BLOOMINGTON, MN (September 23, 2024)—Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is thrilled to announce the 20th anniversary edition of The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook (October 2024; ISBN 9780764242960; Ebook ISBN 9780764243967; $18.99), now updated and expanded with new recipes and features.

For two decades, this bestselling cookbook has brought the authentic taste of Amish country into homes around the globe. The new edition builds on this rich legacy, offering:

• More than 200 time-tested recipes, including never-before-published selections
• Practical tips for kitchen efficiency and hosting gatherings
• A redesigned interior with lay-flat binding for easy use
• Excerpts from Lewis’s popular Amish fiction novels
• Amish proverbs and scriptural wisdom
• Personal insights into Plain living

“These recipes have been passed down through generations in Amish kitchens,” says Lewis. “I’m excited to share even more of this culinary heritage with readers, helping them create lasting family memories around the table.”

Rochelle Gloege, senior acquisitions editor for Bethany House fiction, stated, “This is a wonderful cookbook for anyone who loves the taste of home cooking or who has been tempted by the delicious-sounding dishes described in Beverly Lewis’s many bestselling novels. What a great and easy way to bring the taste of Plain cooking home!”

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 19 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family. Learn more at BeverlyLewis.com.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Media Contact:  Karen Steele, 616-676-9185 x100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

David C Cook CEO Bill Reeves (left) presents Amanda and Dallas Jenkins with an ECPA Gold Award at ChosenCon 2024 in Orlando on September 21.

Over the weekend, fans gathered at ChosenCon in Orlando to celebrate the series, meet cast members, and more. Amanda and Dallas Jenkins, the writers of the interactive Bible study written to accompany the series, were also recognized for their achievements, as they received the Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association’s Gold and Bronze Awards.

With nearly one million units sold, The Chosen Bible studies published by David C Cook are among the bestselling short-term Bible study series in the last four years.

The gold award from the ECPA celebrates 500,000 copies sold of What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?, the interactive Bible study written by the Jenkins, and Douglas S. Huffman, to accompany Season 1 of the popular television series, The Chosen.

ECPA Bronze Awards signifying over 100,000 copies sold were also presented during ChosenCon 2024 for Blessed Are the Chosen and The Way of the Chosen, the study companions to The Chosen Season 2 and Season 3, respectively.

In addition to these award-winning titles, Christian publisher and music company David C Cook has published two other interactive Bible studies based on The Chosen, including God’s Goodness for the Chosen (a guide to Season 4), and a student guide titled Get Used to Different.

Tackling challenging questions in polarizing times

Grand Rapids, MI, Sept. 2024 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of the NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, with Preston Sprinkle, PhD, co-founder and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, a New York Times Bestselling author and the founder and host of the “Theology in the Raw” podcast, serving as the project leader and general editor.

“In a culture that has become exponentially polarized, it can be difficult to think deeply and love widely. God calls believers to live faithfully in a way that flips the wisdom of worldly kingdoms on its head,” said Sprinkle. “The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible captures the specific counter-culture vision of God’s reign on earth and helps readers see how relevant the Bible is for our understanding of the public nature of our faith.”

With thoughtful, Scripture-based notes from trusted Christian voices, the NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible explores difficult issues facing Christians today in an honest, nuanced, and graceful way. Hundreds of side-column notes, full page articles, essays, and book introductions address topics such as: race and ethnicity, creation care, science, abortion, wealth and poverty, gender and sexuality, politics, baptism and technology and provides readers a practical resource to live faithfully in the modern world.

“The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible is an important tool for engaging Christians who are seeking biblically based answers to tough questions,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “While it is not always easy or comfortable to confront these polarizing topics, it is our hope that this Bible will provide readers a fresh, challenging experience as they engage God’s Word.”

The NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible is printed in Zondervan’s exclusive NIV Comfort Print® typeface for smooth reading. Expertly designed specifically to be used for the New International Version text, Comfort Print offers an easier reading experience that complements the most widely read modern-English Bible translation.

• 9780310454847 – NIV, Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, Hardcover
• 9780310456513 – NIV, Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, Leathersoft

The Upside Down Kingdom Bible is available now. To request a review copy or schedule an interview with Preston Sprinkle, please email Amy Morris at amy.morris@harpercollins.com.

About Zondervan:  Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Amy Morris, Director of Public Relations, amy.morris@harpercollins.com 

A hilarious and eye-opening account of leaving Christian Nationalism behind to follow Jesus better

April Ajoy wouldn’t have called herself a Christian Nationalist when she performed her original song “America Say Jesus” on the Jim Bakker show, or when she participated in Jesus Marches across America, or when she posted cringe-worthy videos on YouTube to campaign for Mitt Romney. April just considered herself a good Christian: faithful, Republican, and determined to make America a Christian nation once again.

But as her view of the world widened, Ajoy began to see cracks in her steadfast beliefs and recognized the ways her conservative politics and religion were intertwined in her mind. Did God really bless America? Is it actually by His red, white, and blue stripes that we are healed?

Ajoy, content creator and podcast host, shares funny stories from her time deep within Christian nationalism, exploring how aspects of evangelical culture such as product boycotts, Satanic panic, and end-times theology have all been exploited to advance the Christian Nationalist narrative. She also illuminates the ways nationalist thinking has infiltrated our churches and political arenas, shaping not only modern evangelical culture but also American public policy and international relations.

Part memoir, part guidebook, part call to action, Star-Spangled Jesus explores how the fight to make America a “Christian nation” has damaged us all and shows how one woman left Christian Nationalism and why America should too.

April Ajoy is a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird traits of American Evangelicalism. After growing up an evangelist’s kid entrenched in Christian Nationalism and working in conservative Christian media, she saw the harm caused firsthand. Still a Christian, she uses her platform to expose the dangers of Christian Nationalism while promoting a more inclusive faith. April has been featured on Buzzfeed, CNN, Newsweek and more. She’s been married to Beecher for 10 years and they have two daughters together.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 — 10ofThose USA is delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Gosling as their new Chief Executive Officer and Group Board Member and his wife, Lorraine Gosling, as Executive Assistant to the CEO.

Anthony and Lorraine join 10ofThose from Crossway, where Anthony has served since 2012, most recently in the role of Chief Operating Officer, and Lorraine since 2015 as his Executive Assistant. They have a combined experience of almost 40 years in Christian publishing in both the US and UK as well as expanding the vision of many global publishers.

On announcing the appointment, 10ofThose Founder and President, Jonathan Carswell said, “I’ve known Anthony for around 20 years–as a supplier, a wise ministry peer, but supremely as a friend and I’m delighted to now add colleague to that list. Over the years I’ve seen him to be shrewd, hardworking, and trustworthy, with a shared passion to see quality Christian resources being read widely. I am delighted that he and Lorraine are joining 10ofThose, and looking forward to seeing how their experience and insights can help us grow as we seek to serve the Church, and share Christ widely.”

Josh Dennis, President and CEO of Crossway said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Anthony and Lorraine Gosling for their faithful service at Crossway over the past 11+ years. Their contributions have been instrumental in Crossway’s growth, and we are deeply thankful for their time here. As they embark on this next chapter with our friends and ministry partners at 10ofThose, we wish them every blessing and success as we continue to partner together.”

Anthony Gosling said “We are thrilled to be joining Jonathan and the 10ofThose team after so many years of watching its growth and development with admiration and appreciation. We love its passion to provide books that point people to Jesus and its heart for those who don’t know him yet. We are grateful to Crossway for nearly 12 years of global opportunities to establish gospel partnerships and look forward to this new chapter of serving the Lord through the work and ministry of 10ofThose.

10ofThose began trading in the United Kingdom in 2008, and grew rapidly to be one of the largest Christian booksellers in the UK. In 2018, 10ofThose launched in the USA, and became the bookstore provider for many flagship events, including Together for the Gospel, The Gospel Coalition, Getty Music, Cross Conference and Acts29. As well as being a retailer, 10ofThose publishes under the imprints of 10Publishing, Evangelical Press and Reformation Lightning. Their authors include Timothy Keller, Nancy Guthrie, Dane Ortland, Alistair Begg, and Kevin DeYoung, among many others. 10ofThose Canada launched in September 2024.

Contacts:
Jonathan@10ofthose.com
Anthony.gosling@10ofthose.com
Lorraine.gosling@10ofthose.com

Grand Rapids, MI, Sept. 2024 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of Bible Origins: The Underground Story— a unique graphic novel-Bible hybrid that interweaves New Testament narratives and letters, with action-packed graphic novel tales of its origin in the early church.

“The Bible Origins project has been so amazing to watch come together,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “Bringing together New Testament narratives alongside manga-style early church tales of bravery and danger brings the Bible to life in such a new and unique way. It is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of young readers.”

Specially designed for readers ages 8 and up, Bible Origins: The Underground Story contains portions of the New Testament interspersed with full-color graphic novel stories. The engaging art brings to life tales of couriers braving danger to deliver the gospel stories and letters about Jesus to secret house church gatherings for the very first time.

Six full-color graphic novel stories are illustrated by Siku and Jeff Anderson, features include:

• A dynamic, fresh paraphrase of portions of the New Testament.
• Stunning Visuals: Vibrant, full-color graphic novel illustrations bring the early church to life.
• Educational and Entertaining: Provides both spiritual wisdom and historical context to engage young readers.
• Accessible and Exciting: Makes biblical narratives engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
• Inspiring Faith: Encourages reflection on the teachings found in the New Testament.
• Type size: 10

“Our witness is never not on display.”

Learn how to better understand what’s behind our differences and how to cross the divide with the bridge of Christ’s love and compassion with a new book from Chad Lakies.

Politics. Identity. Ideologies. Economics. There is plenty to disagree about in our day-to-day lives. As Christians, we are sometimes characterized by what we’re against rather than what we’re for. In his new book, How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times, author Chad Lakies explores challenges Christians today face as we navigate and engage with a culture frequently defined by fracture and division, reminding us that “our witness is never not on display.”

“As we gather together regularly as God’s people, we are shaped by those who shine the light of the Gospel into the darkness of the world,” writes Lakies. “Our lives are watched by outsiders. We are always, whether intentionally or not, Christ’s witness.”

“This reality of Jesus in our lives here and now changes how we act, and Lakies offers suggestions for how the church can live out that present-tense reality,” writes Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “We followers of Jesus have an unprecedented opportunity in our lifetimes to offer a resilient witness to the light that shines in today’s darkness.”

Throughout his new work, Lakies first acknowledges the reality of culture today and the ways in which the church has reacted thus far. Then, he explores the challenges Christians face in today’s world and how they can navigate these experiences. Finally, he asks readers to turn back in time to the practices of the early church in order to find better ways to interact with the world today.

“The challenges of discipleship in the twenty-first century seem overwhelming to many Christians,” says Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “Affirming the relational nature of God’s reality, Lakies turns our attention to the person of Jesus, demonstrating how His assumption of a self-sacrificing identity shines His light into our lives and through us into the lives of those whom He has made our neighbors.”

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

About the Author
Chad Lakies (MDiv, PhD) is Vice President for Ministry Engagement within the United States at Lutheran Hour Ministries. His former life as a nonbeliever provides exceedingly relevant experience for thinking about how to engage with friends and neighbors outside the kingdom of God. He and his wife, Bethany, have two daughters, Anabel and Daphne.

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
Phone: 314-268-1303
Email: erica.sontag@cph.org   

Praise for How the Light Shines Through

The challenges of discipleship in the twenty-first century seem overwhelming to many Christians. Lakies explores our underlying sense of bewilderment and fear as society changes around the church. Affirming the relational nature of God’s reality, Lakies turns our attention to the person of Jesus, demonstrating how His assumption of a self-sacrificing identity shines His light into our lives and through us into the lives of those whom He has made our neighbors. Readers are equipped to embrace those who can only confront and refute in the spirit of acceptance, patience, and humility displayed by the Lord Himself.
—Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

What do drums, tar pits, elephants, and a doctor who becomes a patient teach Christians about outreach? Chad Lakies wields these and other storied images to help a post-Christendom church mend her nets. He offers ways to share Jesus in word and deed, especially as our secular neighbors are gripped by their mortality, stirred by a sense of purpose, or roused by the light creeping in through joy and pain. People-fishing is still our calling. Lakies tunes our ears to our risen Lord. Perhaps the time is ripe to cast on the other side of the boat?
—Michael Zeigler, speaker of The Lutheran Hour, Lutheran Hour Ministries

People are deeply hurting in this current age, when the convergence of individualism and the unending quest for personal meaning has paradoxically led to widespread loneliness and despair. The Christian Church, when embodying Christ’s mission of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration, offers a potent remedy. Dr. Lakies rightly calls the church to lean into this challenge and bring the Gospel to bear, for a relationship with Christ and His church provides what the culture cannot: identity, restoration, hope, and belonging.
—Michael A. Thomas, PhD, president, Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Chad Lakies calls Christians back to bold and resilient faith. Exposing flawed responses to a confused and chaotic culture, Lakies helps believers see and articulate the saving voice, wisdom, and ways of Jesus. This book guides readers through the storm of societal upheaval and provides resources for the church to bring Jesus, the friend of sinners, to the world.
—Rev. Michael W. Newman, president, LCMS Texas District; author of Hope When Your Heart Breaks: Navigating Grief and Loss

Reading How the Light Shines Through was a timely reset for untangling complex topics in the work of the church in uncharted territory. Chad Lakies tackles issues of identity, hospitality, authenticity, and resilience in the framework of loving others. Chad gives clear direction for how my own winsome witness can reflect a disciple­ship path following Jesus. Using this model, now my complicated life task is to never let an issue prevent a relationship.
—Connie Denninger, cofounder of Visual Faith® Ministry

Chad Lakies invites readers into a stimulating theological conversation about Christian living and faithful witness in our pluralistic here and now, offering insight into both the way things are and how we may engage with confidence, humility, and love. Never does he lose sight of the ultimate—proclaiming Jesus Christ, the light of the world—and never is his tone less than hopeful.
—Rev. Jacob A. Scott, LCMS; chaplain, Oregon National Guard

Beyond tired outreach programs and scripted evangelism conversations, this book is exactly what the church needs in the here and now into which God has placed us. Lakies diagnoses the hostile culture that surrounds us without calling for a war against it. Instead, his insight into the culture, blended with some of the best prac­tices of the early church, gives Christians a way to talk about the faith authentically with the people in their lives.
—Rev. Grant A. Knepper, pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Modesto, California

Dr. Lakies has written to the church’s heart with this book, speaking to our fears and frustrations as well as to our loves and our very identity as Christians. Through his deep reading of Scripture, theology, and the best of sociology, he has collected critically important insights for anyone who serves our Lord in the contentious present age. Pastors and lay leaders will find herein both keen insight into what we are feeling and helpful advice to guide us in these turbulent times.
—Phillip Brandt, PhD, pastor, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon; campus pastor, Concordia St. Paul Global’s ABSN nursing program in Portland; author of Sunday-Sermon.com

If all the swift changes in culture have you feeling back on your heels, you owe yourself the chance to calmly think alongside Chad Lakies before reacting out of fear or frustration or even zeal. In his new book, Lakies helps us understand these dark times in nuanced and important ways, and he points out hopeful steps we can take toward embodying a resilient witness.
—Rev. Don Everts, author of The Reluctant Witness: Discovering the Delight of Spiritual Conversations

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.