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

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.

CHARLOTTE, NC—As our world adjusts to a new normal due to the Coronavirus, Christians have unique opportunities to stand out and represent Christ in everyday life. Whether we’re conversing on social media, searching depleted grocery store aisles, or video chatting with friends about the news or recent movie releases, we are called to engage culture as good witnesses. In Beautifully Distinct, fifteen godly women share insights, ideas, and encouragement for reflecting Christ in diverse areas of life and culture.

Edited by Trillia Newbell, Beautifully Distinct features well-known authors and speakers such as Jen Wilkin, Jackie Hill Perry, Dannah Gresh, and Courtney Reissig. Each chapter focuses on a different area of life or culture that women encounter on an everyday basis, whether there is a global pandemic or not. Topics include food, social media, race, hospitality, work, and telling your story.

Newbell explains this book, “won’t provide all the answers, but it will be a helpful guide for us on our quest to be sanctified by truth. This is the beginning of a conversation meant to get you

and me thinking and asking questions as we engage the culture around us. Have you considered how what you read affects what you believe? What about the movies you watch? Who have you had in your home lately? Is there a way for you to communicate your own story compellingly for the Lord to use for his glory and the good of others?”

Offered in partnership with the Southern Baptist’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission , these messages embrace the freedom Christians have in Christ and encourage readers to be thoughtful, to listen well, and to speak well so that Christ will be glorified through everyday life. The unique combination of topics and contributors cultivates honest conversations on faith, life, and culture.

Ruth Chou Simons, the author of GraceLaced and Beholding and Becoming, commended the book, saying, “If it’s true that what we chase shapes our race, then how we see the world around us really matters. Beautifully Distinct is a much-needed resource that directs the way we engage with culture as women of God, and I’m grateful to these sisters for lending their wisdom—for such a time as this.”

As a result of Coronavirus, many people desire to make changes to their lifestyles. Many people are moving forward feeling more aware of their priorities, including sharing their faith. Beautifully Distinct will create opportunities, provoke thought, and inspire readers to make standing out as a representative of Christ part of their new normal.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact publicity@thegoodbook.com.

About The Good Book Company: Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

In March 2020 as the coronavirus started to spread and experts emphasized the importance of handwashing, Terence Lester, author of IVP’s I See You and executive director of the nonprofit Love Beyond Walls, took notice of the homeless population. How would they wash their hands? 

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 set up the first fifteen handwashing stations in Atlanta. Since early April, the Love Sinks In campaign has expanded to fifteen states, seventeen cities, and is supported by twenty-five partners. 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. Most recently, Love Beyond Walls was also selected by AbbVie, a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, as one of twenty-six nonprofits to be supported by their Community Resilience Fund. Because of this, Lester and Love Beyond Walls will be able to place one thousand handwashing stations across the United States.

Starting June 1, IVP will also join the campaign to help “see” and address the needs of the homeless population during this time by donating a portion of all proceeds from Lester’s book, I See You, to the Love Sinks In initiative.

 “In his book I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People, author Terrence Lester conveyed a powerful message calling us all to open our eyes to invisible people,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “The Love Sinks In campaign, designed to bring portable handwashing stations to the areas of our country with a high population of homeless persons who are especially vulnerable during the pandemic, is a tangible expression of the work we are called to do and of the people we are called by Scripture to see and serve. I am grateful for the chance to partner with Terrence by donating a portion of the proceeds of the sales of I See You to the Love Sinks In campaign during this time of great need in our world.”

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, in which he also calls us to see the invisible people around us. He writes about 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. Al Hsu, senior editor at IVP, said, “When the world is paralyzed, Terence Lester acts. And his creative and compassionate actions inspire the rest of us to follow his lead.”

Lester said, “Covid-19 has presented us with many challenges but has also presented us with a huge opportunity to see the people that have been invisible and overlooked in society and culture. It has awakened us to the realities that have persisted for far too long for people living on the streets and experiencing poverty in our country. We are being called now to affirm the value that each image-bearer possesses no matter where they live in society. God has called us to build longer tables and destroy higher walls.”

Lester told Good Morning America, “Recognizing those experiencing homelessness as ‘people’ and not ‘problems’ is important. I hope this leads us to think about how we can adequately address this issue nationally.”

You can contribute to Love Sinks In by purchasing a copy of I See You and by donating directly to Love Sinks In at LoveBeyondWalls.org.

[NASHVILLE, TENN., June 1, 2020—] A global pandemic, being quarantined with family members and navigating interrupted schedules is a recipe for conflict in many relationships. Pastor and author Tony Merida helps Christians apply biblical principles to their current stressful situations and find more peace in their relationships in his latest book, “Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution: A Guide for Turbulent Times” (B&H Publishing, June 2, 2020).

“There’s not a day I’m not dealing with some kind of relational conflict, either in my own life or in my ministry to others. That’s life in a fallen world. This pandemic has intensified this reality for some people, due to added time together and closer proximity to those in one’s immediate sphere of relationships. I hope this book will help individuals, couples, friends and families apply basic biblical truths to their situations, in order that peace may be maintained and enjoyed,” Merida said.

Merida’s book focuses on the pattern and power of Christ, our ultimate Peacemaker (as revealed in Scripture), and equips readers to apply key biblical texts to their conflicts with others. Merida writes with a burden that Christians be known for peace and compassion in today’s world, which is often characterized by hostility and tribalism. His goal is to see Christians reconciled and engaged in loving relationships.

“A lot of Christians are good at doctrine but terrible at relationships. But this is unacceptable, as our faith is lived out in the context of relationships. In order to enjoy healthy relationships, we need to be grounded in key biblical passages, and we need to be eager to apply those passages for the enjoyment of peace with others. Such reconciliation and harmony glorify God and put the gospel on display,” Merida said.

Written from a pastoral perspective, Merida’s book is applicable to conflicts readers may be experiencing—especially during the stress of living in close quarters while quarantined.

“Personally, I needed this book. It’s really amazing how many Bible passages speak about healthy relationships, calling us to peace, harmony and reconciliation—all of it flowing from deep affections for the Lord Jesus Christ,” Merida said. “Writing this book helped and convicted me, and I trust it will bear fruit. I pray it will do the same for others.”

“Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution” encourages readers to pursue peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in their relationships, in order to grow personally and help others grow, which glorifies God and powerfully embodies his great gospel to those who need to see it with their own eyes.

Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C. He has written four books and serves as a general editor and as contributor to the “Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary” series (B&H Publishing Group), along with David Platt and Danny Akin.

“Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution” is available now for purchase on LifeWay.com in paperback format and on Amazon for Kindle. For more information about “Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution,” visit bhpublishing.com.

Tony Merida is Pastor for Preaching and Vision of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C. He’s also the Dean of Grimké Seminary and Director for Theological Training for Acts 29. Merida has written several books including “The Christ-Centered Expositor,” “Ordinary” and multiple volumes in the “Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary” series. He’s happily married to Kimberly, and they have five children.

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.

Lexham Press Offers Free Downloads of “Christ and Calamity: Grace and Gratitude in the Darkest Valley”

BELLINGHAM, Wash., June 3, 2020 – Lexham Press has partnered with Harold L. Senkbeil, reverend and author of the best-selling and award-winning book “The Care of Souls,” to release a new and timely resource, “Christ and Calamity: Grace and Gratitude in the Darkest Valley.” The book, which offers biblical wisdom and encouragement for any type of crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, will be freely available for digital download on June 3 via Lexham Press, a publishing imprint of Faithlife.

Drawing from his four decades of pastoral experience, in “Christ in Calamity,” Senkbeil reminds readers who may be grappling with suffering and uncertainty of God’s constant and faithful grace to us.

“We’re living through a global calamity, but we all live through our own small calamities,” writes Senkbeil in “Christ in Calamity.” “There are many things about the ways of God we cannot understand. However, we do know this much: we have a God who is at his best when times are at their worst.”

Senkbeil is author of numerous books including Lexham Press’ “The Care of Souls,” which is a 2020 ECPA Christian Book Award Winner for Ministry Resources, 2020 Christianity Today Book Award Winner for Church/Pastoral Leadership and 2019 TGC Ministry Book of the Year Winner. Senkbeil’s credible reputation in pastoral work of walking alongside those dealing with personal calamities, upheaval and times of grief has inspired church leaders around the world.

“Calamities come in many different sizes, and God addresses them all in his word and by his Spirit,” said Senkbeil. “Even when we don’t see or feel it, God is always faithful.”

While Lexham recognizes “Christ and Calamity” is relevant and useful during the current COVID-19 season, the book can also serve as a long-term source of encouragement for the people of Christ.

“This is a book to read and to read again whenever we need it, a book to give away to people who are hurting. This book will be a classic,” said Gene Edward Veith, provost emeritus of Patrick Henry College and author of “The Spirituality of the Cross.”

To learn more about the book, visit lexhampress.com/christ-and-calamity.

About Lexham Press:  Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/.

Media Contact:  Heidi McDow, 972-267-1111  heidi@alarryross.com

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