Lt. Jim Downing, author of the NavPress book The Other Side of Infamy, is 104 years old

Colorado Springs, Colo.—It took nearly a year to be officially certified, but NavPress author Lt. Jim Downing, 104, who penned The Other Side of Infamy(978-1-63146-627-4, SC; 978-1631467448, HC; November 2016), has been recognized as “Oldest Male Author” by Guinness World Records. Downing is widely recognized as the second-oldest survivor of the December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack.

The Guinness entry is as follows: The oldest male author is Jim Downing (USA) (b. 22 August 1913), who was 102 years and 176 days when the final draft of his book The Other Side of Infamy was accepted for publication, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, on 15 February 2016. 

A lengthy article about Lt. Downing’s record appeared on the Guinness web site and is linked here: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2017/10/monday-motivation-the-pearl-harbor-hero-whos-now-a-record-breaking-author-500025

Jim Downing is the second-oldest living survivor of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. His memoir was published by NavPress in 2016.

Having previously teased the forthcoming segment on the plaza at Rockefeller Center in New York in September, Megyn Kelly, host of NBC’s “Megyn Kelly Today,” formally introduced the Guinness record during a moving segment about Lt. Downing on October 13.

“I thought I was going to be blown up,” said Downing about Pearl Harbor on Kelly’s new mid-morning show. “My conversation with God was, ‘I’ll be with you in a minute.’ A minute went by for about thirty minutes, and I wasn’t taken; but I experienced the greatest peace I’ve ever had in my life knowing that God was in charge.”

In addition to Kelly’s show earlier this month, Downing has been interviewed about The Other Side of Infamy by CNN’s Jake Tapper. Downing was also featured by TIME magazine in a “virtual reality” segment, Remembering Pearl Harbor, for LIFE VR and Deluxe VR. Downing has thrown out the first pitch at several Major League Baseball games.

Jim Downing was born August 22, 1913 in Oak Grove, Missouri. He joined the Navy at age 19. The first ship to which he was assigned was the USS West Virginia, where he served as gunner’s mate 1st class and postmaster. Jim later met his future wife, Morena, at a college graduation in 1940. During July of 1941, they were married in Hawaii, where Jim was stationed. Just 149 days later, the Downing’s lives were turned upside down by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. During his life, Jim served admirably in the United States Navy, was a devoted husband for 68 years, and was a father to seven children. He lost his beloved wife, Morena, in 2010. In 2013, Jim was entered into the Congressional Record, with a special declaration by Colorado’s U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn. Today, at 104 years of age, Jim Downing is the second oldest known survivor of the December 7, 1941, Japanese sneak attack that killed more than 2,400 Americans.

The NavPress mission is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to peoples’ lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

WHEATON, Ill.—In an effort to strengthen communication and relationships with retailers in the independent market, Crossway is pleased to publically announce the decision to move their independent sales effort in-house, effective January 1, 2018.

Dan Bush, Crossway’s Vice President of Sales, notes, “Independent stores have been a crucial distribution partner for Crossway. These retailers play a vital role in their communities by serving customers and local churches, and we’re excited about this opportunity to work with them more closely.”

This change marks a concerted effort to invest in independent retailers, who stand as key partners in Crossway’s publishing ministry. Moving forward, each independent account will be assigned to an in-house salesperson with detailed knowledge and experience when it comes to the full catalog of Crossway books and ESV Bibles.

“While Crossway has sold to the independent market for many years, this transition will provide even more of a personal touchpoint with our retail partners,” according to Anthony Gosling, Crossway’s Executive Vice President of Business Operations.

Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry and exists solely for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing.

Contact: Lauren Harvey  lharvey@crossway.org  crossway.org

William Martin granted unprecedented access to document Graham’s life

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. – Former CBA Executive Director John Bass passed away Nov. 5 at age 91.

Bass led CBA from 1965-1985, and is credited with visionary thinking that grew the association from 800 member stores to more than 3,200 members, as well as forging the path for technology implementation that would result in the POS and e-commerce systems used today. During his leadership, he expanded workshops and the education program, transformed the association newsletter to the Bookstore Journal trade magazine, developed the vision for international CBA chapters, and added winter caravan shows, which eventually became regional conventions.

“The growth in CBA took place because of grassroots efforts between my dad and some of his board members who viewed the association not only from a business standpoint, but from a ministry standpoint as well,” reflects John Bass, Jr.

Bass succeeded CBA’s first president, Bill Moore, a Chicago bookseller who went to work for Ken Taylor, then Moody Press director and later founder of Tyndale House Publishers. The men saw a need for training and development support for Christian booksellers who knew ministry but not business.

With connections back to evangelist Dwight L. Moody, the Moody Bible Institute was the foundational leader for the formation of CBA postwar World War II to spread the Gospel message through a network of local bookstores. The association grew out of Moody’s Bible Institute Colportage Association formed in 1894 to promote inexpensive Christian books. By the time it became Moody Publishers in 1941, it produced nearly 34 million copies of sermons, Bible teaching, and doctrinal books, leading to CBA’s formation in 1950.

A member of what has been called “The Greatest Generation,” Bass Sr. served in the United States Navy during WWII, and he never lost his penchant for service. He had a heart for the purpose of Christian retail and believed strongly in the mission, stating, “Christian bookselling is one of the most enviable ministries and business opportunities that can be found anywhere. From the ministry viewpoint, who is in a better position to offer hope to a troubled world than Christian booksellers, who can offer the printed message of the Prince of Peace?” (from His Time, His Way: The CBA Story: 1950-1999).

Bass also served as executive director and as a board member of Crowell Trust since November 1981, resigning his position as trustee in 2013. Henry Parsons Crowell, founder of Quaker Oats, founded the Trust in 1927. Crowell was chairman of Moody Bible Institute’s board of directors when he had a vision of creating perpetual funding dedicated to the teaching and active extension of Evangelical Christianity.

Former CBA President Bill Anderson (1985-2009), who had previously worked at Moody Press, said, “John took CBA from start-up mode to a very influential organization that served the entire industry—retailers in particular, but being very inclusive of suppliers, publishers, music companies, and gift companies.”

Anderson reflects on the legacy that had been passed on to him when he assumed CBA leadership from Bass in 1985. “Some people have a very wide sphere of influence, and some have a very deep one, but John is one of those rare individuals whose sphere of influence is both deep and wide,” he said.

Other industry leaders offered their condolences and tribute.

“John was a stalwart in the world of Christian retailing. He led CBA through many years, going back to the very early years of the industry. All Christian publishers and retailers owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership,” said Mark Taylor, chairman/CEO of Tyndale House Publishers.

Bob Hawkins, president of Harvest House Publishers said, “John Bass was an amazing leader for the Christian Booksellers Association in the glory days of Christian retail. Though I did not personally know him well, I know my folks, Bob and Shirley Hawkins, loved both John and his wife Betty very much. I well remember John’s strong presence and voice for the Association back in the 1980’s at CBA conventions when he would share the vision of the Association with resolve and passion.  He was loved and deeply respected by so many and will be greatly missed by those whom he led and whose lives he affected.”

“John was a great leader and dear friend,” said Parable Group President Steve Potratz. “He always had time for people and took deep personal interest in them. I remember in 1971, when I was managing Biola College Bookstore, I had this crazy idea to start an association under the umbrella of CBA for Christian College and Seminary bookstores. John went out of his way to help me—a 21-year-old kid without any experience. I’ll never forget his care, his interest in me, and the time he gave me. Because of his support we had excellent attendance at our first meeting and accomplished much for the Kingdom. I will always appreciate John’s heart for God, our industry, and the people in it. He will be deeply missed.”

CBA President Curtis Riskey said, “CBA is indebted to John Bass for his vision for the Christian products industry and his willingness to sacrifice much for a then fledging industry that now reaches around the world with Christian resources that support and teach the Gospel. My memory of John is of a man who could light up a room and make everyone in his presence feel special. I am grateful to have known John Bass and for his leadership of CBA. He will be missed.”

During a 2016 Christian MARKET interview, Bass reflected on his years at CBA: “The concepts and innovations that take place [today] are completely different than I had experienced. The thing I know is that it wasn’t John Bass who succeeded but rather it was a group of wonderfully moral people who were sensitive to the needs of the industry. That’s why CBA became what it did.”

A celebration of Bass’ life will be held Nov. 10 at the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 10:00 a.m., with a lunch buffet to follow. Private inurnment will follow at a later date.

John’s faith and dedication to the Lord were paramount to him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs in which he served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee or the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation.

CBA, the Association for Christian Retail, is the global trade association for Christian-product providers and distributors. CBA supplies vital connections, information, education, and encouragement to help Christian resource providers reach all people.

Contact: Eric Grimm  egrimm@cbaonline.org  (719) 272-3503

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press is pleased to congratulate art director David Fassett for his work on four designs that were chosen for 2017 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). Judges chose sixteen books, one Bible, and a book of Psalms to represent the year’s best designs. Fassett received the most awards of all the designers represented.

The Top Shelf Award program is managed by ECPA in order to recognize design excellence in the Christian publishing industry. “The Top Shelf award program continues to honor and celebrate art, design, and creativity in Christian publishing,”  said Stan Jantz, ECPA executive director. “The caliber of these winning designs is testament to the extreme talent and expertise in our industry.”

Fassett’s four award-winning cover designs include

• The Decalogue: Living as the People of God by David L. Baker
• Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World by Mike Cosper
• Introduction to Political Science: A Christian Perspective by Fred Van Geest
• Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering by Kelly M. Kapic

“When he was hired more than seven years ago as a graphic designer for marketing materials, David Fassett quickly distinguished himself with exceptional work on our catalogs, advertisements, and sales collaterals,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “In recent years David has elevated his contribution significantly through the creation of powerful cover designs for both academic and trade titles. He was a student of design as an undergraduate and that impulse to stay abreast of design trends and deploy them through his work has clearly been recognized by his peers who have awarded these Top Shelf Awards. We are grateful for the recognition David has received and, even more, for his contribution to our work and mission at InterVarsity Press.”

ECPA announced the winners of this year’s awards on November 7 at Lipscomb University in Nashville during the opening session of ECPA PubU. Winning book covers are featured at TopShelfAwards.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

Tyndale Fiction Author Wins in General Fiction and Short Form Categories

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—November 10, 2017—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that Tyndale fiction author Chris Fabry received two Christy Awards™ at the Christy Award Gala hosted by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) on November 8. The Christy Awards celebrate excellence in Christian fiction and honor the power of story. The 18th annual Christy Award Gala was held at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., and was hosted by Fabry, bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, and Christian recording artist and author Andrew Peterson.

Fabry received his awards for two novels in separate categories. He won in the general fiction category for his novel The Promise of Jesse Woods, which Booklist called a “riveting, no-punches-pulled coming-of-age tale,” and in the short form category for Looking into You, a poignant story about the power of a mother’s love and fear. Karen Watson, publisher of Tyndale fiction, shared, “We are thrilled for Chris, in winning two prestigious Christy Awards for these exceptional novels.”

Chris Fabry, an accomplished writer and radio talk show host of Chris Fabry Live, is a 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia. His most recent Christy Awards are just two of several awards he has received, including three previous Christy Awards and an ECPA Fiction Book of the Year Award, but it’s his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. Fabry has published eighty books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. Go to www.chrisfabry.com to learn more about Chris Fabry and preorder his newest title, Under a Cloudless Sky, releasing in January 2018.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international nonprofit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

The Christy Award™ is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. ChristyAwards.com

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.

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

WESTMONT, IL— InterVarsity Press is pleased to announce that The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege by Ken Wytsma earned a spot inPublishers Weekly’s list of top one hundred books of 2017 as one of the five best religion titles of the year.

“Such an unexpected blessing!” Wytsma said.

Al Hsu, senior editor for IVP said, “I’m thrilled that Ken’s book has received this recognition. His keen insight is just what our conflicted society needs. Congrats, Ken!”

In this timely book Wytsma unpacks what we need to know to be grounded in conversations about today’s race-related issues. He also helps us come to a deeper understanding of both the origins of these issues and the reconciling role we are called to play.

The June 2017 Publishers Weekly starred review of The Myth of Equality said: “Wytsma (Pursuing Justice), lead pastor of Antioch Church in Bend, Ore., and president of Kilns College, has a gift for persuasive argument, well displayed in his deployment of history, biblical theology, and current affairs to demonstrate the subtle and unsubtle ways that white dominance shapes American culture and conversations about race. He does so from the perspective of a passionately committed evangelical Christian calling prophetically for justice for those who have been consistently disadvantaged by a system and culture built on ‘a white normative standard’ that shapes perceptions and judgments. Wytsma makes his points without accusation, the better to address an audience of white readers who may be unaccustomed to looking beneath the surface of attitudes about race or unaware of the history of Jim Crow laws and other forces that have driven racial segregation. His tour of the post-Reconstruction history of race is a neat synthesis of history. Slavery was formally ended, but disenfranchisement (“Black Codes” in the South, redlining in housing, and other forms of social control) perpetuated inequality. This book should be a wake-up call to Christian communities nationwide.”

Wytsma said, “I’m hoping that The Myth of Equality can serve as an introduction for people who feel that something is wrong, are looking for a way to understand some of the roots, or are looking for language to make sense of their experience.”

Nicholas Wolterstorff, Noah Porter Professor Emeritus of Philosophical Theology at Yale University said, “The Myth of Equality is written so skillfully that it’s easy to miss how much it accomplishes . . . I have no doubt that some readers will be angered by the claim that they participate in and benefit from structures of racism and white privilege, well supported though that claim is. I predict that there will be more who are convinced and inspired by the patient, passionate, and nondefensive way in which Wytsma makes his case. It’s a book that someone had to write.”

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.

Media Contact: Krista Clayton
630.734.4013  kclayton@ivpress.com