In FLAME’s newest book, readers will discover church history and church fathers that bring a greater appreciation for what God has given His people.

ST. LOUIS (June 5, 2025)—Why is it important for today’s Christians to know about the church fathers? What’s important about the Sacraments? And why should today’s Christians truly care about them? In his second book with Concordia Publishing House, Because Jesus Taught It: Christianity Through the Eyes of the Church Fathers, Grammy-nominated Christian rapper FLAME answers these questions from a Lutheran perspective and sheds light on just how important it is to know the history of the church. FLAME’s new book is now available on CPH’s website.

“Shouldn’t we know who God is?” FLAME writes. “The nature of God’s existence? The true nature of Jesus, the Messiah? The difference between God’s Law and His Gospel? . . . If the Sacraments are important enough for Jesus to implement, then we would do right to wrestle with how they have been historically understood and practiced to see where they fit into the Christian life” (pp. 11–12).

Because Jesus Taught It helps readers study the early church fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME’s conversational voice to see for themselves why these teachings continue to be important to the Christian’s lived-out life in Christ today.

“FLAME’s joy in discovering the efficacy of Baptism and the real presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper, as found in the church fathers’ works and carried over into Lutheranism, is exhilarating and contagious,” said Dr. Gene Edward Veith Jr., PhD, and author of Spirituality of the Cross. “This seminary-trained rap star makes an engaging case for a faith that is both evangelical and sacramental. Or, as he calls it, ‘ancient Christianity as preserved through confessional Lutheran thought.’”

Visit cph.org for more information about the book. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.

About the Author
FLAME is a Grammy®-nominated and Stellar Award–winning hip-hop artist. He is a well-versed leader in the Christian hip-hop scene with a growing list of accolades, including a Grammy nomination, multiple Billboard chart-toppers, and several Dove and Stellar Award nominations. He was born and raised in the inner city of St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to touring, writing, recording, and coproducing his own projects, FLAME founded and helms Clear Sight Music and Extra Nos Academy, boutique imprints raising the bar in Christian hip hop and beyond. He has a master’s degree in theology with a minor in counseling from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For 155 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT:  Erica Sontag, Public Relations, 314-268-1303, erica.sontag@cph.org    

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Praise for Because Jesus Taught It

This sounds like a book about ancient Christianity, but even more than that, it is about contemporary Christianity—with its perfectionism and endless self-scrutiny—and our desperate need for the Sacraments. FLAME’s joy in discovering the efficacy of Baptism and the real presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper, as found in the church fathers’ works and carried over into Lutheranism, is exhilarating and contagious. This seminary-trained rap star makes an engaging case for a faith that is both evangelical and sacramental. Or, as he calls it, “ancient Christianity as preserved through confessional Lutheran thought.”
—Dr. Gene Edward Veith Jr., PhD; author of Spirituality of the Cross and Embracing Your Lutheran Identity

In his most recent book, Because Jesus Taught It, FLAME tells inspiring stories of faith and faithfulness through the ages in ways that speak to our contemporary times. With insights from the earliest Christians as well as his own walk of faith, FLAME challenges readers to explore a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus that make a difference in our lives today.
—Rev. Dr. Gerhard Bode, chairman of the department of historical theology and director of the Center for Reformation Research, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Church history, contrary to popular opinion, is far from a mere theoretical academic pursuit. Studying the contexts, writings, and lives of faithful men and women who have gone before us in Christ’s church should be a deeply practical and faith-building journey that helps us make sense of our own life experiences and Christian walk. Because Jesus Taught It is an illustration of this truth. In a seamless melding of memoir and theology, FLAME brings the reader along on his personal journey of patristic discovery. This study highlights the strengths of the Lutheran theological tradition, equipping those new to Lutheranism and lifelong Lutherans alike to identify the comfort, assurance, and beauty of our confession of faith when contrasted with errors common in American evangelicalism. Deeply relatable and moving, yet informative and researched, FLAME’s book on the early church fathers and the historic Christian view of the Sacraments is fresh, well-written, and difficult to put down.
—Christa Petzold, author of Journey Through Church History and Gathered by Christ: The Overlooked Gift of Church

FLAME gets the church fathers—and they got him too. Despite what you may have been taught growing up, Christianity did not go off the rails after the New Testament, only to be rediscovered by Martin Luther. The Holy Spirit has a history, and this book rejoices in that history. The Word of God and the sacramental life have always gone hand in glove. Like Plato’s analogy of the cave, Marcus “FLAME” Gray shares his own discovery of this life, bringing his readers along with him to reacquaint them with the great tradition. I highly recommend this book.
—Rev. Dr. Joel C. Elowsky, professor of historical theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Because Jesus Taught It by FLAME is an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand and teach the true nature of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of clear, Christ-centered instruction, ensuring that even the youngest believers can grasp the core tenets of the faith. This book delves into several key themes:

1. A History Behind the Teachings: Exploring the origins and development of Christian doctrines.
2. Church According to the Early Church: Understanding how the early Christians practiced and organized their communities.
3. Baptism According to the Early Church: Examining the significance and practice of Baptism in early Christianity.
4. The Eucharist According to the Early Church: Investigating the early church’s understanding and celebration of the Eucharist.

By delving into God’s Word and the teachings of the early church, this book will help preserve and pass down the Gospel message for generations to come.
—Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney, assistant to the president for Mission, Human Care, and Stewardship, LCMS Iowa District West

As a lifelong Lutheran, I’ve learned much from FLAME’s journey and gained an even deeper understanding of what we believe about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. FLAME gives us a front-row seat to his tussle with Scripture and the early church fathers as he discovers that Lutheran teaching on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper isn’t European innovation but a preservation of what the earliest Christians taught. This book will foster understanding and dialogue among readers with different views on the Sacraments and is a fantastic resource for lifelong Lutherans, pastors, church workers, and those wrestling with questions about the Sacraments.
—Michelle Diercks, author of Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God’s Faithfulness

Nashville, TN – June 5, 2025– W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, announced the promotion of Madison Baird to director of digital marketing. Madison’s track record of leveraging analytics, creative campaigns, and strategic expertise has significantly contributed to the imprint’s success and revenue growth.

Madison joined HarperCollins Christian Publishing in February 2017, as a part of the Direct-to-Consumer division. She played a key role in launching and expanding the popular Online Bible Study program at FaithGateway, partnering closely with renowned authors such as Anne Graham Lotz, Lysa TerKeurst, Jennie Allen, and Max Lucado. She transitioned to W Publishing in December 2021, where she served as senior marketing manager, shaping the digital marketing presence for the imprint over the past four years.

From crafting innovative strategies that marry creative storytelling with SEO and paid media campaigns to analyzing data for actionable insights, Madison’s work has been instrumental in driving sales, solidifying author platforms, and elevating the visibility of W Publishing’s titles. She has had the privilege of collaborating with New York Times bestselling authors including Savannah Guthrie, Ann Voskamp, John Bevere, Dr. Josh Axe, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sadie Robertson Huff, and Louie Giglio.

“Madison’s innovative approach to blending data-driven insights with creative campaigns has been pivotal in driving our digital marketing efforts to new heights,” said W Publishing VP of Marketing, Caren Wolfe. “Her passion, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences across platforms have played a significant role in W Publishing’s success. We couldn’t be more excited to see her step into this leadership role.”

With this promotion, Madison Baird will continue to oversee the digital marketing strategy for W Publishing Group, ensuring the imprint remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:  Allison Carter, W Publishing Group, allison.carter@harpercollins.com

 

Ada, Mich. (June 5, 2025)—Baker Publishing Group is proud to announce that authors from Bethany House and Revell earned ten prestigious awards at the 2025 Selah Awards, presented May 29 at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. The celebration culminated with Jaime Jo Wright’s Specters in the Glass House (Bethany House) winning the 2025 Selah Fiction Book of the Year.

Wright dominated the Mystery/Suspense Fiction category, taking both first place for Specters in the Glass House and second place for Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, both published by Bethany House Publishers. Her Fiction Book of the Year recognition represents the highest honor bestowed by the Selah Awards in the fiction category.

“We’re delighted to see this well-deserved recognition of Jaime’s writing!” says Senior Acquisitions Editor, Rochelle Gloege. “The thirteen dual-time novels she’s published with Bethany House thus far fill a unique niche and need in our market: page-turning, atmospherically eerie suspense with a consistently redemptive arc. With each book, Jaime shines a light on the hope that can be found in Christ in even the most trying situations. It’s a joy to be able to work with her to bring her books to readers!”

Karen Witemeyer, who recently reached the one million sales milestone, continued her winning streak by sweeping the Western Fiction category. Her novels Cloaked in Beauty and If the Boot Fits—both published by Bethany House—respectively earned first place and second place.

Bethany House author Sarah Loudin Thomas also acquired third place in the Historical Fiction category with her novel These Tangled Threads. Revell authors achieved significant recognition across multiple categories as well. Ann H. Gabhart’s The Song of Sourwood Mountain secured second place in Historical Romance, while veteran author Suzanne Woods Fisher’s A Healing Touch tied for third place in Amish Fiction. Debut novelist Nicole M. Miller earned third place in the First Novel category for Until Our Time Comes. Joanna Davidson Politano’s book The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple won third place in Historical Romance, and Lynnette Eason’s In the Dark won third place in the Novellas category.

The Selah Awards, established in 1999, recognize and celebrate excellence in Christian publishing across various categories. The awards are organized by the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and represent one of the most respected honors in Christian literature.

Baker Publishing Group’s strong showing at the 2025 Selah Awards highlights the company’s commitment to publishing high-quality fiction that combines compelling storytelling with meaningful themes of faith, hope, and redemption.

Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has been publishing high-quality books for more than 50 years. Recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction, Bethany House publishes over 75 new fiction and nonfiction titles annually. Each Bethany House publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

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 resources, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Contact:  Emily Vest, 616.676.9185 x 160, evest@bakerpublishinggroup.com

June 2025 | Lisle, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that two IVP titles have been honored with 2024 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding books published in 2024 by small, independent, and university presses.

As part of its mission to discover, review, and share the best books from university and independent publishers, Foreword Reviews hosts an annual awards program. More than 2,400 entries spread across fifty-five genres were submitted for consideration. Foreword’s editors selected approximately twelve finalists per genre, which were then presented to individual librarians and booksellers entrusted with the challenging task of determining the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention winners.

IVP’s Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era and Place by Ben Lansing and D. J. Marotta received the Bronze INDIES Award in the Religion category.

Our Church Speaks offers a beautifully illustrated devotional that bridges the teaching of Scripture with our everyday lives through the lives of great men and women from throughout the history of the church. Illustrated by Ben Lansing, these saints, from every continent and century of church history, illustrate God’s faithfulness in all times and demonstrate the historic church’s relevance for Christians today.

“In a world captivated and mesmerized by the cult of celebrity, this book helps us to reorient our hearts to experience the saints as ones that not only speak to our past but also shine the light and guide the path to our future,” said J.R. Briggs, founder of Kairos Partnerships and author of The Art of Asking Better Questions. “We stand on the shoulders of brothers and sisters in the faith who’ve faithfully shown us the way—and this resource helps make them accessible and relevant to our everyday lives. Our Church Speaks is a useful tool full of stunning artwork and meaningful prayers to help us to sit at the feet of saints young and old and learn from those who are a part of the great cloud of witnesses. For the past few years, I’ve been shaped and formed by these visuals online. I’m thrilled this collection has been published into a book we can now hold in our hands!”

The other IVP INDIES Award honoree was The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary, which was named the Honorable Mention title in the Reference category.

Historically, Bible commentaries have focused on the particular concerns of a limited segment of the church, all too often missing fresh questions and perspectives that are fruitful for biblical interpretation. The New Testament in Color is a one-volume commentary on the New Testament written by a multiethnic team of scholars holding orthodox Christian beliefs. Each scholar brings exegetical expertise coupled with a unique interpretive lens to illuminate the ways social location and biblical interpretation work together. Theologically orthodox and multiethnically contextual, The New Testament in Color fills a gap in biblical understanding for both the academy and the church. The general editor for this volume is Esau McCaulley, and associate editors include Amy L. B. Peeler, Osvaldo Padilla, and Janette H. Ok.

“Reading the New Testament, intentionally, through one’s ethnic point of view (African American, Asian American, Hispanic, or Native American) does not violate an objective, traditional reading of Scripture. Rather, reading the Bible in and out of one’s location exposes the bias of the (formerly so-called) ‘objective’ reading as a Euro-white reading and, at the same time, offers to the traditional readings fresh perspectives,” said Scot McKnight, New Testament scholar and author of The Second Testament. “Over and over, I thought the essays were worth the price of this book, but I was wrong. The commentaries interact with the essays in a manner that makes this book a required desk companion for anyone who wants to hear all the Word of God has to offer. A must-have for all Bible teachers and pastors.”

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com.

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

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — On May 29, 2025, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference announced the winners of their annual Selah Awards. Three Kregel titles won first place.

The cruise-ship rom-com by Shannon Sue Dunlap Love Overboard won in Contemporary Romance. This laugh-out-loud novel features lovable characters, over-the-top situations, and a dash of mystery.

Humorous and heartwarming, The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon J. Mondragón won in Women’s Contemporary. This novel wrestles with the loneliness of being the forgotten spouse of a dementia patient, showing readers how love and compassion can make all the difference.

The Appalachian novel Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles won in Historical/Biblical Fiction. Coal miner Joshua Morgan grapples with heartbreak, vengeance, and forgiveness in a sweet story about freedom and peace.

Kregel is pleased to congratulate all these winners. The full list of winners can be found here.

The mission of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is to inspire writers to connect with God, other writers, and industry professionals as they embrace their calling with excellence. The Selah Awards open each year and accept books that were published within the last calendar year, from January to December, and include books published traditionally and nontraditionally.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.  www.kregel.com

Contact:  Kregel Publicity Department, 616-451-4775, publicity@kregel.com

 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — On June 5, two Kregel fiction titles were announced in the 2024 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. One title won and the other received an honorable mention.

Tina Shelton’s debut novel This Ain’t No Promised Land won Gold in Multicultural. In 1980s South Side Chicago, a single mother abandons her three daughters and heads south to escape her past. The girls rely on their close-knit Black community, but it’s not enough to fix the damage of abandonment. Will their mother overcome her grief and embrace parenthood once again? Other Christian fiction authors describe this novel as “compelling,” “deeply evocative,” and “a powerful read!”

Something Borrowed by Allison Pittman, Rachel Scott McDaniel, and Susie Finkbeiner received an honorable mention in Religious. In this historical romance novella collection, three popular Christian fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a shared wedding dress. Other authors describe the book as “a captivating collection of stories,” “charming,” and “heart-stirring.”

The full list of winners was announced on the Foreword Reviews website and can be found here.

Since 1998, Foreword Reviews has provided trade book reviews of the best titles from independent presses. In print, and online, its FOLIO Award–winning design and editorial content makes the magazine a favorite among librarians, booksellers, and readers—an excellent resource when it comes to purchasing books. Foreword INDIES and the fee-for-review Clarion service complement their online content and print magazine, helping to showcase independent presses and their authors for over twenty-six years.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Contact:  Kregel Publicity Department, 616-451-4775, publicity@kregel.com

JUNE 6, 2025 — NASHVILLE, TN — In a powerful and heartfelt moment at the Grand Ole Opry, Austin LeRette, the young man whose story has inspired millions, was honored with the Awe and Wonder Award at the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards. Best known as The Unbreakable Boy, Austin was celebrated for his unwavering joy and resilient spirit in the face of life’s challenges.

The award followed the February 2025 re-release of The Unbreakable Boy in paperback from Nelson Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, along with the debut of the major motion picture adaptation of the same name, which brought Austin’s remarkable story to an even wider audience.

Austin’s father, Scott LeRette, who co-authored the book chronicling their family’s remarkable journey, shared during the ceremony, “Austin has taught us all what it means to live with joy, strength, and an appreciation for life’s miracles. This award is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the love he brings into the world.”

Scott and Austin accepted the award to heartfelt applause, deeply moving the audience with the courage and authenticity of his story. You can watch the full award presentation here.

Towards the end of the ceremony, beloved artist Matthew West also shared a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, remarking, “We thank You for the inspiring story of Austin. We see his joy, we see his happiness, we see his strength, and we see his family’s witness. It’s an inspiration to all of us. May we all choose to place our stories in Your hands.”

The Awe and Wonder Award honors individuals who exemplify childlike faith, hope, and inspiration—qualities Austin embodies every day. His recognition underscores the transformative power of joy, resilience, and God’s grace lived out in real life.

Congratulations to Austin LeRette and the entire LeRette family on this meaningful and unforgettable milestone.

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is a leader in the Christian nonfiction publishing realm. Nelson Books is dedicated to acquiring, developing, and promoting authors whose content inspires, informs, and invokes real change. The imprint publishes dozens of new titles each year in the areas of spiritual growth, inspiration, and practical living with select memoirs, biography, history, and culture releases. The Nelson Books roster of best-selling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob Goff, John Eldredge, Dr. Anita Phillips, and Jefferson Bethke.

Contact:  Devin Duke, Sr. Publicity Manager, Nelson Books, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com

Helping Teens Build Deep Relationships and a Caring Community

RELEASING JULY 21, 2025 BY NEW GROWTH PRESS

The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens by bestselling authors Robert H. Thune and Will Walker gives teenagers biblical and practical guidance for building deep friendships and being part of a community where they can grow and flourish.

Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to live with people and it’s hard to live without them? Real relationships are hard to come by—it’s easy to feel isolated and alone even when surrounded by people at school and home. But deep friendships and being a part of a caring community make our lives more meaningful. In this small group study, teenagers will learn with others about God’s good plan for us to connect and grow together and how following Christ makes that possible.

The Spirit takes people from all different backgrounds and shapes them into a Christ-centered community that reflects Jesus. Teenagers will find a place to belong where people love, care for, enjoy, serve, and even challenge one another in good ways and find a place to belong.

• Eight-lesson small group study with leader’s notes.
• Each self-contained lesson includes a Bible passage, discussion questions, a short article and an application exercise.
• An easy-to-follow road map for building a beautiful community based on love for God and others.

The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens
by Robert H. Thune and Will Walker
July 21, 2025 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-512-7
Religion / Christian Ministry / Youth

Robert H. Thune, MA (Reformed Theological Seminary) is founding and lead pastor of Coram Deo Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He is the author of Gospel Eldership, Gospel Training for Deacons, the coauthor of The Gospel-Centered Life, The Gospel-Centered Community, and The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens and the creator of the Daily Liturgy Podcast. In addition to his work as a pastor and writer, he helps to lead a classical Christian school, coaches and trains church leaders, and serves on the Council of The Gospel Coalition.

Will Walker, MA (Covenant Seminary) is the lead pastor of Providence Church in Austin, TX. He is the coauthor of​The Gospel-Centered Life,​The Gospel-Centered Community, The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens, and​Journey to the Cross.​Will and his wife Debbie are parents of two boys.​

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

On Monday, May 19, Today’s Jenna Bush Hager unveiled her fourth-annual Read with Jenna Jr. Summer Reading List for 2025 live on the Today Show Plaza, featuring 22 kid-friendly reads from picture books through young adult, including Sarah Arthur’s young adult fantasy novel Once a Queen (Book 1 in The Carrick Hall Novels), published by WaterBrook.

An ECPA bestseller, Once a Queen has received acclaim since its release in January 2024, including being a finalist for the 2025 ECPA Christian Book Awards—Young People’s Literature, as well as the 2024 Christy Awards—Young Adult, celebrating excellence in Christian fiction.

Once a Queen invites readers to join fourteen-year-old Eva as she uncovers dangerous secrets when she visits the manor of her estranged English grandmother, who may have once been a queen in another world.

“Once a Queen is a fantasy lover’s novel, blending classic fairy-tale homages with fresh takes on beloved tropes,” said Sarah Rubio, Executive Editor, PRH Christian. “But it’s also accessible for readers new to fantasy, with vivid, relatable characters and profound themes that will linger long after the last page is turned. I’m excited for many more readers to discover the joy to be found in losing themselves in this wonder-steeped story.”

The spellbinding sequel in the Carrick Hall Novels trilogy, Once a Castle (WaterBrook), recently published in February of this year. The highly anticipated final installment, Once a Crown (WaterBrook), is scheduled to release in Spring 2026.

To see the full list of the 2025 Read with Jenna, Jr Summer Reading picks, visit https://www.today.com/popculture/books/read-with-jenna-junior-book-list-2025-rcna203839.

Sarah Arthur is a fun-loving speaker and the bestselling author of a dozen books for teens and adults, including Once a Queen, Once a Castle, and Walking with Frodo. Among other nerdy adventures, she has served as preliminary fiction judge for the CT Book Awards, was a founding board member of the annual C. S. Lewis Festival in Northern Michigan, and codirects the Madeleine L’Engle Writing Retreats. For more information on Sarah Arthur, Once a Queen, and The Carrick Hall Novels, visit SarahArthur.com

WaterBrook is an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC

In conjunction with acquiring the Spanish rights to Alan Paton’s other bestselling classic, Cry, the Beloved Country, Whitaker House is re-releasing Alan Paton’s Instrument of Peace, based on the prayers of St. Francis of Assisi.

“What an honor it is to bring back into print Instrument of Peace by Alan Paton,” commented Christine Whitaker, publisher at Whitaker House. “God works in such mysterious ways. Who knew that, twenty years ago, when I was right out of college, I would spend a month in South Africa and the trip would have a huge influence on my life —seeing the beauty of South Africa despite all of the loss and injustice. I hope this book will be a beacon of light and a call to bring our world together. As Saint Francis said, ‘It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.’”

Author and anti-apartheid activist Alan Paton drew upon the Prayer of Saint Francis to write Instrument of Peace (originally titled Instrument of Thy Peace) while his wife Dorrie lay dying of emphysema. Paton said he wrote this book for those:

• Who wish with all their hearts to be better, purer, less selfish, more useful
• Who do not wish to be cold in love, and who know that being cold in love is perhaps the worst sin of all
• Who wish to keep their faith bright and burning in a dark and faithless world
• Who seek not so much to lean on God as to be the active instrument of His peace

“Sometimes we cannot pray because we are fallen into a melancholy and therefore have for the time lost our hope and our faith and have no one to pray to,” Paton wrote. “I am in unrepayable debt to Francis of Assisi, for when I pray his prayer, or even remember it, my melancholy is dispelled, my self-pity comes to an end, my faith is restored, because of this majestic conception of what the work of a disciple should be.”

As to acquiring the Spanish language rights to Cry, the Beloved Country, Christine regards it, “An absolute privilege, as this book has sold 15 million copies and is a worldwide known classic in literature.” Whitaker Español will release the Spanish edition in 2026.

Instrument of Peace released May 13, 2025.