Comprehensive Study Guide & Online Teaching Videos Empower Engagement with Francis Chan’s Until Unity

David C Cook’s trio of resources invites small groups & churches to explore God’s heart for unity

Colorado Springs, CO (July 12, 2021) — David C Cook has released an all-new comprehensive study guide for Francis Chan’s latest bestselling book, Until Unity (April 2021). The Until Unity Study Guide (July 2021) contains Bible study questions, leader’s notes, and chapter-by-chapter insights. A complementary online video teaching series, featuring Francis Chan, rounds out David C Cook’s trio of resources focused on Biblical Christian unity.

The Until Unity Study Guide unpacks Francis Chan’s unique and life-changing exploration of why unity is not just God’s wish for His Church—it’s His command. “Scripture teaches that our influence on the world is directly tied to the unity we display,” writes Francis in the study guide. “It is my hope that everyone engaging with this message will see Christians worship a God who desires unity with His children and between His children.”

Chan’s ten teaching videos were created alongside the Until Unity trade book and study guide. The study guide’s chapters correspond with Chan’s teaching videos as he focuses on Christian unity:

• “It’s What the Trinity Wants”
• “It’s What You Want”
• “It’s What the World Needs”
• “It Starts with Repentance”
• “It Comes with Maturity”
• “It Survives with Love”
• “It Requires a Fight”
• “It Must Start Small”

The guide includes additional resources such as:

• Chapter-by-chapter insights into Until Unity
• Bible study questions for individuals or groups
• Scripture passages and reflection questions
• Tips for small group leadership and participation
• Prompts for using Francis Chan’s companion online video teaching series

“Francis Chan is a catalyst for change within the Christian church,” says Michael Covington, Vice President, Publishing & Acquisitions, David C Cook. “This time he definitively explains why Christians cannot remain indifferent to the divisions in the Church today. The gospel-infused message of Until Unity is remarkable in its scope and impact.”

Earlier in 2021, Francis Chan was featured on numerous national media outlets as he introduced Until Unity. Media coverage included GMA3, The Dallas Morning News, Carey Nieuwhof’s Leadership Podcast, Jennie Allen’s Made For This Podcast, Annie F. Downs’ That Sounds Fun Podcast, Jamie Ivey’s The Happy Hour Podcast, and The Holy Post Podcast.

Francis Chan has been a pastor for over thirty years. He is a New York Times bestselling author of several best-selling books including Crazy Love and Letters to the Church. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for nearly 30 years and co-authored You and Me Forever. Currently, Francis and his family split their time between ministry and church planting in Northern California and Asia.

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.

Contact:  Jana Muntsinger, McClure Muntsinger Public Relations, jana@mmpublicrelations.com

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Until Unity Study Guide by Francis Chan
Available July 2021 from David C Cook
Paperback, 130 pages, $15.99, ISBN 978-0830-7828-33
Category: Religion/Christian Church/General

Also available from David C Cook:
Until Unity trade paperback by Francis Chan, ISBN 978-0830-7827-27
Until Unity online video teaching series www.UntilUnityBook.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) June 22, 2021—HarperCollins Focus today announced Sara Kendrick as the new associate publisher for the HarperCollins Leadership imprint.

Kendrick has served as a senior acquisitions editor for HarperCollins Leadership since the imprint launched in 2018. In this role she acquired bestsellers including Business Made Simple by Donald Miller, We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers, and Quantum Marketing by Raja Rajamannar. As associate publisher, Kendrick will lead editorial planning, brand initiatives, and continue to acquire authors and content for HarperCollins Leadership.

“Sara brings intelligence, instinct, and tenacity to all her work,” remarked Jamie Lockard, v-p and publisher for HarperCollins Leadership. “We are grateful for Sara’s tireless energy working alongside the inaugural team in helping build the HarperCollins Leadership business in its start-up years, and I look forward to harnessing her acute strategic vision to guide our future.”

About HarperCollins Leadership:
HarperCollins Leadership feeds your inner drive to grow as a leader, with integrated content and development experiences that give you the inspiration and insights you need to thrive in your current role—and your next. For additional information, please visit harpercollinsleadership.com.

About HarperCollins Focus:
HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company’s mission is to inspire the world with content that equips people to lead lives of significance, integrity and purpose. Current publishing imprints include HarperCollins Leadership, Harper Horizon, Harper Muse, and Harper Celebrate. The company also operates HarperCollins Leadership Essentials, a destination online community dedicated to accelerating personal and professional development. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information go to www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

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

WESTMONT, IL—Two IVP titles, Healing Racial Trauma and A Chronicle of Grief, were honored with 2020 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

A Chronicle of Grief: Finding Life After Traumatic Loss by Mel Lawrenz received top honors as the gold award winner in the grief/grieving (adult nonfiction) category. “Mel’s book grew out of posts he wrote in the months following the loss of his daughter,” said Al Hsu, senior editor for IVP. “The vulnerability of his grief and the honesty of his pain resonated with so many. While we wish Mel had not had occasion to write this book, we are grateful that his words are helping others walk through similar circumstances.” 

In raw, vivid episodes, Lawrenz describes the immediacy of the pain and the uncertainty of what his family experienced. In the agony of traumatic loss, Lawrenz apprehends the realities of love and life and offers insights on how to navigate our life priorities before or after tragedy hits.

Heather Davediuk Gingrich, professor of counseling at Denver Seminary and author of Restoring the Shattered Self, said, “Within the pages of A Chronicle of Grief, Mel Lawrenz bares his heart broken with grief, yet his story is sprinkled with hope. As I write we are in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is ripping so many from the arms of their loved ones. When he wrote this book, the author would have had no inkling of what was to come. So much death . . . so much loss . . . so much trauma . . . so much grief . . . for so many individuals and families. A Chronicle of Grief could not be more timely.”

Lawrenz trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought leaders through the Brook Network. His other books include Spiritual Leadership Today and Life After Grief. Read an excerpt of A Chronicle of Grief at ivpress.com/a-chronicle-of-grief.

Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience by Sheila Wise Rowe was the other IVP book to be honored with an INDIES Book of the Year Award. Healing Racial Trauma received the bronze award in the multicultural (adult nonfiction) category. This title also received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the 2021 Christianity Today Book Award for the Christian Living/Discipleship category.

Author and speaker Gail Dudley said, “Healing Racial Trauma is outstanding. This book forced me to pull back the makeshift Band-Aids, which on the surface hid some deep-seated wounds from the racial trauma I had experienced. Reading this book reminded me of the stories my Black grandparents would share of racial tension and outright hatred with my siblings and me at a very young age. Tears filled my eyes while I was holding on to every written word. I pressed beyond the immediate feelings that welled up within me to find solace and embrace authentic healing. This book is a must-read if you are serious about healing racial trauma. I give Sheila Wise Rowe a standing ovation for this life-altering book!”

Rowe holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For over twenty-five years she has ministered to abuse and trauma survivors in the United States and for a decade in Johannesburg, South Africa. She also taught counseling- and trauma-related courses. Rowe is also the author of the forthcoming title, Young, Gifted, and Black: A Journey of Lament and Celebration (IVP, March 2022). Read an excerpt of Rowe’s book at ivpress.com/healing-racial-trauma.

As part of its mission to discover, review, and share the best books from university and independent publishers, Foreword Magazine Inc. hosts an annual awards program each year. This year more than 2,100 entries were submitted in fifty-five categories, with Foreword’s editors choosing approximately nine finalists per genre. Those finalists were then delivered to individual librarians and booksellers tasked with picking the gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention winners.

“Covid-19 changed the world,” said editor in chief Michelle Anne Schingler, “And the INDIES were no exception. While we ordinarily meet in person to vet the thousands of entrants and determine finalists, this year we had to read books independently and come together afterward and discuss our impressions. What we discovered was heartening: we were in agreement about finalists, even when encountering books miles and days apart. We are happy to, with renewed fervor, declare these books the best of the best that we saw.”

For a complete list of IVP’s award-winning titles, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

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

New Title from Viral Sensation with 56+ Million YouTube Subscribers and Over 12 Billion Views, Available Now

LOS ANGELES (June 24, 2021) – “Dude Perfect 101 Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff” from internet icons revered worldwide for their viral trick shot videos and epic battles, debuted in the  #1 spot on Amazon’s Best Seller List (Top 100 Books) this week. Officially out on Tuesday, June 22, the title earned its premiere ranking before it was even released.

Displaying never-before revealed tips and tricks through high-quality, captivating photos and Dude-worthy graphics, the book gives readers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into Dude Perfect’s favorite stunts, stats and personal lives.

The Dude Perfect team – consisting of Coby Cotton (Twin #1), Cory Cotton (Twin #2), Garrett Hilbert (The Purple Hoser), Cody Jones (The Tall Guy), and Tyler Toney (The Bearded Guy) – first gained viral fame by posting videos of the Dudes’ extraordinary basketball trick shots. Over the years, Dude Perfect has amassed a fanatical YouTube following with over 56 million subscribers and more than 12 billion views, making it one of the world’s most-subscribed YouTube channels:  www.youtube.com/user/corycotton.

For more information and assets about Dude Perfect, visit:

• DP Website: https://dudeperfect.com/
• DP Facebook: www.facebook.com/DudePerfect/ (18M followers)
• DP Instagram: www.instagram.com/dudeperfect/ (11.3M followers)
• DP Twitter: @DudePerfect, https://twitter.com/dudeperfect (433.1K followers)
• DP YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/corycotton (55.9M subscribers)

About Dude Perfect
Founded in 2009, Dude Perfect is a group of five former college roommates from Texas A&M University who initially made basketball trick shots for fun. Cory Cotton, Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones, and Tyler Toney had no idea what they were getting themselves into after that first ball swished, but they believe that nothing happens by accident and are grateful that they’ve had an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of countless others all around the globe. “The Dudes,” who all call Texas home, have gone on to reach more than 55 million YouTube subscribers, sell out arena-events, and hold several Guinness World Records.

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.

CONTACTS:
Lesley A. Burbridge, 14 PR & Entertainment Group, lesley@14PRandEntertainment.com, 310.562.0715
Natividad Lewis, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Natividad.Lewis@harpercollins.com, 931.698.9620

The Lady’s Mine, a historical romance set in the Wild West, to be published by Tyndale House Publishers in February 2022 

CAROL STREAM, ILL. — (June 25, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce an upcoming release from award-winning, bestselling, and beloved author Francine Rivers. In The Lady’s Mine, available in stores and online starting February 8, 2022, Rivers returns to the California frontier with a sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.

In 1875, Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas. Falling in love is the furthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper—and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say—and publish—whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.

Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead—and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.

Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.

Of this upcoming release, publisher Karen Watson shares, “The Lady’s Mine will hit just the right notes with readers at just the right time. Part Taming of the Shrew with a little bit of Oklahoma! in the mix, Francine paints a lighthearted tale of a young woman caught in the tension between her social conscience and her own need for spiritual change. Never one to ignore critical social issues, Francine shows the challenges of imperfect people trying to make a difference. And all of this told with clever dialogue, humor, and a romance to cheer for! We couldn’t be any more excited about this delightful new release from Francine.”

Regarding her novel, Rivers comments, “Do you ever look back and wish you had a do-over opportunity? COVID-19 hit shortly after my husband and I returned from South Africa and the filming of Redeeming Love. All trips on our schedule were canceled and we joined the masses of shelter-in-place citizens. It seemed the perfect time to reimagine and rewrite a story that’s been with me for decades, something addressing serious issues with humor and grace. Life had become too somber to add heaviness to it. We all need to laugh, even when days are dark—maybe even more so during those times. And we all want change and a happy ending.

“So, here it is, my COVID book, harkening back to my roots as a romance writer and addressing the question ‘Can one person impact an entire community?’ I hope you will have as much fun reading the story as I had writing it.”

The launch of Rivers’s new novel will be supported by significant marketing and PR campaigns.

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

The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers
ISBN 978-1-4964-4757-9
Hardcover: $27.99
Releases February 8, 2022
Tyndale.com

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

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

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Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries.

“Treading Boldly help[s] parents guide their kids through one of the greatest threats of this age”
—Josh McDowell, founder and president of Josh McDowell Ministries

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Joshua Glaser and Daniel Weiss just released their new book, Treading Boldly through a Pornographic World: A Field Guide for Parents (Salem Books; $16.99)—which provides parents with the tools they need to navigate a hypersexualized culture. As leaders of Christ-centered ministries aimed at helping families live in God’s beautiful design for sexuality, Josh and Daniel are passionate about helping parents raise healthy kids—both relationally and emotionally. In Treading Boldly through a Pornographic World, Josh and Daniel are the experts parents need to help their kids navigate a digital world full of landmines.

“We wrote Treading Boldly to help parents not only tackle the threats of pornography, but to help them go deeper with their kids into the heart and meaning of love,” Josh and Daniel say.

According to the CDC in early 2020, kids under the age of 15 can spend on average up to nine hours a day on screens. During those hours, they are exposed to many messages—some good, but others that are dangerously harmful to their young minds. According to another study, nearly half of kids aged 10-17 had seen porn at some point—75% of whom stumbled across it accidentally. Sadly, too many parents are blissfully unaware that their kids are being exposed to pornography at increasingly younger ages, largely because of easy access to digital pornography.

Designed to be a practical resource for parents, as well as pastors and church leaders, Treading Boldly through a Pornographic World gives believers an in-depth discussion of how pornography affects kids and what we can do about it. Readers will discover:

• Practical steps for parents to instill a healthy and biblical perspective of sexuality
• Eye-opening statistics about pornography use, and how it’s become an epidemic for kids
• Why pornography is specifically targeted to kids and how to put measures in place

Contact: Katie Anderson, Katie.Anderson@SalemBooks.com

Jesus Calling devotional reaches 35 million units sold, and Jesus Listens debuts Oct. 5

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 15, 2021) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that its Jesus Calling brand line has surpassed 35 million units sold. Adding to the popular line of life-changing devotionals, Thomas Nelson will once again be working with best-selling author and creator of Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, to release the next title Jesus Listens: Daily Devotional Prayers of Peace, Joy, and Hope on October 5, 2021.

Jesus Listens will offer readers a prayer for each day of the year, enriching their faith life with scripture at the end of each devotion to deepen their relationship with God. By praying through this daily devotional prayer book, readers will experience how God uses our prayers not only to change circumstances, but to change us.

“The devotional prayers in Jesus Listens are designed to draw readers into deeper, richer communication with God,” Young said. “My hope is that readers will not only read these devotions but make them their own. The prayers in Jesus Listens are meant to be a starting point for other prayers—helping readers bring all their concerns to Jesus and enjoy spending time with Him.”

In Jesus Listens, Young draws on that closeness with God to offer honest prayers for readers who

• have been praying for years but long for renewed biblical insights
• are looking for a  short devoted prayer time to provide support throughout the day
• want to pray God’s promises straight from Scripture
• are going through difficult times
• are new to faith and not sure how to begin in prayer
• have found spiritual rest in Jesus Calling and Jesus Always
• are eager to start a meaningful new spiritual discipline

Since it was first published in 2004, Jesus Calling remains one of the most successful devotionals of all time and has expanded to include children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, and the ECPA 2018 Book of the Year, Jesus Always.

“It is remarkable to see how Jesus Calling has made an impact on so many lives,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “This brand, that started as a single devotional, has expanded its reach into people’s hearts through a podcast, magazine and television program. We are so thankful for Sarah and her amazing faith that she so freely shares that has impacted millions of lives. She is changing God’s Kingdom.”

“I give God the glory for helping us reach this amazing milestone,” said Young. “I want to thank all the talented people at Thomas Nelson who work so diligently and effectively with the Jesus Calling books. Also, I’m grateful for the many wonderful faith stories that readers continue to share with us.”

Jesus Listens: Daily Devotional Prayers of Peace, Joy, and Hope (ISBN# 9781400215584) releases on October 5, 2021 and now is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold. More information about the Jesus Calling brand can be found at www.jesuscalling.com.

About Sarah Young: Sarah Young’s devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying, and writing in prayer journals. With sales of more than 35 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling^®, Jesus Today^®, Jesus Always, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling^® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling^® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling^®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence-each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years. They currently live in the United States.

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

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

 

Dawn Hollomon promoted to acquisitions editor for W Publishing Group

(Nashville, Tenn.) June 15, 2021 — Damon Reiss, vice president and publisher of W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, announced today the impending retirement of 32-year industry veteran Debbie Wickwire, senior acquisitions editor. Dawn Hollomon, senior editor, will move into the acquisitions role.

Wickwire joined Word Publishing in 1989, which was acquired by Thomas Nelson in 1992. Through her long tenure she has worked as a support to the sales team, managed author and brand relationships, and acquired hundreds of book projects. She has been instrumental in developing the publishing phenomenon Heaven Is for Real as well as many other New York Times and CBA bestselling authors such as Anne Graham Lotz, Levi Lusko, Jennie Allen, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and Chip and Joanna Gaines. Her retirement will begin in September.

“I never dreamed God would allow me the honor of working with so many brilliant people and teams through my assignment to discover exceptional authors and publish their books,” says Wickwire. “Though the titles, covers, and even times may have changed, I’m so grateful that the messages of God’s truth, love, and grace have remained the same. It has been an incredibly rewarding career—especially knowing how one book can change someone’s life for eternity!”

“It has been a privilege to work with Debbie,” says Reiss. “Equal parts book magician, counselor, and prayer warrior, she has set the standard of excellence W Publishing is known for and will continue to be after her retirement. She will always be an intricate part of our team, and we celebrate this new season with her.”

Hollomon joined Thomas Nelson in 2014 after serving as lead editor for the magazine HomeLife. After specializing in four-color and high-design projects in the company’s gift book division, Hollomon joined the W Publishing Group imprint in 2019, where she has led the editorial efforts for Dr. David Jeremiah, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hosanna Wong, and Kari Kampakis, among others.

“I am excited to see Dawn thrive in this new role and continue to serve our authors with exceptional care,” says Stephanie Newton, associate publisher of W Publishing Group. “While working with Dawn I’ve constantly been impressed by her dedication to our partners and her focus on bringing impactful books to the lives of believers around the globe. Her voice on our team has been a difference maker and sets W apart in the market.”

Hollomon will move into the acquisitions role immediately, reporting to Damon Reiss and collaborating with Wickwire over the next few months to execute a smooth transition.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:  Allison Carter, Publicity Director, W Publishing, 615-902-2143 Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com

 

Iron Stream Media was honored to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and receive several awards. The Directors’ Choice Awards are given to past conference attendees and faculty with books published in the prior year.

We are thrilled to have won the following 2021 Directors’ Choice Awards:

Directors’ Choice Awards – Fiction

• Grave Consequences – Third Place
  Debra DuPree Williams
• Abigail’s Secret – Finalist
  Marilyn Turk

Directors’ Choice Awards – Devotional

• Soul Strong – 2nd Place
  Lucinda Secrest McDowell

The Selah Awards are given to recognize excellence in Christian publishing for authors published the prior year. We are excited to have received the following Selah Awards:

Selah Awards – Christian Life

• Faith Wins – 2nd Place
  Adam Groza
• Enjoy Today, Own Tomorrow – Finalist
  Laine Lawson Craft

Selah Awards – General Fiction

• Outbound Train – 1st Place
  Renea Winchester

Perkins Named BRMCWC Assistant Director
As an award-winning author as well as teacher, speaker, and editor, Edwina Perkins gives back to her writing community in numerous ways. Perkins, managing editor of our Harambee Press imprint, has served as the Mentoring Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and has been named Assistant Director. She has served on the Word Weavers Orlando Leadership Team and now serves with the Word Weavers International Advisory Committee.

2021 Yvonne Lehman Award
We are so happy that Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (LPC) founder Eddie Jones and Iron Stream Media Managing Editor Cindy Sproles were awarded the 2021 Yvonne Lehman Award for helping others answer God’s call to write. Lehman, who passed away earlier this spring, was a beloved writing coach and founder of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

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.

Book these authors as guest speakers or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com. A limited supply of giveaway copies is available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or by calling 888-811-9934.

Carol Stream, IL — June 21, 2021 – Christianity Today has added a nascent publication and digital community, Ekstasis, into its media ecosystem to further its joint pursuit of Beautiful Orthodoxy—communicating the truth, goodness, and beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Christianity Today’s president and CEO, Timothy Dalrymple, explains that “Ekstasis revives the Christian imagination, offering artful contemplation that nurtures the soul, and illuminates a path that leads through beauty and awe to a profound and joyous faith in Jesus Christ. In a clamorous and contentious age, we view Ekstasis as a kind of digital cathedral, a sanctuary from the noise, a place that captures our attention through loving art and luminous words.”

Ekstasis Founder Conor Sweetman created the publication and community in 2016 to reach fellow believers with work that slants toward the triumphant and glorious aspects of life in Christ, framed through life, the arts and literature.

Sweetman shares, “There are so many excellent, inspired artists and writers at work today. Ekstasis wants to draw them together in a unique way to enjoy, influence and galvanize one another in faithfulness to Christ while immersed in the intellectual and creative life. Whether poet, photographer, painter, writer, musician or simply a patron of the arts, there is an exciting part to play in these ecstatic times.”

Along with an annual publication, Ekstasis features a thriving digital community where both young and old generations of believers are seeking new ways of pressing into the depths of what it means to follow Jesus.

The newest print issue, Ekstasis Issue 8, releases this week. This issue, along with several of the most recent issues, are now available to order at https://www.ekstasismagazine.com/buy-magazine. The most recent digital content is available at https://www.ekstasismagazine.com.

Christianity Today is an acclaimed and award-winning media ministry that elevates the storytellers and sages of the global Church. Each month, across a variety of digital and print media, the ministry carries the most important stories and ideas of the kingdom of God to over 4.5 million people all around the planet.

Contact: Cory Whitehead, 630.384.7223  cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com