SWINDON, England, May 23, 2018 — More than 20% of all Bibles distributed by the United Bible Societies (UBS) fellowship in 2017 were downloaded from the internet. It’s the first time Scripture downloads have been recorded separately by Bible Societies – and it shows that online distribution is increasingly significant. While overall Scripture distribution fell by 12% globally, the number of full Bibles made available around the world topped 34 million for the third year running. Of these, more than 7.9 million Bibles were downloaded, primarily on apps such as YouVersion. In total, more than 107 million full Bibles have been distributed by the UBS fellowship since 2015. Nearly 355 million Scripture items, including Bibles, Testaments, Gospels and smaller Scripture items like booklets for people learning to read, were distributed (or downloaded) in 2017.

Uhrichsville, OH—Barbour Publishing is pleased to announce that industry veteran, David O’Brien, has been hired to the position of New Business Development Manager.

In this role, David will be working to acquire new accounts and expand Barbour’s presence in markets that are currently being underserved. This newly-created position is a direct result of Barbour’s new vision statement to “bring readers the best biblically-centered content where they live, shop, play, and gather.”

“I am thrilled that David has joined the Barbour sales team,” stated Bill Westfall, Vice President of Sales for Barbour. “With 31 years of industry experience, great work ethic, and a remarkable reputation with customers, I can’t think of a better candidate to expand Barbour’s presence in new and existing markets.”

Barbour Publishing, founded by industry veteran Hugh R. Barbour in 1981, was acquired by company CEO Timothy H. Martins in October 2000. The now employee-owned company publishes 180-200 books and Bibles a year focused on inspiring the world with the life changing message of the Bible. To learn more, visit www.BarbourBooks.com.

Media Contact: Shalyn Sattler ssattler@barbourbooks.com 740.922.6045 X 109

WESTMONT, IL—The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI), a research-based organizational and human resources consulting firm, has announced that InterVarsity Press is certified as a 2018 Best Christian Workplace.

Al Lopus, president of BCWI, said, “InterVarsity Press has a strong, healthy culture and has sustained it over the years. This is particularly significant because the publishing industry has experienced significant changes over that time and many similar organizations no longer exist. Effective communication and staff development have been key strengths on their journey to achieve their important mission.”

With ninety employees, IVP had an exceptional sixty-six percent of staff engagement. BCWI describes staff engagement as the degree to which employees are emotionally and spiritually connected and committed to their organization and their role, exerting discretionary effort for the betterment of the organization and those they serve.

“I am convinced that the eight drivers for a flourishing workplace that Al Lopus and the team at BCWI have identified and track through this survey are, indeed, core to creating and maintaining a work environment that attracts and retains highly talented, engaged people over the long haul,” Jeff Crosby, InterVarsity Press Publisher, said. “We’re grateful not only to have been certified again in 2018 but even more grateful to have seen our levels of engagement increase measurably as a result of focusing on key takeaways from the 2017 survey responses over the past twelve months.”

To achieve certification, organizations must complete the Best Christian Workplaces Institute employee engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. Employees of IVP answer more than fifty questions measuring employee satisfaction in terms of organizational commitment, Christian witness, supervisory effectiveness, opportunities for personal growth and development, teamwork, communication, and fairness of pay and benefits. Additional open-ended questions provided an opportunity for department managers to gain insight into what employees think and ways they might improve.

“I highly recommend the BCWI survey to all publishers who want to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a learning, flourishing organization,” Crosby said. “IVP continues to have a lot of room for growth in areas that remain on the lower end of the engagement spectrum. And with the help of Lopus’s debrief with our senior leadership team, our intention is to once again focus our energy not merely on celebrating only achievements but also on addressing pockets needing further refinement, however large or small.”

Crosby added, “In some ways, a flourishing organization is like a riddle to be solved or like a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle waiting to be assembled. It’s challenging to decipher and put together but when we do, a vibrant picture emerges and we can celebrate the work of God—and each other—in our midst.”

Best Christian Workplaces Institute’s purpose is to serve faith-based organizations by creating processes of discovery, facilitating organizational effectiveness, and encouraging practices that build healthy workplaces. For additional information on BCWI, please see bcwinstitute.org.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

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

Ada, Mich. (May 24, 2018)—May 15 marked the release of Ted Dekker’s newest book, The 49th Mystic (ISBN 9780800729783; ebook ISBN 9781493414017, $24.99). Less than a week later, Dekker’s book has made USA Today’s Best-Selling Books list, ranking #76 out of 150 titles.

The 49th Mystic is the first book in the Beyond the Circle series and will be followed by Rise of the Mystics in October 2018. These books are in the same universe as Dekker’s well-loved Circle series (Black, Red, White, and Green).

With more than forty novels and over ten million copies sold, Ted Dekker has been referred to as “a master of suspense” by Library Journal. Dekker’s passion in writing is simple—to explore truth through mind-bending stories that invite readers to see the world through a different lens. He successfully accomplishes his goal in this epic story spanning two novels, The 49th Mystic and Rise of the Mystics. Dekker claims, “These two books are without a doubt the most important novels I have ever written.”

“The Revell team is delighted to celebrate this achievement with Ted,” said Mark Rice, vice president of marketing for Baker Publishing Group. “His fans have been waiting for his return to the Circle series, and we are proud to partner with Ted to deliver another blockbuster by the master of suspense.”

Ted Dekker is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than forty novels, with over ten million copies sold worldwide. He was born in the jungles of Indonesia to missionary parents, and his upbringing as a stranger in a fascinating and sometimes frightening culture fueled his imagination. His fiction has been honored with numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Inspy Awards, an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, and an ECPA Gold Medallion. In 2013, NPR readers nationwide put him in the Top 50 Thriller Authors of All Time. Dekker lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Lee Ann.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Contact: Karen Steele  (616)676-9185 x100  ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Paul David Tripp’s book Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family (Crossway, September 2016), winner of the 2017 ECPA Book of the Year Award for Christian Living, has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales.

In this book, Tripp presents readers with a big-picture view of God’s plan for parents, providing fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel. Parenting moves beyond mere strategies and techniques to show readers their need for the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to free parents from the burden of trying to manufacture life change in their children’s hearts.

“There is nothing more important to consistent, faithful, patient, loving, and effective parenting than to understand what God has given you in the grace of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ,” writes Tripp. Embracing this grace yields a grand perspective on parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.

Available in both hardcover and ebook formats, Parenting has received commendations from Ann Voskamp (author of One Thousand Gifts), TobyMac (hip-hop recording artist), and many others.

“[Parenting] is both theological and practical, a rare combination for a parenting book,” writes Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love. “For years, people have asked me to write a book on parenting. After reading this, I am convinced that I could never write one better than this. I’m so glad I read this, but I wish I could have read it twenty years ago.”

Justin Taylor, Publisher for Books at Crossway, notes, “We give thanks to God that so many parents are picking up this book with a desire to have their families shaped by the profound reality and implications of the gospel for all of life.”

Tripp is also the author of New Morning Mercies, which has sold over 250,000 copies. For more information about the author, visit paultripp.com.

Paul David Tripp (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, author, and international conference speaker. He is also the president of Paul Tripp Ministries. He has written a number of popular books on Christian living, including What Did You Expect?; Dangerous Calling; Parenting; and New Morning Mercies. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and they have four grown children. Paultripp.com @PaulTripp facebook.com/pdtripp

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-centered content, to honor our Savior and serve his Church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information visit crossway.org.

(NEW KENSINGTON, PA) Whitaker Corporation has acquired Smart Kidz Books from Smart Kidz Media, Inc. Details were finalized by representatives of both companies in a recent meeting at Whitaker corporate headquarters in southwestern Pennsylvania.

“We’re very excited for the opportunity to partner with Ron Berry in taking the reins of this innovative line of children’s books,” Whitaker said. “It’s a privilege to be able to offer these books which include a number of award-winning bestsellers that have educated and inspired millions of young readers children.”

Ron Berry, founder and president of Smart Kidz Media, Inc., was likewise pleased to find “a good home” for the Smart Kidz book division.

“This partnership is a good fit. I’m delighted to entrust Smart Kidz Books into the care of Bob and John Whitaker and their expert staff in publishing, marketing, and distributing these titles for a new generation,” Berry said.

Berry expressed thanks for the ease of the acquisition and speed with which the transition is taking place.

“Anchor’s on-site warehouse, distribution and fulfillment services, IT, and data management, systems are efficient and capable of filling large bricks ‘n mortar stores,” Berry said. “I’m grateful many of the Smart Kidz books will be available soon!”

Smart Kidz books includes titles for children from infancy through age eight. Bestsellers include It’s Potty Time, You’re My Little Love Bug, Love from My Heart, and It’s Time to Call 911, each of which sold millions worldwide, Berry said.

Other favorites include inspirational board books that have a song chip embedded into the back book cover. The best-selling Let Your Light Shine is a pre-school board book that plays the song “This Little Light of Mine” when the “lighthouse” button is pushed. Holiday books are popular as well with books like Silent Night relaying the Christmas story as the beloved carol plays.

“Smart Kidz books are known for their high quality sound,” Berry said. “The books feature proprietary sound chip technology, called Clear Sound XL—a sound and speaker system that produces audio quality unmatched in the children’s book industry.”

Popular series created and produced by Smart Kidz include My Animal Family, Best Loved Bible Stories, Baby Signs, and How I Feel. All of the series were created to teach living skills, character building, and important values.

Berry will continue to lead Smart Kidz Media. “With a bright future in place for Smart Kidz Books, I plan to follow my passion to create and develop multi-media educational products that help children grow into their full potential,” he said.

Whitaker Corporation, founded in 1970, is dedicated to sharing the gospel through books and products through Whitaker House, its publishing arm, and Anchor Distributors.

The Smart Kidz Books website will go live in the coming week: www.SmartKidzBooks.com.

Follow Whitaker House and Anchor Distributors social media for news and updates as new titles are added:

• Whitaker House Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitakerhouse
• Anchor Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnchorDistributors/
  
• Twitter: @WhitakerHouse

Contact: Cathy Hickling, 724-334-7000 x283, chickling@whitakerhouse.com

 

Uhrichsville, OH—Barbour Publishing is pleased to announce the official premiere of Stolen, the brand-new musical adapted from Wanda E. Brunstetter’s bestselling Daughters of Lancaster County series. Created by Blue Gate Musicals, the show is scheduled to make its debut on June 29, 2018 at the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana, and will also appear at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio, beginning in September.

In Stolen, a small Pennsylvania community is shaken when the infant son of a prominent Amish family is kidnapped. As accusations fly and everyone comes under suspicion, a quirky, bumbling detective takes on the case. With no real leads and frustrations mounting, the case goes cold. Twenty years later the town is thrown into turmoil again when Naomi decides to reopen the case and finally discover who kidnapped her little brother.

Blue Gate Musicals uses their signature blend of the comedic and dramatic to bring their newest full-length musical to the stage. Stolen, a unique mystery full of intrigue and humor, will captivate audiences from the opening curtain to the final bow.

To coincide with the debut of the musical, Barbour will be releasing an omnibus edition of The Daughters of Lancaster County series featuring matching cover art from Stolen’s promotional poster. This three-in-one collection will release in August 2018.

To learn more about Stolen, visit BlueGateMusicals.com.

Media Contact: Shalyn Sattler  ssattler@barbourbooks.com  740.922.6045 X 109

Paraclete Press, an ecumenical publisher, announces the launch of San Damiano Books: a new series/imprint focused exclusively on Franciscan spirituality. It will publish books for children as well as adults, fiction and nonfiction, spirituality and practical theology, books by vowed Franciscans and laypeople/writers—all with a passion for the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare.

Two books will be published in Fall 2018:

St. Francis and the Animals: A Mother Bird’s Story by Phil Gallery, illustrated by Sibyl MacKenzie
Format: 8.5 x 11, 32 pp., Hardcover with jacket
ISBN: 978-1-61261-973-6 / Retail: $16.99
Ship Date: 8/14/2018 / On-sale Date: 9/4/2018

Francis of Assisi In His Own Words: The Essential Writings, 2nd edition by Jon M. Sweeney
Format: 5 x 7.5, 160 pp., French flaps paperback
ISBN: 978-1-64060-019-5 / Retail: $16.99
Ship Date: 10/2/18 / On-sale Date: 10/23/18

Authors under contract for 2019 include two more books for children; Wendy Murray with a new biography of St. Clare; and multi-platinum recording artist John Michael Talbot reflecting on Francis of Assisi’s “Sermon on the Mount” by looking at one of the saint’s lesser-known writings called “The Admonitions.”

For more information contact: Laura McKendree, Director of Marketing, lauram@paracletepress.com. 

Find spiritual refreshment in the midst of your caregiving journey

BIRMINGHAM: New Hope Publishers announces the release of 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents by author Kathy Howard (New Hope/June 4, 2018/ ISBN: 978-1-62591-543-6/$9.99). Data shows that approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last twelve months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP.] With an ever increasing numbers of adults becoming caregivers to their aging parents, this devotional is a timely and much needed encouragement. Many caregivers find themselves burned out—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Kathy shares that she has been most surprised by the spiritual impact her caregiving has had on her life.

In this much needed thirty-day devotional, author and fellow caregiver Kathy Howard offers the encouragement needed as you strive to care for your parents in a way that pleases God and shows them honor and respect while maintaining their dignity. Through Scripture passages, prayer prompts, and Kathy’s personal stories, be strengthened in the knowledge that the giver of all wisdom will empower you in the daily moments when you are caught between being your parents’ child and their caregiver.

Learn more about Kathy Howard and 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents at
www.kathyhoward.org/blog/.

Advance Praise

“Kathy Howard’s 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents is a heartening companion for anyone from early to later stages of caregiving for parents. With tenderness, grace, and honesty, she comes alongside the caregiver with understanding and insight in these daily devotions. The questions for reflection are both practical and poignant.”
—Cynthia Ruchti, author of more than twenty books, including As My Parents Age

“Finally! A book I can recommend for caregivers and the book I wish I had while caregiving for my mother-in-law! 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents by Kathy Howard is a unique gift that instills hope, reminds caregivers that they’re not alone, and inspires joy in the trenches of the caregiving journey.”
— Stephanie Shott, national Bible teacher, author, and president of The MOM Initiative

About the Author
Kathy Howard encourages believers to live an unshakeable faith for life by standing firm on our rock-solid God. The author of nearly ten books and a former “cultural Christian,” Kathy has a master’s degree in Christian education. Kathy and her husband have three married children and four grandsons. For more information and free discipleship tools and leader helps, visit www.kathyhoward.org.  Keep up with Kathy’s speaking schedule, read her blog, and more by visiting
www.kathyhoward.org/blog/

To request a review copy of 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, to schedule an interview with Kathy, or for more information, please contact Meredith Dunn, Meredith@NewHopePublishers.com.