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

Jim Ramos’ Dialed In and Justin Kendrick’s How to Quiet a Hurricane Land in Top 30

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 12, 2024—Christian publisher and music company David C Cook earned two spots this week in the top 30 of USA Today’s Best-selling Booklist, which is generated by sales data on titles across all genres from a variety of outlets nationwide, including bookstore chains, independent bookstores, mass merchandisers and online retailers.

Dialed In: Reaching Your Full Capacity as a Man of God by Jim Ramos and Justin Kendrick’s How to Quiet a Hurricane debuted on the Best-selling Booklist at 22 and 29, respectively. Both titles were released Sept. 3, 2024.

Ramos is a bestselling author, podcast host and founder of Men in the Arena. Through Dialed In, he motivates and equips men to become spiritual leaders in their homes, churches and communities as they stand strong in a dangerous world. The book offers a practical, faith-based blueprint for men looking to reach their full potential.

Kendrick’s How to Quiet a Hurricane helps readers who feel stuck in their faith journey find spiritual renewal and the inner strength to navigate life’s challenges in today’s fast-paced society. Focused on tactics to build spiritual endurance, the book offers readers hope and a foundation to grow closer to God in the face of adversity. Kendrick is lead pastor of Vox Church, a multisite church in New England, and author of Bury Your Ordinary and The Sacred Us.

“David C Cook is committed to publishing impactful Christian content that is relevant to today’s readers,” said Chadd Miller, divisional president of David C Cook’s publishing arm. “We’re pleased these two new releases are resonating so deeply. Both of these books landing on a list that spans all genres shows that readers are seeking God more and more. We’re glad to be able to provide tools that help people find strength by staying connected to Christ.”

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach online at davidccook.org.

CONTACT:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

Ada, Mich. (September 12, 2024)—The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) held their annual conference from September 5–7, concluding with an awards gala at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans on September 7. During this event, the organization announced the recipients of the Carol Awards, which honor outstanding Christian fiction published in the previous year. Among the winners were three authors from Baker Publishing Group: Carrie Turansky, Christina Suzann Nelson, and Lynn H. Blackburn. Additionally, Bethany House author Dani Pettrey received recognition as Mentor of the Year.

---

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky
Bethany House; September 26, 2023; ISBN 9780764241055; Ebook ISBN 9781493443710; $16.99; Paper
Press Material

Art historian Gwen Monroe is evaluating paintings at a British estate when she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew through a 100-year-old journal. In 1912, Charlotte Harper struggles with a painful family secret that she can only confess in her journal, which shatters her faith and leaves her wondering if she can ever trust in love again.

---

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson
Bethany House; January 17, 2023; ISBN 9780764240409; Ebook ISBN 9781493440689; $18.00; Paper
Press Material

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy—but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. When she’s asked to spotlight her childhood best friend’s missing person case on her podcast, she uncovers desperate secrets and must face the truth before she can move forward.

 

---

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn (Defend and Protect #3)
Revell; March 7, 2023; ISBN 9780800737979; Ebook ISBN 9781493439676; $16.99; Paper
Press Material

Special Agent Tessa Reed left her demons in the past, but when she reconnects with USSS Agent Zane Thacker during a presidential fundraiser, one of those old adversaries comes to collect. These best friends must work together to protect the President and guard their own hearts.

---

Baker Publishing Group offers their congratulations to all the Carol Award winners and would like to acknowledge the American Christian Fiction Writers for their ongoing support to inspirational fiction authors.

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

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.

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

 

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