Sharon Hodde Miller, Trillia Newbell and Wendy Widder provide wisdom and insight in honor of Women’s History Month

BELLINGHAM, Wash., March 11, 2021 – Christian authors, speakers and writers Sharon Hodde Miller, Trillia Newbell and Wendy Widder joined Faithlife, makers of integrated church technology products including Logos Bible Software, yesterday for a live discussion in honor of Women’s History Month about women, theology and the Church.

The discussion, hosted by Jennifer Grisham, a Faithlife content strategist and former church leader, included a number of topics including the overall value of women and their unique service to the Church.

“Generally speaking, women have a different perspective (from men) and a different set of life experiences,” said Widder, an author and educator with a Ph.D. in Near Eastern studies, an M.A. in Hebrew and Semitic Studies, and an M.Div. with an emphasis in educational ministries. “We see the world differently – as everyone does – but the Church misses that when they don’t hear us.”

Newbell, Acquisitions Editor at Moody Publishers and author of numerous titles including A Great Cloud of Witnesses, Sacred Endurance, If God Is For Us, Fear and Faith, and the children’s books, Creative God, Colorful Us and God’s Very Good Idea, noted that women are part of the Body of Christ and valuable to God and one another.

“We have to have a women’s perspective because we want to serve people in all the various ways and circumstances people find themselves in,” Newbell said. “There are situations a male can’t speak into well without that female perspective. Period. They just can’t.”

The speakers noted the unique calling on women’s lives and encouraged women to embrace and discover their God-given giftings.

“Calling looks different for everyone. There is not one single narrative of calling,” said Miller, who leads Bright City Church in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband Ike and has a Ph.D. on women and calling. “The one thing I encourage people to do as they are assessing their calling, is to utilize the greatest resource God has gifted you, which are the people in your life who love the Lord and listen to the Holy Spirit. Ask them, ‘What gifts do you see in me?’ They know you better than anyone.”

Widder affirmed Miller’s advice, noting women should take opportunities to serve in a variety of ways. “You find your place of calling by serving, trying and failing, filling in where you’re needed and discovering that’s not the place for you,” Widder said. “You will find God steers you in certain ways. In the end, God’s calling might be different than what you think. That doesn’t mean you missed the call, but we don’t always get the full picture God has for our lives.”

The leaders also challenged the Church to make space for women to serve by developing a culture of stewardship in terms of people’s unique gifts churchwide.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to say ‘I see this in you.’ God will use that to direct them to the place God has for them,” said Miller. “Make this a part of your culture. Name the gifts of women around you. Honor your tradition but give women the opportunity to use their gifts for the Church.”

Finally, though, the leaders applauded the uptick of women attending seminary and graduate school. Newbell, who does not have formal training, reminded viewers that growing in theological knowledge does not have to include attending school.

“Theology is important because it is what we believe about God,” Newbell said. “You can read books and be educated where you are and you should. We are called to make disciples of all nations. We are called to train and teach. When we do this, it strengthens the Body because we are part of the church.”

In order to assist women with growing in their biblical knowledge, Faithlife offers a number of books and coursework from the three featured speakers and other notable female theologians, at fl.vu/womenintheology. The company also offers a free version of Logos Bible Software available for download at logos.com/basic.

“There has never been a time with such access to resources. There is a glut of resources and material and a whole lot of it is free,” said Widder. “If you take the time and put in the effort, you can probably educate yourself in a whole lot of ways without ever leaving your desk or your couch.”

To view the full live event discussion with Newbell, Miller and Widder, visit fl.vu/womenintheology. Additionally, during Women’s History Month in March, Faithlife is giving away bundles of resources created by women to women currently in seminary or on church staff. Entry details can also be found at fl.vu/womenintheology.

About Faithlife:  Faithlife, based in Bellingham, Washington, with offices in Arizona and Mexico, has been using technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible for more than 25 years. Since 1992, Faithlife has developed a full suite of church management tools, academic study resources, smart digital books, and Logos Bible Software, all part of its integrated ministry platform that automates tasks and simplifies workflows. For more information, visit Faithlife.com.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 11, 2021 — After a three-year battle with lung cancer, evangelist Luis Palau died peacefully early this morning at his home in Portland, Oregon. He was 86 years old.

For more than 65 years Palau played an influential role in Christian missions and worldwide evangelism as a powerful speaker, teacher, and author. His work took him to more than 80 nations and his campaigns allowed him to present a clear case for Christianity to an audience of more than 1 billion people through television, radio, print, and live events.

Standing strong for issues of faith and the importance of a vibrant, healthy spiritual life according to the teachings of the Bible, Palau was well regarded by leaders around the globe, including presidents, nobility, business leaders, and church clergy.

Originally from Argentina, Palau was born on November 27, 1934, in Ingeniero Maschwitz, a small town outside Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires. He became a follower of Jesus Christ at the age of 12, just two years after his father’s untimely death. Palau began preaching on street corners as a teenager and hosting his own Christian radio program by the age of 19. He was invited to the United States in 1960 by Ray Stedman, a pastor and missionary leader from Palo Alto, California, who met Palau while in Argentina and began mentoring him shortly thereafter. While studying at Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah University) in Portland, Oregon, Luis met his wife, Patricia Scofield, and together they embarked on a life of missions – first going to Latin America and eventually to more than 80 nations around the world.

“I have no regret in pouring out my years, from the time I was a boy, for the sake of the Good News. If I was given a thousand lifetimes, I would dedicate them all to the same calling.” — Luis Palau

Early on in ministry, Palau served as an intern with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, occasionally helping as the late Reverend Billy Graham’s Spanish translator. Mr. Graham and his team played a significant role in opening doors of opportunity for Palau as he launched out with his own ministry efforts, and eventually helped him start his own evangelistic organization in 1978. Throughout their lives Palau and Graham stayed close friends.

With a special heart for his home country of Argentina, and Latin America as a whole, much of Palau’s work over the years focused on the Spanish-speaking world. His two daily radio programs in Spanish, Cruzada con Luis Palau and Luis Palau Responde, have aired in millions of homes for decades. He had the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ personally with dozens of Latin presidents, dictators, and heads of state. He was regularly called upon by leaders and media alike to share words of wisdom and insight during times of crisis. And his Spanish-speaking festivals and gatherings throughout the Latin world will forever be known as some of the largest, most historic of their kind.

Palau’s heart for the world and passion for sharing the life-changing message of Jesus pushed him beyond Latin America as well. Over his decades of worldwide ministry, Palau and his team have held more than 500 evangelistic campaigns, festivals, and rallies in more than 80 nations, including historic campaigns in leading world cities such as New York City, Buenos Aires, London, Madrid, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cairo, and Mexico City.

During the ’70s and ’80s, Palau was one of the few foreign preachers allowed to hold spiritual campaigns within the old Soviet Union, and when the iron curtain came down in 1991, he was among the first to hold open-air stadium campaigns in the region. Similar campaigns in seemingly “closed” nations in the Middle East and Asia also helped break down barriers and set new standards for mass evangelistic efforts. As a result, the name Luis Palau is now synonymous with innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge evangelistic models that challenge stereotypes and reach all levels of society.

In addition to citywide evangelistic festivals, Palau’s worldwide ministry has grown to include three international daily radio programs in both Spanish and English, reaching more than 48 nations; a Global Network of Evangelists, inspiring and encouraging thousands of evangelists around the world; a City Gospel Movements effort, focused on training and equipping city leaders to better engage with their community; extensive television outreaches; and a digital evangelism effort which reaches millions of individuals each year through social media.

Through all these efforts, Palau and his team have partnered with tens of thousands of churches to lead millions of individuals in decisions to follow Jesus Christ.

As an author, Palau published dozens of books and booklets throughout his lifetime. Some of his most well-known books, including God is Relevant, ¿Con quién me casaré? (Whom Shall I Marry?), Where is God When Bad Things Happen?, and Say Yes!, have been translated into dozens of languages and distributed into the hundreds of thousands. His Bible commentary in Spanish is recognized as one of the best in the field. His Starting Point Study Bible (published with Zondervan) was a 2003 Gold Medallion finalist for best Bible of the year. His video courses in Spanish have helped train tens of thousands of pastors and church leaders. And more than 10 million copies of his most popular booklet, What is a Real Christian?, have been distributed in over 60 nations.

Palau was president of OC International (previously known as Overseas Crusades) in the late 1970s. He served on the boards of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Multnomah University. He also served as an elder in his home church of Cedar Mill Bible Church in Portland, Oregon, and has been the recipient of several honorary doctorates from institutions such as Wheaton University and Talbot School of Theology.

In 2019, Palau published Palau: A Life on Fire, a deeply spiritual and intimate biography tracing his faith journey from humble beginnings on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to sharing the Good News with millions around the world. In the same year a feature-length movie about his life was also released in theaters throughout North and South America.

For the past several years, Palau’s sons have run the day-to-day operations of the ministry based in Portland, Oregon. Kevin Palau serves as the president and CEO. Keith serves on the Development team. And Andrew, Palau’s third son, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a well-respected evangelist, leading similar evangelistic campaigns around the world. Stephen, Palau’s youngest son, faithfully serves as an elementary school teacher in the Portland area.

Luis Palau is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sons Kevin, Keith, Andrew, and Stephen; his daughters-in-law Michelle, Gloria, and Wendy; his sisters Matilde, Martha, Catalina, Margarita, and Ruth; his brother Jorge; 12 grandchildren; and many beloved extended family. A private memorial service will be held in Luis’ home town of Portland, Oregon, and will be livestreamed for the general public at www.LuisPalau.org. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the ongoing ministry of the Luis Palau Association, online at www.palau.org, or via mail, sent to the Luis Palau Association, PO Box 50, Portland, OR 97207.

Notes of remembrance can be left at www.LuisPalau.org.

CONTACT: Jay Fordice, 503-341-2297, jay.fordice@palau.org

David C Cook Creates New Position to Manage and Develop The Action Bible^® Family of Products

Colorado Springs, CO (March 1, 2021) – Since its 2010 release, The Action Bible^® has become the best-selling comic-based version of the Bible as well as a fixture on national bestseller lists. The Action Bible family of products now includes more than a dozen resources, such as illustrated Bibles, curriculum, video, and devotionals, with 82 million units in print across 41 languages. To ensure the brand’s long-term growth and success, publisher David C Cook has appointed Amy Konyndyk to a newly created role: Vice President for The Action Bible Portfolio.

“Due to the popularity and expanding portfolio of The Action Bible resources, David C Cook is formalizing a leadership position to carefully steward this vital brand,” says Michael Covington, Vice President of Publishing & Acquisitions, David C Cook. “There is no one better suited for this new role than Amy Konyndyk. She has invested more than a decade in The Action Bible product line, working closely with illustrator Sergio Cariello and creatively expanding the Bible’s footprint in the marketplace.”

Amy Konyndyk’s 25-year career includes background in graphic design, creative direction, content development, product development, customer research, marketing and brand management. Konyndyk joined David C Cook in 2008, working closely with illustrator Sergio Cariello and the editorial team to prepare The Action Bible for release in 2010. She has helped develop and launch each product in The Action Bible product family for more than a decade. Konyndyk’s passion for The Action Bible compels her to provide engaging opportunities for readers to establish a lifetime faith, realize they belong in God’s family, and take action in His story for their lives.

“Since the earliest days of the church, believers have sacrificed greatly to express biblical truth through art,” Amy Konyndyk explains. “The Action Bible is among that set of reverent, worshipful, painstaking artistic expressions of the Word which bring glory to God while enabling illumination and transformation for all who encounter it. My passion is to expand the reach of The Action Bible brand for readers of all ages. As we leverage technology, digital formats and platforms, the opportunities have never been greater to achieve the eternal goal of impacting God’s kingdom.”

David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing and distributing leadership and discipleship resources to help Christians all over the world grow in their faith and pass it on to the next generation. www.davidccook.org

Background – The Action Bible^®
David C Cook originally published The Picture Bible in 1978, and more than 3.5 million copies were distributed worldwide over the next four decades. In 2006, David C Cook planned to create fresh, original artwork for The Picture Bible and selected DC and Marvel Comics illustrator Sergio Cariello for the project. The Action Bible released in 2010 and remained on the ECPA Top 50 bestseller list for more than 500 weeks.

In celebration of The Action Bible’s tenth anniversary, illustrator Sergio Cariello has crafted 25 new Bible stories and expanded artwork for 23 of the original stories. This expanded edition of The Action Bible released September 2020, selling more than 150,000 units within the first six months of release. The Action Bible family of products includes more than a dozen resources, such as illustrated Bibles, curriculum, video, and devotionals, with more than 82 million units in print across 41 languages. The Action Bible video (airing on SAT 7) receives over 2.5 million views monthly, 30 million views annually.

By the Numbers – The Action Bible^®

The Action Bible family of products has more than 82 million units in print, including 25 million copies of The Action Bible New Testament and 55 million copies of The Story of Jesus. Since 2010, The Action Bible has spent 515 weeks on the ECPA Top 50 bestseller list, and has sold 1.7 million copies in North America alone. Sales of the entire product line has topped 2.5 million units worldwide. The Action Bible (complete text) has been translated into 41 languages:

• Afrikaans
• Albanian
• Arabic
• Azeri
• Bahasa Indonesian
• Bengali
• Bosnian
• Bulgarian
• Chinese (simplified)
• Chinese (traditional)
• Crimean Tatar
• Croatian
• English
• Farsi
• French
• Georgian
• German
• Gujarati
• Hebrew
• Hindi
• Hungarian
• Indonesia
• Italian
• Kannada
• Kazakh
• Korean
• Marathi
• Macedonian
• Polish
• Portuguese (Europe)
• Romanian
• Russian
• Serbian
• Spanish
• Swahili
• Tajik
• Telugu
• Turkish
• Turkmen
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese

Grace Bomb Movement Grows Internationally As Christians Respond, Share Love Of Jesus In Action

Author, Pastor Patrick Linnell releases a timely resource with Grace Bomb: The Surprising Impact Of Loving Your Neighbors May 1 from David C Cook. The book is a gateway to personal and corporate revival, inspiring readers to put into practice Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. In Grace Bomb, Pastor Linnell equips readers to join a movement of simple obedience that leads to world-changing impact.

Grace bombs are intentional acts of love prompted by the Holy Spirit, which can practically look like offering an extra tip to a hardworking server, giving up a seat on an airplane, or making a meal for the ER nurse next door, etc. When a person “grace bombs” a neighbor, spouse or stranger, it is a response to God’s call to love those people in generous and surprising ways.

“Small steps of obedience can lead to outcomes beyond what we can even think to ask for or imagine,” shares Linnell.  “…followers of Jesus were literally built for this, and by embracing the truths and tools within Grace Bomb, readers will learn about their unique ability as Christians to love people, understand how to recharge their souls by tapping into a supernatural fuel supply, and be helped in recognizing and removing barriers in their hearts that keep them from living out their God given purposes in this one and only life.

“While, like most Christians, I struggle to find my big purpose/calling in life, I now see that we have this beautiful gift of generosity and kindness to offer in our simple everyday lives,” continues Linnell. “…this is seen even as businesses and celebrities incorporate giving back or showing kindness…But in contrast to the world, the church has been both equipped and called to this very work. Generous giving should be in the churches’ wheelhouse…”

Drawing on rich examples from Scripture and everyday life, and with a foreword written by Joey Tomassoni, Grace Bomb shows how readers can:

• Deepen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
• Go beyond cultural expectations of kindness to point people toward Jesus
• Overcome barriers to “Grace Bombing,” such as fear, busyness and prejudice
• Rest in God-given identity and access His supernatural fuel supply
• Experience joy and fun while exercising faith beyond Sundays

With inspiring stories from people around the world who have discovered the joy of “Grace Bombing” in a movement that is catching on with Christians and churches internationally, this energizing book helps readers put their love into action. Most importantly, it helps readers use that action to show others the true source of love with no strings attached: Jesus.

Sharing first-hand accounts of “bombs” dropped and received over the past three years of the Grace Bomb movement, Linnell encourages, “In the spirit of Hebrews 10:24, we are considering how to stir one another on to love and good works. When we hear about these simple everyday neighbor-loving actions that really happened, we can better spot the opportunities that God is putting before us even now.”

For all the latest Grace Bomb news and more, go to www.gracebomb.org/book, Facebook and Instagram.

About Patrick Linnell:  Throughout Patrick Linnell’s nearly two decades in pastoral ministry, God’s disruptive grace has been his consistent theme. In 2017, this led to the preaching series that formed the basis for his Grace Bomb book and 2018’s birth of the non-profit The Grace Bomb Company. After an overwhelming response from his congregation, Grace Bomb cards and an interactive website, www.gracebomb.org, were branded and born, and stories began to circulate and be shared about these surprising gifts meant to brighten a neighbor’s day. Since then, Grace Bomb cards have been requested in all 50 States, with more than 1,000 stories shared through the website alone of intentional acts of love motivated by Jesus. Churches around the nation have also launched Grace Bomb as a sermon series and an ongoing discipleship tool.

With an undergraduate degree in Business and Marketing, Linnell at one time had his sights set on corporate America until God broke in with other plans. Instead, he became a missionary to young adults in the greater Baltimore/DC area while completing a MA in Theology from Columbia International University (CIU). Spending 14 years on staff at Bay Area Community Church in Annapolis, MD, Linnell now leads the Grace Bomb movement as chief visionary and travels to churches around the country to introduce them to this unique discipleship tool. He is the husband of 18 years to Kristen, father of four kids, an aging ice hockey player, and extreme yard work enthusiast.

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

ATTN MEDIA: Patrick Linnell, Grace Bomb review and giveaway copies are available upon request. High-resolution cover artwork and other press materials are available now at https://app.box.com/v/PatrickLinnell-GraceBomb.

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

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 1, 2021) – Today, Tommy Nelson announced that the new edition of  “Just in Case You Ever Wonder” by New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado, has surpassed more than 100,000 copies sold bringing the total units sold for this remarkable book to more than 1.8 million copies.

“’Just in Case You Ever Wonder’ is a book every family should have in their home. This heartwarming and inspiring story reassures children that they are unconditionally loved by their parents and by God,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

Originally released more than 30 years ago, “Just in Case You Ever Wonder” is one of Lucado’s hallmark messages.

More information about Lucado can be found at www.maxlucado.com. “Just in Case You Ever Wonder” (Thomas Nelson, ISBN# 9780718075385, Aug. 6, 2019) is available for purchase wherever books are sold.

About the Author:
Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as Teaching Minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is America’s bestselling inspirational author with more than 140 million products in print.  Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado Twitter.com/MaxLucado

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

Contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620 natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 1, 2021) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that “One God, One Plan, One Life”” by “New York Times” bestselling author Max Lucado has surpassed more than 100,000 copies sold.

“The devotional messages in ‘One God, One Plan, One Life’ offer teens a clear perspective as to how much God loves them and that He has a plan for their lives,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

An ECPA 2015 Christian Book Award finalist, “One God, One Plan, One Life” is a 365-day devotional for students focusing on teen issues, such as bullying, self-esteem, and purity, delivered in short daily devotions. With a focus on Christian faith, this devotional for teens helps them cut through life’s distractions and rely on the one thing that is truly important–a relationship with God.

More information about Lucado can be found at www.maxlucado.com. “One God, One Plan, One Life” (Thomas Nelson, ISBN#9781400322633, Dec. 30, 2013) is available for purchase wherever books are sold.

About the Author:
Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as Teaching Minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is America’s bestselling inspirational author with more than 140 million products in print.  Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado Twitter.com/MaxLucado

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

Contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicity Manager, 931.698.9620, Natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

Iron Stream Media has partnered with The Readable Bible and BOTT Radio to present the Gospel Challenge through April 30, 2021. The challenge provides a copy of the Gospel of John to keep and one to share with a friend for a nominal donation of $15 to The Gospel Challenge Foundation to complete the work of The Readable Bible translation. This challenge is the perfect opportunity to share God’s Word with a friend to help them understand:

• Why am I here?
• Why aren’t people happy?
• Why do bad things happen?
• Why are some people good and others bad?
• Is there a God? If so, can I know Him?
• Does He care about me?

In the world we live in, people are looking for answers to these questions and the Gospel of John is an introduction to understanding these answers.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19, The Readable Bible

Challenge participants will also receive discounts from Challenge Partners including The Readable Bible, Iron Stream Media, Fidelis Publishing, Character Counts, P&R Publishing, and Joni & Friends. Find more information at www.gospelchallenge.org.

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, one to 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 services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, LPC Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Grand Rapids, Mich. (March 3, 2021) – Zondervan author and co-founder of Celebrate Recovery, John Baker, died on February 23, 2021 at age 72.

Baker co-founded Celebrate Recovery with Rick Warren out of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, after participating in Alcoholics Anonymous and desiring a Christ-centered 12-step program to help people overcome their hurts, habits, and hang-ups. According to the Celebrate Recovery website, since 1991, millions of people have participated in the Celebrate Recovery programs offered at more than 35,000 churches, prisons, and rescue missions in 21 different languages.

Zondervan first published the Celebrate Recovery Participants Guide Set by John Baker in 1998. Since that time, Zondervan has published Celebrate Recovery curriculums, Bibles, devotionals, and trade books with Baker, and all the resources have sold over 5 million copies.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of John Baker this past week. John was an amazing man who deeply loved God and his family and invested the last 30 years of his life in the life-transforming ministry of Celebrate Recovery,” said John Raymond vice president and publisher for Trade Curriculum at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “We count it a great privilege that we have been able to partner with John, and his son Johnny, in publishing the Celebrate Recovery resources that have transformed millions of lives throughout the world.”

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different  genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is based in Grand Rapids, MI.  For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

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

Preceding the launch of her latest book, Debra Fileta’s Love + Relationships podcast will host Christine Caine, Matt Chandler, Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, and others for broadcast counseling sessions that dive deep into their spiritual and emotional health

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) March 2, 2021—According to Mental Health America’s 2021 report on the current state of the country’s mental health, the number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed. From January to September 2020, there was a 93% increase over the 2019 total number of anxiety screens and a 62% increase over the 2019 total number of depression screens. Alarmingly, the report also cited that 80% of people who took the anxiety and depression screenings scored with symptoms of moderate to severe conditions this year. Ultimately the report reveals a devastating reality in America:

• Youth mental health is worsening.
• Even before COVID-19, the prevalence of mental illness among adults was increasing.
• Suicidal ideation among adults is increasing.
• There is still an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults.

Enter Debra Fileta, a licensed professional counselor and host of the Love + Relationships podcast––a hotline-style show where people call in to get their relationship questions answered.

In Fileta’s forthcoming book, Are You Really OK? Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters (978-0-7369-8251-1, May 18, 2021, Harvest House Publishers), this bestselling author and speaker challenges readers to take a closer look at their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health and ask themselves, “Am I really OK?” Fileta knows firsthand that being a person of faith doesn’t automatically mean you’re healthy. After 10+ years of marriage, 15 years of counseling clients, and four and a half books (she’s currently cowriting one with Gary Thomas), Fileta not only possesses the knowledge and experience to coach listeners on their journey to becoming more than okay––she has the heart for it. In fact, in her upcoming book, she reveals some of her own traumas, including a miscarriage that nearly took her life, and her deep struggles with both anxiety and depression. Fileta states: “Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Getting healthy is an ongoing process that requires you to stop, dig deep, and ask yourself the hard questions. The worst thing we can do for our emotions is to simply ignore them.”

Fileta will also host a 9-week special series, “Are You Really OK?” on her Love + Relationships with Debra Fileta podcast to coincide with the book’s release. The series will feature counseling sessions that ask the theme question of special guests, including:

• Christine Caine––founder of A21 and Propel Women
• Matt Chandler––lead pastor of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas
• Jeremy Camp––chart-topping singer/songwriter, worship leader, and subject of the film I Still Believe
• Natalie Grant––eight-time GRAMMY® nominee, five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year, author, philanthropist, and cofounder of Hope for Justice
• Michelle Williams––singer, actress, and member of R&B group Destiny’s Child
• Jonathan Pitts––bestselling author, speaker, and executive pastor at Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee
• Jonathan Pokluda––bestselling author of Welcome to Adulting and pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church
• Levi Lusko––Lead pastor of Fresh Life Church and bestselling author of Swipe Right and Through the Eyes of a Lion

During this time when the whole world is feeling isolated and disconnected, the Are You Really OK? podcast series will allow listeners to connect with and learn from some of the most prominent voices in the Christian world today as they dig in to discover their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health through these 30-minute interview sessions with Fileta.

“The Are You Really OK? series is going to courageously pave the way for us to get real about our mental and emotional health from the top down,” says Fileta. “I’m inviting some incredible leaders, pastors, and teachers who are willing and ready to open up about how they’re really doing and to have an honest conversation with me about their personal journey toward mental and emotional health. We’re going to have powerful, life-changing conversations no one will want to miss.”

It’s time to get intentional about pursuing health in every part of life. Bringing together science, psychology, and faith, the Are You Really OK? series will help listeners get healthy from the inside out while Fileta and her esteemed guests work through the tough questions.

Love + Relationships with Debra Fileta is the hotline-style podcast hosted by licensed professional counselor and author Debra Fileta. In each episode, Debra talks about healthy relationships for every age and stage. Listeners can tune in wherever they stream their favorite podcasts or at truelovedates.com/loveandrelationships/.

Are You Really OK? is Fileta’s fourth book. It is available everywhere books are sold starting May 18, 2021. Learn more at https://areyoureallyok.com/.

Debra Fileta, MA, LPC is a licensed professional counselor, host of the Love + Relationships podcast and the author of True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life (2018), Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start with We>Me (2018), Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship (2020), and Are You Really OK?: Getting Real about Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters (2021). A passionate speaker, Fileta challenges people to have a psychologically and spiritually healthy approach to relationships. She and her husband, John, have been happily married for more than a decade and have four beautiful children. To learn more about Debra, follow her Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit www.TrueLoveDates.com.

Harvest House Publishers, a Christian publishing company based in Eugene, Oregon, publishes more than 100 books per year and carries a strong backlist offering more than 1,500 titles. Over 145 million Harvest House books have been sold worldwide through diverse distribution channels, and additional millions have sold in more than 75 languages.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Morgan Canclini-Mitchell, morgan@twopr.com 615-933-8570 
Lisa Bergmanis, lisa@twopr.com 573-692-5641

Bloomington, MN — Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has signed a two-book deal with renowned writer, speaker, and pastor Samuel Rodriguez. “It is our great privilege and pleasure to partner in publishing with Pastor Sam Rodriguez,” says Jane Campbell, the Editorial Director for Chosen. “His  gentle  but  soul-searching  touch  helps  us never to mistake what we are going through with where we are going to—and to know in the deepest places of our hearts that God will give us what we need.”

Kim Bangs, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Chosen Books, says, “Having had the privilege to observe Pastor Sam’s ministry and work as he travels the nation and utilizes all forms of social media to offer hope, I have seen people from all walks of life drawn in by his passion to lift up the name of Jesus and to lift the hearts of those listening.”

Rodriguez’s first book with Chosen, Persevere with Power (October 2021), is inspired by the story of Elisha’s faithfulness while exploring the power of persevering with hope amid the dark times in which we live. Unending struggles have left us weary or discouraged, but Rodriguez says it is possible not only to break free but also to discover the assignment, anointing, and authority God has waiting for us. Persevere with Power will simultaneously release in Spanish as Persevera con poder.

“His books are rich with his passion—and, of course, his great one-liners of encouragement. What you hear from the pulpit is what you read on the page—a rare and welcome gift,” says Kim. “We are excited to partner with Pastor Sam to bring his biblical and relevant messages to readers around the world.”

Samuel Rodriguez (pastorsam.com) is the President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization with over 42,000 U.S. churches and many additional churches spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. Rodriguez has been named among the “Top 100 Christian Leaders in America” (Newsmax 2018). He is regularly featured in CNN, Fox News, Univision, PBS, Christianity Today, The New

York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many others. Rodriguez serves as Senior Pastor of New Season Christian Worship Center in Sacramento, California, where he resides with his wife, Eva, and their three children.

Focusing on what God is doing around the world, Chosen Books aims to publish well-crafted books that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and help the reader live a more empowered and effective life for Jesus Christ.

CONTACT:
Holly Maxwell, hmaxwell@bakerpublishinggroup.com