WESTMONT, IL—IVP author Terence Lester has received the 2020 American Express NGen Leadership Award. Each year Independent Sector presents the American Express NGen Leadership Award to one emerging leader age forty and under whose creative and collaborative leadership is accelerating transformative social and community change. Lester is an activist, systemic poverty thought leader, founder of Love Beyond Walls, and author of I See You and the forthcoming When We Stand.

Lester was among a pool of more than eighty nominees considered by IS staff and their selection committee. As the recipient of the award, Terence will receive an honorarium intended to support his work and/or further his leadership development.

Al Hsu, senior editor at IVP, said, “Terence continues to amaze and inspire us with his example of faith in action. Congratulations, Terence! May your work continue to bless many and encourage others to join you.”

In 2013 Terence founded Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit that provides dignity to the homeless and poor by offering a voice, visibility, shelter, community, and grooming and support services to achieve self-sufficiency in Atlanta and beyond. In 2019 he launched Dignity Museum, the first traveling museum in the United States that represents homelessness out of a shipping container, using interactive technology, research, storytelling, exhibits, and thought-provoking questions that help visitors confront their ideas of homelessness and the challenges of escaping it.

In March 2020 as the coronavirus started to spread, Lester came up with the idea to set up portable washbasins that are sold for RVs and camping. With the help of Grammy-winning artist Lecrae and Reach Records, Love Beyond Walls started the Love Sinks In campaign and now has handwashing stations in nearly thirty cities around the country. The inspiring story caught the attention of media outlets around the world, including CNN, Good Morning America, Today, Disney, The Weather Channel, International Business Times, NY Daily News, USA News Hub, MSN, Reader’s Digest, and countless others.

Having been homeless as a teenager, Lester knows the challenges of living on the streets. In an interview on The Bright Side with Katie Couric, he said, “My experiences with homelessness resulted in my life calling. . . . I feel very grateful each day I get up and I get a chance to do this work. I’ve devoted my entire life to this service.”

Lester writes about his call to help the overlooked in I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People. He describes personal encounters and real-life stories with the “invisible” in an effort to challenge others to become more informed about poverty and homelessness and to see the poor as Jesus does.

In May 2021 Lester will release his second book, When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together. He writes about the obstacles that prevent people from getting involved in pursuing justice and offers practical ways to accomplish more together as groups, families, churches, and communities. He helps people find their place in the larger picture, discerning the unique ways each person can contribute and make a difference. Lecrae said, “Terence Lester is a leader. His words about personal and societal change should not be taken for granted. This book is a gift.”

Hsu said, “When the world is paralyzed, Terence Lester acts. And his creative and compassionate actions inspire the rest of us to follow his lead.”

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

New Media Idea Book now available with a complete list of books and experts on politics, race, justice and other timely topics. 

WESTMONT, IL—Mark Lanier, author of Christianity on Trial and one of the top civil trial lawyers in America, has signed a contract with InterVarsity Press to release his next book, tentatively titled World Religions on Trial, in Spring 2022.

During the past thirty years, Lanier has taken on some of the biggest challenges in the legal field. In doing so, he has achieved some of the largest verdicts in history, accomplishments that have changed business practices to protect the public and have gained justice for the victims of dangerous drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products. In addition, he has successfully represented a select number of clients in claims involving fraud, breach of contract and other forms of business litigation.

These results cumulatively put Lanier close to $20 billion in verdicts during his highly acclaimed career.

Lanier’s success in the courtroom and perspectives on litigation have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Bloomberg News and the Houston Chronicle, among many other publications. He is also a frequent guest on news and business programs for a wide range of broadcast and cable networks.

Drawing on his extensive law career Lanier applied the same legal principles to his first book, Christianity on Trial, and now turns his attention to world religions. He said, “In this new book I present truth claims made by the world’s great religions, discuss their history, cross-examine their witnesses (scriptures and traditions), and determine whether I find claims meritorious and worthy of my belief.”

“The book is written for people who are puzzled by a dizzying array of religious options.  They have friends, neighbors, and co-workers who practice these religions, but they know little about them.  They wonder: are they true?  Is one faith just as good as another?  In that sense, what is most important, many do not know how their own faith compares nor how they should respond.  They worry that if they learn about other faiths, it may dilute their energy and passion for their own. Using a lawyer’s approach and style, I attempt to demonstrate how that worry is completely unfounded.”

New Media Idea Book now available with a complete list of books and experts on politics, race, justice and other timely topics.

Contact: Krista Clayton, Associate Director of Publicity, kclayton@ivpress.com, ivpress.com

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—October 9, 2020—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that three Tyndale fiction titles and authors have been named 2020 Christy Award finalists (ChristyAwards.com). The Christy Award celebrates excellence in the art of Christian fiction and honors the power of faith in story.

On October 8, 2020, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the finalists for the Christy Award. Winners will be announced on November 12 at an online gala, hosted by award-winning novelist Chris Fabry.

Tyndale House Publishers has three titles in the running for a 2020 Christy Award, as follows:

First Novel:
A Long Time Comin’, Robin W. Pearson

Historical:
The Medallion, Cathy Gohlke
Memories of Glass, Melanie Dobson

Karen Watson, publisher of Tyndale fiction, shared, “This year’s slate of Tyndale Christy finalists provides a great example of the essence of Tyndale fiction—two established and skilled students of the craft writing thoughtful, well-researched stories about a pivotal time in history and a delightful and timely debut from a great new voice in the industry. In all three instances, the beauty of God’s mercy shines through. We are honored to publish these women and thrilled for this recognition of their work.”

For more information on Tyndale fiction titles, please visit tyndalefiction.com.

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

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international nonprofit 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

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

New book features real-life stories of senior dogs finding forever homes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 12, 2020) – One may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but the four-legged, senior residents at the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary can teach their own lessons of character building, friendship and how love never grows old. Published by Tommy Nelson Books, Homecoming Tales, 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary now is available for pre-purchase and wherever books are sold beginning Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Founded and owned by husband-wife team, Michael and Zina Goodin, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a forever foster home sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. While providing lifetime homes for senior dogs, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary strives to raise awareness about the joys and challenges of living with older dogs.

Michael Goodin notes, “We do not concern ourselves with the quantity of time that they have left but rather with the quality of the life we can provide them while they are with us.”

Each year, 1.6 million dogs are adopted in the United States. Readers will learn about pet adoption, ownership and the joys and challenges of living with older dogs. Featuring 15 heartwarming, true stories of senior dogs and their journeys finding their forever families, readers will find doggy stats and fun facts, recipes for their own canine friend, full-color photo inserts of the dogs with their forever families, informative insight into adopting and owning pets, caring for aging animals, ideas for helping a pet with special needs, and ways kids can get involved with their local animal shelter or rescue.

“Dog lovers and pet rescue enthusiasts of all ages will find inspiration and adventure in each tale,” Zina Goodin adds. “The stories of our sweet, sassy, and sometimes even hilarious old friends can offer us humans the simple reminder that no one is too old to give or receive love.”

Homecoming Tales, 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (ISBN# 9781400222926) will be available in paperback ($15.99), ebook ($8.99) and audio ($15.99) formats wherever books are sold.

About Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary:
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a forever foster home sanctuary in beautiful Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Old Friends houses approximately 100 senior dogs at the Gardens and currently upwards of 400 in forever foster homes. While providing lifetime homes for senior dogs, OFSDS strives to raise awareness of the joys and challenges of living with older dogs. We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. We do not concern ourselves with the quantity of time that they have left, rather the quality of the life that we can provide them for that time.

For more information our website at www.ofsds.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

About Tommy Nelson:
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

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

Press kit materials available here: https://we.tl/t-yLMCKXgvDq
Included are:
-News Release
-Photos
-Book Excerpts
-Fun Facts
-Book Cover Graphic
-Quick Web Links

Make Us One: A 31-Day Prayer Journey Toward Racial Healing was released October 1 by PrayerShop Publishing. Based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17 for the Father to make us one, Make Us One is a biblical, Christian response to racism in America.

It is a compilation of 31-Scripture-based prayers written by national prayer leaders, pastors, and racial reconciliation leaders. Compiled by Niko Peele and Jonathan Graf, both members of America’s National Prayer Committee (NPC), the book was a partnership with the NPC.

“The power of a truly unified Church that stands against the sin of racism will have an immense influence on the healing of our nation,” writes Peele and Graf in the Introduction. As they pray through it, Make Us One: A 31-Day Prayer Journey Toward Racial Healing will open the hearts of believers to be a part of racial healing in America.

“As new social justice and civil rights movements are pushing to dominate the narrative,” says Peele, “the Church carries the kind of justice that meets both the temporal and eternal freedom that the world is searching for. It is a Jesus-justice fueled by biblical conviction, compassion, prayer, and action that will bring revival to the heart and transformation to society.”

The prayer guide includes:

• 31 Scripture-based prayers written by national prayer leaders, pastors, and racial reconciliation leaders of all ethnicities.
• Short personal testimonies by people of color sharing an experience of racism and discrimination they have had.
• Action steps to live out racial unity in your community.

“The socially engineered lie of separate races and racism blinds us,” prays Alveda King in her Foreword to Make Us One. “We repent of our clinging to skin color. Forgive us Lord. Open our eyes Lord. Jesus, you give sight to the blind. Show us your one blood/one human race. Show us, help us receive this truth together. Help us to love you, to love one another, and ourselves.”

“Sadness, anger, fear . . . whatever your response to the racial tensions in our nation, no one is ignoring them. What can we do though, to make a difference?” asks David Butts, chairman of America’s National Prayer Committee. “That is where prayer comes in. Make Us One provides practical help to pray with compassion and power for racial healing in our land. Powerful, scripture-based prayers will focus your prayers on the Lord, who can bring the ultimate healing we need. The NPC is so proud to have a significant number of contributors to Make Us One. This book of prayers for racial healing expresses the heartfelt desire of our committee to see Christ honored through the compassionate prayers of his people.”

PrayerShop Publishing is especially known for developing guides for prayer initiatives. While Make Us One is a great book of prayers for an individual to pray through, it is primarily designed for groups and congregations to pray through together.

Grand Rapids, Mich. Sept. 2020– Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to release the NASB, Journal of the Word™ Reference Bible, 1995 Text, featuring the exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface. Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text, now delivers an exceptionally smooth reading experience, with a well-crafted, highly readable format.

The first-of-its-kind for the New American Standard Bible, the NASB Journal the Word Reference Bible allows you to record your thoughts next to treasured verses while also cross-referencing other scriptures. This single-column, red-letter Bible features thick paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, giving readers plenty of space to reflect on God’s Word and enhance their study.

Excellent to give as a gift or for personal use, this Bible with your personal writings inside it can also become a cherished heirloom to pass on to future generations.  Features:

• The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text
• Single-column cross-reference system
• Lined, wide margins for taking notes, drawing artwork, and writing personal reflections
• Thick white paper
• Words of Christ in red
• Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
• Satin ribbon marker
• Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
• 8.5-point print size

Senior Vice President of Sales Tom Knight announces his retirement; Dan Van Gorp promoted to lead role

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) (September 30, 2020)—HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) and HarperCollins Focus (HCF) today announced a change in its sales organization, with the planned retirement of senior vice president (SVP) of Sales, Tom Knight at the end of the calendar 2020. Dan Van Gorp, current director of Independent Retail Sales, has been promoted to fill this role and will begin working with Knight on a transition plan effective immediately. Van Gorp will oversee the entire organization’s trade sales operations and will sit on the company’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to president and CEO, Mark Schoenwald.

Van Gorp began his career with Zondervan in 2003 as an account executive and was promoted to manager of Independent Retail Sales for HCCP when the company integrated with Thomas Nelson in 2012, before moving into his current role. As SVP of Sales, Van Gorp will be responsible for setting the organization’s overall sales goals and growing its footprint in physical and online retail, as well as with book distributors. He will continue developing and maintaining partnerships with key industry stakeholders, authors, agents and staff. Van Gorp will be relocating to Nashville, to be based in the company’s corporate office.

“I am excited about this opportunity and the challenges ahead as we continue to look for ways to partner with retail in providing great content,” said Van Gorp. “It has been a wonderful journey for me which began working in a bookstore. With each new step over the course of my career, I have tried to seek understanding and look for new and innovative ways to share our content.  Over the past few months, I have gained clarity on various nuances of our overall business and the significance that our sales organization has in fulfilling the company’s mission to inspire the world.”

“I am thrilled for Dan to lead the HCCP and HCF sales organization,” says Tom Knight. “He is deeply loyal to the mission, and I believe in his ability to grow and develop new relationships across the business. I am grateful for the past thirteen-and-a-half years and am looking forward to this next stage of life, spending more time with my family.”

Mark Schoenwald commented, “Dan has spent his career working with one of our most dynamic sales channels, spearheading various programs to support our independent retailers and Christian bookstores. He has led a team of sales reps across the country, each with their own unique regional customer perspectives. This experience will translate well into his new role.”

Schoenwald continued, “Tom has accomplished a great deal throughout his tenure, including growing our sales organization to be the largest in the inspirational publishing industry with a diversified global retail network. We will miss him, but we thank him for all he has contributed and wish him well for a healthy and happy next phase of life.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: As 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.  HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For more information please visit www.harpercollinschristian.com.

About HarperCollins Focus: HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information please visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

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

Nelson Books imprint will release a new book line in association with COMPEL

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) (October 1, 2020)—Thomas Nelson, alongside New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, is launching a new publishing initiative that will mobilize the next generation of women Christian authors, through TerKeurst’s own COMPEL author training program. Recently, TerKeurst posted an initial announcement on her social platforms, as well as released a video with literary agent and manager, Meredith Brock, providing preliminary details about the publishing program.

TerKeurst and Brock will work together to identify and develop authors through their training program, then carefully select manuscripts to be presented to Thomas Nelson in a co-review process. Manuscripts that are further identified as commercially viable will be contracted and managed through Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. Books will be co-branded Nelson Books and COMPEL.

“This exclusive project will be the first of its kind for Nelson Books,” said Timothy Paulson, vice president and publisher of Nelson Books. “Lysa has been more than a bestselling author to our publishing family. She is a visionary leader who loves to teach others how to reach their goals and dreams of success. Lysa told us she wanted to help her community of women who have such incredible and inspiring messages that deserve to be read. The COMPEL book line is a concept that utilizes the strength of Lysa’s wonderful gift for writing and developing a resonating voice for her ever-growing readership, and the Thomas Nelson editorial, marketing, and distribution expertise to elevate new Christian authors, Bible teachers, and disciples of God’s Word.”

The first COMPEL training opportunity that has been designed for this new initiative—The Book Proposal Boot Camp—begins on October 18th and will be completed in January.  The COMPEL team will then begin their work alongside the Nelson Books team, with a goal to release its first book in the line in 2022.

For more information on COMPEL, go to the www.TheBookProposalBootcamp.com.

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, 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: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
615.902.1109, casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

WESTMONT, IL— InterVarsity Press is pleased to congratulate art director, David Fassett, for his work on five designs that were chosen for 2020 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). Fassett received the most awards of all the designers represented.

“The InterVarsity Press publishing program encompasses a wildly diverse set of books that call for equally unique design approaches,” Jeff Crosby, IVP publisher, said. “Year after year, David Fassett’s skill set is more than up to the challenges placed before him, as the five 2020 Top Shelf Awards demonstrate. I join all of my IVP colleagues in congratulating him on a job well done and on designs that help open doors to reaching and engaging readers of our trade and academic books.”

Fassett’s winning covers include:

• A Prayer for Orion: A Son’s Addiction and a Mother’s Love by Katherine James
• The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D. L. Mayfield 
• Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters by Sandra L. Richter
• To Think Christianly: A History of L’Abri, Regent College, and the Christian Study Center Movement by Charles E. Cotherman
• Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery by Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah

Fassett joined InterVarsity Press (IVP) as a marketing designer in 2009 and was promoted to senior graphic designer in 2014. He was appointed to the position of art director in May 2017.

“We are so thankful for David’s creativity and the understanding of each book that he brings to the design process,” said Lorraine Caulton, IVP’s director of creativity and customer engagement. “He is very deserving of these honors, and we are thrilled to celebrate these awards, his gifts, and his hard work.”

ECPA announced the winners of this year’s awards on October 1 during the closing session of Pub U Online. Winning book covers are featured at TopShelfAwards.org.