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

“If we have experienced the life-changing love of Jesus, we will be overflowing with love for God and others. It’s that simple.” – Francis Chan

Colorado Springs, CO (February 15, 2021) — The global Christian Church seems to become more divided each day. Some leaders work to fabricate the appearance of unity through detailed doctrinal statements, but this misses the point. Sophisticated theological discussions are not the solution because they do not address the root problem.

In his new book Until Unity, New York Times best-selling author and international Pastor Francis Chan suggests that division exists among believers when they stop growing in their love for God and for one other. While holding out hope for unity, Chan insists that divisions will only be overcome when Christians accept THE source of unity. “I know I will be mocked for my simplicity,” he writes. “But love really is the answer.”

“We are currently the most divided faith group on earth, and there isn’t a close second. We have thousands of denominations and ministries, each believing their theology or methodology is superior,” writes Chan in Until Unity (David C Cook, April 1, 2021). “The saddest part of this is that our Savior was crucified to end our divisions, commands us to be united, and says we will impact the world when we become one. We have forgotten how our divisions affect God and an unbelieving world.”

In this thoroughly scriptural treatise, Francis Chan points Christians around the globe back to the issues that mattered most to Jesus: love for God and love for neighbor (Mark 12:28–31). Chan explains how a casual, dismissive attitude toward loving unity violates each of these commands and is incredibly dangerous. Until Unity shows us:

• God grieves the division in the church, so we cannot remain indifferent.
• Unity demands a level of humility only possible by the Spirit.
• The power and witness of the church hinges on our oneness
• Unity comes at a cost, but it commands a blessing

“Jesus has said that when we become perfectly one, the world will believe that Jesus was sent by God and that God loves the world even as He loves His Son. And so, no matter how hard or illogical or uncomfortable it gets, we can’t quit pursuing this,” Chan writes. “The gospel message is incomplete without the picture of the unified church. There is no plan B. I hope God raises up an army of Spirit-filled people from all denominations who are eager to fight for unity in all humility and gentleness.”

David C Cook is supporting the launch of Until Unity with advertising, digital and social media efforts as well as a national publicity campaign. Francis Chan is available for a limited number of press interviews.

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

David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing and distributing leadership and discipleship resources to help Christians all over the world grow in their faith and pass it on to the next generation.

Until Unity by Francis Chan
Available April 1, 2021, from David C Cook
Trade Paper, 224 pages, US $17.99, ISBN 9780830782727

For review copies, excerpt permission and author interviews, contact McClure Muntsinger Public Relations: Jana@mmpublicrelations.com

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press has announced the launch of a new line of books, IVP Kids, with the first titles releasing in October 2021. The current list of authors for IVP Kids includes Ned Bustard, Dorena Williamson, Luci Shaw, Ruth Goring, Lacy Finn Borgo, Esau McCaulley, Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren.

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP, said “IVP Kids picture books will emphasize and build on key areas of strength for InterVarsity Press: justice and spiritual formation. The initial lineup of authors and topics has seemed to flow quite naturally out of these commitments. I am looking forward to the launch of the line.”

The first IVP Kids book is scheduled to release on October 12 and is titled St. Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. This book tells the story of Saint Nicholas, a very kind bishop whose generosity was motivated by his devout faith. That generosity has inspired people all over the world for generations and gave birth to the legend of Santa Claus.

Bustard said, “I am thrilled that IVP is launching IVP Kids and honored that my work is one of the first stories to grace the line. Additionally, it is a joy to have this particular story of mine chosen. I have been working on it on and off for over two decades—writing and rewriting it to try and get the balance right. I love church history, and I love stories of enchantment, and in this book I have sought to combine them both together. My hope is that St. Nicholas the Giftgiver will stir together history and legends in such a way as to provide wonder.”

Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker, and he has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, conferences, and bars. Some of the books he has written, illustrated, or edited include It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, The Chronicles of Narnia Comprehension Guide, Bede’s History of ME, History of Art: Creation to Contemporary, The Reformation ABC’s, and Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups.

The second book from IVP Kids, releasing on October 26, is The Celebration Place by Dorena Williamson. This fully illustrated book casts a prophetic vision for what the worshiping church, the body of believers, is intended to be. With a special mention of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, The Celebration Place reminds us that the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom is not only a heavenly manifestation but something to be joyfully lived out now. Williamson has a passion for all children to hear the message of God’s diverse kingdom. She writes children’s books that adults need too and is the author of ColorFull, ThoughFull, GraceFull.

Williamson said, “I am honored to partner with the new publishing venture IVP Kids! In 1995 I said yes to God’s call and planted a multiracial church with my husband. For twenty-five years, I’ve experienced the joy of worshiping and doing life with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The Celebration Place is an expansive view of that beauty and a taste of God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven!” 

Other titles that are scheduled for IVP Kids include

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The O in Hope by Luci Shaw and illustrated by Ned Bustard (November 2021)

Shaw’s poem uses the letter O to point to examples of hope and love. Paired with Bustard’s art, these words and illustrations will bring delight to readers of all ages.

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Isaiah and the Worry Pack by Ruth Goring (November 2021)

One evening when Isaiah admits that he can’t sleep because his mind is cluttered with his fears and worries, his mom uses a guided-imagery activity to help him recognize the relief and joy of trusting Jesus with all of our cares.

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All Will Be Well by Lacy Finn Borgo (Spring 2022)

Borgo tells the story of a young girl, Julian, whose beloved grandmother is dying. Julian’s interaction with her grandmother is an opportunity to learn more about Julian of Norwich and that we can trust God with all things because he loves us.

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(Tentative title) Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley  

In this story, Josey and her dad spend a Saturday in preparation for a special Sunday at church. In the process, Josey learns about the goodness and beauty of God’s design of diversity in his kingdom.

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(Tentative title)  Little Common Prayers by Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren

This collection of short prayers for all occasions and experiences (play time, rest time, car rides, school days, joy, sadness, wonder, etc.) is meant to help children and parents in their everyday family faith formation together. These prayers are simple with thoughtful language that is honoring to both the child who prays and to God who listens. Oakes and Hutson are forming members of the children’s band Rain for Roots.

Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said, “Throughout our seventy-three history, InterVarsity Press has maintained a unique commitment to meet readers in their undergraduate years and walk alongside them with the publication of thoughtful Christian literature throughout the rest of their life. It’s always been our desire to nurture a commitment to lifelong reading, and at various times in the past we have published books for younger readers, including John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. However, IVP Kids represents a new direction as we seek to share with children content regarding things that matter deeply to God, things like discipleship, formation, and how to live lives of mercy, justice, and peace in a world desperately yearning for that. I am delighted by the titles we have lined up for the early months of IVP Kids and look forward to the effect these books will have on young readers for years to come.”

Check out this video to learn more about IVP Kids:

Award will recognize and amplify authors of color and their stories

FEBRUARY 15, 2021 – TEMPE, ARIZ. – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has launched a new award within The Christy Award® program called the Christy Own Voice Award.

The Christy Own Voice Award is intended to elevate and recognize authors of color and their stories in the Christy Award program; while raising awareness of The Christy Award® opportunity among Christian fiction writers of color.

“The Christy Own Voice Award is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of Christian publishers to advance BIPOC authors and the stories they tell,” states ECPA president Stan Jantz.  “We are grateful to the Christy Advisory Committee and consultant Jevon Bolden for their important input and development of this program.”

The Christy Award® was established in 1999 to acknowledge the value and impact of Christian fiction. Since that time, the Christy’s have been a focal point for storytellers and their publishers, symbolizing the best aspirations and accomplishments of those who write from a perspective of faith.

The Christy Own Voice Award will recognize works from authors of color whose book topic, setting or character/s, borrow from the author’s own experience or perspective as a person of color.  The novel must first be entered into a traditional Christy Award category, and can be nominated — at no additional cost — to also be evaluated for the Own Voice Award.

The Christy Own Voice Award can be presented in any year to a fiction book nomination that meets the submission criteria for a Christy Award entry; is nominated as an “Own Voice” novel per the defined criteria; and that judges have determined as worthy for award.  A book’s entry for the Own Voice Award will not affect its nomination for The Christy Award® in its entered category.

Beginning this year, publishers and individual authors have the option to nominate titles for Own Voice Award consideration when they submit their entries for The Christy Award.  The nomination period for The Christy Award® is March 1-31, 2021 with submissions available in nine fiction categories.

Last October, ECPA hosted a webinar as part of the Christy Art of Writing program called “Conversations on Diversity & Inclusion in Christian Fiction” with literary agent Jevon Bolden (Embolden Media), publisher Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook), and writers Tasha Jun and Rachel Kang.  The discussion gave authors guidance on how to amplify the voices of authors of color, how to be authentic when writing characters of a different racial or ethnic background, and why diverse stories have a staying power beyond the current cultural moment. That recorded conversation – and the resources given at that webinar — are now available on the ECPA website.

The Christy Own Voice Award is among several ECPA initiatives that help resource Christian publishers toward their desire to advance diversity and inclusion in their publishing programs.

For more information, visit ChristyAwards.com/Own-Voice.

For more information about submissions for The Christy Award program, visit https://www.ecpa.org/page/christy_submissions.

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The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

The Christy Award® is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, “Christy,” which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. ChristyAwards.com

Media Contacts:
Stan Jantz, President & CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Cindy Carter, Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 103

Scott James helps parents answer their children’s questions about keeping themselves and others safe and well 

Being sick can be a scary thing, especially for children. God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick (New Growth Press/February 8, 2021) by Dr. Scott James shows both kids and their parents that God is right there with them in their time of need, even in the middle of a pandemic. Not only can they trust him to take care of them, but they also have the privilege of imitating him while caring for others.

Kids are always full of questions, and parents are sure to have heard some of these in recent months: Why do we have to wear a mask? Why can’t we see Grandma and Grampa today? What if I get sick? Dr. James uses the true-to-life story of Lucas to help with the answers to these often-difficult questions.

When Lucas wakes up with a sore throat, his parents show that God is always caring for him—even when he doesn’t feel well. They remind Lucas that Jesus is with him even during difficult days, and he can always go to Jesus and ask for help, especially when he is scared or worried. When he visits the doctor, Lucas also learns how important it is to care for those around him and to make sure that everyone does their best to not let others get sick.

As children follow Lucas through his sick day, they will discover how God cares for them and how they can care for others when they are sick. This timely book helps parents and caregivers talk with children about illness and how they can show God’s love to their friends and family by helping to keep them safe. They will also learn that although anyone can get sick, God is caring for them and will be with them through whatever they face.

“I think of this book as COVID-relevant, but not COVID-specific,” James explains. “The broader theme of helping children walk through times of pain and suffering is central to my role as a pediatrician and is something I often think through from a pastoral perspective as well. God Cares for Me follows Lucas through a sick day and a scary visit to the doctor’s office, but the bigger story is how God provides comfort and care all along the way. My prayer is that whatever illness a family might be facing, this book will be a reminder that God is a trustworthy refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2).”

God Cares for Me is part of the God Made Me Series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series illustrated by Trish Mahoney contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.

“My hope is that this book will spark ongoing conversations within families. The back section, ‘Talking with Kids about Sickness,’ gives parents a few suggestions on how to navigate those conversations. I encourage parents to approach these difficult topics in a way that acknowledges the hard reality of what it’s like having to deal with pain and suffering, but consistently points to the comforting truth that God has not left us to manage on our own,” shares James.

Matt Smethurst, author and Managing Editor of The Gospel Coalition recommends God Cares for Me saying, “Here is the heart of a father, pastor, and experienced doctor brought to bear on the heart of a fearful child. I can’t envision a Christian family with young kids who shouldn’t own this book and regularly rehearse its truths.”

God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick
by Scott James, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
February 8, 2021 / Hardback / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645071-92-1
Religion / Christian Ministry / Children

Scott James, MD, serves as an elder at The Church at Brook Hills. He and his wife, Jaime, have four children and live in Birmingham, AL, where he works as a pediatric infectious diseases physician.  He is the author of two family worship books, The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent and Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional, as well as the illustrated children’s books The Littlest Watchman, Where Is Wisdom?, and God Cares for Me.
James has also been a columnist for ParentLife Magazine and a contributor to online outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, Story Warren, Radical, ERLC, and LifeWay. He serves the ERLC as a Senior Research Fellow and has been a speaker at ERLC events. He partners with Focus on the Family as a member of their Physician Resource Council and also serves as a Fellow for the Center for Baptist Renewal.  Follow Scott James on Twitter (@scott_h_james) and Instagram (@scott_h_james).

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Salem, OR where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children—both budding artists too. Trish illustrated The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and is also the illustrator for the God Made Me series.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903-874-8363