adams regarding the ongoing future of CRT and the Retailers & Suppliers Retreat. It is with real pleasure that it can now be announced that Alexandra and Jon have formed a new company, CRT Events Ltd, to take over the responsibility and running of CRT commencing with the 2023 event which will be held at the Hayes Conference Centre, Alfreton, Derbyshire on Wednesday 6 & Thursday 7 September.

The 2022 Christian Resources Together (CRT) awards will take place on Thursday 13 October at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park organised by Steve and Mandy. In 2023 the awards will return as a much-loved part of the CRT event at the Hayes.

Steve comments, “It has been a privilege and honour to support retailers, suppliers and authors over the past twelve years that Mandy and I have been running CRT but now believe it is the right time to handover the responsibility.  We have no doubt that Alexandra and Jon will bring new energy and ideas to the event that will support the trade for years to come. It is mine and Mandy’s intention to continue publishing Together magazine as it enters its tenth year.”

Alexandra and Jon will be reaching out over the next few months to all areas of the Christian publishing, retail and writing industry to ensure that the 2023 event brings the trade back together.  They will retain the best loved bits of the previous events and hope to bring new speakers, innovations and training opportunities to the event to make it even more valuable to take part.

Alexandra said, “I’m delighted to be involved with CRT in 2023 and for the years beyond – the pandemic robbed us of the valuable time we used to spend together at the Hayes in fellowship, so it is a pleasure to be able to play a part in bringing community back to the UK Christian book, music and gift trade.”

Jon said, “Since I have been back on the road this year customers have been constantly asking me when CRT will be back so it is great to be able to definitively announce that it will return.  I am really looking forward to helping put together the new event for 2023 with many of the elements we all know and love.”

Andi Bray, Chair of the BA Christian Booksellers Group comments, “The CRT Retreat is always such a good opportunity to get all sides of our business together, and I’m relieved that we’ll be able to meet again in person next year.  I’m looking forward to helping to make sure that the event is a must-attend feature on everyone’s calendar.”

During this period of transition please contact Alexandra and Jon regarding any aspects of the CRT Retailers and Suppliers Retreat 2023.  For enquiries regarding the CRT Awards 2022 and Together magazine contact Steve Briars at steve@christianresourcestogether.co.uk

Alexandra McDonald was formerly Commercial Director at SPCK Publishing for 11 years, but now is independent and runs the UK/EU sales and marketing for the Baker Publishing Group and can be contacted on alexandra@synergybooksales.co.uk or 0777 616 7261

Jon Adams is the Sales Director at Teal Press Limited, having worked for them for nearly 16 years.  For CRT purposes Jon can be contacted on jonadams999@hotmail.co.uk

Nominate a Book for the 2023 Christianity Today Book Awards

CAROL STREAM, Ill., June 14, 2022 — Christianity Today is calling for submissions for the 2023 Christianity Today Book Awards. The CT Book Awards will be announced in December at ChristianityToday.com. Winners will be featured prominently in the January/February 2023 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:

Ada, Mich. (June 14, 2022)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce that they have signed a distribution services agreement with John Wiley & Sons. Effective September 1, 2022, Wiley will distribute Baker Publishing Group titles throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, taking over from Macmillan Distribution. Synergy Book Sales UK, which was founded by Alexandra McDonald, will continue to represent Baker Publishing Group titles in these markets and will work closely with Wiley to ensure that customer accounts and orders are opened and fulfilled in a timely fashion over the changeover period.

Nathan Henrion, Baker’s executive vice president of sales, stated, “We look forward to maximizing the promotion and distribution of our titles throughout these territories as we partner with Wiley and Synergy Books. We believe this alliance will be mutually beneficial for all three organizations and will allow us to better serve the needs of the accounts and ultimately the readers.”

“I am delighted that we have made arrangements to distribute the range of Baker titles in the UK and Europe with Wiley,” stated Alexandra McDonald.  “They are considered highly throughout the book trade as being an efficient and accurate book distribution service, and they will be a great partner to us over the coming years.”

Mark Vandeven, senior director of global distribution and logistics, commented, “Wiley Distribution is delighted to be chosen as Baker Publishing Group’s UK and European distributor. We are excited about partnering with the Baker and Synergy teams by providing exceptional distribution services to support the success of their content and satisfaction of their readers. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

• John Wiley & Sons, +44 1243 779777, customer@wiley.com
• Alexandra McDonald, Synergy Book Sales UK Ltd, +44 777 616 7261, alexandra@synergybooksales.co.uk

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

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