BELLINGHAM, WA—Beginning in early 2022, Lexham Press will publish their first children’s books, launching the FatCat series. The first title, The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children, will release in February 2022. This full-color illustrated book will inspire children aged 4-8 to understand and delight in the church’s ancient confession of faith.

Todd Hains, editor at Lexham Press, said, “Christian parents want to raise their children in the faith, but many feel inadequate to the task. And that’s why we’ve made it a hallmark of our work at Lexham to teach the catechism. The church’s catechism is the central texts of faith—the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. These unite Christians across traditions and generations. The catechism teaches us what the Bible teaches us: our faith. FatCat Books are meant to give parents and children the faith, hope, and love of the Bible. We’re excited to share these bright books of hope with families and churches.”

To keep the catechism approachable and fun, the series features a character named FatCat (“cat” being short for “catechism”). FatCat, a striped gray feline, can be found throughout the pages of the book, learning about the catechism along with the readers.

The Apostles’ Creed is beautifully illustrated by Natasha Kennedy, a freelance artist and mother from Seattle, Washington. Each spread includes a line from the traditional text of the creed and full-color illustrations. Kennedy said, “in illustrating the ancient catechism, I wanted to blend the traditional feel of Byzantine iconography with the playful imagery of Eyvind Earle and make the life of Jesus familiar and approachable for children.”

Each line of the creed is accompanied by thoughtful reflections from theologian Ben Myers that guide readers young and old. Myers is also the author of The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism in the Christian Essentials series (Lexham Press). The book also includes a list of Scriptures and a guided family prayer to aid in children’s education and devotion.

Jesse Myers, Lexham Press’ publisher, said, “it’s our hope that the FatCat books will be a joyful and fun way for parents to introduce children to the basics of Christian belief. The books will mirror exactly what we hope to do in all Lexham books: point people helpfully and hopefully to God’s Word.”

Future FatCat books are forthcoming, with The Lord’s Prayer: For All God’s Children expected in Fall 2022.

Visit http://www.lexhampress.com/FatCat to learn more about the FatCat series and first book in the FatCat series, The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children, releasing in February 2022.

Contact:  Lindsay John Kennedy for more information and a press kit.  lindsay@lexhampress.com

Lisa Osteen Comes assures readers the blessing you believe God has promised to you, and the dreams you have been anticipating…are on the way!

In IT’S ON THE WAY! (FaithWords, August 24, 2021, ISBN: 9781546015963), Lisa Osteen Comes reminds readers that during these inevitable times in our lives, God is faithful and our current season is temporary. Lisa teaches readers how to press through challenges, quit taking shortcuts instead of trusting God to give you His best, allow God to fight your battles, and silence the enemy within, while giving encouragement and practical steps to take when you don’t know what to do next.

At times, we all find ourselves in seasons of waiting:

• For our dreams to be fulfilled
• Our prayers to be answered
• Our circumstances to change

Know that YOUR dream has an appointed time and God always has victory in store for you. And the seasons of waiting don’t need to be periods of discouragement or hopelessness. Instead, they can be rich periods of joy, growth and preparation for the plans and promotion that God has in store for you.

Lisa Osteen Comes serves as an associate pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, led by her brother Joel Osteen. Comes teaches in the weekly services and Bible study, as well as speaking at churches and conferences nationwide.

NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible to Release in October

Carol Stream, Ill., Aug. 23, 2021—In the midst of national concern over the economy, the ongoing pandemic, and mental health issues, Tyndale House Publishers and DaySpring have teamed up for the October release of the NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible, a Bible designed to provide hope and encouragement during any season of life, but particularly during the trying times many are currently experiencing.

The NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible includes a reading plan that amplifies 12 Indisputable Truths about who each of us is in Christ, including: you are known, you are not alone, you have a purpose, and you have a reason for hope. These truths equip readers to recognize and embrace their treasured place in God’s heart in order to face any challenge and step into even the toughest calling.

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with DaySpring on the NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible,” said Jim Jewell, senior director of marketing and communication for Tyndale House. “Our shared vision to bring the Word of God to people in need of renewed hope and fresh encouragement seems particularly relevant during this time in history.”

“This year, DaySpring celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we’ve included our most encouraging and hopeful messages from the past five decades in the new NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible,” said Joy Groblebe, content marketing director for DaySpring. “We’ve included content that has resonated most with our audience through the years as a companion to their Scripture reading.”

Distinctives of the NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible include:

• Full text of the trusted New Living Translation
• 52 full-page devotionals from bestselling DaySpring books
• 250+ reflective DaySpring inspirations
• 12 Indisputable Truths reading plans
• Full-color interior, including 16-page Visual Overview of the Bible
• Tyndale Verse Finder
• Wide margins for journaling and note-taking

NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible
(Tyndale House Publishers, ISBN: 978-1-4964-5292-4).
Hardcover: $37.49. LeatherLike cover: $44.99.

About Tyndale House Publishers
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.

About DaySpring
DaySpring, the world’s largest Christian-message product provider, was founded in 1971 with a single Christmas card. Today DaySpring offers more than 6,000 products—from greeting cards to home décor, specialty gifts to devotional books. In 1999, DaySpring was acquired by Hallmark Cards, Inc. DaySpring products are in Christian retail outlets, mass retail stores, card and gift shops and other outlets in the United States and 60 foreign countries. DaySpring is based in Siloam Springs, Ark., and employs a staff of more than 80 people. Visit www.dayspring.com for more information about the company, to find a local retailer, and to send a free e-card.

DaySpring is a registered trademark of DaySpring Cards, Inc.

MEDIA NOTE: For more information, or to arrange an interview about the NLT DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible, contact Laura McGowan at laura@lauramcgowan.com or call (847) 347-5206.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:  Laura McGowan (847) 347-5206, laura@lauramcgowan.com

Full-color board book features colorful illustrations, peaceful prayers for a soothing bedtime routine

NASHVILLE, TN., August 2021—At the end of the day, every child needs the comfort of a bedtime ritual before falling asleep. Reading a story before bed is one of the most popular bedtime routines that not only brings comfort, but also creates family traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.

In her new children’s book, Bedtime with Mommy (End Game Press, Aug. 24, 2021, $8.99, 1637970005), bestselling and multi-award-winning author of over 100 books, Nancy I. Sanders, brings a sweet, new board book to add to bedtime reading for mothers and their little ones. From polar bears to elephants and kangaroos, children are drawn into the dens, nests and pouches of sleepy baby animals who are lovingly tucked in by their mothers.

Bedtime with Mommy is perfect for babies and toddlers ages 1-4 years of age and is sure to be a cherished, favorite bedtime routine. Children will not only be soothed to sleep, but they will also learn about the unique characteristics of God’s creation in the world around them as they are reminded of just how loved they are.

With beautiful illustrations by Felia Hanakata, Bedtime with Mommy takes children on a colorful journey as they visit unique habitats around the world including the arctic, rainforest and ocean. Written in easy-to-read-rhyme, Sanders also weaves in gentle prayers, Psalms and reminders of God’s love.

“With four grandchildren under the age of 6, I see how important bedtime routines are to children,” says Sanders. “Bedtime with Mommy gives mothers everywhere concrete examples for imparting faith-filled precious moments to their children at bedtime.”

Sanders is available for interviews and can speak to a variety of topics, including:

• Instilling faith into the lives of young children through the power of bedtime reading
• How to create a meaningful bedtime routine for your family
• Prayers and Psalms that will soothe and comfort children at bedtime
• Why incorporating bedtime reading increases the bond between parent and child
• How a child’s bedtime routine benefits the entire home
• Tips for making bedtime fun and relaxing for your toddler

“Bedtime can often be a challenge, especially with babies and toddlers,” says Sanders. “I hope little ones will find comfort, reassurance, and a sense of calm as they include reading Bedtime with Mommy as part of their routine each night.”

About the Author
Nancy I. Sanders is a multi-award-winning children’s author of over 100 books. She is the co-winner of the ECPA’s 2018 Young People’s Literature Award for the best in MG/YA nonfiction in the Christian market, and some of her favorite topics to write about are God, Bible stories, educational subjects, African American history, and Jane Austen. While Nancy loves to spend her time writing books and working on various manuscript projects, she also enjoys sewing patchwork quilts, gardening and capturing the beauty of God’s beautiful creation on film. Nancy and her husband, Jeff, live in southern California and attend Calvary Chapel Chino Hills Church.

About the Illustrator
Felia Hanakata is an Indonesia-based illustrator who attended the Academy of Art University and completed her BFA in Illustration. She thinks story-telling breathes life and colors into the world. When she is not drawing, she usually reads, drinks lots of coffee, plays video games, and looks for inspiration in nature and her surroundings. 

About End Game Press
Launched by award-winning author Victoria Duerstock in 2020, End Game Press is a traditional publishing house where ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. End Game Press puts authors first, educating them on the entirety of the publishing process and providing them with the needed training to be successful. With a goal to create beauty and cultivate community, End Game Press publishes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles into both general and Christian markets. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com.

 Media Contact: Christina Bostick, christina@iconmediagroup.com

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SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Nancy I. Sanders, Bedtime with Mommy

1. Nancy, you are a bestselling and multi-award-winning author of over 100 children’s books. How has writing books for children shaped your life? What do you most enjoy about it?
2. Your new book, Bedtime with Mommy, brings moms and children together creating a purposeful bedtime routine. Can you share more about the book and what inspired you to write it?
3. What will mothers and their children gain from reading this bedtime story together?
4. How does having a bedtime reading routine impact the mom/child relationship?
5. What do you hope children will take away from this story?
6. Prayers and Psalms are sweetly woven into the story. Can you talk about the importance of instilling faith into the lives of young children?
7. What is one of your favorite Psalms that brings comfort?
8. Do you have any tips for creating a meaningful bedtime routine?
9. Can you share some encouragement with listeners, specifically mothers, who might struggle with parenting and don’t feel as if they are doing enough?
10. How can our audience connect with you online, and where can they purchase a copy of Bedtime with Mommy?

Author of the YouVersion Bible App for Kids Bible Stories Releases First Four Bible Story Picture Books in All New Series to Remind Young Children Of Their Part In God’s Story

Internationally known Performance Storyteller and bestselling author Bob Hartman is set to entertain and inspire children with the launch of his all new Clever Cub Bible Stories series available Sept. 1 from David C Cook. Geared to little ones ages three to six, the first four books to be released from this delightful and affordable 16-book series of Bible story picture books makes reading time a faith-building adventure as Clever Cub reminds kids of their part in God’s story.

Through Hartman’s gifted storytelling and vibrant illustrations by Steve Brown, God’s Word comes alive as children follow along with Clever Cub to discover more about Jesus, Creation and the Bible in this engaging picture book series.

“Clever Cub is a curious little bear who LOVES to cuddle up with the Bible and learn about God,” says Hartman, who is also the author of the YouVersion Bible App for Kids Bible stories that have been downloaded 70 million times. “What better way to help young readers discover more about their part in God’s story than to share His love and biblical truths based on Scripture through faith-filled adventures.

“My dream for this series is that Clever Cub helps children see the love of God in their own lives,” continues Hartman, “and that they receive the joy that Christ brings when we enter into a relationship with Him!”

Featuring colorful illustrations, kid-friendly questions and engaging stories from the wonders of Creation to the songs of the Psalms to the arrival of Baby Jesus, this series of Bible story picture books invites readers to join Clever Cub as he “Welcomes Baby Jesus, Explores God’s Creation, Sings to God and Gives Thanks to God.” A note at the end of each book includes questions about the story’s theme to help parents and ministry leaders begin conversations with children about their own part in God’s story.

Furthermore, there are helpful resources and downloadable content available for parents and adults to share with children, including free Clever Cub coloring pages, animated story videos narrated by Hartman, and more “freebies” available through signing up for email updates at https://davidccook.org/clever-cub-books/. Subscribers may also receive notifications to hear about all the new Clever Club adventures coming soon and the latest free resources being offered.

Clever Cub Bible Stories Series Description for books 1 – 4:

Clever Cub Welcomes Baby Jesus

• On a starry night, Clever Cub imagines what it would have been like to welcome baby Jesus as Mama Bear tells the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 2.

Clever Cub Explores God’s Creation

• Clever Cub snuggles up with Mama Bear as she teaches him from Genesis 1 about how God created sky, water, mountains, beaches—and clever cubs like him!

Clever Cub Sings to God

• A wonderful way to introduce young readers to praying and singing the psalms, this lively exploration of Psalm 104 inspires kids to praise God for all He has done.

Clever Cub Gives Thanks to God

• As Mama Bear tells Clever Cub the story of Peter and John healing a man in Acts 3, Clever Cub learns ways he can show gratitude to God, too!

About Bob Hartman:
Performance storyteller Bob Hartman is the author of the YouVersion Bible App for Kids Bible stories, that have been downloaded 70 million times. His long list of children’s titles have sold over a million copies, including The Lion Storyteller Bible, which has been printed in eleven different languages. As an ordained minister, his passion is to help people of every age find their way into the Bible, engage with it and discover the God who inspired it. Bob is married to Sue, has two married children, Kari and Chris, and five grandchildren. For more information or to connect with Hartman, visit Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Steve Brown:
Steve Brown (stevebrownillustration.co.uk) is a UK-based freelance children’s illustrator with a passion for telling stories through his art and using humor to delight children and adults alike.

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:
Bob Hartman, Clever Cub Bible Stories 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/BobHartmanCleverCubPress.

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

New children’s book, “Walter Does His Best: A Frenchie Adventure in Kindness and Muddy Paws” debuts Sept. 7, 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 18, 2021) – The effort to be kind and books on kindness continue to be very relevant in the parent-child spaces. Soon to be a mother herself, “Good Morning America’s” Eva Pilgrim hopes her French Bulldog Walter can teach little humans this invaluable trait in her first children’s book, Walter Does His Best: A Frenchie Adventure in Kindness and Muddy Paws, debuting Tues., Sept. 7.

Walter Does His Best is a hilarious, dog adventure story, that encourages kids to remember that being kind does not require perfection but rather one’s best effort and intention. Young readers will see that Walter’s heart is full of kindness as they join him on a mission of kindness throughout New York City. From Central Park to Broadway to Times Square, Walter tries his best to help his neighbors along the way, but his efforts don’t go as planned. Whether on the subway, at the Rockefeller Center gardens, or Coney Island, Walter’s attempts to put his best paw forward and be a good dog.

“Being kind seems like a small act, but when you add it all up it can really make a big impact on you and those around you, even if you don’t immediately see it,” said Pilgrim. “Kindness isn’t just something you give other people, it changes you too.”

Walter Does His Best encourages children to look for opportunities to be kind while also affirming that everyone makes mistakes. Pilgrim wants young people to know that kindness is a strength, and everyone has an opportunity to make the world brighter, one action at a time.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Pilgrim grew up in Columbia, S.C. A New Yorker now, many know her from ABC’s “Good Morning America: Weekend Edition,” where she co-hosts with fellow correspondents, Rob Marciano, Dan Harris and Adrienne Bankert.

From a young age, Pilgrim’s mother taught her that being kind was the best thing she could be and offer to others. Pilgrim still lives by that philosophy, so much so that she and her colleagues at “Good Morning America” developed a #nicegirls movement which she believes makes the newsroom a happier place.

“Having a dog as happy and loving as Walter inspires me to continue to bring kindness into this world,” said Pilgrim. “Walter definitely has a big heart and always means well, but it would be an understatement to say he creates a lot of messes. You can’t help but laugh with him and appreciate his efforts.”

According to the American Kennel Association, the French bulldog – aka the Frenchie – is the 2^nd most popular breed in the USA. Playful, smart, adaptable and a chart-busting “lovey-dovey” level on the affectionate with family and openness to humans scale, making Walter completely irresistible.

Walter Does His Best: A Frenchie Adventure in Kindness and Muddy Paws (ISBN: 9781400226771) will be released on September 7, 2021 everywhere books are sold.

About the Eva Pilgrim
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Eva grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and now calls New York City home. Eva is an ABC correspondent and co-host of “Good Morning America: Weekend Edition.” Connect with Eva and Walter on Instagram at @evapilgrim and @walterunleashed.

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 18, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen & Refine Your Faith by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery on October 5. Through simple but deeply spiritual meditations, One Good Word a Day will help readers identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives.

Writers, speakers, and friends who created the popular website The Ruth Experience, Fisk, Roehl, and Demery’s latest devotional book is based on the popular idea of choosing a “word for the year” to bring focus and intention to our daily lives. Now, however, they are narrowing the focus to one word per day, to reveal the lovely, delightful, and multifaceted truths of who Jesus is in our lives. Their book will remind readers that in Christ, we find all we need to live encouraged and uplifted every day.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com.

One Good Word a Day
by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery
ISBN: 978-1-4964-5261-0
Softcover: $16.99
October 2021 release

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.

Media Contact: Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com, 630.784.5103

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

FIGHTING WORDS – 100 DAYS OF SPEAKING TRUTH INTO THE DARKNESS (B&H PUBLISHING GROUP) OCTOBER 2021

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AUGUST 17, 2021) Singer-songwriter and author Ellie Holcomb announces the upcoming release of her first devotional book: Fighting Words – 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness (B&H Publishing), on October 15, 2021. Named after one of her hit songs, “Fighting Words,” Holcomb has penned a journaling devotional book filled with encouraging, honest reflections and questions to help you process scripture. Fighting Words is a place where you can wrestle, respond to, and take hold of precious truths in God’s Word to help you push back the lies that so often consume, distract, and destroy us.

“Fighting Words is more like an invitation than a book,” explains Ellie Holcomb. “It’s an invitation to come as you are and lie down in the green pastures of God’s Word. It’s an invitation to bury some treasure in your heart as we memorize God’s Word together, and my hope is that this book will feel like a companion who will meet you where you are, come alongside you, and help you know that you’re not alone. I think the main content of this book is God’s Word and your heart!”

Nearly a decade ago, Holcomb began memorizing Scripture with a friend of hers that was battling depression. They started committing God’s Word to memory and called these verses their “Fighting Words.” She has continued to do this with her music that is scripture-based and on her socials, she has shared regularly #FightingWords of encouragement for her community.

“As we memorized Scripture together, it started changing us,” Holcomb shares. “It didn’t change our circumstances, but it gave us some solid ground to stand on when the shame storms started rolling in, and it ultimately gave us a shelter and a hope that no matter what we were facing, we were never alone. It’s been one of the most transformative practices of my life, and it felt too powerful to not invite others to join me! I started sharing different scriptures that have grounded me and guided me and whispered hope in the darkest nights of my soul on Instagram over three years ago almost every Friday, and the comments and community that has gathered around the warmth and light of these promises from God’s Word has been so beautiful. This is what inspired this book!”

This devotional marks her first book for adults as she has previously released two best-selling children’s books through B&H Publishing Group (Don’t Forget to Remember, 2020 and Who Sang the First Song, 2018). With these books, she spent several months on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) juvenile bestseller list and was a finalist for Christian Book of the Year in the children’s category (for Who Sang the First Song). She also released accompanying EPs with each picture book and was nominated for both for the GMA Dove Award for Children’s Project of the Year, which she won in 2020 for Sing: Remembering Songs.

About Ellie Holcomb:
For eight years, she recorded and toured full-time with her husband’s band, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, before stepping off the road when her first child was born. Her solo debut, As Sure As The Sun (2014), landed her a Top 10 hit on Christian radio with “The Broken Beautiful” and a GMA Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year.” Her critically-acclaimed sophomore LP, Red Sea Road, followed in 2017. In subsequent years, Holcomb has released two children’s books – each with a companion EP of original music written specifically for kids, the second of which earned her a Dove Award for “Children’s Album of the Year,” in 2020. This summer she released her third full-length solo project, Canyon, to much acclaim. “A deeper sorrow, a higher hope; to be broken is to be human,” Ellie Holcomb says to sum up the content of her latest album. For more information visit: ellieholcomb.com

Media inquiries please contact:
Lori Mahon, Lori@MergePR.com | 615.579.1266
Stacie Vining, Stacie@MergePR.com | 615.260.4679

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity/USA has named Terumi Echols as president and publisher of InterVarsity Press (IVP). Echols succeeds Jeff Crosby who recently became president and chief executive officer of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), the trade association of Christian publishing. Before coming to IVP, Echols worked for nearly two decades at Christianity Today International, with roles including chief publishing officer and publisher of Christianity Today.

“Terumi Echols was a key contributor and visionary to many, if not most, of the advances InterVarsity Press made during my time as its publisher,” Crosby said. “As IVP’s new president and publisher, she brings vision, a passion for sustained growth, and a deep understanding of the Press’s mission to the university, the church, and the world. I believe very bright days are ahead for IVP under Echols’s leadership.”

“By selecting someone with Terumi’s business savvy, we are making a clear statement: InterVarsity Press intends to invest in growth,” said DeeDee Wilson, InterVarsity/USA’s chief financial officer. “While she was at Christianity Today, Terumi championed new product lines, diversified the list of contributors, and increased revenue. We expect her to lead with that same entrepreneurial vision. We want more authors to reach more readers and more bookselling partners to serve more customers.”

Echols, who currently serves as IVP’s director of finance and fulfillment operations, assumes the role with five initiatives launching: the new IVP Kids imprint; Every Voice Now, which supports and amplifies voices of color within publishing; the Disruptors podcast, hosted by IVP author Esau McCaulley (Reading While Black) and coproduced with Christianity Today; the Seminary Now digital learning platform; and the IVP Signature Collection, which provides refreshed bestselling backlist titles from across InterVarsity Press’s seventy-five year history.

“InterVarsity Press invites the church to be more biblically rooted and culturally engaged,” said Tom Lin, president for InterVarsity/USA, who chaired the selection process supported by CarterBaldwin Executive Search. “It respects the church’s heritage and points to the church’s future, which will be more global and more multiethnic. Terumi’s life, as a woman of color and publishing veteran, reflects those values.”

“For nearly seventy-five years, InterVarsity Press has changed the way the church thinks and believes,” said Greg Jao, InterVarsity/USA’s chief communications officer, who served on the search team along with Wilson and Lin. “It introduced Americans to British leaders like John Stott and J. I. Packer and to cultural critics like Francis Schaeffer and Os Guinness. It trained millions to study Scripture inductively through LifeGuide^® Bible Studies, to distill biblical scholarship through the IVP Bible Dictionary Series project, and to mine the church’s history through the Ancient Christian Commentary series. More recently it invited people into spiritual formation with authors such as Suzanne Stabile, Sharon Garlough Brown, and Ruth Haley Barton, and it elevated diverse voices such as Esau McCaulley, Soong-Chan Rah, and Sheila Wise Rowe. Terumi has the experience and insight to build on this legacy so that the gospel reaches more deeply and more broadly.”

Echols said, “I am humbled by the opportunity that this role creates and for what it represents in the world of Christian publishing. The church is painfully divided and spiritually hurting in this season. InterVarsity Press, with strengths in spiritual formation, justice, cultural analysis, and academic and multiethnic publishing, has a vital contribution to make in a disillusioned world. It is my desire to strengthen our commitment to these foundational areas while developing additional pathways for IVP. J. I. Packer once said, ‘Other publishers tell you what to believe. IVP helps you to believe.’ I intend to invest so that a more globally, generationally, and ethnically diverse group of readers are helped to believe.”

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

Film Adaptation Based On Francine Rivers’ International Best-Selling Novel

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA (August 10, 2021) – Nthibah Pictures, Mission Pictures and Pinnacle Peak Pictures have partnered with Universal Pictures to handle distribution of REDEEMING LOVE in U.S. and Canadian theaters. Directed by D.J. Caruso (xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE), it stars Abigail Cowen (Fate: The Winx Saga, Sabrina), Tom Lewis (GENTLEMAN JACK), Logan Marshall Green (UPGRADE, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, PROMETHEUS), Famke Janssen (X-MEN, TAKEN), Nina Dobrev (xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE, VAMPIRE DIARIES) and Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, THE LAST SHIP, X-MEN). The film is slated for release in early 2022 under the Universal Pictures banner.

REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful and timeless love story that takes place against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush of 1850. The story centers on Angel (Cowen), who was sold into prostitution as a child. She has survived through hatred and self-loathing, until she meets Michael Hosea (Lewis) and discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal. The story reflects the redemptive power of unconditional and sacrificial love with characters and circumstances relevant to the contemporary world.

“Universal Pictures is a perfect home for our film,” said the film’s director D.J. Caruso. “They have a rich history in enabling films to find their core audience and beyond. I am excited for fans of the book and even for those who haven’t read it, that they will be able to experience Angel’s journey up on the big screen where it belongs. Every actor and crew member felt the significance of the story we were telling, and it enhanced and elevated the film in a profound way.”

The film is based on the novel Redeeming Love, which has remained on multiple fiction best-seller lists for over 15 years and has been published in more than 30 languages. Francine Rivers, the New York Times best-selling author of over 30 books, is thrilled to be one step closer to seeing this work come to fruition. “After many years of dreaming about this, followed by years of work alongside D.J., we can’t wait to see the story come to the big screen next year.”

Director D.J. Caruso’s work encompasses a variety of film genres including thriller (DISTURBIA), drama (STANDING UP), and action (I AM NUMBER FOUR) as well as episodic television such as “The Shield,” “Over There,” “Smallville,” and “Dark Angel”. His action thriller xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE starring Vin Diesel grossed $347 million globally. Caruso fell in love with the characters in REDEEMING LOVE after his wife introduced him to the novel.

In the lead role of “Angel” is the multi-talented actress Abigail Cowen. One of Hollywood’s rising stars, Cowen headlined the Netflix original series Fate: The Winx Saga. The actress has also appeared in I STILL BELIEVE, Stranger Things, The Red Band Society, Wisdom of the Crowd and The Fosters. Her breakthrough role was as Dorcas in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix.

REDEEMING LOVE was produced by Cindy Bond through her Mission Pictures International label; Simon Swart and Wayne Fitzjohn, through their Nthibah Pictures production banner; and Michael Scott, David A.R. White and Brittany Yost for Pinnacle Peak Pictures. The executive producers are Francine Rivers and Roma Downey through LightWorkers.

Nthibah Pictures and Pinnacle Peak was represented by Tom Ara and Katherine Imp of DLA Piper.

Follow the movie on Twitter and Instagram at @RedeemingLoveMovie and on Facebook at @RedeemingLoveFilm or visit www.RedeemingLoveMovie.com.

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