Miami, Fla. (August 17, 2018)–LifeWay Global and its trade publishing division B&H Español were named Publisher of the Year, at the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) Awards Banquet, held August 8 in Miami, Fla.. LifeWay also won eight additional awards for sales milestones and bestselling books at the SEPA banquet, which took place at Expolit.

The SEPA Awards recognize the highest quality and excellence in the publication, sale and marketing of Christian literature in Spanish. The awards are presented annually during Expolit, the largest annual Christian Spanish literature and music convention in the world. This was the third time that LifeWay was named Publisher of the Year.

“It has been an exciting year to see what we at B&H and LifeWay can do to serve God’s people through trustworthy resources,” said Craig Featherstone, Publisher and Director of LifeWay Global. “We are so thankful for our amazing partners in ministry we have at SEPA and Expolit. We look forward to continue providing Spanish speakers Bible and Christian resources that will transform lives and equip and strengthen the Church.”

LifeWay also announced the launch of its “Programa de Biblias de Referencia” (Bible Reference Program) to key distributors from Latin America. According to Featherstone, the distributors responded with great enthusiasm about the program’s ability to easily choose the “ideal Bible for the end consumer.”

LifeWay also hosted the second annual “Conferencia Crece” (Grow Conference) in conjunction with Coalición por el evangelio (The Gospel Coalition in Spanish), which drew over 300 pastors and leaders. Crece provided attendees with eight hours of training on the theme “a church that prospers.” Speakers included Miguel Nuñez, Justin Burkholder, Otto Sanchez and more.

Awards won by LifeWay/B&H:

General award categories:

• Editorial del año / Publisher of the Year: Broadman & Holman
• Mejor portada y diseño interior de Biblia / Best cover and interior design of a Bible: Biblia de Estudio para Mujeres
• Mejor presencia en las redes sociales / Best social media presence: Broadman & Holman

Bestselling book awards:

• Liderazgo / Leadership:  Delante de Dios y de parte de Dios by Sugel Michelén
• Libro Vida cristiana / Christian living: Textos fuera de contexto by Jairo E. Namnún y Steven Morales
• Libro de regalo / Gift: El plan de batalla para la oración
• Biblia / Bible: Letra Súper Gigante con referencias RVR 1960

Sales Milestones: Gallery of Honor

• Platinum (more than 500,000 sold): Biblia del pescador
• Diamond (more than 1 million sold): Nuevo Testamento Hay vida en Jesús

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.

Contact:  Jenaye White, Senior Publicist, jenaye.white@lifeway.com

Worthy to Join with Hachette’s Nashville Publishing Division

August 13, 2018 – Hachette Book Group (HBG) and Worthy Publishing Group announced today HBG’s agreement to acquire the assets of Worthy. When the acquisition is complete, Worthy will join Hachette’s Nashville publishing division, which also includes the FaithWords and Center Street imprints. Until further notice, Worthy’s list will continue to be sold and serviced as it is today.

An established boutique publisher in the Christian market, Worthy publishes high quality books across a broad spectrum: inspiration, fiction, Bible study, current events, devotion, leadership, biography, and personal growth. Worthy has built a stellar catalog of bestselling inspirational authors, complemented by a strong presence in the gift and children’s markets. This fall, Worthy will publish Gov. Mike Huckabee’s new book, Rare, Medium or Done Well as well as The Dead Sea Chronicles, a new fiction series from Jerry Jenkins, and John Hagee’s Earth’s Last Empire, the follow up to his bestselling Four Blood Moons. Other notable Worthy authors include David Jeremiah, Franklin Graham, Don Colbert, James Robison, Margaret Feinberg, and Les and Leslie Parrot.

HBG will take on Worthy’s entire publishing business, including its adult imprints Worthy Books, Museum of the Bible, Ellie Clare Gifts, and Worthy Inspired, as well as its children’s imprint, WorthyKids/Ideals. Together, Worthy and Hachette Nashville will publish approximately 135 titles annually, along with the combined backlist of both publishers.

“I am thrilled to welcome Worthy’s superb authors to Hachette Nashville, and I am most excited about the opportunity to work with the talented staff of Worthy Publishing,” said Hachette Nashville publisher Rolf Zettersten.  “I have the utmost respect for the experience, instincts, and insights of Byron Williamson and his team, and I know that adding Hachette Book Group’s strength and expertise in sales, marketing, and support systems will allow us to grow their business even more aggressively.”

“As a relatively young publisher, Worthy has been blessed by an amazing staff and a remarkable list of gifted authors and creative talent, which have driven rapid growth and an amazing list of bestselling books,” said Byron Williamson, Worthy’s founding publisher and CEO. “We are excited about the enormous distribution strength that Hachette brings to our publishing program.”

About Hachette Book Group

Hachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading trade publisher based in New York and a division of Hachette Livre, the third-largest trade and educational publisher in the world. HBG publishes under the divisions of Little, Brown and Company, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Grand Central Publishing, Perseus Books, Orbit, Hachette Books, Hachette Nashville, and Hachette Audio. For more information visit hachettebookgroup.com.

About Worthy Publishing Group

Worthy is an inspirational adult and children’s book publisher specializing in Christian authors and bestselling nonfiction and fiction books. Worthy focuses on a boutique list of books across a broad spectrum: inspiration, fiction, Bible study, current events, devotion, leadership, biography, and personal growth.

Press contact: Jaime Leifer, Hachette Book Group: 212-364-0684 / jaime.leifer@hbgusa.com

Ada, Mich. (August 9, 2018)—Darron Schroeder, assistant manager and children’s product buyer at Baker Book House, and Amy Green, senior fiction publicist at Bethany House, have been chosen as nominees in the fourth annual PW Star Watch award and celebration. Publishers Weekly, in association with Frankfurter Buchmesse, created PW Star Watch to identify, celebrate, and mentor up-and-coming members of the US and Canadian publishing communities and bring recognition to them on a wider platform.

“As assistant manager, Darron Schroeder leads the team at Baker Book House with a unique heart and smart synergy. His passion creates an innovative experience for book lovers while keeping the structural procedures of a large bookstore organized and communicated well,” said Sue Smith, manager of the Baker Book House retail store. “Darron’s vision, managerial skills, creative contributions, and desire for continuous improvement propelled our store to hit a banner year last year in a struggling bookstore industry. I am incredibly thankful to have him on my leadership team.”

“Such recognition for Amy Green is hardly surprising. She continues to be a creative, dedicated, and hardworking team member who does an excellent job supporting our authors and strengthening the inspirational market at large,” stated Noelle Chew, director of marketing for fiction at Bethany House Publishing. “It is very rewarding to have her as a part of our company, and she continues to regularly impress in the nearly six years she’s been with us, initially as a publicist and now as a senior publicist.”

The PW Star Watch executive jury chose forty semifinalists from a pool of several hundred candidates. One winner will be selected and honored in New York in September 2018. The front-runner will also be the recipient of an all-expenses-paid trip to the Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2018.

The entire list of 2018 PW Star Watch honorees can be found at https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/event/item/20-pw-star-watch-2018.html.

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

Contact: Ruth Anderson  (616)676-9185 x8131  randerson@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Prominent Media Relations Firm Announces Move to Full-Service Marketing Agency; Former Non-Profit VP to Spearhead Digital Efforts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 6, 2018) – ICON Media Group announces it will now operate as a full-service marketing agency. Launched in 2013, ICON is well known in the faith-based entertainment and publishing industries for media relations, having led efforts around numerous box office hits and New York Times bestsellers. Jeff Roman, former Vice President of Marketing for Convoy of Hope, a Charity Navigator 4-star rated non-profit organization, joins the agency as partner, and will spearhead the firm’s move into a full suite of creative services including branding, digital marketing, social media and non-profit support.

“I’m very excited to join the talented team at ICON Media Group,” says Roman. “Their reputation in the marketplace is second to none; through the years they have become known for operating with excellence and for their commitment to generosity.”

Roman’s previous experience includes executive-level leadership in both corporate and non-profit sectors where he led business development, marketing services and fundraising campaigns in partnership with NFL Alumni, eBay, American Airlines and numerous Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes. In 2013, he launched the feedONE initiative for Convoy of Hope that continues to feed thousands of children every month in developing nations around the world. Roman joins existing partners Paige Collins, Shanon Stowe and Jennifer Willingham, as well as employees Kelsey Hulgan, Katie Bell, Tracy Pence and Christina Bostick.

“Many of our clients have expressed the need for additional services delivered with the level of personal attention that has become one of our hallmarks,” says partner Jennifer Willingham. “The expansion of ICON provides a one-stop creative shop that integrates all marketing and media relations functions. Additionally, we look forward to utilizing Jeff’s unique skill set to expand our non-profit client roster.”

The announcement comes with a holistic visual rebranding for the agency, which can be viewed at www.iconmediagroup.com.

ICON’s recent success includes handling media relations for three of the most successful faith-based films in history (I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, WAR ROOM and GOD’S NOT DEAD),New York Times bestselling authors Ainsley Earhardt, co-host of FOX & Friends, Lisa Bevere, Dr. Kevin Leman, Jentezen Franklin, Katie Davis Majors and Shauna Niequist, as well as Fiona the Hippo, Christine Caine, Museum of the Bible co-founder Jackie Green and Hobby Lobby Corporate Ambassador Lauren Green McAfee. Clients include AFFIRM Films, Provident Films, Fathom Events, TBN, PULSE, Universal Pictures, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Hachette Book Group, Baker Publishing Group, Joel Osteen Ministries and Convoy of Hope.

Media Contacts:
Shanon Stowe, shanon@iconmediagroup.com
Paige Collins, paige@iconmediagroup.com

Ada, Mich. (July 30, 2018)—Romance Writers of America (RWA) recently announced the winners of several contests, and five Baker Publishing Group authors received awards. Tracie Peterson received a centennial award for authoring over 100 romance novels. The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in the Inspirational category. The Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA declared Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan the winner in the Romantic Suspense category, and These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart the winner in the Women’s Fiction category. Irene Hannon won a National Readers’ Choice Award in the Inspirational category for her novel Dangerous Illusions.

RWA honors authors with their centennial award when one of their members has her 100th romantic novel published, and the authors who achieved this in the past year can be viewed here.

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She was given the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won recognition in a variety of contests, including USA “Best Books 2011” Award, Best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love. One of the cofounders of ACFW, Tracie loves investing in other writers and teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.

The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense honors authors who write romantic suspense, mystery, and thrillers. For the full list of winners, please click here.

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764230288; ebook ISBN 9781493411986; $14.99)

Fleeing a stalker, Kaine Prescott purchases an old house sight unseen in Wisconsin, which turns out to have a dark history: a century earlier, an unidentified woman was found dead on the grounds. As Kaine tries to settle in, she learns the story of her ancestor Ivy Thorpe, who, with the help of a man from her past, tried to uncover the truth about the death.

The Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Awards writing contest celebrates authors who are published in Christian fiction and write from a Christian worldview. Please click here to see the full list of this year’s winners.

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764219801; ebook ISBN 9781493411993; $14.99)

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan has been appointed lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical in a claim involving an allegedly dangerous new drug. She hires a handsome private investigator to do some digging, but when a whistleblower is found dead, it’s clear the stakes are higher than ever.

These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart
(Revell; ISBN 9780800723637; ebook ISBN 9781441219787; $15.99)

Francine Howard has her life all mapped out—until the man she loves announces his plans to bring home an English bride from war-torn Europe in 1945. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife. When Francine’s path intersects with a returning soldier’s, it’s clear that they are from different worlds. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing new possibilities.

The Oklahoma chapter of RWA sponsors the National Readers’ Choice Award, which recognizes excellence in romance writing. Please click here for the list of winners.

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon
(Revell; ISBN 9780800727673; ebook ISBN 9781493411016; $15.99)

Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death—and puts Trish under police scrutiny—her world is once again thrown into turmoil. Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge—and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.

Bethany House has been publishing high-quality books for over 50 years. Recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction, we publish over 75 new fiction and nonfiction titles annually.

Revell has a passion for providing books that inspire and equip readers, offering them hope and help for daily life.

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

Contact: Lynnae Lubbers  (616)676-9185 x193  llubbers@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Will harness MAZ’s technology to complement and expand LSC’s legacy distribution platform

July 31, 2018 —CHICAGO–LSC Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LKSD), a leader in traditional and digital printing solutions, announced today an equity investment and the signing of a definitive reseller agreement with MAZ Systems Incorporated. MAZ is a New York City-based content logistics company that enables brands, media and publishers to publish any content to various output channels, including mobile applications, OTT (over-the-top), social media, video and news aggregators, gaming consoles, voice assistants, wearable technology and more.

Founded in 2010 by former Apple and Adobe designers and engineers, MAZ launched the world’s first Content Logistics System to solve the issue that many companies face of delivering their content to an ever-growing and unscalable list of social platforms, devices and operating systems. Most companies solve these content logistics problems by hiring developers to manually build out each distribution output one by one, only to find themselves needing to build again and again as new output types inevitably emerge.

MAZ, a cloud-based software suite, manages the processing, filtering, packaging, and shipping of content to current and emerging outputs, all from a single dashboard, at a fraction of the cost. MAZ is used by brands like Forbes, Fast Company, Condé Nast, American Media, Inc., USA Today, Outside TV, and hundreds of others.

LSC will harness MAZ’s technology to complement and expand its legacy platform to expose clients to new distribution solutions that help streamline and accelerate their business strategies beyond print. “The investment in MAZ signals our desire to strengthen LSC’s leadership position in content logistics, distribution and monetization across all formats, channels and platforms,” said Chris W. Schraft, President of Business Development at LSC. “MAZ’s state-of-the-art solution set and technology platform provide natural alignment with where we’re taking the business. We look forward to helping our publishing and marketing clients go beyond print and effectively navigate the complexities of the new media landscape as they look to reach and engage their desired audiences across an ever-expanding array of digital endpoints.”

“There is a clear alignment in our strategic visions of the future,” said Paul Canetti, CEO of MAZ. “LSC is a leader in traditional content distribution and logistics, and we have built a parallel infrastructure for digital content. This investment will empower us to bring our Content Logistics System to the next generation of content creators, who will be distributing not only across the devices and platforms we use today, but to all the emerging distribution outputs of the future.”

About MAZ
MAZ is The Content Logistics Company. Brands and media companies like Forbes, Fast Company, Condé Nast, American Media Inc., USA Today, Outside TV, and hundreds of others use MAZ to process, curate, publish, and monetize their content to audiences across mobile, social media, TV, voice assistants, and more.

MAZ has processed and published over half a billion pieces of content to millions of users across 200+ countries. The company has been selected as one of Inc. Magazine’s “Best Workplaces of 2018,” Inc.’s “30 Under 30 – America’s Coolest Young Entrepreneurs,” and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America.”

For more information, visit our website at www.mazsystems.com.

About LSC Communications
With a rich history of industry experience, innovative solutions and service reliability, LSC Communications (NYSE: LKSD) is a global leader in print and digital media solutions. The company’s traditional and digital print-related services and office products serve the needs of publishers, merchandisers and retailers around the world. With advanced technology and a consultative approach, LSC’s supply chain solutions meet the needs of each business by getting their content into the right hands as efficiently as possible.

Use of Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, including risks associated with the ability of LSC Communications to perform as expected as a separate, independent entity and risks associated with the volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, and adverse changes in the global economy. Readers are strongly encouraged to read the full cautionary statements contained in LSC’s filings with the SEC. LSC disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Contact:
MAZ Systems, Inc. Whitney Rothe, Director of Marketing  press@mazsystems.com  855-629-3444
or
LSC Communications Investor Relations Contact:
Janet Halpin, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Investor Relations
773-272-9275   investor.relations@lsccom.com

Carol Steam, Ill. (August 1, 2018) —This fall, Tyndale House Publishers is releasing seven new devotional products to grow readers’ faith daily. This varied collection features titles to instill spiritual confidence and provide encouragement. These practical needs-based devotionals are organized by topic for easy reference and include themed guides based on the One Year Bible^® reading plan. Through helping establish habits of worship, reflection, rest, and action, these titles encourage readers to invite the presence of God into their everyday lives. All titles are available through Tyndale.com.

You’ve Got This (Because God’s Got You)
KariAnneWood | ISBN: 978-1-4964-3064-9 (hardcover) | September 4, 2018

Straight from the heart of popular Thistlewood Farms blogger KariAnne Wood comes this beautiful, pocket-sized, 52-day devotional. Full of warmth and encouragement, each reading holds Scriptural reflections, personal stories, and prayers to remind us that God is always by our side. He loves us when we feel unlovable. He lifts us up and gives us a peace that passes all understanding. And in the midnight of every dark moment, he is there.

The perfect gift for anyone who needs a little hope today, You’ve Got This (Because God’s Got You) will give you the inspiration you need to keep going—and to know you’re never alone.

Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk?
Charles R. Swindoll | ISBN: 978-1-4143-8068-1 (leatherlike) | October 8, 2018

Timeless Bible wisdom from renowned pastor and teacher Chuck Swindoll.
Do you long for daily encouragement and inspiration? Do you wish your quiet times were filled with power and purpose? Discover the joy and ease of meeting with God each day in a meaningful way with this year-long devotional by the world’s premiere Bible teacher. Filled with daily insights from Chuck Swindoll, Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk? will give you a glimpse of the living power of God in your own life—and connect you to the restorative promises God speaks in his Scriptures.

Always in God’s Hands
Owen Strachan | ISBN 978-1-4964-2485-3 (hardcover) | November 6, 2018

Jonathan Edwards is one of the most respected early American theologians. In Always in God’s Hands, Owen Strachan recovers the real Jonathan Edwards—the thinker, the compassionate father, the courageous reformer—as opposed to the caricature of him that is often presented. Edwards believed God was ever-present in each of our lives, caring and encouraging us in every moment. In a moving letter to his daughter, he reminds her of that comforting truth by describing her as “always in God’s hands.”

Through daily quotes from Edwards’s letters and sermons, this inspirational devotional reveals the soaring theology and comforting spirituality of one of history’s most faithful and gifted pastors. With each meditation, compiler Owen Strachan offers refreshing and relevant insights, encouraging you in your walk with God.

THE ONE YEAR^®

The One Year Book of Amazing Stories
Robert Petterson | ISBN 978-1-4964-2401-3 (hardcover) | October 9, 2018

Life takes the strangest sharp turns—and sometimes, U-turns. Robert Petterson—popular speaker, storyteller, and author—has been a student for his entire life of what God is teaching us through those real-life U-turns. In this book, he compiles 365 amazing stories that teach lessons you won’t easily forget. Each entry is written in the rest-of-the-story style popularized by Paul Harvey. With The One Year Book of Amazing Stories, you’ll marvel at how God has used the lives of these ordinary people to change the course of human history.

The One Year Book of Best-Loved Bible Verses
Len Woods | ISBN: 978-1-4964-2300-9 (hardcover) | October 9, 2018

In a life full of joy and grief, faith and doubt, these beautiful Bible verses are the divine promises that have often served as eternal anchors and ropes of hope in a stormy and scary world. The One Year Book of Best-Loved Bible Verses is a treasury of holy reminders, things always true even on the darkest days. From the poetry of David and the wisdom of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, these are the verses that hundreds of millions of Bible readers throughout the ages have found most inspiring, encouraging, comforting, and life-changing.

The One Year Devotions for Women with Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe | ISBN: 978-1-4964-3609-2  (softcover) | October 9, 2018

Let God’s Word change your perspective. In The One Year Devotions for Women with Jill Briscoe, you’ll discover a deeper understanding of how God’s Word can transform your life—written by a woman, for women. Designed to help you read the Scriptures regularly, this devotional by respected ministry leader and popular speaker Jill Briscoe helps make the truth of the Bible clear, its message understandable, and its points applicable. As you walk daily with God, you’ll find the peace and encouragement you’ve been yearning for.
(Previously released as The One Year Devotions for Women)

The One Year Inspirational Words of Jesus for Women
Robin Merrill | ISBN 978-1-4964-2304-7 (hardcover) | October 9, 2018

We, too, can encounter Jesus, as often as we want, through his recorded words in Scripture. They are every bit as powerful now as they were when he spoke them aloud. The Bible is timeless. Jesus’ sayings, promises, and grace are all still 100 percent relevant today. His words, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can speak to your soul. You can be transformed.

The One Year Inspirational Words of Jesus for Women has collected the inspirational sayings of Jesus for you in one beautiful, giftable book. Let these words comfort you, encourage you, and inspire you. 

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.

Contact:  Maggie Rowe | Sr. Publicist |  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. | (630) 784.5333

A publisher nimble enough to bring out both a new book on Martin Luther and the Catholic Worship Book II for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has joined the Bible Society Australia publishing arm.

Morning Star Publishing’s Martin Luther: A Wild Boar in the Lord’s Vineyard by Lutheran scholar Mark Worthing is shortlisted for the 2018 Australian Christian Book of the Year. Catholic Worship Book II is an official update of the Australian Catholic Hymnal that has received wide acclaim across Australia’s Catholic dioceses and schools with its broad mixture of settings for liturgical worship. Morning Star is nimble in another way – it uses an innovative Print On Demand system that matches print quantities to demand and makes its titles available worldwide.

Morning Star is also the Australian distributor for Wipf and Stock, a US-based publisher famous for its broad range of Christian titles.

“Acquiring Morning Star is another step for Bible Society as it continues to build a sustainable publishing arm that serves the Australian Church and all interested in the Christian faith”, said Greg Clarke CEO of Bible Society.

John Healy, formerly Director of MSP, will continue in the role of Senior Manager for Morning Star.  John Healy said, “I am very pleased that MSP has found a home within the BSA publishing stable. This merging of capacities and interests will provide new opportunities for Australian Christian writers and readers.”

Morning Star’s list joins Acorn Press and the Centre for Public Christianity as imprints of Bible Society Australia Publishing.

Inquiries: John Sandeman  0433 411 990  John.sandeman@biblesociety.org.au  www.morningstarpublishing.net.au

Most Popular Online Bible Search Engine and Bible Reading Website

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (August 1, 2018) – Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, the world’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (BibleGateway.com; @BibleGateway) has been viewed more than 14 billion times by people using more than one billion devices.

“Our mission statement is ‘To honor Christ by equipping people to read and understand the Bible, wherever they are,’” says Rachel Barach, general manager, Bible Gateway. “What an honor and privilege to be able to serve so many people around the world during the last quarter-century, doing just that.”

Bible Gateway was created in 1993—when the World Wide Web was just beginning—as an internal Bible research computer tool for students at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today it ranks number one on global search engines, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., and is home to more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages—a trusted resource for people in more than 200 countries who rely on it every day for all their desktop and mobile device Bible reading, listening, studying, searching, comparing, and sharing needs.

What people the world over search for in the Bible on Bible Gateway varies throughout the year, but generally remains constant from year to year. An interactive visualizing graph lets users explore how cyclical some queries are, often repeating every year around the same time each year (for example, the word “love” being searched in the Bible around Valentine’s Day in February).

Along with a new sweepstakes every month with high-value print Bibles as prizes, the website MyBibleGateway.com (#MyBibleGateway) is the hub of the 25^th anniversary celebration where enthusiasts tell what Bible Gateway means to them; such comments as:

“Encouragement. Bible Gateway is instant access to what my soul needs most – to hear from God through his Word.”

“Convenient access. Bible Gateway is not only easy to find the passage or verse you need, but to share it with social media, text, or email.”

“God has been faithful these last 25 years and we’re excited about how he will continue to use Bible Gateway to further his kingdom and help people know and share his Word,” says Barach.

Bible Gateway is device friendly, so that no matter what size device a person uses when visiting the site—desktop, tablet, smartphone—the screen is maximized for optimum viewing. And in the months to come, visitors to Bible Gateway will see a refreshed new design to the site.

The award-winning free Bible Gateway App for both Android and iOS allows people to read more than 90 Bible translations and listen to more than 20 audio Bibles, in addition to taking personal notes, highlighting text, starring favorite verses, follow Bible reading plans, enjoy night mode Bible reading, and much more.

The just-released free Bible Gateway Bible Audio App lets users listen to a variety of Bible translations, choosing from multiple audio narration styles; navigate quickly anywhere in the Bible; speed up or slow down playback to listen to the Bible at their own pace; and listen to the Bible while reading the very text that’s being narrated.

Among Bible Gateway’s many convenient features are the abilities to:

• create a free account to select personal preferences
• become a member of Bible Gateway Plus to benefit from additional acclaimed Bible study books
• receive the free Visual Verse of the Day
• access more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages
• benefit from free Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and encyclopedia
• search for Bible verses using Emoji
• listen to audio readings and productions of the Bible
• comprehensively search the Bible using keywords, phrases, topics, and themes
• display & compare up to five Bible translations side-by-side at once
• read translator footnotes within the context of Bible verses
• highlight and favorite Bible passages
• write notes while reading Bible verses and save them to a personal account
• easily share Bible verses with friends using Twitter, Facebook, email, and print
• sign up for customizable Bible reading plans
• select from more than 60 email and online devotionals
• learn personal Scripture Engagement principles and techniques
• discover new books and read Bible-related articles and interviews on the Bible Gateway Blog, named the #1 best Bible study blog on the web by Feedspot.

The top-10 keyword searches on Bible Gateway are:

1. love
2. faith
3. peace
4. hope
5. joy
6. prayer
7. holy spirit
8. grace
9. healing
10. forgiveness

The top-5 Bible verses searched and shared by users of Bible Gateway are:

1. John3:16– For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
3. Philippians4:13– I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
4. Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5. Romans8:28– And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The top-10 countries searching Bible Gateway are:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Mexico
5. Philippines
6. Columbia
7. Australia
8. South Africa
9. Brazil
10. India

It appears tropical vacationers and resort tourists enjoy browsing Bible Gateway. Out of more than 200 countries and territories, the geographic location that spends the most time (on average) on Bible Gateway is Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, comprising two separate countries, divided between its northern French side (Saint-Martin), and its southern Dutch side (Sint Maarten). Sudan in northeast Africa is the country that statistically spends the least time on Bible Gateway.

About Bible Gateway:  As the Internet’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (https://BibleGateway.com) seeks to equip people to read and understand the Bible wherever they are. Millions of visitors from more than 200 countries regularly come to set up personal accounts and freely read, hear, search, study, compare, & share the Bible in 200+ versions & 70+ languages; read our daily Blog; subscribe to 60+ devotional email newsletters, verse-of-the-day, & Bible reading plans; and download our free award-winning Bible app. Bible Gateway offers Bible study opportunities with its membership service Bible Gateway Plus – which begins with a 30-day free trial (https://www.biblegateway.com/plus/) – and Bible Gateway online learning video courses (https://zondervanacademic.com/bible-gateway/).

See Bible Gateway’s newsroom: https://www.biblegateway.com/newsroom.

(August 6, 2018) – After nearly five decades in Christian retailing and consumer marketing, Steve Potratz has selected a new leader for The Parable Group, the multi-service Christian marketing agency based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Effective August 1st, 2018, Greg Squires and Steve Potratz have entered into a definitive purchase agreement, where Squires will become the owner-operator for the business.

“I am thrilled to pass the torch to Greg,” said Potratz, founder and former president of The Parable Group. “When we began meeting over 5 years ago, I recognized he had the potential to be a leader in this industry.  God has providentially been preparing Greg with his vocational experience in independent retail, brand and digital marketing, software technology, and agency management. He loves the church, cares deeply about the local retailer, and has a breadth of understanding of the digital landscape.  He is undoubtedly the right person for this job.”

After earning an Industrial Engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Greg Squires served in a variety of roles including digital agency leadership, executive account management, and executive marketing responsibilities in retail and distribution technology companies. Notably, he spent 10 years serving independent retailers by implementing local product search and retail-integrated ecommerce solutions for manufacturers and retailers.

“Steve Potratz has built a remarkable company,” Squires says, “with talented staff who do exceptional work for clients who value the services offered. Steve leaves a legacy of innovation, having pioneered data-driven marketing programs in this industry for decades. I plan to build upon this legacy, to continue to serve our stores, vendors, and ministry partners—and provide fresh and measurable ways to connect with Christian audiences through direct mail, data intelligence, digital marketing, email and social media.

Potratz will remain in a support role with The Parable Group for years to come, providing advice to Squires as he takes on leadership of the company. Squires added, “I am fortunate to have Steve as a business mentor and friend. His industry insights and innovative ideas, coupled with my energy to execute, will offer clients and partners more value as we move forward.”

“Greg has spent the last 15 years searching for a Kingdom impact company to serve with,” said Potratz, “and he has found what he is looking for. Following recent conversations with retailers, I believe the future is bright for Christian retail. I’m delighted that Greg and The Parable Group team are poised to serve the industry for years to come.”

The Parable Group is a privately-owned multi-service Christian marketing agency based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Since 1985, we’ve served over 1,000 Christian brands; including retailers, publishers, churches, non-profits, film studios and more. Today, we pair decades of Christian consumer data with proven business practices, cutting-edge digital technologies, and thoughtful design to drive measurable results for those we serve. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross (805) 329-4020  sally.ross@parable.com