(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) – “Given the situation the world is going through, LittWorld 2022 was one of the best conferences I have ever attended,” said publisher Sawsan Tannoury of  Lebanon. “We saw how God is spreading His Word, despite the difficult circumstances.”

Some 164 Christian publishing staff and writers from 50 countries gathered in Siófok, Hungary, April 24-29, for LittWorld 2022, the triennial global publishing conference organized by Media Associates International (MAI).  CEO Kornél Herjeczki of Harmat Publishing in Budapest and MAI’s European Board served as conference hosts.

After two-plus years of relative isolation due to the pandemic, participants said LittWorld opened their eyes to the global media community and connected them to new global relationships for future growth and innovation.

“Many attendees told me that they were so glad that we went ahead with the conference despite the uncertainties of COVID-19, and then described the specific ways they benefitted from it,” MAI President John Maust said.

More than 40 speakers and workshop leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas led vision-building and “how-to” sessions for publishers, editors, writers and designers–weaving in the conference theme, “Stronger Together: Publishing Hope Beyond Crisis” into their sessions.

“It was a time of encouragement and insights,” said publisher Hussam Fakhoury of Jordan. “Just four months earlier I became director of a publishing house for the MENA region, and LittWorld was an opportunity to get wisdom from experts.”

Journalist Jonah Nyoni of Zimbabwe commented, “The conference came at the nick of time in my career as a writer. I feel that after such training, I am able to fly and make a greater impact.”

The opening two sessions of the conference were livestreamed, with author and counselor Emöke Tapolyai of Hungary speaking on “How to Maintain Hope and Help Others in a Dark World,” and best-selling author Philip Yancey encouraging communicators to create content that will “lift eyes to permanent things” in a world in crisis.

The war nearby in Ukraine added a dimension of immediacy, with delegates both from Ukraine and Russia. Firsthand reports from Ukraine united the group in prayers for peace. A global bazaar conceived by a delegate from Mexico featured items from countries around the world that were sold at LittWorld. All the money raised went towards Ukrainian refugee relief in Hungary.

LittWorld is the largest training event of Media Associates International (MAI), which also holds smaller in-country workshops to equip and encourage Christian publishers and writers in hard places of the world to create excellent content that enriches the Church and influences society.

“Thank you again for all the organizing, all the attentiveness, all the kindness and love you have shown to us,” Romanian author and screenwriter Balázs Zágoni said. “I can only repeat what I have said before: If I could choose only one conference to attend in my life, it would be LittWorld.”

Ada, Mich. (May 9, 2022)—Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation by Wendy Speake has reached a significant milestone, with more than 250,000 copies in print.

“We are thrilled to be partnered with Wendy and continue to be astounded at the number of people who gravitate to this message,” says Rebekah Guzman, Editorial Director of Baker Books. “It is amazing to see Baker Books and Wendy hit this incredible sales threshold, and we look forward to many more lives changed from her books.”

Wendy Speake is the author of The 40-Day Sugar Fast, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, The 40-Day Fast Journal and is coauthor of Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses. Wendy hosts her annual online 40-Day Sugar Fast every January and her 40-Day Social Media Fast every Lent. Her next book, The 40-Day Feast, will release in 2023.

Baker Books has a vision for building up the body of Christ through books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. We publish titles for lay Christians on topics such as discipleship, apologetics, spirituality, relationships, marriage, parenting, and the intersection of Christianity and culture. We also publish books and ministry resources for pastors and church leaders, concentrating on topics such as preaching, worship, pastoral ministries, counseling, biblical reference, and leadership.

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

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—R.H. Boyd is proud to announce its upcoming Legacy Ball on June 17, 2022, in celebration of the company’s 125^th anniversary.

The oldest Black printing and publishing company in the country, R.H. Boyd was founded in 1896 by Dr. Richard Henry Boyd to produce resources that give a voice to the Black experience.

Today, under the leadership of Dr. LaDonna Boyd, fifth-generation president/CEO, R.H. Boyd continues its tradition of printing, publishing, and distributing Christian, inspirational, historic, educational, and cultural literature. The company also houses a full-service commercial printing facility, provides white-glove author services, and has numerous community initiatives, such as the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund.

“It is rare that any organization sustains for 125 years and five generations. We know that we are not only blessed to commemorate this milestone in the life of our company, but also to honor our many partners and supporters throughout the years,” said Dr. Boyd. “We humbly thank and celebrate our community for their continued patronage in support of our mission and we look forward to continuing our tradition of giving voice to the unheard for generations to come.”

The inaugural ball will take place at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville, in conjunction with the Vision Conference™, the company’s premier annual leadership event that offers a multitude of vital resources to the community.

The conference is presented in partnership with the National Baptist Congress, a 116-year-old consortium of churches and organizations focused on Christian education and leadership.

The Legacy Ball will be marked by fellowship with family, friends, community partners, and more. Ball guests will enjoy an evening of live music, dining, and special presentations honoring community partners and heroes across generations.

Proceeds from the Legacy Ball will benefit the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, through R.H. Boyd Company (a 501(c)(3) organization), which provides scholarships and grants to make investments in students and communities nationwide.

Limited tickets for this black-tie affair are available. Please visit www.rhboyd.com/legacyball for further details and be sure to follow the company on social media @rhboydco for updates.

Contact: Emmanuel LeGrair, marketing@rhboyd.com

Margaret Kercher has been promoted to publicity director, Fiction for both HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus. In this role, Margaret will oversee the publicity strategy for Thomas Nelson Fiction, Zondervan Fiction, and the general market imprint, Harper Muse, as well as lead awareness campaigns in both the Christian and general markets.

Margaret joined the Fiction team in 2019 as a publicity manager after working for GS&F, an award-winning Nashville-based advertising agency, where she worked on national PR campaigns for brands like Amazon Prime. Since joining the team, Margaret has expanded Fiction’s reach with features in major media outlets including the TODAY Show, The New York Post, Vanity Fair, Town & Country, BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, and PopSugar. She also spearheaded the publicity campaign for the 2021 launch of the Harper Muse imprint, which received an international platinum Marcom Award.

 

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

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

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

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

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

MAY 16, 2022, TEMPE, AZ — At the ECPA Awards Celebration, held May 3rd in Philadelphia, Stan Jantz was presented with the ECPA Chair Award by board chair Dan Kok, former chair Dwight Baker, and president Jeff Crosby.

Stan was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the industry as an author of 80 books, a former Christian bookstore owner, publisher, and former president of ECPA.  The presentation was a surprise to Jantz, who was attending the ECPA Leadership Summit as a speaker in his new role with Global Discipleship Alliance.

“Some people are rightly called a ‘da Vinci type’ because they are gifted in so many areas,” stated Dan Kok during the presentation. “Stan Jantz is one such person in the Christian publishing and products industry, equally adept and visionary in a broad range of roles…. We are profoundly grateful for his decades-long commitment to Christian content – as a bookstore owner, author, publisher, president of ECPA, and ongoing work in international discipleship.”

Stan began his work in 1974 caring for the music department in the Fresno Bible House retail store he would later own and operate.  He skillfully filled roles at Word Music and Regal Books/Gospel Light, and co-founded the online content and social media experience, Conversant Media Group.  In 2015, Stan assumed the role of ECPA president and guided the organization through six years of growth and service to its membership community.  Stan has authored or co-authored nearly 80 books with sales of close to 4 million units worldwide, published by several ECPA publishers.

Stan now heads up Global Discipleship Alliance, an organization he founded with two other industry pioneers:  Byron Williamson (former Worthy Publishing president) and David Moberg (former president of Thomas Nelson).

Stan, Williamson, and Allen Yeh, a missiologist and associate professor at Biola University, presented a session at the ECPA Leadership Summit on “Elevating Global Discipleship” – calling for publishers to invest in “glocal” opportunities to support the global church.

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: info@ecpa.org ECPA.org @ECPA

Contact:  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president & CEO, 480-966-3998 or jcrosby@ecpa.org

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional (Crossway, October 2014), by bestselling author Paul David Tripp, has surpassed one million units in print sales.

“We are so honored to publish Paul Tripp’s New Morning Mercies, which helps readers marinate each day in the greatest news of all time,” says Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher. “As a publisher, we do not put our trust in horses or chariots or sales figures, but we rejoice at this milestone insofar as it represents a million readers who are pondering the gospel afresh each day and being transformed in the process.”

New Morning Mercies features 365 gospel-centered devotions that lead readers away from behavior modification and feel-good aphorisms, and into an encounter with the living God. Each daily reading opens with a brief gospel thought, followed by a meditation expounding on that theme, equipping Christians with the good news that they need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out.

“This devotional is a call for you and me to remember,” writes Tripp. “It’s a call to remember the horrible disaster of sin. It’s a call to remember Jesus, who stood in our place. It’s a call to remember the righteousness that is his gift. It’s a call to remember the transforming power of the grace you and I couldn’t have earned. It’s a call to remember the destiny that is guaranteed to all of God’s blood-purchased children. It’s a call to remember his sovereignty and his glory. It’s a call to remember that remembering is spiritual war; even for this we need grace.”

Matt and Lauren Chandler, pastor of the Village Church in Dallas and his wife, commend, “We have always resonated with Robert Robinson’s hymn ‘Come Thou Fount,’ especially the line, ‘Prone to wander—Lord, I feel it—prone to leave the God I love.’ We feel the pull daily away from God’s goodness and toward a pursuit of our own, away from God’s gracious acceptance and toward the exhausting, impossible weight of trying to tip the scales in our favor. We are grateful to God that Paul has written this devotional to help, in Robinson’s words, seal our hearts for God’s courts above. If you’re prone to wander, this book is for you.”

Tripp is also the author of Parenting (Crossway, 2016); Come, Let Us Adore Him (Crossway, 2017); and Do You Believe? (Crossway, 2021). For more information, visit paultripp.com.

New Morning Mercies is available in TruTone and hardcover, a cloth-over-board gift edition, and ebook formats.

Paul David Tripp (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, award-winning author, and international conference speaker. He has written numerous books including the bestseller New Morning Mercies. His nonprofit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Tripp lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and they have four grown children.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that
publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org

WESTMONT, IL—As part of its Leadership Summit in Philadelphia earlier this month, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) recognized InterVarsity Press (IVP) for seventy-five years of service to the church and Christian publishing. The gathering included one hundred forty evangelical publishers, book manufacturers, and other publishing partners for speaker sessions, workshops, and socializing.

Terumi Echols, president and publisher of IVP said, “Celebrating seventy-five years of service to the church is such a significant milestone and having ECPA honor IVP at the most recent Leadership Summit was an incredible gift. None of it would have been possible without the gifted writers that have willingly shared their experience, knowledge, and wisdom with us. We are also blessed to have staff that love the mission and vision of IVP and give their very best day in and day out. I am truly humbled by their efforts, by the legacy that has been created, and by the future that is yet to be.”

Since 1947, IVP has been publishing thoughtful Christian books that shape both the lives of readers and the cultures they inhabit. Over the past century, leading figures such as pastor-scholar John Stott, apologist James W. Sire, evangelist Rebecca Manley Pippert, and spiritual formation writer Eugene Peterson helped generations of readers to think more biblically and engage the world around them. Throughout its seventy-five years, IVP’s books and authors have established a legacy of speaking boldly into important cultural moments, providing timeless tools for spiritual growth, and equipping Christians for a vibrant life of faith.

“InterVarsity Press occupies a unique place in the Christian world—one that I believe is essential in a time when we are more divided than ever. IVP books offer diverse and sometimes intentionally contradictory positions,” said Cindy Bunch, IVP Vice President, Editorial. “Sometimes we joke that our books make everyone mad at one time or another—but we are actually quite serious about our role in maintaining a broad publishing program. We welcome a variety of readers rather than drawing hard lines that keep people inside and outside the boundaries. IVP authors encourage readers to dive deeper into Scripture, culture, science, theology, justice, and more, while always keeping our eyes on Christ. We value the life of the mind and at the same time we call readers to an ever-deepening spiritual journey. The qualities named in the tagline ‘Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.’ capture our desire to reach readers in a holistic way.”

In honor of IVP’s seventy-fifth anniversary, senior editor Al Hsu has updated the book Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947–2022. Originally published in 2006, the new edition includes new content, bringing the story up to 2022 and including stories about contemporary and award-winning authors such as Esau McCaulley and Tish Harrison Warren.

As part of its yearlong anniversary celebration, IVP has also been releasing special editions of select iconic and bestselling books from its history. Between fall of 2019 and fall of 2023, IVP is releasing Signature Collection editions of twenty-five books and eleven Bible studies that represent a wide range of authors, topics, and genres.

Jeff Crosby, ECPA’s president and publisher, said, “In the course of its seventy-five years of publishing, IVP has grown from an original focus on making Bible study, discipleship, and worldview resources available to a student ministry to becoming one of the most trusted sources of Christian thought and practice for people in the church, the academy, and the world. As the people who compose IVP enter the next chapter of its history, I am confident that the organization will continue to not only fulfill its unique and strategic mission in the world but will expand and refine it. The world desperately needs the kind of publishing that IVP has been committed to curating since its inception.”

To see a video and interactive timeline of IVP’s history, and to learn more about IVP’s publishing philosophy, visit ivpress.com/about.

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

 

I’m So Glad You Were Born by #1 New York Times bestselling author Earhardt releases September 27, 2022

Grand Rapids, MI – May 10, 2022 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt will publish a new picture book titled I’m So Glad You Were Born, releasing September 27, 2022, illustrated by Kim Barnes. Dedicated to her daughter Hayden, this book from Earhardt will be for children ages 4 – 8, and focus on the joy that friends and families can bring to others as a reason for gratefulness.  

“We are thrilled to publish this beautiful book with Ainsley,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “This book is joyful, uplifting, and celebratory and we expect it to become a read-aloud favorite for children and the adults who love them. Helping children understand how precious and loved they are in these times is invaluable.”

“My mother always told us on our birthdays each year how glad she was that we were born—and now I love saying that to my daughter, Hayden,” says Earhardt. “This book celebrates all the reasons we are so glad our children are born and how special they are. It reminds children they have a purpose, there’s a plan for their life, that God loves them and they are worthy of having a wonderful life. This book is about noticing the traits that make a child special, and I hope it helps parents, grandparents, and caregivers to slow down and take the time to tell the children in their lives how grateful and appreciative they are for all the special things that make a child who they are.”

Earhardt shared news about the book this morning on FOX & Friends. A link to the announcement can be found at her website: https://ainsleye.com/videos/ainsley-earhardt-announces-her-new-childrens-book-im-so-glad-you-were-born/

Ainsley Earhardt is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, including two #1 childrens bestsellers, Through Your Eyes and Take Heart My Child. She hosts a Bible Study with Fox Nation and has over one million followers on her social media platforms combined. Earhardt has been a co-host on the popular FOX & Friends morning show since 2016.

Tour dates and appearances with Earhardt will be announced this summer. A full-scale marketing, digital and publicity campaign for the book is in process.

This is a one-book deal, acquired by Dobson, with agent Cait Hoyt of CAA representing Earhardt. Illustrator Kim Barnes is represented by Robbin Brosterman of Bright Group.

Advance reader copies will be available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com or velvet@theMcollective.com.

Hardcover w/Jacket, $18.99 – 9780310777021
(ePub, $14.99 – 9780310776673, audio book to be read by author)
32 pages, 10 x 10 spot UV, foil
9.27.22 On Sale

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact: Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz, Jessica. Westra@harpercollins.com

A Prayer for Our Country: Words to Unite and Inspire Hope releases June 7, 2022

Grand Rapids, MI – May 4, 2022 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black will publish a picture book titled, A Prayer for Our Country: Words to Unite and Inspire Hope releasing June 7, 2022, illustrated by Kim Holt. This book from Black will be for children ages 4 – 8, and focus on celebrating everything that makes America an amazing place, helping children thank God for all the beauty, neighbors, friends, and more while encouraging all Americans to come together and heal the hurts that divide.

“This unique book filled with the wise words of prayer from the esteemed Chaplain Barry Black, coupled with illustrations from Kim Holt that highlight the beauty and diversity of America, will be treasured by readers and those who desire a united country,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “Black helps point the way for children to pray for their country, thank God for their blessings, and to think about how they can be living lights.”

“I am dedicating this book to my mother, who taught me to love God’s Word and how to pray,” says Black. “Children have such capacity to lead us in finding the words that inspire all of us to model God’s love and create a future that is strong and united.”

‘Great God, we admit that we face big problems.
Sometimes we feel scared, hurt or even lost.
It’s easy for us to be overwhelmed by the work we need to do.
But we know that You are always with us.
Give us wisdom to understand that You are stronger than any challenge we face.’

Senate Chaplain Barry Black is a Baltimore native who has been selected for many outstanding acheivements, including the NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. Prior to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. He has authored five other books, including his autobiography, From the Hood to the Hill.

Black and his wife reside in Orlando, Florida and have several children. Black will be participating in the National Day of Prayer on May 5 and has been selected to speak at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Washington D.C. in June.

Copies of the book and interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com.

A Prayer for Our Country: Words to Unite and Inspire Hope
Authored by Senate Chaplain Barry Black, illustrated by Kim Holt
Hardcover w/Jacket, $17.99 9780310771234 June 7, 2022 On Sale

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids.

Media Contact: Jessica Westra Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com