CHARLOTTE, NC– There is only one C.S. Lewis, but through his new book evangelist and scholar Randy Newman skillfully helps readers to apply the methods Lewis used as they seek to share Jesus with those around them. Mere Evangelism (The Good Book Company, August 2021) inspires readers with insights found in Lewis’ famous radio talks, books, and personal writings.

Rather than serving as an academic overview of Lewis’ evangelistic work, Newman’s book is full of practical insights, helpful stories, and witty humor to equip readers to engage with those around them wisely and winsomely.

“This isn’t a book to increase membership in a C.S. Lewis fan club or prompt praise for him,” Newman explains: “it’s to strengthen our resolve to point lost people to the one who could deliver them from a realm where it’s ‘always winter but never Christmas.’ My prayer is that this book will help readers say and do things that will make an eternal difference in many people’s lives.”

Among the insights Newman shares from his own experience as an evangelist and as trademarks of C.S. Lewis’ life and work are the necessity of pre-evangelism, appealing to clues, and honoring objections. D.A. Carson, who provides a Foreword to the book, describes Newman’s writing as “graced with the lightness of touch and imagination characteristic of Lewis himself.”

David Mathis, executive editor of Desiring God, commends the book, saying, “Randy doesn’t pretend evangelism is easy. In fact, he states the opposite. But even if he can’t make it magically easy, he does make it desirable and realistic. His blend of experience, clarity, and contagiousness make him compelling like few others on this topic.”

In celebration of the launch of Mere Evangelism, Randy Newman is available as a virtual guest speaker for C.S. Lewis groups such as clubs on college campuses. His availability for these sessions is limited. Interested groups can request to host one of these sessions here.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Randy Newman is the Senior Fellow for Evangelism and Apologetics at The C. S. Lewis Institute in the Washington, DC area. He has also taught at numerous theological seminaries and colleges. After serving for over 30 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, he established Connection Points, a ministry to help Christians engage people’s hearts the way Jesus did. He has written a number of books and articles about evangelism and other ways our lives intertwine with God’s creation. He is also the host of Questions That Matter, a podcast of the C. S. Lewis Institute. He and his wife Pam live in Annandale, VA and are grateful for their children and a growing number of grandchildren.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY:
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

Carol Stream, Ill. (August 12, 2021)— Tyndale Momentum, nonfiction imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, will release Hang On, Let Go: What to Do When Your Dreams Are Shattered and Life Is Falling Apart by bestselling author Frank Viola on August 17^th, 2021.

Written out of a barrage of trials in his own life and the lives of his friends, Hang On, Let Go is Viola’s storm-tested insight into braving the inevitable struggles we all face in this life. Viola brings his trademark wisdom, wit, and candor to equip readers for the seasons when life is unraveling in every direction.

Foreword Reviews wrote that Hang On, Let Go “moves beyond happy, clappy evangelism to be honest about how challenging following Jesus can actually be… As hope-filled as it is challenging, Viola’s work acknowledges that letting go includes being willing to abandon any dear expectations about the future. This helps to make Hang On, Let Go a fantastic self-help work for Christians who are facing desperate times.”

Viola has helped thousands of people around the world deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and enter into a more vibrant and authentic experience of church. His mission is to help serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. Viola has written many books on these themes, including God’s Favorite Place on Earth, From Eternity to Here, and his landmark book, Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. His blog, Beyond Evangelical, is rated as one of the most popular in Christian circles today.

Hang On, Let Go by Frank Viola
ISBN: 978-1-4964-5222-1 | Softcover: $17.99 | August 2021
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.

 

(August 11, 2021) – As our world continues to establish a new definition for normal —The Parable Group continues to analyze data and provide insights into the sales and performance within the Christian retailing industry. Drawing on nightly sales and inventory data reported to ParableConnect from over 250 retailers, the following findings include national U.S. representation across independent Christian retailers from all major marketing groups.

Same store sales in January to June of 2021 were compared to 2019 (not 2020), and retail sales were up 11.3% overall. Receipt count and units purchased showed a slight decline, which follows a similar trend to prior reports. The sales increase is in part a result of higher average item prices, as book and gift prices have increased due to rising costs for paper, freight, and labor.

This positive report represents retailer resilience and fortitude despite labor and supply challenges as they carry on in their service in their local markets. Of the stores reporting to ParableConnect, 71% saw an increase in sales in the first half of 2021 as compared to 2019.

“Despite the recent challenges retailers face, including things like finding workers or sourcing products, our retail partners continue their labor of love and service to their customers,” said Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “This report is encouraging to us and our stores; sales are up! These independent Christian retailers have been incredibly resourceful and resiliently committed to offer life-changing resources to the world around them.”

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parable.com

Best-selling author Kenneth Taylor was well-known for his faithful and engaging retelling of Bible stories for children.

Bible Stories Every Child Should Know (10Publishing, 2021) presents the truths of the whole Bible in a language that is understandable for kids. Each story has 3-4 engaging questions to help children grow in their love of the Bible – and adults to fall in love with God’s Word all over again.

Kenneth’s son Mark is excited about this fresh edition being used to continue to open up the Bible to a new generation of children and their parents commenting that reading Bible stories is key to us ‘investing in the eternal lives of our children.’

The passion of both father and son for people to read and understand the Bible comes through in this beautifully illustrated book. It’s a rich and lovely way of helping all generations become more familiar with the God of the Bible and to commit themselves to him.

The hardback book was released on 28th of July, retail at $23.99, and is available to purchase from local bookshops and online at https://us.10ofthose.com/bible-stories-every-child-should-know-9781913278427/

For further information please contact: info@10ofthose.com

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. authors took home five awards from the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) Golden Scroll and Christian Market Book Awards August 15, 2021.

Christian Market Book Awards were given to Billie Fulton for One Moment in Time (third place—Christian Novel of the Year) and to Michele McCarthy for Aunt Ida Clare (tied for second–Christian Children’s Fiction Book of the Year).

Golden Scroll Awards were given to Rebecca Price Janney for Easton at the Pass, Historical Novel of the Year (first), Michele McCarthy for Aunt Ida Clare, Children’s Fiction Book of the Year (first), and Kathy Collard Miller and Larry Miller for God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature (tied for second).

The Christian Market Book Awards are open to anyone who has published a book for the Christian market in the past year. Golden Scroll Awards are only for members of AWSA.

Elk Lake Publishing is a Christian publisher headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Publisher Deb Haggerty said, “We are extremely proud of our authors and their dedication to publishing positive books that point people of all ages to Jesus Christ through both fiction and nonfiction.”

(Nashville, Tenn.)—W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced that Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts surpassed 100,000 copies sold in print, digital and audio formats. The book was an instant success and appeared bestseller lists including New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. The book debuted as #1 on the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association’s Top 50 bestsellers list for May 2021.

In Woman Evolve, Roberts explores how Eve became the first woman to deal with rebuilding her life in the aftermath of her past in the Garden of Eden. Roberts helps readers grapple with their own past mistakes and focus not on who they were but rather the pursuit of who they can become. Woman Evolve is her fifth book release.

Roberts is an entrepreneur, media personality and author. She is the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Mrs. Serita Jakes and co-pastors a dynamic community of artists and professionals in Hollywood alongside her husband, Touré Roberts.

“I’m so grateful to see this book positively impacting lives,” said Roberts. “I look forward to continuing the momentum and infiltrating communities across the world with this message. We’ll continue to leave no woman behind.”

“It is such an honor to publish this powerful book in partnership with Sarah,” said Damon Reiss, v-p and publisher, W Publishing Group. “May this book encourage, strengthen, and free many readers. May they evolve into what God has for them. This isn’t just about publishing books—it’s about transforming lives.

Roberts is represented by Jan Miller of Dupree Miller & Associates.

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, Director of Publicity, W Publishing, Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com

A tribute to his wife and daughters, new children’s book hits shelves August 24.  Pre-order available now.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 3, 2021) – Multi-Platinum entertainer Brett Young transforms his touching GOLD-certified, No. 1 hit single “Lady” into a new children’s picture book, “Love You, Little Lady” which goes on sale August 24 everywhere books are sold.

Dedicated to his wife and baby girls, “Love You Little Lady” reflects the boundless love parents have watching their baby daughter grow into a “little lady.” Through stirring rhymes and warm, sweet illustrations, Young takes readers through the wonder of hearing a baby girl’s first heartbeat, holding her for the very first time, counting her fingers and toes, guiding her first steps, and watching her grow.

“‘Lady’ is easily one of the most special songs I’ve ever written,” said Young. “Becoming a dad has changed everything for me…I’ve heard from so many families saying how much the song has meant to them as well, which is the dream as a songwriter. When we were given the opportunity to transform ‘Lady’ into a children’s book, it was such an easy ‘yes.’ Taylor and I feel so blessed to have this book as a keepsake and to read to our girls as they grow up.”

“Love You, Little Lady” is a joyful read and gift celebrating the moments of now and the moments to come — from the meeting one’s newborn daughter, to the years of growing, learning, and sharing that the future brings to families.

Young is an award-winning country music singer-songwriter, whose love for his family inspired him to write the hit single “Lady.” The California-born singer has captured the hearts of fans everywhere with his heartfelt lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound. He recently released an 8-song collection, WEEKENDS LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THESE DAYS, this summer and returns to the road with his THE WEEKENDS TOUR kicking off in September.

“Love You, Little Lady” (ISBN# 9781400225071) is ideal for ages 4-8 and will be released on August 24, 2021 and now is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold.

About the Author, Brett Young
Brett Young has garnered seven consecutive No. 1 singles. His new collection WEEKENDS LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THESE DAYS (BMLG Records) follows his GOLD-certified sophomore effort, TICKET TO L.A, which debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums chart. His PLATINUM self-titled debut dominated the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart for 37 weeks and contributed to 5.5 billion streams globally. He is an ACM Award winner with additional nominations from CMA, Billboard, Teen Choice, iHeartRadio, and CMT Music Awards.  Brett lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters.

About the Illustrator, Katy Hudson
Katy Hudson started her illustration career as a small child drawing on walls around the house. Her parents quickly dissuaded this medium and encouraged pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and Katy went on to pursue and study art, earning her degree in illustration. She currently works as a freelance illustrator living and working in South London with her husband and daughter.

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.

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

Carol Stream, Ill. (August 4, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release board book versions of Big Thoughts for Little People ABC by Kenneth N. Taylor and I Couldn’t Love You More by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt on October 5.

A children’s favorite for decades, Taylor’s best-selling book is now updated with all-new bright and colorful illustrations in a durable board book format. Using the alphabet as a learning tool, the book connects Bible themes and verses with engaging illustrations to teach even the youngest children important morals and values. Big Thoughts for Little People has sold almost 600,000 units since it initially released.

I Couldn’t Love You More features beautiful illustrations of adorable animals paired with song lyrics to express the sweet, loving, yet powerful message from a parent to their child: I couldn’t love you more, but there is Someone who does. Hammitt was the lead singer for Sanctus Real, a Grammy-nominated Christian rock band, for 20 years. First released in 2012, I Couldn’t Love You More was inspired by Matt and Sarah Hammitt’s son Bowen, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital defect. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to the foundation the Hammitts started to help parents with children who have this heart condition. Bowen continues to beat the odds as he recently celebrated his tenth birthday.

 

• Big Thoughts for Little People ABC by Kenneth N. Taylor | ISBN: 978-1-4964-5106-4 | Board Book: $7.99
• I Couldn’t Love You More by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt | ISBN: 978-1-4964-5111-8 | Board Book: $7.99 

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: Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com 630.784.5103

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 9, 2021) – NavPress is pleased to announce Deborah Gonzalez as associate acquisitions editor. “Deb is a strong addition to our team,” said NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “I’ve known her for more than a decade, and I was impressed by her from the first minute. We’re excited to have her on board.”

Gonzalez is an eleven-year veteran of the publishing industry with experience in editing, marketing, publicity, and brand management. She served with InterVarsity Press for more than eight years; more recently she has worked in a freelance capacity as an editor, ghost writer, and author coach. Alejandro Mandes, author of Embracing the New Samaria (NavPress, 2021), said that working with Gonzalez “was like someone knowing you so well they finish your thoughts. I couldn’t have picked a better collaborator.”

The book-publishing arm of The Navigators, NavPress releases a highly selective list of books and ministry resources every year, with a focus on discipleship and disciplemaking as well as publishing the bestselling The Message version of the Bible. Gonzalez will join acquisitions editor Caitlyn Carlson to extend NavPress’s robust catalog of resources.

“We’re deeply committed to the formation and transformation of God’s people—knowing Christ, making Him known, and helping others do the same,” said Caitlyn Carlson. “Deb’s excellent instincts and breadth of experience will serve our authors well as we equip disciplemakers together.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the NavPress team,” said Gonzalez. “My values and vision are closely aligned with the NavPress ethos, and I look forward to working with the team to acquire and develop resources that will have an impact on the church and the world.”

The NavPress mission is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to peoples’ lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

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, Director of Public Relations, katiedodillet@tyndale.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In 2017, Ashley Huffstutler, at 29 years old, received news she had terminal brain cancer. Having just given birth to her second child, all she wanted to do was hold her two girls for as long as she could. But Huffstutler sensed God nudging her, telling her there was more to do. She felt God saying, “In this more, others will see my glory.”

This prompting led to the conception of the children’s book “When I Hold You” from B&H Publishing, a division of Lifeway Christian Resources. For Huffstutler, writing this book was a long, arduous process as the growing brain tumor affected her reading and writing. But God held her hand through it all. At first, Huffstutler thought the book would simply be a great keepsake for her girls, but God showed her it was also for others to come to know Him more dearly and deeply.

The 24-page children’s book describes the love of a mother to her child and how that reminds her of the love of God the Father. Each turn of the page also reveals a Bible verse, so readers can reflect on Scripture and God’s love for them. Airin O’Callaghan beautifully illustrated mothers of varying skin tones and hair colors, ending with a depiction of Huffstutler and her two girls with their red hair.

“I had never read a book comparing a mother’s love to God’s nurturing, tender care for us—but after I read this manuscript, I knew immediately this book had to exist in the world,” said Anna Sargeant, acquisitions editor for B&H Publishing. “This reminder of God’s tenderness is important in our day and age.”

Ashley Huffstutler and her husband David update a blog about their journey entitled “Ever Singing for Joy.” It documents their ups and downs through cancer, always pointing to Christ as their strength. David wrote early on in 2017 that Ashley’s heart was always evangelistic. “Ashley’s words to me were, ‘When I can’t proclaim the gospel and can’t preach Jesus for myself, it will all fall to you. Take up that mantle and run with it. Boldly proclaim Jesus for me.’”

Writing and publishing “When I Hold You” is one way Huffstutler is doing that while still here on earth.

“‘When I Hold You’ took on a whole new meaning when I finally got to read it to my baby girl for whom my husband and I waited for several years,” said Amanda Mae Steele, marketing specialist for the book. “When I finally got to hold my child and read the words God gave to Huffstutler, it was as if I was experiencing His overwhelming love for me as His own child, too, for the very first time.”

Huffstutler’s health is still declining even as she continues chemotherapy. The cancer has weakened her memory retention and her ability to do everyday activities. As a family, the Huffstutlers expect difficult days ahead and covet readers’ prayers. Still, as the title of their personal blog suggests, the Huffstutlers remain committed to declaring their joy in the Lord through all seasons of life.

More information about “When I Hold You” can be found at Lifeway.com.

 

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Written by Y Bonesteele, Lifeway Christian Resources