NASHVILLE, Tenn., September 2024—Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, proudly announces that bestselling author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Karen Ehman’s Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All has sold more than 250,000 copies across print, digital, and audio formats.

A New York Times bestseller, Keep It Shut delivers timeless wisdom on the power of words and intentional communication. Blending biblical insights and strategies, Ehman’s book explores core topics such as motives, emotions, and listening, while also addressing the complexities of digital communication.

“Karen Ehman’s ability to connect with other women on a deep, personal level is profound,” said Webster Younce, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Books. “This milestone underscores how deeply her message of grace and kindness continues to resonate with readers and affirms her position as a leading voice in ministry. We are delighted to celebrate Karen, her achievement, and the ongoing influence of her work.”

Renowned Christian leaders, including Lysa TerKeurst, Candace Cameron Bure, and Sally Clarkson, have praised Keep It Shut for its humor, transparency, and practical approach to navigating modern communication challenges like gossip and social media. Since its publication in 2015, Keep It Shut has continued to equip readers in discerning how to choose words carefully, know when to speak up, and recognize when to remain silent. This book also has a six-session study guide and video study for small groups.

In 2017, Zondervan published a companion devotional—Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge. Over the years, Zondervan has published nine of Ehman’s nearly twenty books, including Let. It. Go. (2012), Keep Showing Up (2019), and When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable (2021).

Karen Ehman is a beloved leader in the Christian community and is featured on platforms such as TODAY Parenting, Fox News, FamilyLife, and Focus on the Family. She also contributes to Encouragement for Today, an online devotional that reaches more than four million women daily.

For more information or for media inquiries, contact Rebecca Schriner at rebecca.schriner@harpercollins.com.

Karen Ehman is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker, a New York Times bestselling author, and a writer for Encouragement for Today, an online devotional that reaches over four million people daily. She has written eighteen books including Keep It Shut, Pressing Pause, and Keep Showing Up. Her passion is to help women to live their priorities as they reflect the gospel to a watching world. Married to her college sweetheart, Todd, the mother of three, and mom-in-law of two, she enjoys antique hunting, cheering for the Detroit Tigers, and feeding the many people who gather around her mid-century dining table for a taste of Mama Karen’s cooking. Connect with her at karenehman.com.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:
Rebecca Schriner, Publicity Manager | Zondervan Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 
Rebecca.Schriner@HarperCollins.com

Carol Stream, IL (September 23, 2024) – Tyndale House Publishers and Focus on the Family proudly announce that three of their titles have been honored with 2024 ACFW Carol Awards, which recognize the year’s best Christian fiction. These awards highlight Tyndale’s and Focus on the Family’s continued commitment to publishing compelling, faith-driven stories that inspire and uplift readers.

---

Focus on the Family’s A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander was given the award in the Contemporary category. The book follows two women of different centuries living in the same house who share strikingly similar journeys.

“I’ve been a member of ACFW since its origin over two decades ago and wouldn’t be writing today without the relationships I’ve made and encouragement I’ve received through this stellar writers’ organization,” Tamera says.

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and Christy Award Hall of Fame inductee. She is known for her rich characters and thought-provoking plots.

 

---

Tyndale received the Carol Award in the Debut category for Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer. In this romantic comedy, Kinzer delivers a heartwarming story of mistaken identities, second chances, and finding love in unexpected places.

Tyndale senior acquisitions editor Elizabeth Jackson says, “Becca’s stories deliver a great balance between a fun sense of humor and a refreshing amount of depth, striking the right chord for fans of contemporary romance, a genre readers are flocking to right now.”

Becca Kinzer is a critical care nurse and a 2018 ACFW First Impressions Contest winner as well as a 2019 Genesis Contest winner and a 2021 Cascade Award winner. Her second novel, Love in Tandem, released in April 2024, and First Love, Second Draft will release in April 2025.

 

---

The winner in the Historical category, Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem, transports readers to 1933, revealing the true story of a Jewish lawyer and a group of spies who uncovered Adolf Hitler’s plan to take over Hollywood.

“I’ve loved Stephanie’s work from her first release with us. I hope this recognition brings new reader attention to this title and her previous works as well,” says the Tyndale fiction publisher, Karen Watson.

Stephanie Landsem has traveled the world to learn about women of the past and writes to honor their lives and to bring today’s women hope and encouragement.

 

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Andrea Martin, senior director of public relations and author relations at Tyndale House: andreamartin@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a trusted voice for generations of readers. Today, it is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale has proved a faithful guide, helping readers discover the life-giving truths of the Bible. Its mission is to open God’s Word to as many people as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive in Christ. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com or on Facebook or X.

Instagram star and comedian Ellen Skrmetti shares stories behind her wildly popular “Hey Jesus, It’s Me” sketches of a middle-aged, southern-woman’s opinions on mamas, menopause, and menus–and on giving the Lord a bit of advice about those unspoken prayer requests.

As a young girl, Ellen Skrmetti loved performing. She starred in plays, sang in the church choir, and even competed in the Miss Mississippi pageant. But backstage at the pageant, she was gripped by severe stage fright and made a deal with God: If you help me get through this, I will never, ever get onstage again. After successfully hitting the high note in “Adelaide’s Lament” from the musical Guys and Dolls, she packed up her drama clothes for good—or so she thought.

When the pandemic hit, Ellen longed to bring a little joy to the dark struggles the world was facing. She thought about all of times she’d asked Jesus to walk with her through pain and heartache—and how often He’d laughed with or comforted her, even during her blazing hot flashes. So she decided to share that message with others, in 30-second videos on Instagram that quickly went viral.

Holding a remote control in her hand, Ellen “calls” Jesus with comments and questions, including asking Him not to make her an advance maternal age mama (again) and if He could bless the nourishment of her food to someone else’s body. She also asks for advice when her best friend’s ex-husband’s new wife shows up in the next pew, or what nursing home plans to make when she’s eight years past your first geriatric pregnancy.

From a pageant queen with stage fright, to viral videos, to her growing popularity as a stand-up comedian with sold-out performances, Ellen’s humor is rooted in southern charm and culture. Her relatable stories in Hey Jesus, It’s Me will bring levity to our lives, or at least some validation that we’re not the only ones asking if we can ghost our relatives in heaven.

Ellen Skrmetti got started in comedy after training at the famous and premier school of comedy, Second City. She had just started booking herself at comedy clubs when the 2020 Covid shut down happened. As she reminds us, “dreams don’t have deadlines,” and now a tour company is pursuing her and millions are watching her comedy. After one of her Instagram posts went viral in Spring 2022, others soon followed with millions of views.

CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 – The Good Book Company is pleased to announce that their Tales that Tell the Truth series for kids has surpassed 1 million units in print sales.

This 14-volume series of hardback Bible storybooks by various authors combines faithful storytelling with stunning illustrations by Catalina Echeverri. Each book focuses on a true story from the Bible and teaches children wonderful truths about Jesus.

Books in the series include:

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, winner of the ECPA Bronze Sales Award, by Carl Laferton
• Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer, winner of the Christianity Today; Children & Youth 2022 Book Award, by Laura Wifler
• The One O’ Clock Miracle, winner of the Speaking Volumes Children’s Book of the Year, by Alison Mitchell
• God’s Very Good Idea, winner of the ECPA Bronze Sales Award, by Trillia Newbell

James Burstow, President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our aim has always been to create books about Jesus that children themselves will choose to read over the other favorites on their shelf. The Tales That Tell the Truth series embodies this vision, with vibrant illustrations and captivating stories that kids love to read again and again, underpinned by faithful, biblical truth which parents delight to share with them. We are thrilled at the thought of a million storybooks being enjoyed by families around the world and exciting them about Jesus.”

The Good Book Company celebrates this accomplishment and anticipates the series’ continued contribution toward their goal of providing biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that encourage Christians and their church families to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Catalina Echeverri is a Colombian freelance illustrator specialising in children’s books. She is based in London, UK, and illustrated the best-selling The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their 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 TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

Discover the power of following Gods word with this transformative guidebook that gives you permission to let go of the emotional stress weighing you down and find beauty in the life you already live.

Feeling fragmented and frazzled, many women today are caught in a vicious cycle trying to do too much, hold everything together, manage and control their circumstances, and avoid mistakes at all costs.

But no matter how hard we try, there are many things outside of our control. In trying to do it all, we are undone ourselves.

What if we could shift our perspective so that, instead of spinning our wheels wasting energy manufacturing and controlling our lives, we aim to let go and lean into who we are becoming?

In When Doing It All is Undoing You, Alyssa Bethke helps readers understand the difference between what is in and what is out of our control, and she examines how our striving for approval, balance, happiness, and lofty ideals often masks underlying fear and disappointment. She acknowledges that even when we do all the right things, the outcome we hope for is not guaranteed, and addresses the disillusionment so many of us feel when the life we have looks nothing like the life we envisioned.

Ultimately, Alyssa shows readers that turning towards the God who is after our authentic hearts is the only guarantee of a life of hope and fulfillment, the life we’re all longing for. By drawing near to God as the primary source of our joy and contentment, we can learn to hear His voice, find freedom and hope in our deep disappointments, and become the women that He created us to be- free, full, and faithful.

Alyssa Joy Bethke loves Jesus, matcha, and the sun, and squeezes as much pickleball and reading into her week as possible. She is married to Jeff, the love of her life, and is mom to three of the greatest gifts: Kinsley, Kannon, and Lucy. The Bethke family recently moved from Maui to Tennessee and are embracing the wild adventure of a life surrendered to God. Alyssa and Jeff help reclaim God’s design for men, women, and families at Forming Men, Forming Women and Family Teams.

Journey through More than Two Hundred of God’s Promises and Discover How He Keeps Them

Author Terry Zuehsow explores encouraging and assuring promises from God in his new devotional journal, Exploring God’s Promises.

God’s Word is overflowing with promises. He earnestly wants believers to grow to know Him and to more fully experience His promises in their lives. In Terry Zuehsow’s new devotional journal, Exploring God’s Promises: A Guided Journey through His Word (Concordia Publishing House, September 10, 2024) the author leads readers through more than two hundred encouraging and assuring promises. Each promise contains devotional material and theological talk to help readers see how God gives and keeps His promises.

“Welcome to the start of a unique journey through the promises of God,” writes Zuehsow. “Here you will have the opportunity to explore all God has done, is doing, and will do on your behalf. Although the assurances of God presented in the following chapters apply to every believer in Jesus Christ, it is my prayer that you will personalize each promise in your own heart and mind.”

Readers will work through this book at their own pace, taking time to truly soak in the promises and see them working in their lives. No matter what struggles readers may face, they will be strengthened by God’s assurances for them in His Word. Journal space is provided for readers to answer reflection questions and truly connect with the Savior, offering Him their thanks and praise.

“God works through His Word,” says Steve Wagner, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas, and director of Pastor360. “Exploring God’s Promises embraces this expansive truth, narrows it down to the reader, and connects it to promises God makes in His Word and through His Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14).”

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

About the Author
Terry Zuehsow is a certified PA, practicing psychiatry in a Christian outpatient setting. He has also taught high school and college science and religion and worked as a computer systems architect. Throughout his adult life, he has led Bible classes at his local church. Terry has been married to his wife, Angi, for forty-nine years. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. His hobbies include choir, family games, and long walks.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 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     

 

---

Praise for Exploring God’s Promises

What a blessing it is to see this book in the works. The purpose of Exploring God’s Promises is to help us apply God’s Word to our lives—our joys, our tough times, our every situation. A neat feature of this book is that you can respond personally to the God who knows your name, as Isaiah 43:1 tells us. Please read, enjoy, and take to heart these wonderful messages from God’s Word.
—Mary Alice Minirth, writer and life coach

This book of assurances is unique and special. It’s intensely biblical. You’ll hear God speak to you personally—through His Word. However, it also reflects a loving father’s deep concern for his daughter. You’ll be blessed.
—Dr. Gene Getz, pastor; professor; author

God works through His Word. Exploring God’s Promises embraces this expansive truth, narrows it down to the reader, and connects it to promises God makes in His Word and through His Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). I believe you will find this book to be profound, for your hope abounds when you know God is at work through His Word; personal, as love for God and others finds expression when it deeply impacts your life; and penetrating, as the laser-like truth of His Word is a solid foundation for your faith and trust in Him in every circumstance of life.
—Steve Wagner, pastor, Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas; director, Pastor360

Through insightful reflections, Terry Zuehsow intertwines God’s inspired Word and enduring promises with questions that facilitate a deeper engagement with Scripture. Since the heart and emotions can be deceptive, Zuehsow’s book guides us to experience healing and renewal by anchoring our trust in God’s enduring promises. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking guidance, inspiration, and renewed assurance of God’s purpose and unconditional love.
—Florene West, director, Our Savior Lutheran Preschool, McKinney, Texas

Has anyone ever written a book just for you? Now you can say that someone has! Exploring God’s Promises shows Terry’s commitment to thoughtful education, helping everyone know God in a deep, meaningful, and personal way. Even though I’m a lifelong Christian, reading Terry’s book made me realize what God’s promises are, how many there are, and how they belong specifically to me (and you!). He distilled promises from every part of the Bible so that the assurances of God are at your fingertips. Read it and see the wondrous love that God has for you.
—Tara M. Niendorf, attorney

Exploring what God has done on my behalf through Terry’s book was deeply moving and powerfully humbling. As yesterday, today, and forever promises came to light, my relationship with the everlasting, loving God increased. I even found myself growing in confidence as a child of God as I journaled my feelings. Most assuredly, the Holy Spirit dwelt in my mind, heart, and soul as this gem of writing unfolded itself before me.
—Anni Jezek, retired educational coach; master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University Texas

Exploring God’s Promises is a concise and organized study of the promises of God found in every facet of the Bible. Terry Zuehsow prepares his readers with ways to get the most from his book, and space for journaling is included to assist the readers in exploring their relationship with God and considering His promises. Mr. Zuehsow’s faith and close relationship with God are evident in his research and illustrations, and he makes God’s promises personal to all who study His Word.
—Larry Wissner, retired LCMS school administrator

This book is for every Christian who would like to know in a more tangible way the promises of God. Exploring God’s Promises is helpful, interesting, relatable, compelling, accurate, theologically appropriate, and very moving. Terry takes the reader on a transformative journey through the scriptural promises of God. Sometimes in the storms of life, it is difficult to see that we are not alone or even to realize that anyone cares for us. But through this book, readers can trace the times God has cared deeply for them, comforted them, and enabled them.
—Jacqueline Truax, retired international marketing project manager; graduate marketing studies professor; principal, BSEI

For many years, I traveled on a spiritual pilgrimage, seeking not only the promises of God but also a way to convince myself the promises were actually for me. When I read Terry’s book, I found exactly what I was looking for. Drawing on both serious griefs and wonderful triumphs in his life, Terry has carefully searched for God’s promises, and he presents them in such a way that readers will be assured that the promises are for them. My journey through these pages has deepened my faith and my love for the Lord, who indeed has promised to meet all our needs.
—Karen Brinkmann, senior test development specialist

 

Abilene, TX—Trekking Toward Tenacity (Leafwood Publishers, September 24, 2024) walks through Psalm 139 verse by verse, discovering how we can help our children develop mentally healthy habits. The goal is to coach our kids to be more tenacious because we live in a tumultuous world. It can be hard to stay focused on God and on mentally healthy habits in that tumult, but this book gives concrete ways to help kids to do just that.

“A wise and wonderful walk through Psalm 139, Trekking Toward Tenacity is the kind of book you’ll want to read slowly, marking it up and letting it soak deep into your heart and soul. Both conversational and honest in his style, Chris weaves Scripture and spiritual wisdom throughout this warm and gentle book. I came away thinking this: “We are all disheveled souls, but God still loves us, and there is always hope.”
—Susy Flory, New York Times bestselling author and coauthor, director of West Coast Christian Writers, and doctoral candidate at Houston Theological Seminary

Chris Morris is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health. As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Find out more at ChrisMorrisWrites.com.

Trekking Toward Tenacity
By Chris Morris
September 2024, Softcover
192 Pages, $17.99
ISBN: 9781684263899

Media Contact:  Rachael Ray, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

EUGENE, Ore., September 11, 2024—Harvest House Publishers is pleased to announce that The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible has amassed more than 1,000,000 copies sold in barely over a decade. First introduced to the marketplace in July 2014, this classic storybook Bible for children, ages 5 to 8, helps kids learn about the important people, places, and themes of the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, each enriching tale features vibrant visual depictions of popular and lesser-known Bible stories, ultimately pointing children to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

This project came to life through vision and trust and has been the catalyst of a highly successful, strategic, and long-term partnership between Harvest House Publishers and International Publishing Services (IPS), an Australia-based company specializing in creating and developing high-quality children’s books, reference titles, and seasonal gifting items for the global market. Over the last 10 years, IPS and Harvest House have collaborated on several outstanding children’s books and other products with care and attention to detail—values that both companies share.

“We had what we thought was something really special, allowing us to go out and develop the most wonderful, personal partnership with Bob Hawkins and Harvest House Publishers that any company could ever have hoped for. The impact of creating The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible cannot be understated. Knowing just how this Bible has shaped the minds of young Christians in North America and around the world has been a humbling yet gratifying experience,” said Wayne McKay, managing director of IPS.

With nearly 300 beautiful two-page illustrations to capture even the youngest child’s heart and imagination, this vast collection of the Bible’s most-loved stories has become one of Harvest House’s most successful releases. It is poised to remain an evergreen bestseller for decades to come, well into the company’s next 50 years.

“The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible has captivated children and families like no other product we have ever published,” said Hawkins, president of Harvest House. “It has consistently increased in sales year after year since it was first released, now grounding annually well over 150,000 young hearts deep into God’s rich Word. This growing demand clearly highlights the Bible’s high quality, skillfully written content, and stunning illustrations. We at Harvest House are incredibly grateful to Wayne McKay and IPS for entrusting us with this amazing life-building resource.”

About Harvest House
Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, Harvest House Publishers has produced books that have impacted the hearts of people worldwide. That focus continues with the making of biblically nourishing and innovative products that enrich lives, inspire creativity, and glorify God. With an emphasis on addressing the spiritual and practical needs of men, women, and children, Harvest House seeks to serve God and those who need Him through the books it publishes. For more information, visit http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Contact:  Jeff Marion, 541-343-0123, jeff.marion@harvesthousepublishers.com

Honoring Moody Bible Institute’s sixth president

(Chicago, Ill.—Sept. 11, 2024) Moody Bible Institute announced today that Dr. George Sweeting died on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 99 years old. He served as president from 1971 to 1987, and then as Chancellor until the last day of the 20th century.

Dr. Sweeting received a diploma from Moody Bible Institute, his B.A. from Gordon College, and his Doctor of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Sweeting served as a pastor in several churches and also spent nine years traveling the world as an evangelist. He wrote numerous books, including The Joys of Successful Aging, Too Soon to Quit, Lessons from the Life of Moody, Don’t Doubt in the Dark, and most recently Full Circle: A Pictorial Autobiography of George & Hilda Sweeting (February 2022, Moody Publishers).

“George Sweeting was a man who followed after God with his whole heart, his whole mind, and all his strength. A pastor, evangelist, author, and former president of Moody Bible Institute, George ran his race well,” said Randall Payleitner, vice president and publisher of Moody Publishers. “I saw how deeply he loved and cared for his wife and family, too. Living to almost 100 years old, George is now in glory with his Savior, Jesus Christ. We miss him already, but we’ll see him again someday soon!”

“An indelible mark has been placed on this world as well as on Moody through the incredible life and ministry of George Sweeting,” said Dr. Mark Jobe, 10th president of Moody Bible Institute. “His legacy is marked by a deep love for his family, the Church, and the transformative power of the Gospel. While we mourn with his family and those whose lives were touched by him, we echo the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4 that we do so with hope, knowing he is in the presence of the Lord and we will be reunited with him one day.”

Moody Radio will air a 1-hour special, Dr. George Sweeting: A Tribute, on Saturday, September 14, at 3 pm CT across its network of stations and select affiliates. More information, including a 5-minute audio feature and sermon clips of Dr. Sweeting, can be found at www.moodyradio.org/sweeting.

For Moody’s full reflection on the life and legacy of Dr. Sweeting, please visit our official news web page at www.moodybible.org/news/2024/honoring-george-sweeting.

About Moody Publishers:
Moody Publishers is a nonprofit Christian publishing house founded by D.L. Moody in 1894 to make affordable Christian books available to everyone. Originally known as the Bible Institute Colportage Association, Moody Publishers has grown to include more than 300 million books being distributed in 71 languages and more than 130 countries, spanning from Bible commentary and reference to spiritual and relational growth, as well as award-winning fiction. Moody Publishers is home to renowned authors such as Gary Chapman, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Tony Evans, Erwin Lutzer, J. Oswald Sanders, Juli Slattery, and A.W. Tozer. For more information on Moody Publishers, please visit www.moodypublishers.com.

About Moody Bible Institute:
Moody Bible Institute is a higher education and media ministry that equips people to be biblically grounded, practically trained, and to engage the world through Gospel‐centered living. Through its undergraduate school and seminary, Moody trains the next generation of Christian leaders, and is the world’s leading producer of Christian content with Moody Radio and Moody Publishers. Please visit www.moodybible.org.

Moody Publishers Contact:
Janis Backing, Publicity Manager
janis.backing@moody.edu

September 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) has announced that its first Just Show Up Book Club (JSU) will kick off on October 29, 2024. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, the first IVP Just Show Up book will be the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation of the New Testament (FNV) by Terry M. Wildman. The FNV recounts the Creator’s Story—the Christian Scriptures—following the tradition of Native storytellers’ oral cultures.

The IVP JSU Book Club is made possible through a grant from the Grace and Mercy Foundation, an organization that partners with nonprofit organizations to promoting lifelong learning through JSU Book Clubs and the Public Reading of Scripture (PRS). The JSU Book Club is a book club without homework where people gather to read, listen, and discuss great books together.

“The mission of Grace and Mercy and the Just Show Up Book Club is also the mission of IVP. We both strive to get life-changing books into the hands of readers so they can read, discuss, and grow in their understanding of faith and the world around them,” said Terumi Echols, President and Publisher at IVP. “We are so grateful for their support in offering a format like the IVP Just Show Up Book Club that will bring people together to read and discuss transformative resources like the First Nations Version.”

The FNV is a dynamic equivalence translation of the New Testament that captures the simplicity, clarity, and beauty of Native storytellers in English, while remaining faithful to the original language of the Bible. The culmination of a rigorous five-year translation process, this new Bible translation is a collaboration between organizations like OneBook and Wycliffe Associates, Indigenous North Americans from over twenty-five different tribes, and a translation council that consisted of twelve Native North American elders, pastors, young adults, and men and women from different tribes and diverse geographic locations.

On September 3 the FNV also added a resource for children with Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story. Featuring stunning Native American art, Birth of the Chosen One is a powerful picture book from IVP Kids that illuminates the Christmas story in a fresh and new way.

And in August 2025 IVP will release the Psalms-Proverbs edition of the FNV.

“The First Nations Version is a groundbreaking, fresh translation of the New Testament filled with vivid, evocative language and imagery,” said Al Hsu, IVP’s Associate Editorial Director, Trade. “We’re thrilled with how the FNV New Testament has been received and are excited to be developing the FNV Psalms and Proverbs as the sacred songs and words of the wisdomkeepers.”

Starting on October 29, the IVP JSU Book Club will focus its first seven-week reading plan on the FNV Gospel of Mark. The book club will meet online on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. Central time.

IVP will also host book clubs in January and February that feature On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan Noble (January) and Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCaulley (February).

“We are excited to welcome people into the IVP JSU Book Club and into just a few of the impactful resources that make up the IVP library,” said Lori Neff, IVP Associate Director of Marketing and the host for the first IVP JSU Book Club. “We look forward to sharing together in both rich readings from the FNV and in rich discussion around this beautiful First Nations translation.”

Visit justshowup.ivpress.com to learn more and to sign up for the IVP JSU Book Club.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com