CAROL STREAM, Ill. (April 20, 2021) NavPress, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release a new edition of Eugene Peterson’s translation of the book of Psalms: The Message of Psalms: Premier Journaling Edition. The Message translation brings ancient biblical wisdom into contemporary language. This new edition, which releases on May 4, offers journaling prompts and generous writing space for readers to reflect on the text.

Eugene Peterson was a pastor, scholar, writer, and poet. After teaching at a seminary and then giving nearly thirty years to church ministry, he created The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language—a vibrant Bible translation intended to uniquely connect with today’s readers. As NavPress publisher Dave Zimmerman explains,

The Message has always been a means to facilitating a real relationship between God and real people—”a plunge into more reality,” as Eugene put it. That’s our vision for the premier journaling edition of The Message of the Psalms. By setting the Psalter in this wide-open space, by prompting and facilitating the reader’s real and real-time reflection on what he or she is reading, by packaging the Psalms in bindings that allow us to consider which one feels most like us—we are seeking to set the table for a resonant encounter with a God who loves us each and all in our own particularities.

The Message of Psalms: Premier Journaling Edition will be released with three different cover options. Each copy features all 150 Psalms, reflective prompts, journaling space opposite each text page, a cover with French flaps, and Scripture callouts.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Mariah León, mariahleon@tyndale.com.

The Message of Psalms: Premier Journaling Edition
Softcover | $12.99 | May 4, 2021
978-1-64158-343-5 | 978-1-64158-398-5 | 978-1-64158-344-2
NavPress.com

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 people’s 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 and life transformation, and that help lead in the mission of making disciples.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. 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 also 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 imaginations 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, contributing a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million dollars throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) and the AFD Group today announce it has been agreed that SPCK will acquire from AFD the publishing business of Lion Hudson.

Completion of the transaction is expected to take place so that from 8th May, Lion Hudson’s imprints will join the SPCK Group alongside the SPCK and IVP imprints. The new expanded SPCK Group will be the UK’s largest Christian publisher with income in excess of £8 million per annum.

All staff employed by Lion Hudson will move to SPCK, with managing director Suzanne Wilson-Higgins and finance director Caroline Gregory joining SPCK’s senior management team. The combined organisation will be headquartered at 36 Causton Street in London with an office at Prama House in Oxford.

James Catford, Chair of SPCK, said, ‘This is an exciting and visionary step which combines the UK market leader in children’s Christian publishing with the market leader in adult Christian publishing. The strengthened SPCK Group will now have the scale and resource to be a global leader in Christian publishing, in a worldwide marketplace with growing numbers of Christians, growing literacy, and the growing affordability of books.’

Sam Richardson, Chief Executive of SPCK, said, ‘I am delighted that this move continues SPCK’s momentum. In the last six years at SPCK, we have doubled our income, and won both the Christian Publisher of the Year and Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year awards three times. Our successful merger with Inter-Varsity Press has proven that we can both provide a seamless experience for authors and customers, and retain the distinctive theological approaches of different imprints under one roof. This move will help both SPCK and Lion Hudson to better serve our authors, our customers and the church in the UK and around the world.’

Suzanne Wilson-Higgins said, ‘The bringing together Lion Hudson, which has been stabilised under AFD’s ownership over the past three years, and SPCK creates a strong group dedicated to Christian book publishing and future growth. I’m excited about the opportunities for the SPCK Group to serve the church in the UK and around the world.’

David Dorricott, Managing Director of the AFD Group, said, ‘It has been a privilege to be part of God’s plan for Lion Hudson for a season – and we are delighted that this exciting opportunity will now release new energy not just in the amazing imprints of Lion Hudson, but also the wider SPCK group. We will continue to cheer them on in their vital work – especially in presenting a Christian world view to an increasingly secularised society!’

Notes for editors:

SPCK Group company history:  The SPCK Group is the UK’s leading Christian book publisher. Its vision is a world where everyone is transformed by Christian knowledge, and its mission is to lead the way in creating books and resources which help everyone to make sense of faith. Since coming under new management following the closure of its bookshops, SPCK has seen great success from its publishing in the last six years, doubling its income and winning Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year three times and Large Christian Publisher of the Year three times. The SPCK imprint is a broad-based imprint seeking to publish the very best Christian books. SPCK’s subsidiary Inter-Varsity Press specialises in evangelical books. SPCK is a charity founded in 1698 and governed by a royal charter. SPCK’s patron is Her Majesty the Queen and its president is the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Lion Hudson company history:  Lion Hudson has its origins in two distinct organisations: Lion Publishing, founded in 1971 by David Alexander, Pat Alexander and (in 1973) Tony Wales who left IVP to execute a clear vision of bringing accessible colour, photographic, Christian books to the general market. Hudson International (founded in 1977 by Angus Hudson) acted as a packager and printer of books for publisher clients. Later Hudson acquired publishers Monarch Books and Candle Books, and the whole group was acquired by Lion Publishing Plc in 2003. Renamed Lion Hudson Plc, it became a dominant force in UK Christian publishing in terms of both turnover and influence. Its mission statement has remained intact: “to publish worldwide quality literature true to the Christian faith”. Lion Hudson Plc became a leader in international children’s publishing through its innovative illustrated publishing, co-edition services to publishing partners and the reselling of language rights for US Christian publishers’ leading brands. Assets of the business were acquired by the AFD Group following the administration of Lion Hudson Plc in 2017.

Sam Richardson, Chief Executive of SPCK, is available for interview.  Please contact 0207 592 3902
David Dorricott, Managing Director of the AFD Group, is available for interview.  Please contact david.dorricott@afd.co.uk

Podcast maintains spot on iTunes Top Ten Kids Shows, anticipates packed summer, Season 4 in Fall 2021

“I just listened to my first episode and already feel so encouraged and empowered to help my kids learn emotional vocabulary. What seemed overwhelming now has handles. Thank you!”  iTunes 5-star reviewer

NASHVILLE, April 22, 2021 — Parents, grandparents, pastors, pediatricians, educators, and counselors across the world are loving Raising Boys and Girls, which reached 1 million downloads this Spring. Releasing weekly each Tuesday, the podcast, which has garnered more than 900 5-star ratings on iTunes, tackles top-of-mind topics in parenting from consistency and patience to connection and freedom.

Minno Life’s Raising Boys & Girls podcast is a hope-filled and evidence-based tool that today’s parents can rely on to inform their daily parenting practices and build their family culture. The show’s top downloads on kids and covid, patience, consistency, and balance highlight critical pain-points in parenting, each addressed by national leading experts and authors. The Raising Boys and Girls podcast is a partnership between Minno and Daystar Counseling Ministries, both Nashville, Tennessee-based, organizations focused on supporting families as they navigate a life of faith and connection.

“This is core to our mission—to be a resource—and we are so thrilled that parents are consistently and in growing numbers turning to this content as they ride the parenting rollercoaster,” says Sissy Goff, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, CCATP, seven-time author, and principal at Daystar Counseling Ministries. “No one should face parenting alone, whether you’re in a relationship, single, a grandparent, or another caregiver entrusted with a child’s growing up years. While we wish we could meet with every family like those we see regularly in our practice, we are so glad our virtual door is opening wider!”

“This podcast is part of a broad range of support for parents that Minno offers, from Biblical programs on our streaming app to articles and guides on key parent topics,” says Erick Goss, co-founder and CEO of Minno. “We know that parents can feel lonely as they try to raise their kids in faith. Our research tells us that. The community that is being built around this podcast and other resources available is one we only hope to expand.”

New podcasts will continue throughout the summer, delving into topics like technology, summer camps, and encouragement for grandparents. Season 4 will premier in the Fall around the theme of the book, Modern Parents, Vintage Values, and will feature national voices including:

• Dr. Meg Meeker, Ph.D., best-selling author, pediatrician, and parenting expert
• Arlene Pellicane, author, speaker, podcaster, screen-time expert
• Dr. Chinwé Williams, licensed professional counselor, author and speaker
• Rachel Cruz, best-selling author, host of the Rachel Cruz Show

Regular contributing voices include:

• Sissy Goff, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, CCATP, Director of Child & Adolescent Counseling, Daystar Counseling Ministries and co-founder of Raising Boys and Girls ministry.
• David Thomas, LMSW, Director of Family Counseling, Boys’ Counselor & Group Leader at Daystar Counseling Ministries and co-founder of Raising Boys and Girls ministry.
• Melissa Trevathan, MRE, Founder, Executive Director, Daystar Counseling Ministries.

Collectively, Daystar Counseling Ministries and Minno are authors to numerous blog posts on the Minno Life Blog, while each organization individually publishes content related to faith and family.

• Daystar Counseling principals Melissa Trevathan, Sissy Goff, and David Thomas are the authors of nine books around topics related to child development, parenting, and family counseling including the wildly popular, Are My Kids On Track?. From their learnings at Daystar Counseling Ministries, or as locals call it, “the little yellow house that helps people,” Goff and Thomas operate the Raising Boys and Girls ministry to develop additional books and speaking opportunities that address the most pressing issues facing families today.
• Minno is the creator of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids, the fastest-selling children’s Bible ever, with more than 50,000 units sold in the first year and recipient of the 2020 Christian Book Award. Monthly, Minno releases Life Guides that offer “quick reads” on top-of-mind parenting topics such as emotions and technology. Each of these efforts comes in conjunction with Minno’s streaming video on demand service, which offers a variety of primarily Christian content including VeggieTales, Owlegories, Jungle Beat, Micah’s Super Vlog, and more.

Find the latest episodes of the podcast at raisingboysandgirls.com/listen.

RAISING BOYS AND GIRLS
Melissa Trevathan, David Thomas, and Sissy Goff have been counseling kids and families for a collective 75+ years at Daystar Counseling Ministries, a place that one child calls “the yellow house that helps people.” Together they formed Raising Boys and Girls, a ministry that aims to take what they learn from the kids and families they interact with daily and share it beyond the walls of the Daystar house by way of parenting books, a podcast, and conferences across the country and beyond.

DAYSTAR COUNSELING MINISTRIES
Daystar Counseling Ministries, Inc. seeks to offer the hope of Christ to children, adolescents, and families in need. Through individual and group counseling, summer camp programs, leadership training, and parenting seminars, Daystar is dedicated to serving the greater Nashville area, as well as the community at large, with encouragement and support.

MINNO
Minno helps kids and grownups experience the goodness of God through trustworthy and captivating stories that lead to meaningful family conversations. Minno offers on- and off-screen experiences through the Minno platform, with streaming-on-demand and ad-free subscription video content and Minno Life, an online parent hub with weekly-updated practical resources including blogs, a podcast, and the award-winning Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids. The name Minno comes from the Greek word for “abide” which drives their mission to curate and create content that sparks the wow and wonder of God while encouraging families to abide in Christ’s always-awesome love.

CONTACT: Jessica Wolstenholm, 615-293-4603, jess@gominno.com

The Way of the Father: Lessons from My Dad, Truths about God

Book Launch Includes National Partnerships with K-LOVE, AIR1 Radio & TBN

Nashville, Tenn. (April 2021) – My father was my hero. The kindest, gentlest man I have ever known. The person in my life who was always the most like Jesus to me and consistently reflected the qualities of my Abba Father.

Thus begins the latest book from CCM icon, multi-platinum artist and GRAMMY, AMA and Dove Award winner Michael W. Smith. The Way of the Father: Lessons from My Dad, Truths about God (K-LOVE Books, May 18, 2021) reveals how Michael’s father, Paul Smith, was a living example of God’s love – a role model for his family. Michael W. Smith, himself a father of five adult children and grandfather of sixteen, writes about his humble experiences of growing up in a small West Virginia town as well as his father’s story.

The Way of the Father is a deeply personal reflection on his father Paul Smith’s legacy and the profound effect he had on every area of Michael’s life. This book helps readers tap into the love of a Heavenly Father, regardless of a reader’s relationship with an earthly father. Michael’s stories about his own dad offer a glimpse into “our Father in Heaven” who is approachable, dependable and ever-present.

K-LOVE Books has crafted an extensive national marketing and media campaign to support the release of The Way of the Father. Elements include:

• National consumer pre-sale campaign offers a free audiobook for each order placed by May 18 (redeemable at klove.com/books). The audiobook is read by the author – a first for any of Michael W. Smith’s 15 titles.
• Nationally televised book launch event will air June 4, 2021, on TBN. The event will air on TBN once more before Father’s Day (June 20), featuring Charlie Daniels Jr, Franklin Graham, Bart Millard, etc.
• Extensive promotions across K-LOVE and Air1 (more than 14 million weekly listeners)
• Social media promotions reaching more than 8 million followers at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
• Signed book giveaways and interviews via local K-LOVE stations as well as select podcasts hosted by AcessMore.com

“My father was my hero. Even though he’s in Heaven now, he’s still my hero every day. My memories of his life, his words, and his wisdom are with me constantly as I parent and grandparent today,” writes Michael W. Smith. “Throughout his life, on a daily basis, Dad gave me a glimpse of what God is like. I am so grateful to be part of a long line of love and godly legacy through the grace and mercy of Jesus in our family.”

Smith not only honors his earthly father, but also reveals how God the Father is even more loving and gracious than any human parent. “I want to let you in on some lessons I learned from my dad,” he writes. “These lessons have connected with truths I have come to live out and believe. It’s my honor to share the principles and promises I’ve learned from the two most powerful influences in my life and ministry: my dad and my God—my Abba Father.”

Each chapter of The Way of the Father identifies a quality or characteristic of Michael’s father, Paul Smith. Each of these qualities were rooted in the elder Smith’s obedient life, committed to serving his Abba Father. Chapter themes include:

• Finding truth in tragedy
• Loving unconditionally
• Persevering through pain
• Bringing righteousness to the world
• Influencing and inspiring generations
• Discovering identity and approval in Christ

For readers who haven’t experienced a close family or loving father, Michael invites them to lean into their heavenly Father: “In our culture today, many people don’t have my testimony of strong, godly parents. But part of the great news of the Gospel is that God was the first and the ultimate Father so He can father you. In fact, He wants to father you. He longs to father you. At any age and any stage of life, He is there, ready. Regardless of the presence or absence of your dad, or your mom, God can be a Father to you.”

In writing The Way of the Father, Michael W. Smith partnered with long-time writer and creative Robert Noland. Noland is the writer of the bestselling memoir, I Can Only Imagine, with author and recording artist Bart Millard of MercyMe.

Michael W. Smith, a multi-platinum recording artist, has won three Grammy Awards, forty-five Dove Awards, an American Music Award, and has sold more than fifteen million albums. He has also given back to the global community, having raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa alongside U2’s Bono; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped to improve more than 83,000 children’s lives through Compassion International. With a career spanning more than four decades, Smith has also starred in two films and written fourteen books, including a children’s book series. He lives with his wife, Debbie, in Franklin, Tennessee. They have five adult children and sixteen grandchildren.

K-LOVE Books is an imprint of EMF Publishing. Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is the parent organization of K-LOVE and Air1 radio and AccessMore podcasting.

The Way of the Father:  Lessons from My Dad, Truths about God
By Michael W. Smith with Robert Noland
Available May 18, 2021, from K-LOVE Books
Hardcover: ISBN 9781954201026, 240 pages, 5” x 8” trim size, U.S. $25.95
eBook: ISBN 9781954201033, U.S. $9.99 Audiobook also available

Author interviews, review copies, and excerpt permission are available upon request. Contact Jana Muntsinger, jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 832-247-9308

Media Contact: Jana Muntsinger, 832.247.9308, jana@mmpublicrelations.com

Since 2003, ZDL Books, the largest Christian-values, privately held publisher in China, has sponsored a bi-annual China-strategy meeting for Christian publishing leaders.

Two years ago, the gathering brought together more than 50 leaders for a confidential dialogue. The 2021 meeting will be held in person (no virtual allowed), June 1-2 at the Hope Center in Plano, Texas.

“Publishers who join us for Beijing Brief: Global Edition will benefit from targeted presentations, strategic networking time, and expert consulting,” said Dwight Nordstrom, Chairman/GM of ZDL China.

Interested publishers are encouraged to contact Todd at en@zdlbooks.com or 937-477-3949.  More information is available at www.beijingbrief.com.

Committee of industry leaders will help direct, evaluate and advise on ECPA programs that resource members’ efforts to enhance their publishing missions through diversity and inclusion.

TEMPE, ARIZ. – APRIL 26, 2021 — With the approval and guidance of the ECPA board, a new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion standing committee has been formed within ECPA.  The new committee will be chaired by board member Tina Constable, EVP and Publisher for WaterBrook and Multnomah Publishing Group. Constable also leads the Penguin Random House imprints of Convergent, Image, and Forum.

This committee will join ECPA’s five other standing committees chaired by ECPA board members and composed of ECPA publishers and affiliates, which oversee the following ECPA programs: Bestsellers, Events, Membership, Recognition, and Research.

“ECPA committees play a strategic role in advancing the mission of our industry to make the Christian message more widely known,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “The new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee will bring fresh energy and creativity to our mission as the committee members identify crucial topics and initiatives.”

“It is an honor to be a part of this new ECPA committee and help create initiatives and practices to best support diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our publishing programs,” said committee chair Tina Constable.  “I am eager to open up this dialogue and look forward to working with this esteemed group of professionals in the months ahead.”

The committee members are:

Over the course of a 30-year publishing career, Tina Constable has served a wide variety of roles within Penguin Random House, Inc.,  including her current position as Executive Vice President and Publisher of the Christian imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Convergent, Image as well as the conservative imprint, Forum.  Tina’s varied experience has provided her a unique ability to bring a strategic and multi-faceted approach to many #1 bestselling books across a wide range of categories. Authors include President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush,  Tim Tebow, Jennie Allen, Michael Todd, Mark Batterson, Anne Graham Lotz, Michelle Obama, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, Charles Krauthammer, Condoleeza Rice, Peter Thiel, Jim Gaffigan, among numerous others. 

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Best-selling editor, writer, and literary agent, Jevon Bolden is CEO of Embolden Media Group, a boutique publishing consulting firm in sunny Florida. With seventeen years’ experience in publishing, Jevon shares the best of what she knows at conferences, workshops, and in coaching sessions with passionate, creative, and influential people who desire to publish great books that make a difference. Jevon has a bachelor’s degree in English, with a minor in sociology, from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  She is also the founder of Christian Publishing Professionals of Color.  

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Peter Cerra currently serves as the President of SEPA (Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association) as well as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for Editorial Portavoz (Kregel). With over 30 years of experience in the Christian publishing industry in many areas including Sales Forecasting, Sales and Marketing, his passion is to grow the Spanish Christian market globally.  

 

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Joyce Dinkins is an executive editor at Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM). Joyce builds relationships, acquires writers, edits, and manages publications. Her passion is inclusion and equity for diverse voices, entities, and audiences. Her work involves Our Daily Bread editions, Our Daily Bread Publishing books, ODB audible and film media. Before joining ODBM in 2015, she was managing editor for New Hope Publishers (Alabama), editor for NavPress (Colorado), and editor for David C. Cook (Illinois and Colorado). Joyce contributes around diversity, equity, and inclusion through publishing industry events, including Publishing in Color, ECPA PubU, and as a board member of the Academy of Christian Editors. 

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Ed Gilbreath is an editor, journalist, and author. He has served as the executive director of communications for the Evangelical Covenant Church, an editor for numerous magazines, the founding editor of UrbanFaith.com, and an executive editor at InterVarsity Press. He is currently the vice president of strategic partnerships at Christianity Today.     

 

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Maila Kim is a second-generation Hmong American. She received a B.A. in English Language & Literature and a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in Christian Formation & Ministry from Wheaton College Graduate School. Maila is a marketing manager at InterVarsity Press. She also serves on the steering committee of The Every Voice Now Initiative and is a co-host on The Every Voice Now Podcast. Maila lives in Illinois with her husband and is co-planting a church, The Prodigal Network. 

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

The committee will meet, along with all of ECPA’s standing committees, on May 3^rd during the ECPA Virtual Leadership Summit.  Each committee will give a report at the ECPA Member Town Hall, held on May 6 at 10 am central – preceding the afternoon program of the ECPA Awards Celebration.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) 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: ECPA.org.

Media Contact:  Stan Jantz, ECPA president and CEO, 480-966-3998, sjantz@ecpa.org

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NOTE:  This release was updated in 2023 to add committee member Edwina Perkins and to correct committee name to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

(Nashville, TN) April 19, 2021—Today HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Angela Guzman as senior editor for the publishing team that works on refreshing and revitalizing previously published material.

Guzman has worked for HCCP for four years and has over 15 years of writing, editing, and publicity experience. She has worked with authors including Jack Countryman, John Eldredge, Bob Goff, Emily Ley, and Max Lucado. As senior editor, Guzman will work with HCCP’s extensive catalog to edit and refresh content that is still relevant today.

“Working on this team requires the spe­­­­cific skill to see not what is—but what can be, and Angela’s wide skillset in writing, editing, and publicity has prepared her well to approach content through this lens,” said Michael Briggs, senior director, Publishing. “I’m looking forward to big wins for our authors and publishers with Angela as senior editor.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.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 monthly visitors. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN 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

Santa Rosa, CA – Books & Such Literary Management, which was founded by innovator Janet Kobobel Grant in 1996, is celebrating 25 years serving its authors and the Christian publishing industry.

Grant says, “From the outset, I saw the agency as bigger than one person. That’s part of the reason I didn’t use my name for the agency. And I envisioned the possibility of dipping our toes into publishing-associated ventures, not necessarily just books. Only two other agencies focused on the Christian market when Books & Such began, and neither was headed by a woman. That left me feeling there was plenty of room to create what I envisioned.”

She adds, “As time went on, it became apparent that Books & Such was instinctively headed toward being women-centric. Since most readers are women, we brought a sensibility as to what those readers were yearning for in their books.”

The six Books & Such literary agents (Wendy Lawton, Rachel Kent, Cynthia Ruchti, Barb Roose, Mary DeMuth, and Grant) currently serve more than 200 clients and sell hundreds of projects each year. In 2020, five of the six agents exceeded their individual yearly sales goals.

“Sometimes it seems as though I’ve grown up with Books & Such,” notes Vicki Crumpton, Executive Editor of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. “I barely remember a time in my career before Janet and then Wendy and then the wonderful team that’s come together over the years. Books & Such curates a fabulous stable of authors, cares for them and their proposals like family members,” Crumpton says, “and always makes my role as an acquiring editor a pleasure. They are absolutely Top Shelf in every way. Congratulations on the first 25 years…and here’s to many, many more.”

Among its year-long celebratory events, Books & Such is conducting a writing contest for unagented writers. Additionally, the team of agents will meet for a working retreat in the Sonoma, California, area. Whimsical polls and contests are ongoing with the Books & Such clients as well as bimonthly educational webinars.

With 25 years to celebrate, Books & Such Literary Management and its leader, Janet Grant, look ahead to continue serving its authors, the industry, and the reading community well.

Books & Such Literary Management

Ministers Daniel and Amber Pierce Recount Dramatic Stories of Life in Israel and How To Embrace Hope in The Midst of Devastating Events in ‘Joy in the War’

The Pierces share about their life and ministry, casting light on how they discerned their calling to Israel, submitted to the journey, and lived for a decade in a war zone

ORLANDO, Fla.— Ministers Daniel and Amber Pierce did not plan on getting stranded in the United States for more than a year when they traveled from their long-time residence in Jerusalem to attend the funeral of Amber’s father in their hometown of Dallas on March 6, 2020 – but that is exactly what happened. Prior to departing Israel, they stocked up on supplies in anticipation of a possible Israeli government-mandated Covid-19 quarantine upon their return. Within 48 hours of landing in Dallas, they started the process of stocking their U.S. home with enough food and supplies all over again, as the American government was preparing to take drastic measures in the fight against this invisible enemy.

In their compelling new book, Joy in the War: Expand Your Ability to Embrace Hope in the Heat of Battle (Charisma House, ISBN‐13: 978‐1‐62999‐982‐1), Daniel and Amber take on the current battle breaking down the hope of so many by sharing their own testimony, walked out over the past decade as they discerned their calling to Israel, submitted to the journey, and lived in the country: a place where war is a constant looming threat. Through the couple’s insights, they illuminate biblical truths that will help restore peace and joy, even during life’s toughest seasons.

“We can access the power of heaven and defeat death when we give the love of our own lives to the Lord,” writes Daniel. “The joy of the Lord becomes our strength in dark places, and it comes from the victory that we know lies before us. Jesus Himself was our example in this. He endured the suffering of the cross and experienced victory because He could see what lay before Him.”

Joy in the War is a unique book about finding hope in the midst of devastating events, including those happening in America and around the world. Daniel and Amber describe how these events can undermine our ability to experience the joy of the Lord. While living in Israel and under the ever-present fear of war, they spent a period of time in Ber’er Sheva (southern Israel) near the Gaza strip, where there was a constant military presence. The one-minute warning time between hearing the siren and a rocket’s impact, and frequent missile strikes that took place day and night, required a ‘safe room’ which was their daughter Lily’s bedroom, and where they would take shelter during the air attacks. Despite such overwhelming situations, the couple learned, Amber explains: “Sometimes it feels like the hardest thing in the world to walk out our trials in joy, but we must remember, as we develop an eternal perspective in God’s kingdom, He pours out His joy in a way that is overwhelming.”

“I hope reading Daniel’s and Amber’s words accomplishes its purpose: to produce wisdom that helps you outwit the enemy,” says Chuck Pierce, Daniel’s father, a bestselling author, and president of Glory of Zion International Ministries. “Most of all, I pray that this book helps you to fulfill your destiny—to enjoy life!”

The concepts shared by Daniel and Amber Pierce—part of the legacy family of Chuck Pierce— include:

• How to discern the times using God’s supernatural knowledge
• What to do when you are war-weary
• Understanding and honoring the covenant relationship with God
• Finding the joy of the Lord in the hard places
• Moving through trauma to joy and wholeness

Joy in the War will help readers better understand how, even in the midst of crisis and chaos, God can use joy as a weapon to tear down the attacks of the enemy and provide the spiritual bandwidth to overcome. And, that when aligned with His purposes, even the surrounding conflict and warfare cannot stop His joy from manifesting and releasing a strength and purpose that empowers us to triumph. Writes Daniel: “Joy strengthens us and allows us to not only endure hardship but also to gain strength and maturity from our struggles.”

For additional information, including a free sample chapter of Joy in the War, visit https://charismahouse.com/joy-in-the-war-by-daniel-and-amber-pierce/

Joy in the War: Expand Your Ability to Embrace Hope in the Heat of Battle, is released by Charisma House, which publishes books that challenge, encourage, teach, and equip Christians.

Daniel and Amber Pierce moved to Israel in January of 2011 and have been actively serving in ministry for over twelve years. Daniel and Amber spent several years building relationships with local leaders and serving in many capacities before following the Lord’s call to open and establish the GOZJ ministry center. This call originated out of a longing to worship the Lord in an atmosphere of spiritual freedom. Through this open door of worship, God quickly began to reveal needs in both local and international communities to experience and connect in freedom with the Holy Spirit in a stronger way. Daniel and Amber Pierce hosted “Rise as One” worship meetings in Jerusalem for over two years before establishing the GOZJ center.  Stay in touch with Daniel and Amber:

• Website: https://charismahouse.com/joy-in-the-war-by-daniel-and-amber-pierce/
• Instagram: @AmberPierce12 and @DanielPierce81

Title: Joy in the War: Expand Your Ability to Embrace Hope in the Heat of Battle | Retail: US $17.99 | Release Date: May 4, 2021 | ISBN‐13: 978‐1‐62999‐982‐1 | E‐Book ISBN: 978‐1‐62999‐983‐8 Binding: Trade paper | Size: 5.5” x 8.25” | Page Count: 208 | Hometown: Jerusalem | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth RELIGION / Christian Living / Inspirational

To interview Daniel and Amber Pierce or for a review copy of Joy in the War: Expand Your Ability to Embrace Hope in the Heat of Battle, contact  Lklosterman@tkomarketing.net or chelsey@tkomarketing.net.

Evangelical Scholar Releases “Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel”  

Andreas J. Köstenberger Provides Insight on Signs, Plot and Messages in the Gospel of John

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 15, 2021 – Andreas J. Köstenberger, Evangelical scholar, Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, provides a step-by-step journey through John’s unfolding narrative of Jesus the Messiah and Son of God in his new book from Lexham Press, “Signs of the Messiah: an Introduction to John’s Gospel.”

The book takes a theological deep dive into the life of Jesus from the Gospel of John, noting the many times He was asked for signs proving Him as Messiah. Köstenberger explores the seven signs Jesus gave throughout the book of John and why even with these miracles there was unbelief.

“John’s point is that people’s unbelief was their own fault. The problem was not that God, through Jesus, failed to provide tangible evidence that he was real. No, the problem was that people asked for signs, but when Jesus gave them a sign, they didn’t like the one he gave them and kept asking for more,” writes Köstenberger. “He fed the multitudes, he healed the sick, he even opened the eyes of a man born blind—and for an encore, he raised a dead man whose body had been in the tomb for four days. The core message of John is that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. My hope and my prayer for you is that you might believe Jesus is the Son of God and find eternal, abundant life in him.”

“Signs of the Messiah” originated as a series of “For the Church Workshop” lectures Köstenberger gave at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at the invitation of the school’s President Jason Allen.  When read in unison with the gospel of John, “Signs of the Messiah” further illuminates the core message of John and ultimately helps readers trust more fully in Jesus.

“It was Ernst Käsemann who said that the Gospel of John is shallow enough for a baby to wade in but deep enough for an elephant to drown. Andreas Köstenberger has been swimming in the deep end of the Johannine pool for a long time, and it shows in this easy-to-read guide to the theology of the Fourth Gospel, a theology of an eyewitness of Jesus himself,” said Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. “Students and pastors alike will gain new insights into this crucial telling of the good news.”

To purchase now and learn more about “Signs of the Messiah,” visit  https://lexhampress.com/product/197331/signs-of-the-messiah-an-introduction-to-johns-gospel.

About Lexham Press
Lexham Press, a division of Faithlife, seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/.

About Andreas J. Köstenberger
Andreas J. Köstenberger is a research professor of New Testament and biblical theology and director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous books, including “The Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters,” “Encountering John” and “The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament.”