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Elk Lake Publishing reveals new logo

August 27, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. has debuted its new logo.  Publisher Deb Haggerty states, “A new look was necessary to promote our mission of publishing positive books for the Christian market.” One of the few Christian-owned and operated traditional, royalty-paying publishing companies, Elk Lake has books for readers of all ages in a variety of genres. Elk Lake, headquartered in Plymouth, MA, publishes thirty to forty books a year. Recent book releases include, among others:

  • World War II-era—Set for Danger by Ace Collins
  • Humor—The Heart of Humor by Jeanette Levellie
  • Contemporary—Hosea’s Heart by Linda Wood Rondeau and Manhattan Grace by Clarice G. James
  • Children’s—If I Could Ask Jesus by Donna Wyland/Lynne Davis

All books are available on Amazon and through Ingram Services.

For more information, contact:
Deb Haggerty at Deb@ElkLakePublishingInc.com or call 508-746-1734

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Novelization of Kendrick Brothers’ new movie, Overcomer, releasing July 2019 from Tyndale House Publishers

August 27, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

 

Inspirational Sports Drama Showcases Journey toward True Identity in Christ

CAROL STREAM, ILL.—August 23, 2018—AFFIRM Films in partnership with Provident Films has announced next year’s release of Overcomer, the highly anticipated sixth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick (War Room, Fireproof, Courageous, Facing the Giants, Flywheel) in theaters throughout North America on Aug. 23, 2019. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendricks’ new venture tackles the vital issue of spiritual identity in a unique and fresh way.

In anticipation of the film’s debut, Tyndale House Publishers, in partnership with renowned writer Chris Fabry, will release the novelization of the movie’s captivating story based upon biblical themes from the book of Ephesians. Known for his rich character development and trademark lyrical prose, Fabry, who is a bestselling author of over eighty books for adults and children, will translate the Kendricks’ new movie into an inspirational novel of three characters’ journeys as each find and refine their true identity in Christ.

SYNOPSIS: Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.

When asked about the project, Fabry shared, “I’m so excited about tackling another great story with the Kendricks.” Regarding the process, he said, “I love asking questions about what’s going on inside the people you see on the screen, so the book will give you all of the film plus some deeper looks at the backstory and other meaningful threads that can’t fit into a two-hour film.” He also shared that while “telling a great story is our goal . . . our deepest hope for the novel is to connect readers with their true identity. Our prayer for Overcomer is that people will realize who they are in Christ.”

Director Alex Kendrick specifically requested Fabry’s involvement. “We have great admiration for Chris Fabry’s work and ministry heart. He was an absolute joy to work with on the novelization of War Room and was able to read the Overcomer script early and join us on set this summer to hear the message and heart behind this new film. We think he and Tyndale are the perfect partners for this project.”

Tyndale publisher Karen Watson said, “We are honored to be part of this successful team. The Kendricks always illustrate a theme that speaks to a timely spiritual longing in our culture. We know that Chris’s development of an ‘extended cut’ of the story line will enrich the experience of folks who love the film and can encourage others to see it.”

Overcomer is currently in postproduction and is directed by Alex Kendrick, produced by Stephen Kendrick and Aaron Burns, with executive producer Shannon Kendrick, and the screenplay written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. For more information on Overcomer, follow the movie on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at Overcomer Movie. For more information about Chris Fabry’s Overcomer novelization, releasing in July 2019, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.  Chris’s novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and The Promise of Jesse Woods, have won five Christy Awards™, an ECPA Christian Book Award®, and two Awards of Merit from Christianity Today. His eightieth published book, Under a Cloudless Sky, is a novel set in the coalfields of his home state of West Virginia. His books include movie novelizations, like the recent bestseller War Room; nonfiction; and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. Visit his website at www.chrisfabry.com.

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is the world’s largest privately held Christian publisher of books, Bibles, and digital media. Tyndale has published many New York Times bestsellers. The largest portion of its profit goes to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale was founded to publish Living Letters, which later comprised part of The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon. Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people.

AFFIRM Films produces, acquires, and markets films that inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences around the world. Since releasing its first theatrical film—the Kendrick Brothers’ drama FACING THE GIANTS, in 2007—AFFIRM Films has released numerous quality faith-based films, including SOUL SURFER, based on the inspirational true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton; WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL, the sports drama inspired by the story of the De La Salle Spartans; WAR ROOM, which hit No. 1 on the domestic box office chart; RISEN, which followed the epic biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a nonbeliever; and was the faith-based marketing partner with Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures for their films MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN and the No. 2 faith-based film of all time, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. AFFIRM Films also released ALL SAINTS in August 2017 and the animated film THE STAR in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, in November 2017.  AFFIRM released PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST on March 23, 2018, and will release the highly anticipated next Kendrick Brothers’ film OVERCOMER on August 23, 2019.  AFFIRM Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) company. AFFIRMFilms.com

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, develops, produces, and markets faith-based films. Nashville-based Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has served for more than three decades, worldwide, as a leader in inspiring entertainment.

Kendrick Brothers Productions is the company of brothers Alex, Stephen, and Shannon Kendrick that exists to honor Jesus Christ and make His truth and love known among the nations through movies, books, curriculum, and speaking. By prayerfully blending engaging stories with doctrinal integrity, the Kendricks seek to encourage and inspire viewers and readers with resources that impact their spiritual lives and strengthen their families and personal relationships.

Overcomer Novel PR Contact: Katie Dodillet,Tyndale House Publishers, 630-784-5275 katiedodillet@tyndale.com

Overcomer Movie PR Contact: Jennifer Willingham,Icon Media Group, 615-483-4729, Jennifer@IconMediaGroup.com

 

 

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Max Lucado’s “Unshakable Hope” debuts on national bestseller lists

August 27, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

Book debuts in first week on New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly lists

Nashville, TN (August 24, 2018) — Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God (Thomas Nelson) by Max Lucado debuts after one week of release on four national bestseller lists: The New York Times (#7 Advice, How-To & Misc., August 26). The Wall Street Journal (#7 Hardcover Non-Fiction, August  12), USA Today (#53, August 12) and Publishers Weekly (#11 Hardcover Non-Fiction, August 20).

“Max Lucado has his finger on the pulse of our nation. Unshakable Hope is exactly what we need today,” says David Moberg, Senior Vice President and Publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishers. “For all who who long for hope and encouragement, for a good word from a trusted pastor, Max delivers.”

Lucado launched Unshakable Hope, his 40th adult trade title, with a special event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The event was seen by more than 250,000 people via social media. Lucado was also featured on national media including Rick & Bubba, Fox News Radio, Moody Broadcasting, Life Today, Keep the Faith, and a drop-by on The TODAY Show. Media appearances continue this fall on Daystar TV, The Dave Ramsey Show, Extra TV, The 700 Club, and more.

Thomas Nelson sponsored a pre-sale campaign which benefitted the Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship International. Consumers who pre-ordered Unshakable Hope were able to donate a special ministry edition to these international ministries.

In Unshakable Hope, Lucado applies God’s promises to every area of life, including insecurities, disappointments, depression, illness, condemnation, and the question of evil in the world. With a storyteller’s gift and a pastor’s heart, Lucado points readers to a God whose promises are unchanging and whose love is beyond measure. www.UnshakableHopeBook.com

“Build your life on the promises of God. Since his promises are unbreakable, your hope will be unshakable,” Lucado writes. “The winds will still blow. The rain will still fall. But in the end you will be standing—standing on the promises of God.”

Max Lucado is America’s bestselling inspirational author, with more than 130 million products in print,. His writings have been shaped into bestselling books, videos, devotionals, songs, greeting cards, booklets, Bible studies, commentaries and theatrically-released movies. Lucado has been featured on countless national media outlets including The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, NPR’s All Things Considered and Fox & Friends. Max and his wife of over 35 years, Denalyn, call San Antonio, Texas, home. Max has served the people of Oak Hills Church since 1988. www.maxlucado.com

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, cookbooks, 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.

Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 281-251-0480

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Brazos Press appoints new acquisitions editor

August 27, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the addition of Katelyn Beaty to its acquisitions team in the role of Acquisitions Editor, Brazos Press. Beaty will secure new author relationships and participate in publishing strategy.

Beaty began her career as copy editor of Christianity Today, where she went on to manage the print publication and serve as the youngest and first female managing editor. She also cofounded the women’s website Her.meneutics (now CT Women) and served as editorial director of the This Is Our City documentary series. She is a writer, speaker, and editor with 10-plus years of experience in online and print publishing. Beaty has written for the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Atlantic, Religion & Politics, and the Washington Post and has commented on faith and culture for CNN, ABC, NPR, the Associated Press, and Religion News Service.

She released the book A Woman’s Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World in July 2016 with Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

“We are thrilled to add Katelyn to our Brazos Press team,” notes Jim Kinney, an executive vice president at Baker Publishing Group. “Her talent and abilities are widely recognized, and they will be on full display as she helps Brazos Press reach a new level of service to authors and readers.”

Brazos Press publishes books by noted Christian thinkers who help readers faithfully engage the complexity and wonder of life.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton  (616)676-9185  smacnaughton@brazospress.com

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Zondervan hires Mick Silva as senior acquisitions editor

August 20, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

(Grand Rapids, MI) August 20, 2018—Zondervan announced Mick Silva today as the new senior acquisitions editor for Zondervan nonfiction trade books.

Silva’s publishing experience includes writing and acquisitions for Focus on the Family and Waterbrook Multnomah. In those roles, he acquired memoir, self-help, marriage, parenting, Christian living, men’s interest, young family and teen books and developed ancillary products. In recent years, Silva has consulted and coached nonfiction writers, editing for several large and small publishers, and assisting agents and authors with proposal targeting.

“Mick is a key addition to our Zondervan acquisitions team. What we’re adding is great sensibilities, experience, attention to story, and a consistent track record of strong sales and dedication to relationships,” says David Morris, vice president and publisher for Zondervan nonfiction. “It’s an honor to have the acquisitions strength we have at Zondervan, and between Mick and our other editors—all great champions for our authors and their books—our program is guaranteed to find new growth and influence for a long time to come.”

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company’s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

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Sheridan increases its digital and inkjet print capabilities with the addition of two HP presses

August 20, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

August 15, 2018, Hanover, PA—Sheridan’s Pennsylvania print facility is adding two new HP presses to the production floor: an HP PageWide T240HD Color Print Inkjet system equipped with a Duplex Primer system and a Magnum InLine FlexBook Finisher, and an HP Indigo 12000 B2-format digital press.

These important additions address the growing demand to support the life cycle of books, whether it be with longer-run first printings, reduced print runs, or auto-stock replenishment (ASR) and zero-inventory programs.

The T240HD inkjet press, the second such press at the Pennsylvania site, will significantly increase capacity and the ability to meet the requirements and high demand of the growing POD book market. The Magnum FlexBook system will facilitate the production of high quality fused book blocks.

The Indigo 12000 B2 digital press is an upgrade for the facility. The 12000 will print covers and casecovers for both books and journals, and as a result of its increased sheet size capability, it will print larger spine bulks than were previously accommodated. It will effectively double cover capacity and output.

Installation of all new systems will be complete in the fall.

With these technologically advanced, high-production additions, Sheridan continues to demonstrate its commitment to book and journal customers requiring ultra short run capabilities. What began in 2003 with the acquisition of one digital Kodak press has, with this and previous expansions, grown into a digital print production department of seven digital presses, six of which have attached finishers. In addition to Sheridan’s growing digital footprint, the PA facility also produces a significant body of offset and web work for journal and book publishers.

Sheridan Vice President of Operations Paul Loy commented on what the equipment expansion means to Sheridan: “Our customers’ needs continue to guide our decisions, and this expansion in our digital department is no exception. We are thrilled to add these powerful HP units and the Magnum finisher to our production floor. The additional output will allow us to not only meet current customer expectations, but take on more work, specifically in terms of complete POD book programs.”

About Sheridan
Sheridan is a leading provider of print, publishing services, and technology solutions to publishers, associations, university presses, and catalogers. A division of CJK Group, Inc., Sheridan has five U.S.‐ based production facilities; each location has a market specialty that supports scholarly journals, books, magazines, reprints, or catalogs. www.sheridan.com

Contact: Susan Parente, Sheridan, Publications Marketing Manager, susan.parente@sheridan.com

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Worthy to release new book by NYT bestseller John Hagee that is “ripped from tomorrow’s headlines”

August 20, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

Coming September 18, What the Bible Tells Us About Today’s Turbulent Political Landscape and What That Means for the Future of the World

SAN ANTONIO – August 15, 2018 – It’s a story ripped from today’s—and tomorrow’s—headlines. The Middle East on the brink of conflict. Russia now in the Middle East. A federation of European nations.

From New York Times best-selling author John Hagee comes Earth’s Last Empire: The Final Game of Thrones, a can’t-put-down book that brings the Bible to vivid life as it reveals God’s hand in human history—and His plans for the future.

“Although we live in the Information Age, we’re the most uninformed generation in history regarding God’s plan for the future,” Hagee said. “When almost one-fourth of the Bible was prophetic at the time it was written, it certainly benefits us to study it.”

With nearly 40 books to his credit, including several New York Times best-sellers, Hagee states, “Everything I’ve written in the past has led to this culmination of truth from the prophetic scriptures in Earth’s Last Empire.”

Drawing on his decades of studying and preaching God’s Word, meticulous scholarly research and a flair for communicating truth in a compelling, readable style, Hagee’s Earth’s Last Empire explores:

  • The central importance of Jerusalem in world history, our present and our future.
  • How human empires over the centuries have led to where we are today . . . and how that affects every person on earth
  • A “Bible snapshot” of prophecy in scriptures and how it plays out today . . . and tomorrow.

Drawing biblical insight and wisdom from Genesis to Revelation—Earth’s Last Empire puts today’s stormy political landscape in context. And it looks ahead to where today’s events—particularly in the Middle East—might be leading. And, finally, Earth’s Last Empire brings readers to a place of hope, showing God’s hand on nations and individuals throughout history and a promised future where there will be a world of perfect peace.

From Worthy Publishing, Earth’s Last Empire  is available online for pre-order now and for sale in stores and online September 18, 2018.

John Hagee is the author of multiple best-selling books, which have been enjoyed by millions of readers, including his most recent best-sellers, Four Blood Moons and The Three Heavens.

  • For interviews, contact: Michael Conrad Michael@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-616-0320
  • For more information on Earth’s Last Empire, visit: JHM.org
  • For press material, visit: Lovell-Fairchild.com

About Pastor John Hagee JHM.org
John Hagee is founder and senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, a non-denominational evangelical church with more than 22,000 active members. He also founded John Hagee Ministries, which broadcasts the Gospel on radio and television throughout America and the world, and is the founder and Chairman of Christians United for Israel, which has grown to become the largest Christian pro-Israel organization in the United States—with over 4.3 million members.  John Hagee was recognized by the Embassy of Israel in Washington D.C. as one of the 70 greatest American contributors to the U.S.-Israel relationship. John Hagee has authored 40 books, several of which were on the New York Times best-sellers list, including Four Blood Moons, which was also an award winning blockbuster in 2015.

About Worthy Publishing Group WorthyPublishing.com
A privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee, Worthy Publishing Group has five divisions. Worthy Books publishes a broad spectrum of genres, including current events, pop culture, biography, Bible study, fiction, spiritual growth and specialized Bibles. Worthy Latino publishes trade titles for Spanish and Portuguese markets. WorthyKids and its Ideals imprint create colorful, interactive children’s books for ages 2 to 8. Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts and paper expressions, and Worthy Inspired publishes quick-read, felt-need personal growth, inspirational and devotional books.

CONTACT: Michael Conrad 214-616-0320  Michael@Lovell-Fairchild.com

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Tyndale House Executive VP, CFO Paul Mathews retires after 41 years; Scott Mathews named as the new CFO

August 20, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

CAROL STREAM, Ill. – Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has announced that Paul Mathews, Executive VP and CFO, will retire after 41 years at the company. Mathews joined Tyndale House in August 1977 as an accounting assistant. He was promoted to role of controller in 1979, to corporate vice president in 1982, and to his current role as Executive VP, CFO in 1998. Tyndale has also announced that Scott Mathews has been named as the new CFO.

“I am so thankful to have Paul as a friend, confidant, and adviser,” said Mark Taylor, Chairman and CEO. “If I have been successful leading this company over the past 40 years, it is largely because Paul has been at my side each step of the way. I’m glad that he’s willing to continue as a member of our board of directors.”

During his tenure at Tyndale, Mathews was instrumental in a number of critical business acquisitions and sales that set Tyndale on a course of long-term financial stability. In 1995, he orchestrated the transition from a defined-benefit retirement plan to the current 401 (k) plan. Mathews has played a key role in the development of Tyndale’s campus buildings as well as innovative fixed-income investments. He has also been involved with evaluating the content of book proposals, which is highly unusual for a CFO. In addition to the Tyndale board, Mathews has served on boards of Greater Europe Mission, College Church in Wheaton, and Wheaton Christian Grammar School.

Scott Mathews joined Tyndale in 2017 after spending 13 years (2005-17) in a variety of roles (Research Data Analyst, then Manager of Portfolio Administration and Research Management, then Associate VP, Administration and Research Data Management) at Calamos Investments in Naperville, Illinois.

Said Jeff Johnson, President and COO, of Mathews being named CFO, “Even though Scott has big shoes to fill, he has shown a great deal of wisdom, insight and creativity over this past year. His heart is also mission driven to see that Tyndale continues to serve our Lord. As a result, we are very thankful to have Scott step into Paul’s shoes.”

Scott Mathews is a graduate of Wheaton College with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics. He earned an MBA from Northern Illinois University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst with the CFA Institute.

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is the world’s largest privately held Christian publisher of books, Bibles, and digital media. Tyndale has published many New York Times bestsellers. The largest portion of its profit goes to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale was founded to publish Living Letters, which later comprised part of The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon. Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people.

 

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Zondervan releases expanded third edition of NYT bestseller, “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”

August 20, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

Experience Nabeel Qureshi’s dramatic story of an American Muslim coming to Jesus through friendship, apologetics, dreams, and visions

Modern Classic “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” is a New York Times bestseller with more than 500,000 copies sold—now expanded with new details, including reflections by Nabeel’s wife, Michelle

Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 16, 2018 — Zondervan is pleased to announce the release of the third edition of the New York Times bestselling Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi, now expanded with new bonus content, including reflections on Nabeel’s life and legacy by his wife, Michelle Qureshi; an afterword by Nabeel’s mentor Mark Mittelberg; and additional behind-the-scenes stories told by Nabeel and his good friend David Wood.

In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus (on sale August 21), Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way. Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus claimed to be God and rose from the dead. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi struggled with an inner turmoil that will challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in the world’s greatest religions. Engaging and thought-provoking, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus tells a powerful story of the clash between Islam and Christianity in one man’s heart—and of the peace he eventually found in Jesus. To learn more, visit www.NabeelQureshi.com.

Nabeel Qureshi was a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He earned an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, an MA in religion from Duke University, and an MPhil in Judaism and Christianity from Oxford University. Following a year-long battle with stomach cancer, heaven welcomed Nabeel home on September 16, 2017. He leaves behind his wife and young daughter who aspire to honor the ministerial legacy Nabeel established during his brief 34 years on earth.

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: Trinity McFadden, Senior Manager of Publicity
web: trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com  tel: 616-698-3514

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Kingstone Comics expands line of comics explaining faith on same day of news that DC Comics confirms Batman is an atheist

August 20, 2018 by Sheri Toomb

THE COMIC BOOK HEARD AROUND THE WORLD

 “Pictures still speak the most universally understood language.”  – Walt Disney

“The intersection of descending Bible reading and rocketing comics engagement is a cultural phenomenon evangelicals need to pay attention to.” – Art Ayris

LEESBURG, FL, August 19, 2018 – The same day the comics world got socked with the news that DC Comics had just transformed Batman from a superhero embracing the Christian faith into an atheist, a central Florida publisher expanded its line explaining the faith into international broadcasting with motion comic animation.

Kingstone Comics landed on the comics publishing map last year with the release of the Kingstone Bible, a finalist for Young People’s Literature in the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association 2017 Book of the Year awards. The Kingstone Bible’s superlatives already included not only the most complete graphic adaptation of Holy Writ ever done but is also the largest non-serialized graphic novel ever published.

Now the comics company has moved into motion comics and animation and discovered broadcasters and digital distributors eager to jump on board. Though other contracts are under discussion, two early agreements have been inked with international television broadcasters to carry Kingstone animated products into Europe and Central Asia, which will also reach such seemingly hostile areas as Iran, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan. “What many people don’t realize is that Iran is now experiencing a significant spiritual awakening and keen interest in the truth of the Bible. Meanwhile, here in America the fictional icon Bruce Wayne turns from the faith his parents espoused in the newest issue of Batman,” states publisher Art Ayris. “The irony is certainly not lost on us.”

Apologetics is derived from the Greek word ἀπολογία apologia which carries with it the idea of a formal defense of a position. Kingstone Comics publishes a number of apologetic pieces that don’t shy away from handling difficult questions on Biblical reliability, canonicity, and the subject of hell. The series also answers common questions that people have such as “Where did Cain get his wife?” “How did the different races originate?” “What does the Bible say about UFO’s and aliens?” and even “What does the Bible say about pets in heaven?” First releasing as a series of comic books, the popularity of the format became the fuel for the release of animated versions.

Kingstone is teaming with larger animation partners on a complete animation of the Kingstone Bible, but the company is currently releasing their own motion comics (digital versions of comics enhanced with sound and special effects) to help explain Christianity and the Bible.

Kingstone already has established a strong international presence with its products currently in 27 languages and new languages coming every month. Some of these include familiar languages like Arabic and Mandarin, as well as lesser-known languages such as Malayalam and Syrian Turkmen. “We were pretty jazzed when the Cambodian Bible Society distributed a Khmer version of our comics into public schools in Cambodia,” Ayris noted. “The Bible truly is a global document – whether in print, digital or animation.”

Not relegated to the Protestant faith only, Kingstone has also signed a licensing agreement for an upcoming Catholic edition of the Kingstone Bible.

“The bottom line for Kingstone is engaging the next generation in the Bible, wherever they are,” stated Ayris, the Executive Pastor at First Baptist Leesburg, where he oversees a sprawling and rapidly expanding three campus church. Ayris found a niche in writing and garnered several writing and film awards such as Best TV Movie in Hollywood’s Next Success contest and Best Feature in the Independents Film Festival. He coupled his writing with other writers such as New York Times best-selling author Randy Alcorn, Ben Avery, a comics adapter for Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin, as well as famed apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias. The evangelical writing group paired with over 40 artists with Marvel and DC Comics pedigrees to create a unique line of comic books that well – explain the faith.

Kingstone motion comics can also be found online through major portals such as ChristianCinema.com, Vimeo, Amazon Video, and of course KingstoneDigital.com. Print products of the Kingstone Comics can be found in stores, Amazon, and online at Kingstone.co.

A Bible passage Ayris puts a lot of stock in is Psalm 145:4 where the Bible states, “One generation will commend your works to another.”  With an animated version of the Kingstone Bible underway and a new series of apologetic motion comics in production, both those who subscribe to faith, and those who don’t, may soon be seeing and experiencing an even more modern take on Psalm 145.

Samples of Kingstone’s motion comics:

  • The Story  https://youtu.be/FX9r6J8qwVY
  • Hell (30 sec. trailer)  https://youtu.be/P02XhbAvQ5w
  • 101 Bible Questions-1 How did the different races originate?  https://youtu.be/K8BV6RWXzsI
  • 101 Bible Questions-2 Where did Cain get his wife?  https://youtu.be/Ff6kLvsS0-k
  • 101 Bible Questions-3 How did Satan fall from Heaven?   https://youtu.be/IdsKj7S-M2g

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-res visuals are available by contacting Loveena Shettian at 352.728.1414 or LoveenaShettian@Kingstone.co

CONTACT:  Loveena Shettian  LoveenaShettian@Kingstone.co   352-728-1414  Kingstone.co

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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