Uhrichsville, OH—The year 2021 marks a very special date in Barbour Publishing history—the 40^th anniversary of being in business.

Originally called “Book Bargains,” the company was founded in 1981 by Christian publishing visionary Hugh Barbour who initially focused on selling overstocks. Soon, however, the business transitioned to publishing its own titles, including The Bible Promise Book^® which has gone on to sell millions of copies. In the years to follow, Barbour experienced phenomenal growth under the leadership of Tim Martins, including expansion of product lines, imprints, facilities, and a talented team of employees. In 2017, Barbour became one of the first employee-owned companies in the Christian Publishing industry.

To commemorate this special occasion, the company has decided to get back to its roots with a rebranding initiative. The core Barbour Publishing logo has been slightly updated with a more modern look and several of the company’s imprints have been revised so that the trusted Barbour name takes center stage. The Spanish imprint Casa Promesa is now Barbour Español, Shiloh Kidz is Barbour Kidz, and Shiloh Run Press has been broken down into multiple Barbour-focused categories. The new imprints made their debut with the January 2021 publishing list.

“The rebranding initiative came out of several team discussions during our regular strategy meetings,” explains Mary Burns, President and CEO. “As we thought about who Barbour is in the industry and what we are known for, we came up with words and phrases like ‘trustworthy,’ ‘biblically-centered,’ ‘rich in history,’ ‘value,’ and more—all words that we are incredibly proud of. We love our company and we want the Barbour name to be front-and-center in everything we do. We have talked a lot about getting ‘Back to Barbour’ and the 40^th anniversary seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.”

In addition to the rebranding efforts, the company will also celebrate the occasion with some anniversary specials for retail customers including huge discounts on the top 40 bestsellers.

For more information about Barbour Publishing, visit the company online at www.BarbourBooks.com.

Media Contact: Shalyn Sattler, ssattler@barbourbooks.com 740.922.6045 X 109

February 23, 2021, Grand Rapids, Mich. — ABC News anchor and Zonderkidz author Linsey Davis will appear on Good Morning America and The View this week talking about her third children’s book, Stay This Way Forever.

Her interview on Good Morning America is set to air Tuesday, February 23, the day the book releases; and she will appear on The View on Wednesday, February 24.

Inspired by the endearing qualities she sees in her own son, Davis, bestselling author of The World Is Awake and One Big Heart, has written a book that parents, grandparents and caregivers can share with their little ones to let them know how special they are. With charming illustrations from artist Lucy Fleming paired with playful and heartwarming read-aloud rhymes, this book can help make a lasting impact on young minds as they discover their own unique qualities.

“My hope is that readers will enjoy this love letter to our children,” says Davis. “The wide eyes and wild excitement is what so many of us cherish and embrace about these early years. Even as kids grow up, it is my hope that they manage to carry some aspect of this with them…the simplicity, the unbridled freedom and the carefree playground that is childhood.”

‘Your innocent and open heart sees only what is good.
I hope you stay this way forever, long past childhood.’

Linsey Davis is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and ABC News correspondent, hosting ABC News Live and reporting for World News, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline and has been recently named the anchor of Sunday’s ABC World News Tonight. She is also the bestselling author of the children’s books The World is Awake and One Big Heart. Linsey lives in New York with her husband and son, who is her biggest inspiration.

During the 2020 election cycle, Davis was a moderator (her second time) for ABC News’ New Hampshire Democratic Debate and a core member of the anchor team for election day and all eight nights of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. She interviewed newsmakers like Hillary Clinton, VP Mike Pence, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates, Camille Cosby, Chasten Buttigieg, and conducted the first roundtable discussion with Black female mayors during the height of racial unrest.

ABOUT THE BOOK

• Stay This Way Forever: written by Linsey Davis, illustrated by Lucy Fleming
• 9780310770084 Hardcover, jacketed; also available on Kindle
• Pages: 32   On Sale Date: 02/23/2021
• Suggested Retail Price 18.99   JUV013040  

ABOUT ZONDERKIDZ

Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As a leader in children’s publishing, Zonderkidz creates products that awaken the hearts of readers 12 and under. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com

Zondervan is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com

Contact: Jessica Westra, Publicity Director, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com 616.403.6628

Iron Stream Media is thrilled to announce that 5 books were recognized as finalists for 2021 Southern Christian Writers Conference (SCWC) Notable Book Awards announced on February 6, 2021. The SCWC works with upcoming and established authors of faith, providing both inspiration and education to further their careers.

Fiction, Traditionally Published

• In High Cotton by Ane Mulligan (Heritage Beacon Fiction)

Nonfiction, Traditionally Published

• Enjoy Today, Own Tomorrow by Laine Lawson Craft (Ascender Books)
• A Woman God Can Bless by Sharon Norris Elliott (Harambee Press)

Devotional Book

• Auburn Believer by Del Duduit (Iron Stream Books)
• Bama Believer by Del Duduit (Iron Stream Books)

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. Limited supply of giveaway copies available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or visit www.newhopepublishers.com.

 

 

Grand Rapids, Mich. (February 10, 2021) – Zondervan today announced Emily Tobin’s promotion to marketing director for its Bibles team, which publishes multiple Bible translations: the New International Version (NIV), New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the Amplified Bible (AMP).

Tobin joined the Zondervan Bibles team two years ago and holds nearly 20 years of digital marketing experience. At Zondervan she has led marketing for the bestselling Beautiful Word™ Bible line, the NIV Verse Mapping Bibles with Kristy Cambron, and has focused on revitalizing the marketing efforts for evergreen Bible products such as the NIV Bible for Teen Girls, which is a top-five ECPA Bible bestseller.

As marketing director, Tobin will lead the strategic marketing efforts for the newly acquired Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible.

“For the past two years, Emily has proven herself to be an effective digital marketer, regularly surpassing industry standards as she employs new strategies to put our Bibles in front of new audiences,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Bibles. “Her wealth of experience and proven success make her the clear choice to steward the launch of the Thompson Chain-Reference® Bibles.”

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

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

William James Petersen, 1929-2021

William James Petersen died of COVID January 31, 2021, at his home in Colorado Springs, CO. He was 91. He is survived by sons Ken and Randy, daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Christopher Colucci, and daughter-in-law Rita Dotson.

Born August 19, 1929, Bill Petersen grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago during the Depression. Church was always an important part of his life, from a young age. So was music. As a teenager, he often carried his baritone horn on the train into the city to play for a Christian youth program.

He studied journalism at Wheaton College of Illinois, graduating in 1950. There he met the love of his life, Ardythe Ekdahl. They married in 1952. Bill’s career in writing and editing began at a U.S. Army camp in Wisconsin and continued at Christian Life magazine. In 1957, he moved his young family east, working for three decades at Eternity magazine in Philadelphia, eventually becoming editor of the magazine and executive director of Evangelical Ministries, Inc. Later he became editorial director and vice president at Revell publishing. Along the way he wrote dozens of books, beginning with the missionary biography Another Hand on Mine (1967) and continuing with works on travel, marriage, history, and hymns. In his eighties, he ventured into fiction for the first time, self-publishing a trilogy of mystery novels about the Octogenarian Sleuth.

Bill loved to travel— loved the challenge of getting lost and finding new ways to return. He took his young family on many camping trips throughout the U.S. And he led tour groups through Europe and the Holy Land, sponsored by Eternity magazine.

He was uniquely talented as a Bible teacher, church leader, and—perhaps most of all—songleader. Long before worship bands were electrifying modern church services, Bill Petersen could stir a congregation to sing great hymns or gospel choruses with full hearts and voices. Yet what many will remember most about him is his ability to listen to them. He was genuinely curious about people’s stories, asking insightful questions and drinking in their responses. He made everyone feel important because, to him, they were.

Nashville, Ten. (Feb. 2021) – Thomas Nelson Bibles, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of the King James Sovereign Collection Bible. The Sovereign Collection continues Thomas Nelson’s long history and stewardship publishing Bibles.

King James Sovereign Collection editions draw from the legacy of the trustworthy and timeless KJV with elegant drop cap illustrations leading into each chapter, the exclusive Comfort Print typeface inspired by centuries-old Thomas Nelson editions, and more classic Bible details.

In 1611, the King James Version Bible, also known as the Authorized Version, was published. Nearly 50 of the day’s finest scholars, all from the Church of England, had been organized into six groups for the task. Using the Bishop’s Bible of 1568 as the basis for this revision, the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew and the New Testament from Greek. The completed work was then peer-reviewed before being sent to bishops and other church leaders for their examination, and ultimately to King James, monarch of England and Scotland, for his approval.

Today, more than 400 years since its initial publication, the bestselling King James Version Bible continues to inspire, encourage, and strengthen people from all walks of life. The KJV is considered one of the most influential and beautiful works of literature in the English language and continues to be the favorite translation for millions of Christians.

This beautiful Bible edition honors the legacy of the King James Version Bible in a convenient portable size with essential study tools and traditional red-letter text for the Words of Christ, features include:

• Classic line-matched format
• Extensive end-of-page cross references
• Translation notes
• Presentation page
• Bible book introductions
• Words of Christ in red
• Concordance
• Full-color maps
• Two satin ribbon markers
• Gilded page edges
• Durable and flexible Smyth-sewn binding
• Clear and readable KJV Comfort Print
• 9.5-point print size

The King James Sovereign Collection Bible is available now in several cover options:
9780785239239  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft, Brown, $39.99
9780785239215  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft, Black, $39.99
9780785239277  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Genuine Leather, Black, $99.99
9780785239253  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft, Purple, $39.99

The King James Sovereign Collection Bible with Index will be available on April 13 in several cover options:
9780785239260  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft, Purple, Thumb Index, $49.99
9780785239246  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft, Brown, Thumb Index, $49.99
9780785239222  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft, Black, Thumb Index, $49.99
9780785239284  KJV, Sovereign Collection, Genuine Leather, Black, Thumb Index, $109.99

About Comfort Print®:
Thomas Nelson Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print Bible fonts. NKJV Comfort Print Bibles are easy to read at any size because the typeface was designed to be both efficient and readable. HarperCollins believes that the beauty of the message should be reflected in the physical form of the book. Choosing the right typeface is one significant element in creating beautiful Bibles.

About Thomas Nelson:
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products 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: Amy Bigler, Senior Public Relations Manager, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 616.698.3514 

African Booksellers Fed and Encouraged During the COVID Crisis

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2021 — Oasis International’s bookselling partners in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda struggled to provide for their families with food and essential goods due to the effects of the COVID19 pandemic. For most of these families, one week’s pay usually provides the next week’s food. Many of them were furloughed without pay, or with drastic income reduction.

“Oasis International’s mission to grow discipleship through publishing African voices would not be possible without our partners in Africa,” says Matthew Elliott, Oasis’s President, “as the distribution of both our books and Bibles, that meet the specific needs of Africa, and Tyndale’s line of life-changing and inspirational Christian books and Bibles is accomplished through these booksellers across the continent.”

Committed to preserve these businesses and the families they represent, an appeal to Oasis supporters was launched with the plea to give to these hardworking families the food and supplies they desperately needed. The Lord honored the request and the response was generous. Oasis saw their supporters “…share freely and give generously to those in need.” (Psalm 112:9a).

Within a month of requesting support through Oasis’s social media platforms and website beginning in June 2020, over $6,000 was raised, enough to provide for 30 families. As the pandemic continued to impact the bookselling industry in Africa, a second funding effort was launched to which the Tyndale House Foundation gave a lead gift as part of their COVID relief funding. Jeremy Taylor, President of the foundation said, “We at Tyndale wanted to be part of this effort from the moment we heard what Oasis was doing. We were honored to help provide assistance for these families who are engaged in publishing and selling books.”

The total raised, now approaching $20,000, has provided relief for 10 organizations and 100 families in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and Kenya. A few of their stories follow:

“We wish to most sincerely thank you and indeed other supporters who have been consistently supporting us at every critical time especially when we need assistance. There is every likelihood that Nigeria may face another round of lockdown, so this provision arrives at an appropriate time to support all of us economically.” — Shehu G Singhriku, Managing Director, Oasis Distributions Ltd, Nigeria

“[Thank you] so much for the Pandemic Relief …which we received. It went a long way in buying food. The staff were very happy [and] thankful and prayed for Oasis and your team. We are told that during happier moments one has a lot of friends but during difficult and trying moments one gets to know his true and real friends. And for us Oasis is not just a business partner but a true friend.” — Staff of Keswick Books and Gifts Ltd, Kenya

“As a single parent and provider, I can never emphasize enough how much your financial assistance has enabled us to put food on the table and meet our basic obligations.” — Bongani Makofane, Oasis Publishing Africa, South Africa

“We received the Covid relief funds with appreciation. We used the funds in supporting the staff by purchasing Christmas vouchers for them. The staff were very happy for the fund.” — Pauline M., Ufungamano House and Bookshop, Kenya

The need of food and essential goods for these booksellers is ongoing and remains a desperate situation for many. For more information on how to give to help these Christian booksellers provide for their families during the COVID19 pandemic, go to oasisinternational.com/give-crisis-response.

ABOUT OASIS INTERNATONAL:
Oasis International is a Christian publishing ministry that is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and contextualized biblical resources for Africans and their leaders, to impact the global church. Our mission is to grow discipleship through publishing African voices.  We engage Africa’s most influential, most relevant, and best communicators for the sake of the gospel.  We cultivate local and global partnerships in order to publish and distribute high-quality books and Bibles.  We create contextual content that meets the specific needs of Africa, has the power to transform individuals and societies, and gives the church in Africa a global voice.  Oasis is: Satisfying Africa’s Thirst for God’s Word. Learn more at oasisinternational.com.

CONTACT: Natalie Cameron, 630-578-1265, info@oasisinternational.com

(Grand Rapids, Mich.) February 11, 2021—HarperCollins Christian Publishing today announced Dale Williams as an associate editor for Thomas Nelson Study Resources.

Williams has been with the organization for two years as a visual content editor focused on the Zondervan Academic, Zondervan Reflective, and Zondervan and Thomas Nelson Bible product lines. He worked on several notable projects including the 2020 NIV Study Bible and The New Testament in Its World by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird.

In his new role, Williams will be responsible for managing backlist development and new title acquisition, as well as editorial process management primarily for Thomas Nelson Study Resources, reporting to Ryan Pazdur, associate publisher for Zondervan Academic, Zondervan Reflective, and Thomas Nelson Study Resources.

“Dale’s previous contributions as visual editor and experience managing the editorial process, along with his seminary training and background in ministry, make him a great fit for this new role. We are excited to have him join our team,” said Pazdur.

Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109, casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

Nashville, TN…February 11, 2021 – Best-selling author, podcaster, who many call the “Expert on Fun,” Annie F. Downs has made her debut on The New York Times bestseller list with her brand new book, That Sounds Fun.  No. 6 on the Advice, How-To & Misc. list, Downs is in good company, joining other top authors like Sanjay Gupta, James Clear, Joanna Gaines and many more.  Likewise, the book also appears on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover Non-Fiction List at No. 8 as well as hitting USA Today’s bestseller list.

“I knew when I was writing this book, it was special,” Downs remarked. “This is a topic that is rarely discussed but really important. I couldn’t have known how timely it would be for our world. It feels like such an honor to write a book that is connecting with so many people in a real time of need.”

In That Sounds Fun, Downs offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you – then do it! Exploring some research and sharing some thoughts about why fun matters, she shows you how to find, experience, and multiply your fun. With her signature storytelling style and whimsical vulnerability, Annie F. Downs is the friend we all need to guide us back to staying true to ourselves and finding the fun we need.

“When I started the podcast and began asking people what sounds fun to them, my eyes were opened,” Downs remarked. “We undervalue and downplay fun and the place fun ought to have in our lives. We don’t prioritize the fun things; the simple things. Finding fun changes things. Fun is medicine for a sickness we all have. Searching for fun doesn’t mean you’re not responsible, and valuing fun doesn’t mean you’re not grown up! It just means you realize there’s something you’ve lost and are willing to go look for it.”

About Annie: 
Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Engaging and honest, she makes readers and listeners alike feel as if they’ve been long-time friends. Founder of the That Sounds Fun Network—which includes her aptly named flagship show, That Sounds Fun—and author of multiple bestselling books like
100 Days to Brave, Remember God, and That Sounds Fun. Annie shoots straight and doesn’t shy away from the tough topics. But she always finds her way back to the truth that God is good and that life is a gift. Annie is a huge fan of laughing with friends, confetti, soccer, and boiled peanuts (preferably from a back-roads Georgia gas station). Read more at anniefdowns.com and find her (embarrassingly easily) all over the internet at @anniefdowns.

Get Connected with Annie F. Downs:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

Media Collective Contact: 
Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (February 11, 2021)— Tyndale House Publishers has announced that their Refresh devotional app, created in partnership with Tecarta in 2020, has reached the major milestone of over 500,000 installations. The Refresh: Daily Bible Devotional App is the go-to source for accessing customized devotional reading and the Bible text anytime, anywhere.

People from all over the world are engaging with this unique and customizable app, which is available in both iOS and Google app stores. Users can customize their own personal reading plan on topics that are relevant to their life and suit their schedule. Women and men alike draw strength from the daily readings, spanning more than 700 topics, including anxiety, stress, relationships, parenting, love, peace, hope, and more.

The Refresh app reimagines inspirational devotions by providing access to more than 36,000 readings, easily sharable plans and availability on social media platforms and electronic links that take the reader directly from the devotional text to digital Bible text.

Refresh also allows users to customize the way they receive their daily devotions. Readers may simply receive a random devotion each day, or they can select a topic (e.g., anxiety) and decide how many days they want to receive a devotion on that theme.

The rich supply of inspirational devotions come from a wide range of writers, including bestselling authors such as Ann Voskamp, Nancy Guthrie, David Jeremiah, Tony Dungy, and Gary Chapman.

The Refresh app has garnered positive user reviews, earning 4.7 stars in the Google app store and 4.8 stars in the Apple store. App users have offered praise such as:

Awesome devotional app! Amazing that you get so much for free. You can set up plans by topic and customize the length. It catches you up automatically if you miss a day. I use it every day. ~Cynthia

Thank you soooo much for making this app! It’s so great to have a free source of devotions! This makes it so much easier to have my quiet time in the morning. I grab my coffee and, well, first I open my Bible app and then I open this one! I LOVE how easy it is to choose a topic and make a 7-day plan! ~ Kate G

I don’t even know where to begin. This app is saving my life. It’s amazing—I love everything about it. ~ Butter_cup_2.0

It helps me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I greatly recommend this app. ~ Karen

As Refresh reaches this 500,000 installation milestone, Ron Beers, Sr. VP and Group Publisher at Tyndale House, shares, “We are thrilled to reach this milestone. When developing the Refresh app, our goal was to make it as easy as possible for users to customize their devotional reading and receive a new devotion every day on a topic they choose. It’s great to see that people are downloading the app and growing in their spiritual life.”

Refresh partner Ming Siu, cofounder and CEO of Tecarta, Inc., offers, “It’s encouraging that so many people are downloading the app. We are constantly looking for new ways to use technology to make the app better and make our users’ experience outstanding. It is our hope that by using the app people will grow in their biblical knowledge and grow closer to Christ.”

Learn more about the app at www.refreshdevos.com.

Tecarta is a team of software, design and product people working in Palo Alto, California.  Its primary product is Tecarta Bible, one of the leading Bible apps for iOS and Android used by millions of people.  Tecarta’s mission is to change the world by developing amazing apps that help people read, discover, study and share the Bible.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, it is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale has proved a faithful guide—helping readers discover the life-giving truths of the Bible. Its mission is to open God’s Word to as many as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent and nonprofit status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of net income to charitable missions—more than $110 million throughout its history. 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