Outreach magazine is accepting submissions for consideration for the 15^th Annual Outreach Resources of the Year, which will be featured in the March/April 2018 issue.

The Resources of the Year honors resources specifically focused on outreach in areas such as evangelism, apologetics, compassionate service and cross-cultural ministry.

Please submit only those resources that you believe best emphasize outreach-oriented ministries. Submitted works will be considered only if they were released and available to the public between Nov. 1, 2016, and Oct. 31, 2017.  

To submit a resource for consideration, please contact Lora Schrock at LSchrock@outreach.com to obtain an entry form and instructions for mailing in your entry.

SUBMISSION FORMS AND COPIES OF SUBMITTED MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 27, 2017.

The Outreach editorial staff will examine all of the submitted works and decide which ones will be forwarded to independent expert panelists. The panelists will evaluate the selected resources within their area of expertise and will choose which ones to honor as the Outreach Resources of the Year.

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) October 12, 2017—New Hope^® Publishers announces a newly designed e-commerce website for NewHopePublishers.com. The site features an updated look and is part of New Hope’s strategy to build a significant online presence.

The website will continue to provide readers and retailers with fresh, magazine-style content from top authors in multiple digital formats—now with the option to purchase, live chat, and a customer service line dedicated to assisting New Hope customers. New Hope’s aim is to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers with highly competitive discounts and shipping rates.

“NewHopePublishers.com has always been a place for readers to connect with their favorite authors while being challenged to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God,” said Bradley Isbell, director of operations at New Hope Publishers. “As the newest division of Iron Stream Media, the relaunched NewHopePublishers.com has a brand-new look and expanded functionality to ensure easier and more engaging experiences for customers.”

The mission of New Hope^® Publishers is to challenge readers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. A division of Iron Stream Media, New Hope’s books have received critical acclaim and won several awards. In 2009 and 2015, New Hope was chosen as publisher of the year by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). Representing more than seventy authors and more than two hundred individual works, New Hope is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

MINNEAPOLIS (October 13, 2017) – Sparkhouse Family is pleased to announce that three new titles have been awarded Moonbeam Awards.

Los ángeles de Adriana won a Silver medal, for the Spanish Language Category. The Memory Box received a Silver medal (tie), for the Picture Books All Ages category, and Maybe God is Like That Too tied with another title for a Gold medal for the Religion/Spirituality category.

The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and are dedicated to supporting childhood literacy and life-long reading. The contest is open to authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books written in English or Spanish for the North American market.

You can view all three titles by clicking the links below:

Maybe God Is Like That Too: https://www.book2look.com/book/uDJjF5nJMu

Los ángeles de Adriana: https://www.book2look.com/book/pIF5tDkQas

The Memory Box: https://www.book2look.com/book/g19ebI42Xx

About Sparkhouse Family
At Sparkhouse Family, we believe faith formation happens in the big moments of life… and the small ones. Bedtime, story time, play time, bath time, any time can be a chance to spark a child’s spiritual wonder and curiosity. That’s why we’re committed to telling stories that help parents instill an open–hearted, transformational, lifelong Christian faith in their children at every age and stage.

Purcellville, VA—An Alabama pediatrician has created a Christmas storybook to help kids get excited about Jesus.

Dr. Scott James has a burden for treating the sick both physically and spiritually. He works as a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, but he also has a passion for helping families grow together in Christ. He is already the author of two family worship books, The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent (B&H Books, October 2014) and Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional (New Growth Press, February 2016). Now, Scott has partnered with The Good Book Company to publish his first children’s storybook, The Littlest Watchman.

The Littlest Watchman follows the adventures of Benjamin– the littlest watchman–who waits for and then witnesses the first Christmas. The story shows kids that the Old Testament is filled with promises about the Messiah, and it demonstrates how they were all fulfilled. Now, Jesus has promised that he is coming back again, and those who trust God today spend their lives waiting and watching for him to keep his word.

Dr. James says, “…we wait and watch by remembering what Benjamin learned: God always keeps his promises. One day, this world will see Jesus returning. Let’s trust God so deeply that we look for him with excitement every single day.”

“I love the way Scott James makes Isaiah’s prophecy come to life in the story of The Littlest Watchman,” writes author Marty Machowski. “Scott provides parents with a creative way to introduce young children to the big picture story of the Bible and ends the book with the Christmas story and the good news of the gospel.”

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott James lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife, Jaime, and their 4 children. He serves as an Elder at The Church at Brook Hills, where he also teaches in Kids Ministry and leads a small group. He has been a part of mission trips to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and serves on the Board of Directors for The Haiti Collective. Scott also serves the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) as a Research Fellow and has been a speaker at ERLC events. He partners with Focus on the Family as a member of their Physician Resource Council and also serves as a Fellow for the Center for Baptist Renewal. Scott writes a monthly column for ParentLife magazine called Dad’s Life. He has also written for online outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, Radical, and Story Warren. @scott_h_james

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Founded in 1989, The Good Book Company is an international Christian publisher. Our Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at The Good Book Company is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church and His gospel of grace. We create and publish biblical, relevant and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing and keep sharing their faith. thegoodbook.com/blog  thegoodbookcompanynorthamerica@thegoodbookusa

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LITTLEST WATCHMAN

“One of the key emotions children feel as Christmas approaches is anticipation. This beautifully written and illustrated story connects that emotion with the expectation leading to Jesus’ birth – and the hope we have for His return.” —Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

“The Littlest Watchman will not only encourage our children as they contemplate the coming of Christ, but also encourage the child in each of us as we eagerly wait for his return!” —David Platt, President, International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention

“This is a beautiful story, full of wonder and expectation. I look forward to reading this with my own children, sharing with them the wonder of Christ’s first coming and teaching them to wait expectantly for his return, even when it’s hard to wait.” —Courtney Reissig, Author of Glory in the Ordinary and The Accidental Feminist

“The Littlest Watchman takes us to a familiar place by a fresh, fantastic route. It’s a new way into an old story, the Christmas story, and it helps us love it even more. Scott James is a faithful storyteller who loves the truth, but this story reveals that his imagination is alive and active. I enthusiastically recommend this book!” —S. D. Smith, Author of The Green Ember series

“We are often conflicted about how to talk to kids at Christmastime. The whirl of tinsel and wrapping paper can leave the incarnation obscured. In this book, Scott James equips families and churches to proclaim Christ at Christmas. The book is biblically rich, beautifully illustrated, and narratively engaging for children—and for those who love them.” —Russell Moore, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

“I love the way Scott James makes Isaiah’s prophecy come to life in the story of The Littlest Watchman. Scott provides parents with a creative way to introduce young children to the big picture story of the Bible and ends the book with the Christmas story and the good news of the gospel.” —Marty Machowski, Author of Long Story Short and The Ology

“The Littlest Watchman brings together the Bible’s big storyline, the ancient biblical prophecies, and the Christmas story into an imaginative tale that will inform and inspire children (and the adults who read to them!).” —Trevin Wax, Author of This is Our Time and Gospel-Centered Teaching

Scott James is available to give interviews and to write articles. To get in touch with Scott, or for more information about The Littlest Watchman, please contact: Brad Byrd North American Director, The Good Book Company USoffice@thegoodbook.com (866) 244-2165

Beautiful new Gospel editions are designed to be given away

Purcellville, VA—For the first time, individual ESV Gospels of Luke are being made available in North America.

Driven by a desire to help Christians share Christ with those around them, The Good Book Company has launched a new line of affordable, text-only versions of the four gospels. Clean, elegant, distraction-free design coupled with the popular and trusted ESV translation and prices as low as 37¢ per copy for bulk purchases make these new gospels ideal to give away.

Luke’s Gospel, which is the first to be released in this new seeker-friendly format, is available now in time for Christmas services. It is also perfectly suited for use in evangelistic courses throughout the year. The other 3 gospels will be released later in 2018.

As he tells the stories of the birth of John the Baptist, the first Christmas, Jesus’ teaching and miracles, Easter and the ascension, Luke’s purpose is to give readers certainty about the Gospel. He wants to help them see and believe that Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah who invites everyone to trust him and find forgiveness, peace with God and eternal life.

ABOUT THE ESV BIBLE TRANSLATION
The English Standard Version (ESV) is an “essentially literal” translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes “word-forword” accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. Since its publication in 2001, the ESV Bible has gained wide acceptance and is used by church leaders, numerous denominations and organizations, and millions of individuals around the world.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Founded in 1989, The Good Book Company is an international Christian publisher. Our Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at The Good Book Company is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church and His gospel of grace. We create and publish biblical, relevant and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing and keep sharing their faith. For additional information, visit thegoodbook.com.
thegoodbook.com/blog    thegoodbookcompanynorthamerica@thegoodbookusa

For more information contact:  The Good Book Company
USoffice@thegoodbook.com · (866) 244-2165 · www.thegoodbook.com

(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) MAI is pleased to announce LittWorld 2018 will again take place in Singapore, October 28 to November 2, 2018. “The world of publishing is changing, but the one constant is the need for excellent content,” MAI President John Maust said.  “At LittWorld 2018, global publishers and writers will look at fresh new ways to help today’s readers see and apply the power of the Bible in their everyday lives and to know the Word made flesh.”

Every three years, MAI convenes LittWorld, the only international conference of its kind, providing intensive training on strategic, publishing-related topics. More than 40 international publishing professionals will lead plenary sessions, small group workshops, devotionals and one-on-one consultations giving fresh vision and skills for heightened effectiveness.  The schedule also features ample time for networking and relationship-building. The last conference in 2015 gathered 278 Christian publishing staff and writers from 50 countries.

Bernice Lee, chair of the local host committee, says: “It is a great privilege and joy to be able to welcome you back to Singapore again. We had so much fun hosting the last Littworld in 2015 that we jumped at the opportunity to host it again. So many life-changing connections were made in the world of Christian publishing at our last Littworld, with new publishing houses birthed and cross-border collaborations begun. We are looking forward to so much more!”

Men and women from 94 countries have participated in the conference since it began in 1986. Through LittWorld, MAI has seen publishing houses born, new books conceived, and skills refined for more effective publishing. Inevitably, participants take away a new or reinforced commitment to publish books and articles by local authors in the heart language and culture of readers.

“I live where very few books are available and people generally don’t like to read. Sometimes it seems that developing literacy and nurturing authors is a vain endeavor,” wrote Jane of Tajikistan (not her real name due to security concerns). “At LittWorld 2015 I met many successful writers who have impacted their countries. I am inspired to continue raising up local authors, but also to share the Word of God with the next generation.”

Further details and registration will be available soon at littworld.org. For more information, email mai@littworld.org or call (630) 260-9063.

ABOUT MAI: Since our founding in 1985, MAI has advanced the Gospel by equipping local Christian publishers, editors and writers in 79 countries on 5 continents. These trainings have resulted in more locally published Christian books and articles written in the heart language and culture of the intended reader. littworld.org

WESTMONT, IL— Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center and the Billy Graham Chair of Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College, will publish two books with InterVarsity Press on the past, present, future, and trends of evangelicalism. The first book is set to release in the spring of 2019.

“Ed Stetzer is one of the church’s most perceptive thought leaders today,” said Al Hsu, senior editor for IVP Books. “He grounds his perspectives in cutting-edge research, and his work as a ministry practitioner and missiologist is deeply rooted in historic evangelical identity and mission. IVP is thrilled to partner with him in helping the church move forward in the midst of cultural complexity.”

Stetzer’s extensive research work and leadership experience, previously with Lifeway and currently with Wheaton College and the Billy Graham Center, has established him as a major contributor to conversations on the North American missional church, church planting, church revitalization, and Christian cultural engagement.

“Ed has a unique voice in evangelicalism that is grounded, thoughtful, and incisive,” said Helen Lee, director of marketing for InterVarsity Press. “He is the kind of author who reflects evangelicalism at its best, and we are honored to be working with him to bring his ideas to the church and beyond.”

Stetzer’s first book to be published, tentatively titled Evangelical Landscape, begins with a look back at evangelical roots and identity, proceeds to map out where the evangelical church is today, and shows how a robust evangelicalism will move forward. This includes showing how the church must stay true to evangelical distinctiveness and mission by engaging with cultural issues in biblically sound ways, while at the same time pursuing the common good and welcoming outsiders and the marginalized.

The second book, tentatively titled Entrepreneurial Evangelicalism, will look at ministry innovations and religious reconfiguration during the mid-1980s to 2010—a period notably marked by the continuing decline of mainline churches, eroding denominational loyalty, and the corresponding rise of large, evangelical nondenominational churches. Relying on the research arm of the Billy Graham Center, this book will present data collected through a large-scale phone survey of American Protestant churches and in-depth interviews with pastors of large churches and facilitators of ministry innovations. The book will examine three central questions:

1. What were the influential ministry innovations introduced by large, evangelical churches during the mid-1980s through approximately 2010, and how did they influence ministry paradigms and ways of doing church?
2. Who (individuals and organizations) were the influential innovators and thought leaders of this period?
3. What patterns can be discerned in the pathways and mechanisms used to diffuse these innovations to other churches?

“I am so glad to be partnering with InterVarsity Press as evangelicals think through important issues about who we are and where we go from here,” said Stetzer. “IVP is a publisher known for its passion for mission, and as we seek to live on mission in the world we find ourselves, I look forward to serving the church in partnership with them.”

InterVarsity Press has a long history of publishing books on the history of evangelicalism as well as its current developments and rising voices. Stetzer’s research and writing align well with the goals of IVP to “influence, engage, and shape the university world and our contemporary culture for the sake of Jesus Christ and his kingdom in the world.”

“Ed Stetzer’s work in the areas of research and missiology have made a tremendous impact on our understanding of the church, its impact and challenges, and its relationship to contemporary culture,” said Jeff Crosby, IVP publisher. “I am grateful for the chance to publish these projects and to link arms with Ed’s work at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton. We look forward to a fruitful relationship in the years ahead.”

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:  Alisse Wissman | 630.734.4059 | awissman@ivpress.com