Christian audiobooks rank as bestsellers in a South Korean Mega Bookstore

In South Korea, consumption patterns and ways of using content have significantly changed. They are seeing a growing digital content consumption with the growth of new media such as smartphones and the emergence of a digitally native generation accustomed to digital life. 

The country’s publishing industry is also witnessing growing sales of eBooks, audiobooks, chatbooks, and web fiction.  Audiobooks are loved because they can be easily listened to anytime, anywhere without carrying a book.  It’s have revolutionized the way in which many readers consume their books.  More and more South Korean people have become interested in audiobooks with the development of digital environments and technology.

As South Korea’s market for audiobooks expands, a leading Christian publisher Urim Books, an international member of ECPA, has been meeting the needs of Christian audiences.

Beginning the audiobook production last year, Urim Books has produced eight titles of audiobooks in Korean until now and it is becoming a hot topic in the publishing market.

In June this year, Urim-produced Christian audio titles, Spirit, Soul and Body (Vol 2) and Heaven (Vol 1) (Vol2) have ranked on the daily, weekly, and monthly bestsellers in the audiobook section of Kyobo Bookstore which is one of the largest bookstore chains in South Korea. As well as, the audiobooks stay bestsellers in July also.

Spirit, Soul and Body (Vol 2) was recited by Rev. Dr. Soojin Lee, and Heaven (Vol 1) (Vol2) were recited by narrator Hyungkyung Lee, who is serving in GCN TV.

Urim Books is to produce further audio titles in various languages to keep pace with the increasing number of international audiobook audiences.

• Spirit, Soul and Body (Vol 2):
  https://digital.kyobobook.co.kr/digital/ebook/ebookDetail.ink?barcode=450D000089962
• Heaven (Vol 1): https://digital.kyobobook.co.kr/digital/ebook/ebookDetail.ink?barcode=450D000067713
• Heaven (Vol 2): https://digital.kyobobook.co.kr/digital/ebook/ebookDetail.ink?barcode=450D000084551

Edited by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, featuring contributions from Melissa Kruger, Jen Wilkin, Laura Wifler & more

CHICAGO, IL, July 1, 2022:  US-based publishing ministry The Gospel Coalition (TGC) is delighted to announce the publication of a new multi-author title that encourages Christian women to apply grace and discernment to the way they engage online.

Social media can be both a delight and a disaster for women who want to love God and love neighbor. The industry has grown so fast that it’s been hard to figure out how to handle it wisely: in less than 20 years, about 80 percent of American women have signed up for an account. The latest surveys show Americans spend more than two hours a day scrolling, posting, and liking.

Featuring nine influential authors from various prominent ministries across the evangelical community, Social Sanity in an Insta World seeks to explore social media’s potential and pitfalls—along with the biblical principles we need to honor the Lord online.

Readers are invited to reflect on some of the subtle ways social media is forming their thought life and daily habits…

• Why do I feel so irritated after being on social media?
• Why is everyone on Facebook having more fun than I am?
• Should I delete all my accounts?

Social Sanity in an Insta World is edited by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra and features contributions from Jen Wilkin, Melissa Kruger, Laura Wifler, Emily Jensen, Gretchen Saffles, Ana Avila, Stephanie Greer, and Ruth Chou Simons.

To support the launch of this title, TGC is releasing a series of video interviews with the authors as part of a weekly book club, enabling churches to delve further into the principles behind the book and apply it in their local contexts.

Also releasing in July will be a special episode of Recorded—TGC’s investigative journalism podcast written by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra—exploring the way social media is affecting the lives of Gen Z Christian women.

Find out more at www.socialsanitybook.com.

For media inquires, contact sarah.zylstra@thegospelcoalition.org. 

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Questions for interviews:

• What are some of the pitfalls of social media explored in the book?
• It seems as if some of the early excitement about social media has given way to a more cautious and skeptical approach. How did this happen?
• Do the costs outweigh the benefits on social media? If so, should Christian women consider quitting social media completely?
• Can you give us some examples of the book’s principles for handling social media well?
• In your chapter of the book you talk about the connection between social media and money. Why is it important to be aware of the economic dimensions of social media?
• How does it help our understanding of social media to realize it’s developed by—and used by—fallen people?
• What does fearing God have to do with using social media?
• There’s a lot in the news about how social media can have psychological effects on users. How is it harming our mental health?
• How can social media tempt us toward sinful behavior?
• In what ways do some influencers, whether knowingly or unknowingly, pressure us to conform to a certain image of cultural acceptance, or in the case of Christian influencers, toward godly womanhood?

Ada, Mich. (June 23, 2022)— The American Society of Missiology (ASM) recently announced the winner of their 2021 Book Award for Excellence in Missiology. A Baker Academic title received the honor: Women in the Mission of the Church by Leanne M. Dzubinski and Anneke H. Stasson. The award was presented at the society’s annual meeting, which was held June 17–19, 2022 in Notre Dame, IN.

As the ecumenical professional association for mission studies in North America, the American Society of Missiology includes more than 600 academicians, mission agency executives, and missionaries in a unique fellowship of scholarship and mission. ASM grants the Book Award each year to recognize a recent publication of distinction in an area related to the field of missiology and mission studies.

Leanne M. Dzubinski (PhD, University of Georgia) is associate dean, associate professor of intercultural education and studies, and director of the intercultural education graduate program at Biola University in La Mirada, California.

Anneke H. Stasson (PhD, Boston University) is associate professor of humanities and history at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.

Women in the Mission of the Church by Leanne M. Dzubinski and Anneke H. Stasson
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540960726, EBOOK ISBN 9781493429189, $25.00)

Women have been central to the work of Christian ministry from the time of Jesus to the twenty-first century. Yet the story of Christianity is too often told as a story of men. This accessibly written book tells the story of women throughout church history, demonstrating their integral participation in the church’s mission. It highlights the legacies of a wide variety of women, showing how they have overcome obstacles to their ministries and have transformed cultural constraints to spread the gospel and build the church.

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

Contact: Lydia Koning, (616) 676-9185, lkoning@bakerpublishinggroup.com

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark., June 29, 2022 — DaySpring, the world’s largest Christian social expression company and a subsidiary of Hallmark, celebrates four book titles reaching 100,000 in sales and is being recognized by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) with four Bronze Milestone Sales Awards.

The DaySpring books being honored by the ECPA include the One Step Closer Bible in partnership with Candace Cameron Bure, 100 Days of Bible Promises by Shanna Noel, 100 Days of Believing Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels, and the DaySpring devotional gift book Sweet Tea for the Soul.

DaySpring’s President James Barnett expressed his excitement at receiving these prestigious awards following the recent addition of more traditional style books to their product line.

“It was just over four years ago that DaySpring intensified our publishing business, so to have multiple titles reach this 100,000 unit sales level is a real testament to the great internal team we have and the amazing authors who have partnered with us,” says Barnett. “In addition to the significant sales achievement, the Biblical message in each of our products is very important to us. We are grateful and encouraged that this publishing achievement means the Gospel is being proclaimed in significant ways.”

Barnett joined DaySpring in 1981, holding key positions in sales and marketing before becoming its leader in 1994. During his tenure, he has led the growth of the DaySpring organization from a small partnership to a thriving multi-national corporation. Today, DaySpring offers more than 6,000 products—from greeting cards to home décor, specialty gifts to devotional and gift books.

“Marshawn, Candace, and Shanna are important members of our DaySpring family,” continued Barnett, “and we are pleased for them. The messages in their books are very impactful to our consumers.”

About DaySpring:
DaySpring®, the world’s largest Christian-message product provider, was founded in 1971 with a single Christmas card. Today DaySpring offers more than 6,000 products—from greeting cards to home décor, specialty gifts to devotional books. In 1999, DaySpring was acquired by Hallmark Cards, Inc. DaySpring products are sold in Christian retail outlets, mass retail stores, card and gift shops and other outlets in the United States and 60 foreign countries. DaySpring is based in Siloam Springs, Ark., and employs a staff of more than 220 people. Visit www.dayspring.com for more information about the company, to find a local retailer, and to send a free e-card.

About Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA):
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. Through this growing network of people and organizations, ECPA serves as a focal point of thought and activity for evangelical publishers throughout the world. Though our publishers are by their nature competitors, they share a common vision to produce Christian content to a world in need.

CONTACT: Marissa Hays, Marissa@epic.inc

Eraced Exposes the Racist Agenda Behind Abortion and Critical Race Theory

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 5, 2022) — Salem Books announced today the signing of John K. Amanchukwu, Sr., to its stable of authors. In his debut book, Eraced: Uncovering the Lies of Critical Race Theory and Abortion  (October 4, 2022), he speaks to some of the hottest cultural issues of our time. In Eraced, Amanchukwu dispels the myths surrounding these evils, uncovering the left’s sinister plot to destroy the black community and divide the Church.

“We are thrilled to have John join the Salem Books team,” said Publisher Tim Peterson. “We believe John’s prophetic message and voice are uniquely positioned to speak truth where lies threaten to reign and help heal the racial division we face in America today.”

“What an honor to be joining Salem Books for my first book,” Amanchukwu said. “It’s my sincere hope that together we will help bring Eraced to a larger audience and that we’ll see God open blind eyes to the truth.”

To learn more about Amanchukwu and book him for speaking engagements or other opportunities, visit https://johnamanchukwu.com/.

Salem Books is an imprint of Regnery Publishing and is owned by Salem Media Group, a national multimedia company serving Christian audiences through radio, online, and print resources. Salem Books seeks to enrich the lives of Christians and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus to the world through the written word. At Salem Books, we know the power and peace in God’s Word and its ability to strengthen believers in their walk with Christ. We believe God’s grace and truth shines light into darkness, illuminating a path through our chaos-filled world. Our goal is to help people grow in their faith and find comfort, encouragement, practical advice, and timeless wisdom in compelling books by trusted authors. We have published pastors, motivational speakers, artists, counselors, and storytellers. 

John K. Amanchukwu, Sr., is a passionate minister, father, speaker, and leader within many circles of influence, as well as a contributor to Turning Point Faith. His true passion is found in calling the next generation to repentance and action. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University, where he played football under Coach Chuck Amato. John received a master’s degree from Liberty University in Christian Ministry. He has served as the leader of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and has been a youth pastor for fifteen years. Over the past four years, John has led a 40-week prayer walk for Love Life at one of the busiest abortion clinics in the Southeast. He has been married to his wife Crystal for 14 years, and they have three children. As a family, they pray, worship, and serve in their church, the local abortion facility, and wherever there is a need.

Media Contact:  Jessica Brown Kramer,  jessica@epic.inc,  404-545-8944

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.