(June 5, 2020) – Amid the ongoing global pandemic and anti-racism protests—The Parable Group released a Christian Bookstore Market Update providing data and insights into the current sales climate within the Christian retailing industry.

Drawing on nightly sales data reported to ParableConnect from January 1 through May 30, 2020, the findings include national U.S. representation across independent Christian retailers from all major marketing groups. ParableConnect receives POS data from over 300 retailers daily.

Before the pandemic, Christian retail sales started the year mostly flat to a little ahead of the prior year. While the dip in April was sizeable, the recovery in May has risen sharply over the past several weeks. Book and Bible sales this past week were 75% of prior year’s sales.

“Christian retailers operating in 2020 have been through crises before and again are showing their resilience through this pandemic,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “After a dark month of April, Christian retail sales have been substantially recovering throughout the month of May. Shoppers are returning to stores and bookstores are getting back to business at a surprising and encouraging rate. This highlights the resiliency and tenacity of independent Christian retailers who’ve persevered and championed their mission to equip their local communities with hope-giving and life-changing resources.”

To read the entire sales report, click here.

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

Nashville, Tenn. [June 8, 2020] – B&H Publishing is proud to announce the forthcoming release of an authorized biography of one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century, Elisabeth Elliot.

In writing “Becoming Elisabeth Elliot,” “New York Times” bestselling author Ellen Vaughn used Elliot’s private, unpublished journals and candid interviews with her family and friends to paint the adventures and misadventures God used to shape one of the most influential women in modern church history.

“I grew up admiring Elisabeth Elliot as a writer and missionary hero. She was articulate, tall, brave and rather severe. No fluff. I respected her greatly, but I wasn’t sure I liked her much,” Vaughn said. “Little did I know that I’d one day become her biographer, reading her private journals and writing her story. I laughed. I wept. I saw the radical roots of her self-discipline, but also her playfulness, her love of nature, her passion and her sense of irony and humor. I still admire her, but now I like her a lot.”

The late Elliot (1926-2015) was a prolific Christian author and speaker whose first husband, Jim Elliot (1927-1956), was one of five missionaries killed as they sought to make contact with the Waodani Indians (an unreached people in Ecuador known for their violence). Soon after, Elisabeth and her then two-year-old daughter Valerie moved among the same people, spending two years sharing the Gospel with and befriending those who killed her husband.

“We could not be more excited to publish ‘Becoming Elisabeth Elliot’ from bestselling biographer, Ellen Vaughn,” said Mary Wiley, vice president of marketing at B&H. “Vaughn’s exclusive use of Elisabeth’s never-before-published journals allows Elisabeth to pour out of every word. The faithfulness of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot have encouraged the faith of millions through books such as ‘Through Gates of Splendor,’ ‘Passion and Purity’ and ‘Shadow of the Almighty.’ 

“But long before these books were written, God was already at work in the life of Elisabeth to cultivate faith and commitment to him. This book is sure to challenge us all to live as Elisabeth lived: radically surrendered to God, no matter the cost.”

After her return to the U.S., Elisabeth began a speaking and writing ministry, writing over 25 books and eventually becoming the first female bestselling Christian author and one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century.

“Becoming Elisabeth Elliot” shows the story of a hilarious, brilliant, witty, self-deprecating, sensitive, radical and surprisingly relatable person who was utterly submitted to doing God’s will, no matter how high the cost. For Elliot, the central question was not, “How does this make me feel?” but simply, “Is this true?” If so, then the next question was, “What do I need to do about it to obey God?”

“‘Becoming Elisabeth Elliot’ is the story of Elisabeth’s early years. It’s full of colorful characters

and some pretty wild jungle adventures, a portrait of how God shaped this young woman to become an authentic modern heroine. It’s also a story, I think, of how God can work in the joys, tragedies and ordinary days in all our lives, causing us to become more like him,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn is a bestselling author and speaker who has written or co-written 23 books, having collaborated with authors such as the late Charles Colson. She began working on the biography two years ago and did extensive research to carefully detail Elliot’s early years with accuracy.

B&H will support “Becoming Elisabeth Elliot” with a national marketing and publicity campaign and a preorder offering. For more information, visit bhpublishing.com.

Ellen Vaughn is a “New York Times” bestselling author and speaker who has written or co-written 23 books. Former vice president of executive communications at Prison Fellowship, she collaborated with the late Chuck Colson on a number of his seminal works. She speaks at conferences, often travels to interview Christ-followers in hostile parts of the world and serves on the board of directors for ICM, the global church developer. With degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Richmond, Ellen lives in northern Virginia with husband Lee, a regional pastor for McLean Bible Church, a daughter and two grandchildren and one clueless dog. She enjoys reading, hiking, drinking coffee and staring pensively at the ocean.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

Ada, Mich. (June 3, 2020)—Family Fiction asked their readers to select their favorite genres and their favorite storytellers. The results of this poll were released in their recent newsletter, http://www.familyfiction.com/50-essential-christian-fiction-authors-2020-edition/.

Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce that twenty-one authors, whose books have been recently published either under the Bethany House or Revell imprint, have been included in Family Fiction’s Top 50 Essential Christian Fiction Authors list for 2020.

Romantic suspense author Lynette Eason was ranked as the top essential author, followed by the readers’ second most popular choice, Beverly Lewis. Also included among the list of essential authors are Dee Henderson, Susan May Warren, Ted Dekker, Irene Hannon, Becky Wade, Tracie Peterson, Frank Peretti, Lisa Harris, Susan Sleeman, Dani Pettrey, Ronie Kendig, Karen Witemeyer, Janette Oke, Angela Hunt, Lauraine Snelling, Lisa T. Bergren, Morgan L. Busse, Patrick Carr, and Roseanna M. White.

Baker Publishing Group’s fiction covers a wide range of genres, including romantic suspense, mystery, historical, romance, general fiction, Amish, speculative, fantasy, and YA and are written by some of our bestselling and award-winning authors. We understand that readers have diverse reading tastes, and our goal is to provide quality books that meet the needs and preferences of our readers.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has been publishing high quality books for over 50 years. Recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction, we publish over 75 new fiction and nonfiction titles annually in subjects including historical and contemporary fiction, Christian living, devotional, family resources, and theology. Our titles are frequently found on Christian bestseller lists.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Contact: Karen Steele (616)676-9185 x100 ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

86% of people want to address the ethical use of artificial intelligence; 6% seem prepared to do it

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 2, 2020 – Zondervan Reflective, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, today released both new research findings, The Report on Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, and a new book by John C. Lennox: 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.

In April 2020, Zondervan surveyed nearly 1,200 pastors, professors, and other readers of thought-provoking content in an effort to better understand if thoughtful people have thought through Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants were asked a variety of questions on AI—how it should be used and what role, if any, should ethics play in it.

The report coincides with the release of scientist and philosopher John Lennox’s 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. In 2084, Lennox provides a clear overview of the current capacity of AI, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the potential future implications. In the Western world, AI is so deeply woven into our everyday behaviors and decision-making, often we don’t even think about it. And it’s advancing rapidly. The current Covid-19 crisis offers vivid context for how AI may shape our future.

Although AI represents an intriguing option for help in battling the current pandemic, only 34% of those surveyed said they are somewhat confident that AI is being leveraged ethically in the fight against the virus. Results also found:

• 86% of respondents believe that addressing the ethical use of AI is “much” or “very much needed.”
• 59% are “not at all” or only “slightly” confident that AI is being used ethically in the response to Covid-19
• 56% are concerned because they think the Christian worldview is not shaping AI’s development and applications.
• Only 6% show much confidence that they could constructively address the current problems and questions about AI.

The research also indicates that a trustworthy guide is needed to help traverse the tension between AI and ethics. 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity may serve as that guide. 2084 offers a Christian perspective on humanity’s future with technological enhancement, bioengineering, and AI. It is a thought-provoking, controversial, and balanced account of the problems raised by AI and different conceptions of what it means to be human.

To download the research and learn more about 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity by John C. Lennox, visit 2084book.com. For more information on interview opportunities with Dr. Lennox, please email Amy Bigler, Senior Public Relations Manager, at amy.bigler@harpercollins.com.

About the Author:  John C. Lennox (PhD, DPhil, DSc) is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Emeritus Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College, Oxford.  He is also an Associate Fellow at the Said Business School.  He is author of Can Science Explain Everything? on the interface between science, philosophy, and theology. He has lectured extensively in North America and in Eastern and Western Europe on mathematics, the philosophy of science, and the intellectual defense of Christianity, and he has publicly debated Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Peter Singer.  A documentary film entitled Against the Tide, featuring Kevin Sorbo and Lennox is scheduled for release in the Fall. 

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

Contact: Amy Bigler, Senior Public Relations Manager, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 616.698.3514 

 

Set to release as an e-book in June 2020, Where Tomorrow Leads is the second in Mills’s updated Hope of Sudan series, after Long Walk Home.

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (June 2, 2020)—Bestselling author DiAnn Mills has chosen to donate all royalties from her Hope of Sudan e-book series to Every Village, a 501(c)(3) organization that distributes solar-powered, handheld radios to Sudanese communities. Where Tomorrow Leads, book two of the series, will release as an e-book from Tyndale House Publishers on June 9, 2020.

DiAnn has a heart for the people of South Sudan, where illiteracy is rampant and many are unable to read the Bible. By donating the author royalties from the sale of this series, Mills hopes to partner with Every Village’s radio network in reaching the Sudanese people with both the gospel and community development teaching—broadcasting Bible stories, health and hygiene training, news, and educational programming in local languages.

Where Tomorrow Leads is recommended for fans of clean romantic suspense with an international setting. It follows the story of Paul Farid, a man who was once a member of the royal family in Sudan but now carries a price on his head for becoming a Christian. Paul risks his life nearly daily to aid his persecuted countrymen but worries that his sometimes-reckless actions may bring harm to his wife, Larson, and their unborn child. Meanwhile, after fighting more than two decades against the Sudanese government’s mandates, Colonel Ben Alier is wary of the fledgling peace treaty meant to unite the north and south again. The days ahead hold no promise of peace, so Paul, Larson, and Ben must learn to trust God in all things, no matter where tomorrow leads.

To learn more about the Hope of Sudan series, visit https://diannmills.com/series/hope-of-sudan/. Readers can also access a prayer guide for Where Tomorrow Leads here. 

Where Tomorrow Leads by DiAnn Mills
e-book release: June 9, 2020
ISBN 978-1-4964-3322-0 | ePub
Tyndale House Publishers | tyndale.com

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her FBI: Houston series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014. Connect with DiAnn at diannmills.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 $100 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.

Grand Rapids, MI—Virtual author events, a thriving new occurrence at Baker Book House due to restrictions caused by Covid-19, have been learning opportunities for the largest independent Christian bookstore in North America. The store has hosted several talks with novelists that have drawn good numbers to the live events and large numbers of viewers in the days following.

Novelists Charles Martin, author of The Water Keeper, and Susie Finkbeiner, author of Stories that Bind Us, were interviewed by fiction buyer Chris Jager for the events on May 19 and May 28. The store will feature novelist Lynn Austin (If I Were You) on June 4.

“We had about 50 people participate in Susie Finkbeiner’s live event, and more than 700 views of the Facebook Live video less than 24 hours later,” said Becca Niswonger, marketing manager for the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based store.

“We are on a learning curve for what virtual events look like, and with each event we learn more,” she said. “We’re using our laptops because we don’t have access to fancy equipment, but we’re seeing what we can make happen on a smaller technology scale.”

Baker Book House uses the Zoom webinar function, which allows viewers to ask questions and chat with other participants, as well as cast the event to Facebook Live. Zoom events last about an hour, with thirty minutes of interview conversation followed by about 30 minutes of live interaction.

“The possibilities are definitely there as we watch to see how people interact and enjoy the virtual events,” said Niswonger. “Our goal has always been to build community; we’re finding new ways to facilitate that. And we have no shortage of authors waiting to have events.”

For more information, visit www.bakerbookhouse.com or visit the Baker Book House Facebook page. 

About Baker Book House:  Baker Book House was founded in 1939, when Herman Baker started the store with 500 books from his personal library. Baker is known world-wide for a deep selection of Christian titles, including new, used, and bargain books. Visit www.bakerbookhouse.com for more information.

Contact: Becca Niswonger, Marketing Manager, 616-957-3110, Becca.niswonger@bakerbookhouse.com

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Photo: “Behind the scenes look into virtual event with Author Susie Finkbeiner at Baker Book House”
Photo Credit: Kristina Ettema

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions with Real-Life Stories Includes More than 100 Pages of Stories from Readers About Addiction, Depression, Tragedy, Loss, Survival and…Hope 

(Nashville, Tenn.) May 19, 2020—The Jesus Calling brand has touched more than 30 million lives since it was published in 2004. Although it is impossible to know the exact reach and impact of author Sarah Young’s writing, in her newest devotional, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions with Real-Life Stories (June 2), includes true, heartfelt stories from Jesus Calling readers. These individuals share their experiences going through uncertain, sometimes dark times and what the devotional has meant as they find peace and understand the Lord.

Young’s newest book includes personal stories on her health, living abroad, becoming a Christian, and more. There are more than 100 pages of stories from readers like:

Donna Barrett – On a mission trip to Nicaragua, Barrett and her roommate enjoyed reading devotionals, and they shared a copy of Jesus Calling during the trip. When Barrett’s roommate went missing and a search team looked for her, Barrett relied on the page in Jesus Calling from April 12, “Trusting in Me is a moment-by-moment choice…Choose to trust Me in all circumstances.” Later, Barrett’s roommate was found brutally murdered. Barrett used Jesus Calling during her grief, finding healing from the terrible tragedy.

Lisa Delgado – Delgado endured domestic abuse throughout her childhood, surviving two attempts to commit suicide at 14 and 15 years old. She was abused again during her 28-year marriage. A friend gave her a copy of Jesus Calling and it stayed on her nightstand for a few weeks. During a moment when she thought she had no way out, she went into her bedroom and planned to kill herself. As she reached for her husband’s gun, she opened Jesus Calling to August 31 and read, “Your fragility is not a punishment.” She broke down, cried, and had her first real conversation with God. Jesus Calling saved her life, and she has given countless copies to others who need it.

Steve and Donna Rozenburg – The Rozenburgs have three children, and all three have had terrible struggles with substance abuse. When their youngest daughter, Shannon, ran away and went missing after her third experience in rehab, the Rozenburgs could not hold it together any longer. They questioned themselves and why God would let that happen to them. They turned to their pastor, who gave them a copy of Jesus Calling, and they made it a part of their daily routine. They were able to find healing and a deeper faith in God during their most fearful times. In jail, Shannon was given a copy of Jesus Always from someone inside. The Rozenburgs felt God provided a way for Shannon to know Him through Sarah Young’s devotional writings.

Dorothy Ruelas – After nearly 30 years working in clinical research, Ruelas served God by taking His love to inmates on Texas’ death row. She shares the stories of four inmates who each read Jesus Calling before their execution dates and the relevant devotions and Scriptures on each of those days.

Gini Schmidt – As a flight attendant for American for 45 years, each flight to Gini was a “mission field opportunity.” After hearing about Jesus Calling from her daughter, she put three or four copies in her purse for each three-day trip. She shares stories from when she gave Jesus Calling as a gift to  passengers, including a couple facing a diagnosis of terminal cancer; a woman who was grieving the sudden loss of her grandson to suicide; and a woman who was scheduled to speak at a convention for survivors of military suicides. In the book, Gini said, “there are no coincidences.”

The above individuals are available for interviews. Contact Stefanie.Schroeder@harpercollins.com with requests for interviews, review copies, excerpts and more.

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 multiples formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to the layoff of dozens of employees at Loveland-based Group Publishing, according to company leaders.

Thom Schultz, company president, said 62 staff members were notified last week that their positions will be eliminated in July. He said the reduction, about 45 percent of the U.S. staff, is directly due to conditions related to the coronavirus.

Group Publishing creates resources for churches, including educational curriculum for all ages. The company’s leading product is children’s summer programming material, including vacation Bible school curriculum. Schultz said that since most churches have been restricted from gathering during the pandemic, children’s resource sales have dropped dramatically.

In addition, most churches across the nation have reported recent drops in donations, leading to spending freezes, Schultz said.

Schultz said, “Though some states are allowing big box stores and other establishments to open, they’ve been slower to accommodate church activities.” As a result, he said, thousands of churches recently canceled their summer children’s programming. “That was unforeseen,” Schultz said. “In addition, many churches say they will remain closed for children’s activities even if authorities allow them to open.”

Some churches will deliver this summer’s vacation Bible school and Sunday school through the internet, as an at-home experience. Group Publishing is providing a free guide to adapt its curriculum for at-home use, Schultz said.

Staff affected by the announced layoff will work through July 1, according to Schultz. The reduction includes personnel in every department in the company, from content creation to distribution, he said.

“This is the most difficult time in our history,” Schultz said. “It is excruciating. We will be saying good-bye to great, great people, many of whom have been with us for decades.”

Schultz founded the company in 1974. It produces resources for Christian churches, organizations, families and individuals throughout the country and around the world. Group’s curriculum, books, music and films are distributed directly and through bookstores and other retailers, many of which have been forced to cease operations as a result of coronavirus restrictions, Schultz said.

“Throughout our 45-year history we never anticipated anything that would prohibit all churches from gathering,” Schultz said. “But now we’re doing everything we can to help churches adapt and continue to serve their people during these challenging times. Unfortunately, we’ll have to do that with fewer people.”

Contact: Thom Schultz, tschultz@group.com, 970-292-4422

JEFF KINLEY AND TODD HAMPSON CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL PROPHECY PROS  PODCAST SEASON WITH GUEST AMIR TSARFATI

ATLANTA, Georgia (June 1, 2020) – The Prophecy Pros Podcast, hosted by Bible prophecy experts Jeff Kinley and Todd Hampson, concluded its first inspiring season with guest and best-selling author Amir Tsarfati. The duo launched the Prophecy Pros Podcast on a mission to empower listeners and reach the upcoming generation with the hopeful message found in Bible prophecy and eschatology.

The Prophecy Pros Podcast is an inviting place to begin learning about Bible prophecy. The goal of the hosts is to simplify the often-confusing topic of prophecy while also explaining the importance and relevance of prophecy for today. Featuring various Bible prophecy experts such as Amir Tsarfati, Phil Cooke, Dillon Burroughs, and Billy Hallowell, prophecy scholars will also find this podcast beneficial. 

Two experts. One topic. No confusion.

The Prophecy Pros Podcast, which is produced, edited, and developed by Unmutable, can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and on the Prophecy Pros Podcast website at Prophecy Pros Podcast

About Prophecy Pros Podcast: Two experts. One topic. No Confusion. Show hosts Jeff and Todd are on a mission to reach the next generation with the inspiring, hopeful message found in Bible prophecy. 

About Jeff Kinley: Jeff Kinley empowers people with God’s Vintage Truth. He is the author of more than 30 books and speaks all across America, motivating Christians to live for Christ and to prepare for His soon coming. Like those first-century Christians who received the life-changing message of Revelation, Jeff will persuade you to live with a sense of urgency and hope as you await the Lord’s return. His Wake the Bride book is a great call to holy living, while his other recent works, As It Was in the Days of Noah and Uncovering the Secrets of Bible Prophecy, equip, challenge, and inspire you with prophetic truth. His weekly Vintage Truth Podcast is heard in over 80 countries.

About Todd Hampson: Todd Hampson is a best-selling author, speaker, illustrator, and animation producer. Todd has a burden to reach the next generation with the gospel through the convincing proofs of Bible prophecy and apologetics—the very things that led to his salvation as a teenager. In 2003 Todd founded Timbuktoons, LLC, an award-winning animation company that develops and produces cartoons for well-known children’s ministry resource providers, global mission organizations, Christian entertainment companies, and curriculum developers. His books The Non-Prophet’s Guide™ to the End-Times and The Non-Prophet’s Guide™ to the Book of Revelation have opened up the world of Bible prophecy and eschatology to a new generation of truth seekers.